Top Things to do in Sydney
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10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Sydney That You Shouldn't Miss
Sydney offers plenty of historical and contemporary Australian flavor. The marvelous Sydney Opera House looks like a great origami sailboat, floating peacefully in a harbor. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of The Rocks and then take in a street performance on the Circular Quay before heading into the Museum of Contemporary Art. The views from the Sydney Tower Eye observatory are epic – use this chance to get to know the layout of the city from high above.
Restaurants in Sydney
1. Hyde Park Barracks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,112 reviews
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in the heart of Sydney, the Hyde Park Barracks is an extraordinary living record of early colonial Australia. Originally built to house convicts, the barracks has also served as an immigration depot, asylum, law courts and government offices. Today, you can discover the stories of the Hyde Park Barracks through a self-guided immersive experience that will feel like stepping back in time. Using our groundbreaking interactive audio technology, you’ll follow in the footsteps of real people whose lives were touched by this place – male convicts, immigrants and women in need, as well as the Aboriginal nations that were impacted by colonial Australia.
Reviewed By 338siddharthb - Seattle, United States
I came here last year in November, when it wasn't closed. I didn't pay the 12$ admission regardless, as it was very high but there is a lot to see in the grounds itself without entering the museum. This is the site where the "undesirables" were kept in prison camps in the famed "Australia as a prison convict colony" after Sydney stopped being an open air prison, people complained and put them in these barracks. Look in the original prison, see the crumbled rooms and stop by at least once to see this relic from Sydney's old colonial past.
2. Sydney Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,250 reviews
One of the most iconic buildings in the world – the Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and vibrant performance space. It's a place where the past shapes the future, where conventions are challenged and cultures are celebrated. Step inside and discover the stories that make the Opera House so inspiring. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a first-timer or an aficionado, the Sydney Opera House has something for everyone.
Reviewed By francismP2333IV
We have been travelling around in Australia for 9 weeks with friends from Austria and Switzerland. Today we visited the Sydney Opera House at 11:15am. The guides name was Bella. Lovely energetic young lady! It was the BEST, and only tour in the entire of Australia that my friends understood every word of the places she took us to today. Wonderful and very articulate when she speaks. Clear concise and entertaining. It was exactly one hour tour with fantastic stories, great photo opportunities, brilliant setup of lights for the illusionist and the “bumping out” and maintenance of the Joan Sutherland Theatre! Finally tour concluding with a happy ending in the Utzon Room. The building truly is remarkable inside and out with fantastic people working. Must see for all. We are glad we did this and took our friends here today! Do the tour!
3. Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,102 reviews
Visit for the beautiful architecture, stay for the shops. Window shop through the atrium's five levels for high fashion brands, enjoy coffee at the cafes, and listen to the Royal Clock strike.
Reviewed By Cobham30 - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Amazing building both outside and inside - amazing Christmas tree - a truly beautiful arcade, perfect for browsing, tea and cake! - amazing clocks too!
4. Grand Post Office (GPO) Sydney
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Reignonkarma
We had a tour of the GPO Sydney, Margaret was very informative and we learnt about the history of this amazing building. Some may walk past it every day without knowing what a significant part the building played in the history of this city, including even being a filming location for ‘The Matrix’
5. Sirius Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By CorvettePete - Belconnen, Australia
We came here on a walk from Mosman ferry to Taronga Zoo ferry wharf. The cove is a beautiful spot for a picnic with plenty of space and a lovely little beach A truly lovely part of Sydney.
6. Milsons Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By johnrH859JL - Shardlow, United Kingdom
Great views of the bridge, opera house and city centre from across the harbour in North Sydney. Boardwalk at the water is pleasant, and Luna Park is a retro-style funfair area.
7. University of Sydney
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By sydneysider48 - Sydney, Australia
Our group enjoyed a tour of the historic quadrangle buildings at the University. These are the University's original buildings - magnificent replicas of Oxbridge colleges built in warm Sydney sandstone, Gothic style and very atmospheric. The Great Hall is the main attraction - a wonderful space very reminiscent of the old UK universities and redolent with history and ambience. Our University guide, Lise, was excellent and very knowledgeable and showed us places which are not generally accessible to the public, providing a very informative commentary.
8. Forgotten Songs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Albywon - Sydney, Australia
Hidden down the quiet Angel Place lane just off George Street. Nice to enjoy before, after or during the interval at City Recital Hall.
9. Macquarie Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By 291genej - Silver Spring, United States
We took Bus #380($3 each) from Museum Station for 13 km northeast to this 1883 lighthouse in the Vaucluse suburb. Its 85' bright white tower sits between the keeper's cottage, still much the same as the 1818 original structure designed by a convict. Just to the rear side, we strolled Federation Cliff Walk to get an overall view with the sandstone cliffs rising out of the Tasman Sea. Another nearby viewpoint shows Watson Bay to the north along with the Sydney Harbor Bridge. We re-boarded Bus # 380 for 5 km south to Bondi Beach for lunch, then again for a stop at Paddington Market on the return to Museum Station in Sydney.
10. Middle Head Fortifications
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By JElliot32 - New South Wales, Australia
The crumbling fortifications at Middle Head offer an insight into Sydney's 19th century military defences, as well as the fears of imminent invasion by European powers held by many Australians after Britain shipped home the last of its troops in 1870. Work here on the military buildings and gun pits started within a few years of that date. Some of the buildings including barracks and officers quarters are still standing, restored and repurposed. The area of the gun pits, including deep pits for 'disappearing guns', is now revealed amid a maze of tunnels and trenches, mostly uncovered. It is an enthralling place to explore. The grounds are extensive thought the area of the gun emplacements is fairly confined. Parts of this site have seriously deteriorated, so you may need to watch your step now and again. Wonderful panoramic views of Sydney Harbour to be had here too. Plus you won't have to share the experience with hordes of tourists.
