Top Things to do in Sydney
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Sydney, New South Wales
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. Sydney Harbour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21,842 reviews
Secluded beaches, quiet coves and soaring headlands predominate this harbor, which is considered one of the world's most beautiful.
Reviewed By 410bernadetteh - Sydney, Australia
Amazing ! Best way to explore is by ferry ⛴ stopping at islands such as Cockatoo to explore, shopping areas such as Balmain, Watson Bay, the iconic Luna Park, Lavender Bay, Circular Quay - The Rocks area, markets, pubs, the Opera House, too many to mention.
2. Vaucluse House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Vaucluse House is one of Sydney’s few 19th-century mansions still surrounded by its original gardens and wooded grounds. A visit to Vaucluse House makes for a perfect outing, be it strolling or picnicking in the grounds (accessible free of charge), dining in the tearooms or experiencing the spectacular refurbishment inside the house. Self guided tours are available. Regular opening days are Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Reviewed By Blacksquidie - Brisbane, Australia
I grew up in Sydney but had never been to Vaucluse House ..it was fantastic stepping back into the 1800s and learning the history of the Wentworth family and the times of early Sydney they lived in...the gardens are superb, the guided tour by staff was excellent and very informative, the collection comprises a lot of original Wentworth family furniture , paintings and treasures...well worth a visit
3. Darling Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,319 reviews
Scenic entertainment complex that features shops, restaurants, museums and other tourist attractions.
Reviewed By Angela1066_11 - Colchester, United Kingdom
Darling Harbour is very family friendly with lots to see and do restaurants galore fireworks every Saturday night a paddling pool area for children and ferries to most places love this place x
4. The Rocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,902 reviews
Reviewed By PapaDonCdn
Great craft breweries, great craft stores and the street market where artists could sell their art was wonderful
5. 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!
6. Bondi Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,715 reviews
Bondi Beach is famous for its glistening ocean, pristine sands, reliable surf and seaside spirit. It's laid back coastal lifestyle, cafe culture, boutique shops and thriving, eclectic community is equally enticing.
Reviewed By Boating0804 - San Juan, Caribbean
Having beautiful beaches at my country home and visiting the most beautiful beaches in the world I can say that bondi is almost perfect. The sand is soft and white as you can get, the sea is a beautiful blue BUT the water is freezing cold. That is the reason I don’t give it a 10 but an 7. Despite that, the vibe, sand sea and restaurants around makes it great. Be aware, if you go with kids, that there are ton of topless all around.
7. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,739 reviews
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a major botanical Garden located in the heart of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Opened in 1816, the garden is the oldest scientific institution in Australia and one of the most important historic botanical institutions in the world.
Reviewed By joycesX316UR - Sherwood Forest, United States
When you are tired of city walking, just cross a street and find peace and beauty. Colorful, green, wide open lawns, a gorgeous bay with boats, rose garden, herb, flower gardens, cute painted koala bears throughout the garden, unimaginable beauty there, benches to rest and reflect on your travels. We were there just before Halloween thus the vampire Koala ????
8. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,919 reviews
Spanning the city center to the North Shore, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a wide steel arch bridge known for its beauty as well as function, providing a crossing for cars, trains, bikes and pedestrians. While the more daring can do the BridgeClimb to the top of the structure, opened to traffic in 1932, anyone can enjoy a walk for free.
Reviewed By iljames - Atlanta, United States
It really is an easy walk across on the footpath, takes maybe 20 minutes each direction. During the winter months, make sure you dress in layers as the winds can feel cold. Crossing over to Milsons Point, there are steps as well as an elevator to take you down to an area of cafes and restaurants, including a very decent coffee shop called the Kirribilli. Walk back towards the harbor and there are nice views towards the Opera House and Circular Quay. You can walk around the nearby Luna Park Amusement Park and take a ferry back to Circular Quay - going underneath the Harbour Bridge in the process. On the Circular Quay end of the bridge, you can go to the Pylon Lookout for spectacular views looking down on the harbour and the Opera House as well as great views of the city skyline. There is a charge, I believe it is 25 Australian Dollars for adults. I am over 65, and was able to get a concession rate by showing my US drivers licence. Note that the Lookout closes at 5pm, and there is no elevator / lift or escalator. You have to walk up 200 stairs, and it can be exhausting, but is so worth it..
9. Manly Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,662 reviews
SHOP .....in the sunshine with over 200 stores to explore. Discover funky boutiques in hidden lane ways, wander through the weekend outdoor markets or splurge on a whole new wardrobe on The Corso. At every turn, it's sheer shopping pleasure to satisfy everyone. TASTE .....an amazing array of flavours in over 100 cafes, restaurants, bars and eateries. Whether it's a lingering lunch of classy dining, a sumptuous seafood selection for dinner, fast and fresh takeaway or a walk along the beach front with an ice cream in hand. Any time of day or night, you'll find a taste to tempt. LIVE .....life and discover your hidden talents. Get active with surfing, sailing, scuba diving... and everything in between! Take a dip at the beach, or try your hand at beach volleyball. And when relaxation is on the agenda, treat yourself to a hotel stay or enjoy some pampering at one of our many salons. The perfect place for adventure or to relax and explore. FEEL ..... the sand between your toes after a long day at work. Absorb the geography and the nature that makes Manly special. Nestled between the harbour and the ocean, over 40 beaches and walkways give an escape to the daily grind. Just cast out a fishing line, pack a picnic basket, or bask in the sun. Relax in your favourite spot and soak up the serenity.
Reviewed By Trixtrac - Sydney, Australia
Catch a ferry - any one be it the fast or slow ferry and get over to Manly!! Great beaches...fabulous cafes (best ones are in the laneways and off the main beach and Corso - Whistler St is great)!! Lots to see...shopping (Bow & Arrow is the best)...bike riding...walks along the beach front to Shelley Beach and North Head. Too much to do in one day - stay for at least a few nights. Great restaurants include Chica Bonita, Loco Madre, Sunset Sabi, Showbox, Hugos.
10. Nielsen Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By JElliot32 - New South Wales, Australia
Nielsen Park has been a treasured icon for generations of Sydney families. It is a beautiful harbour beach, surrounded by bushland and with great views across the (on sunny days) sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour to the CBD and Harbour Bridge. Entry to the park is free. The water and the sand are clean and the beach is protected by a shark net. Being a harbour beach, there is no surf. It is great spot for kids, and for family picnics and events, with spacious lawns and shady spots. Now, the downside. It can get really crowded over summer, and parking in this area is very limited. Be prepared to park the car some distance from the park and walk the rest of the way. If you can handle that inconvenience, you'll have a great day.
