30 BEST Places to Visit in Sydney 2026 Guide

Where Sydney began, The Rocks is a maze of cobblestone streets and old sandstone buildings. Imagine pubs where sailors once brawled, now filled with hip cafes and boutiques. Imagine strolling down paths lined with exotic plants, discovering hidden corners filled with birdsong, and picnicking with a view of the harbour.
Whether you want to enjoy some downtime at the beach catch a wave, grab a meal, wander along the promenade, shop in boutiques or exercise at one of Sydney’s most iconic locations, Bondi Beach has it all. The common space, the walls, the windows, the street lights and the houses and shops all vr experience wore amazingly the same beautiful time color. The Opera Bar possibly has the most envied spot of all bars in the city.

This is one of the best beaches in Sydney and is fringed by the pine trees that are synonymous with the New South Wales coastline. If you're looking to do one thing outside of the CBD, then make sure this is it. If you want the full guide to this beautiful coastal walk, then check out our guide to the Bondi to Coogee Walk. Walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one our favourite free things to do in Sydney. Starting at Cumberland Street in the Rocks, you can walk across this icon to the Northern Suburbs of Kiribilli and Milson's Point. We’ve written a whole post on the best times of day to do it and what to do when you get to the other side here.
By purchasing the products we rank, you’ll get the lowest price we found while we may receive a commission at no cost to you, which will help us continue to provide you with value. We recommend setting aside 1.5 to 2 hours to enjoy everything WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo has to offer. That gives you plenty of time to explore our unique Aussie habitats, catch a keeper talk, and meet animals like kangaroos, koalas, wombats and our giant crocodile. Explore our bespoke event experiences from group bookings, private dining, cocktail events to exclusive hire. A Sydney stalwart serving up some of the city’s best views over lunch or dinner.

When it comes to weather, Sydney is quite predictable and experiences four distinct seasons. The warmer months are commonly from November to February, with the cooler months being March to August. Sydney is a fantastic destination for families, with attractions and experiences that suit all ages. The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages. On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.
Travel planning can be overwhelming, and with so many options available it can be hard to know what’s best for your trip. Visit your local Flight Centre store and talk to one of our Travel Experts today. When deciding, we considered fun, flavour, creativity, value for money – and 'wow' factor. So yes, of course, you’ll find a fine diner inside the Sydney Opera House here, but you’ll also find neighbourhood pasta, hole-in-the-wall Thai and venues right by the sea. It’s no surprise that one of Sydney’s most popular bucket list experiences takes place on the water — aboard the Manly Ferry.
It’s easy to get to this lookout by public transport, with the Milsons Point train station just down the road. The garden is quite a special place in Sydney, with small waterfalls and lakes, large willow trees, pavilions, sculptures and large colourful fish on display. It’s one of those attractions you would typically do on a rainy day to avoid being outdoors. The lookout can be accessed via the short Cahill Walk, which runs between the Royal Botanic Garden and The Rocks and connects with the walking path across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon. Sky-rise towers and endless commotion clutter the city by day but come nightfall, the clear evening sky is often littered with stardust.
This thin slither of green lining the harbourfront has survived the city’s expansion and provides a series of natural parks dotted amongst the houses and buildings. If you’re up for a stroll over the bridge, we highly recommend walking from the Botanic Gardens to Milsons Point, a route that collects many of the most iconic viewpoints in the city. Iconic landmarks, stunning beaches, and a diverse cultural scene come together to create a city like no other. Embrace the coffee-fuelled, sun-loving, food-obsessed good life with our guide to the best things to do in Sydney. If you can take some time to plan your trip, you can get the most of 48 hours.

Easily one of NSW’s most beautiful national parks, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park features stunners like the Great North Walk, Akuna Bay (perfect for a picnic), and the West Head lookout. If you live in or come to Sydney and don’t dine at one of these best restaurants, you’re missing out. There’s truly no better way to end a ripper day than watching the sunset at one of these top-tier lookout spots.
The Sydney Opera House isn't just a building; it's a symbol of the city's creativity and love for the arts. Basically, any trip to Sydney, wherever you’re from, must include a visit. Filling Sydney’s winter nights with bright lights, Vivid Sydney is the largest festival of innovation, creativity, and technology. This extravagant event transforms the renowned buildings of the city with innovative light installations and dazzling light sculptures for about 23 days and nights.
Book lovers can find some lovely bookshops and cafes dotted around the city that offer a reprieve from the busyness of city life outside. Cosy up with your next read, drink copious amounts of coffee and while away a weekend at these cosy spots. You can party all night long at Sydney’s many vibrant nightclubs.