Sydney

Travel Guide
Sydney

Sydney Travel Guide Video

Blessed with more than 100 beaches and buzzing with youthful vitality, when it comes to the good life it’s hard to beat the Harbour City.

The capital of New South Wales, and home to more than four million people, Sydney is one of the most cosmopolitan cities on earth. This relatively young city is endowed with a brash, infectious optimism and sun-tanned residents who are as comfortable on  surfboards as they are at the ballet.

From the golden sands and sparkling water of Bondi Beach to the instantly recognizable curves of the Sydney Opera House, this city is a photographer’s dream.

Start your Harbour City adventure with a Skywalk at Sydney Tower. Then, explore the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens and the majestic sails of the Sydney Opera House. Just a short stroll away is Sydney’s outdoor answer to New York's Grand Central Station, Circular Quay. From this bustling transport hub, jump aboard a famous Sydney ferry to just about anywhere in Sydney Harbour. Nearby Darling Harbour has the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Follow the restaurant- and park-lined waterfront to The Rocks where you’ll almost feel the ghosts of the city’s convict and seafaring past. Thrill-seekers can ride the Wild Mouse roller coaster at Luna Park. If heights don’t phase you, stretch your legs on the Sydney Harbour Bridge BridgeClimb for a truly breath-taking experience.

Say “G’day” to kangaroos, koalas and platypus at Taronga Zoo. Be sure to catch the free-flight bird show set against the spectacular backdrop of the harbor.

A short walk from downtown, you’ll find village-like suburbs such as Paddington, Surry Hills and Newtown. These charming neighborhoods are studded with quirky cafés, boutiques and galleries. Darlinghurst and Potts Point are top spots for foodies. Major shopping destinations include Bondi Junction and a sprawling Westfield mall in the heart of downtown.

Sydney is a paradise for nature-lovers the bush and the beaches are never far away. See the harbor’s rugged coastline on the 30-minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, one of the city’s most beautiful beaches.

Getting around Sydney is simple, with an excellent network of trains, buses and ferries. The climate is temperate, with hot summers and pleasantly cool winters, making the Harbour City an ideal Australian destination year-round.

Where to stay in Sydney

Sydney Town Hall which includes city views, heritage architecture and a city

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(381 area reviews)

Historical and commercial heart of Sydney, the CBD boasts towering skyscrapers, lively café culture, and nightlife in areas like Darling Harbour. Explore parks such as Hyde Park and cultural institutions, while enjoying easy access to public transport.

Sydney Central Business District
Darling Harbour which includes central business district, night scenes and a bay or harbor

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(60 area reviews)

Adjacent to Sydney's city centre, Darling Harbour boasts a pedestrian precinct with attractions like the Australian National Maritime Museum and Chinese Garden of Friendship. Enjoy dining at Cockle Bay Wharf, explore Tumbalong Park, and access various transport options, including the Inner West Light Rail and ferry services.

Darling Harbour
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Sydney Olympic Park

Featuring a large sports and entertainment area, commercial developments, and extensive parklands, this Greater Western Sydney suburb offers attractions like Bicentennial Park and Newington Armory. Easily accessible via Olympic Park railway line and ferry services.

Sydney Olympic Park
Parramatta featuring general coastal views and a city

Parramatta

Major CBD and suburb, Parramatta boasts lush Parramatta Park, bustling Westfield shopping center, and diverse dining options on Church Street. Easily accessible via trains, buses, and ferries.

Parramatta
Manly Beach which includes tropical scenes, a sandy beach and a coastal town

Manly

Beach-side suburb with easy ferry access, Manly offers a mix of ocean and harbor beaches, scenic cycle tracks, and a lively commercial area along The Corso. Explore historic sites like North Head Quarantine Station and enjoy outdoor dining.

Manly
Bondi Beach which includes general coastal views, a beach and a coastal town

Bondi Beach

A noteworthy feature of Bondi Beach is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Bondi Beach and Bondi Icebergs.

Bondi Beach
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
8 Arrival Court, Sydney International Airport, Mascot, NSW
The price is CA $178 per night from Mar. 25 to Mar. 26
CA $178
CA $195 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 25 - Mar 26
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,613 reviews)
"Right in the airport and could get the free bus transfer to domestic airport"

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2024

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is CA $141 per night from Mar. 25 to Mar. 26
CA $141
CA $155 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 25 - Mar 26
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,244 reviews)
"Overall, we were so happy to stay there."

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is CA $246 per night from Mar. 24 to Mar. 25
CA $246
CA $271 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 24 - Mar 25
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,694 reviews)
"Great stuff and services"

Reviewed on Mar. 13, 2024

Shangri-La Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,244 reviews)
"Overall, we were so happy to stay there."

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Citadines Walker North Sydney
Citadines Walker North Sydney
4 out of 5
88 Walker Street, North Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Sydney Opera House and Circular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (71 reviews)
"Great location. Modern and luxurious room. Room a bit dark and devoid of cleaning materials."

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2024

Citadines Walker North Sydney
Meriton Suites Sussex Street
Meriton Suites Sussex Street
5 out of 5
234 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (955 reviews)
"This property is very close to Darling Harbour for all the waterfront eateries, cafes and boat wharfs. Also not too far to walk up to Town Hall for light rail, metro etc. and shops including a big Woolworths. One bed luxury room was nice with city view. Swimming pool nice, with water temp not freezing ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 14, 2024

Meriton Suites Sussex Street
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Sydney

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
166
" "5 - Excellent 66.93548387096774%
4 - Good
72
" "4 - Good 29.032258064516128%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 4.032258064516129%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Apr. 1, 2020

Love it!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 27, 2020

LOVED Sydney will definitely travel to Sydney again but stay longer

5/5 - Excellent

Roger
Mar. 25, 2020

Love this city need to come back when there is no pandemic starting. The Hotel staff took our temperature every day thank you for this.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 25, 2020

Great food especially steaks. Great walking city, architecture, green spaces, parks, pretty girls.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 17, 2020

Beautiful city, transportation options were great and easy to use, very lively city, Darling Harbour and The Rocks had an excellent selection of restaurants .

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Feb. 27, 2020

Amazing city! Safe to walk around late in the evening, extremely busy during the day, ferry transit is excellent! Restaurants are charming. We had dinner before the performance in the opera, not worthy, production was great- Don Giovanni.

Cities near Sydney