Top Things to do in Sydney
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What to do and see in Sydney, New South Wales: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. Stockade Brew Co Barrel Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Good beer is not a dictionary definition, it is whatever it means to you. Drink smooth. Drink hoppy. Drink easy, bitter sour or rich. Insist on your taste. Because it’s right. You have a thirst; we're here to quench it. So, speak up for your taste buds, whether you love lager, sip stouts or have a penchant for pales; everyone deserves to drink good beer. All for beer, beer for all.
Reviewed By Gloryhornetboy08 - Chichester, United Kingdom
Went here to sample some of their ales and they were very good as were the staff and the place itself
2. 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.
3. Art Gallery of New South Wales
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,074 reviews
The Art Gallery of New South Wales acknowledges the traditional custodians of the country on which it is located, the Gadigal of the Eora nation, and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. From its magnificent site in Sydney, the Art Gallery of NSW is one of Australia’s flagship art museums and the state’s leading visual arts institution. Our mission is to serve the widest possible audience as a centre of excellence for the collection, preservation, documentation, interpretation and display of Australian and international art, and a forum of scholarship, art education and the exchange of ideas.
Reviewed By borrum - London, United Kingdom
Open daily and free entry, the gallery houses impressive collections of classic and contemporary Australian, Asian and Aboriginal paintings, photographs, drawings and sculptures. European masters also are well represented. Interesting and informative schedule of free guided tours, as well as presentations and discussion groups. The restaurant and comfortable coffee shop are good value too.
4. St. Mary's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,050 reviews
Reviewed By lauraajw - Sydney, Australia
This is actually my local parish. I have always loved this cathedral as its located next to hyde park, a very short walk to both St. James & Museum station, and close walk to Sydneys Westfield, the harbour, and the botanical gardens & domain. Inside is lovely & has a really nice gift shop too. The stain glass windows are my favourite part of this cathedral. Its also very popular for weddings and you can get amazing wedding photos here. Holds mass regularly including the full Latin mass, also had midnight christmas mass!
5. Sydney Jewish Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 567 reviews
Reviewed By WandererAZ
Thoroughly enjoyed this museum. Timed my arrival to be there for the included tour and so glad I did. Ended up staying almost two hours after the tour because there's so much to see and read about. What happened during the years of the Holocaust is an interest area for me and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to visit this museum and learn the Australian story. Thank you.
6. 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!
7. Australian National Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,025 reviews
We share stories of the sea. Visit us in Darling Harbour to explore tall ships and beautiful boats, dive under the sea on a submarine, discover contemporary exhibitions and enjoy creative family activities.
Reviewed By rohintonmn - Mumbai, India
We visited three ships,the HMAS Vampire,the submarine HMAS Onslow and the sailing ship James Craig.Of the three,I can especially recommend the submarine and the sailing ships as a must-see because we had Mr.Gavin to explain and explore with us in the submarine.Also,I can't forget another lady who advised us with a deadpan expression to watch our steps in the sub and that we have to follow Mr.Gavin and if Mr.Gavin fell, we were not to follow him! I cannot recall the name of another nice guy who took us through the sailing vessel but he explained really well the history of the ship.The sailing ship can be booked for excursions, etc
8. Powerhouse Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,302 reviews
A converted electric station houses an eclectic collection of art and artifacts that celebrate applied science and design. The Powerhouse Museum is also known for kid-friendly interactive exhibits and popular limited-time shows featuring props and design elements from films such as Star Wars and Harry Potter.
Reviewed By Stickman1
We were most impressed with the 1927 model Bugatti which won the 1928 Australian Grand prix, the beautifully restored 1854 locomotive and carriages, and the original 1785 stationary steam engine which is said to be the oldest steam engine in the world. There are also some interesting displays on 19th century country life and general stores, space exploration and some stage costumes, including the dress worn by Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge.j
9. 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!
10. State Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
Reviewed By L6104TDjudithr - Sydney, Australia
I have been to this theatre many times over the years and I always get a thrill out of arriving at the Art Nouveau foyer and finding my seat in the splendour of the auditorium. As the stage area is limited compared to larger newer theatres, the shows here now tend to be for smaller productions or solo performers. Often shows are only on for a few days so be quick if you see something you want to see.
