What to do in Sydney

Activities, attractions and tours

Sydney
Cronulla Beach showing waves
Sydney Town Hall featuring heritage architecture and a city
Sydney
Sydney which includes night scenes, a bay or harbour and skyline

Sydney Attractions

Thinking about a visit to the Land Down Under? Expedia is at the ready, your go-to site and trip planner for a journey to Sydney, Australia. You'll find there are so many things to do in Sydney that you'll be hard-pressed to pack them all into a single visit. Let us help you ensure your Sydney tours take you to all of the must see tourist spots and local favorites on the map.

New South Wales is a glory of a place. As you venture into the unknown, you'll want to make sure you don't miss the wonders this beautiful city has to offer.

Sydney is an amazing city with all of the modern conveniences and breathtaking attractions. Whether your Sydney excursions take you indoors or out, be sure to make a trip to the top picks for any visitor passing through. This may be a once in a lifetime journey. Be sure to make every minute count as you choose Sydney activities. Bondi Beach is one of the most popular attractions in Sydney, not to mention Port Jackson, and Darling Harbour. Take in the view from one of Sydney's best spots, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you enjoy a show, then you must go to the Sydney Opera House, an amazing example of architecture gracing the water.

If you're in the mood to slow life down for a little while, take a stroll through one of the many parks in Sydney. The Rocks is one of the best places to sit on a bench, have a picnic, or watch the world go by. Other favorites include Observatory Hill, the Hickson Road Reserve, and Foundation Park. Need a taste of wild life? Don't forget the Taronga Zoo and the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. If an amusement park is your cup of tea, look no further than Luna Park.

Expedia.com is here to make your travel arrangements a breeze. Plan your flights into NSW, find rental car deals, and choose your accommodations. We are your one-stop shop for your trip to Sydney.


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Sydney Opera House

Regularly listed as one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century, the Sydney Opera House sits right on Sydney Harbour, and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The Opera House has several major resident companies including: Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Over 1 million people come here to enjoy performances each year, while millions more come just to admire the building, a symphony in itself.
Learn more
Sydney Opera House showing a bay or harbour, a city and boating

2. Circular Quay

Circular Quay is situated in the small inlet of Sydney Cove, the official landing site of the First Fleet. Scottish political reformer Thomas Muir once had a cottage here, and for decades it was the city’s main shipping port. Today, it’s best known as the place to catch one of Sydney's iconic ferries, which travel all over the harbor. It’s also a great spot to take in incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Learn more
Circular Quay showing street scenes, a sunset and a square or plaza

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge

The idea for the Sydney Harbour Bridge dates back to 1815, but work didn’t start until 1923. Famous for its distinctive arch and enormous pylons, the bridge was completed in 1932. This was the world’s widest long span bridge until 2012, and Sydney’s tallest structure until 1967. It contains over 6 million hand-driven rivets and, for each repainting, requires 7,925 gallons (30,000 liters) of paint.
Learn more
Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

4. Taronga Zoo

Nestled into 185-acres (75-hectares) of hilly harbor-side bushland in the upscale suburb of Mosman, you’ll find one of the world’s most spectacular zoos. Taronga Zoo is the perfect place to encounter Australia's wildlife. And, with more than 2,500 animals representing 340-plus species, Taronga has the entire world covered.
Learn more
Taronga Zoo featuring a city, bird life and skyline

5. Bondi Beach

The seaside suburb of Bondi is often overshadowed by its near-mythical beach. There’s more to Bondi, however, than just its incredible stretch of sand. With fabulous dining, cool shopping, art deco architecture and residents devoted to the body beautiful, Bondi is a state of mind as well as a destination.
Learn more
Bondi Beach in summer in Sydney, Australia.

6. Manly Beach

Manly Beach was named after the strikingly healthy and handsome indigenous people who first lived in the area. Back in 1903, it was one of the first seaside resorts to allow daylight swimming and surfing. These days, Manly is an upmarket Sydney suburb by the water, offering fine beaches, heritage architecture, shopping, dining, and bush walks. The ferry journey alone, from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf, is a must-do Sydney experience.
Learn more
Manly Beach featuring a coastal town and a sandy beach

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

What to do in Sydney


Discover the most popular places to visit in Sydney

Explore areas of Sydney

Sydney Town Hall featuring 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 showing city views, a bay or harbour and a city

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
500px Photo ID: 141620587 - The train station at Sydney Olympic Park was designed in a modern style for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

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
Bondi Beach featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

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
Parramatta showing a city and general coastal views

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 featuring a coastal town, tropical scenes and a beach

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Sydney

Frequently asked questions

Is Sydney worth visiting?
With a blend of coastal beaches and culture, there are plenty of things to do in Sydney. When you're here, visit Sydney Opera House, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Sydney?
Start your day with a visit to Taronga Zoo and Manly Beach. Then, tour different parts of Sydney for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sydney?
Sydney Opera House is one of the top tourist attractions in Sydney and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Sydney?
Three days in Sydney is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and Bondi Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Campbelltown.
Is Sydney a walkable city?
Some top sights in Sydney, including Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Sydney is Sydney Central Business District and East Sydney is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Sydney with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Sydney with kids.

What to do in Sydney for adults?
Archie Rose Distilling Co. And Sydney Town Hall are just a few of the things to do in Sydney. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Sydney?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Sydney. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Bondi Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia