1. Get the Ultimate Opera House & Harbour Bridge View

Nothing says Sydney like the famous sails of the city’s UNESCO protected opera house. Luckily this architectural hotspot and the nearby Harbour Bridge are set next to the sparkling blue waters of one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors.
Sit on the Opera House’s famous steps, enjoy a drink at the nearby Opera Bar or take a stroll across the bridge to North Sydney. However, you choose to enjoy these stunning landmarks just be sure they are on your list!

Local tip: Head to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair in the nearby botanical gardens for a picture-perfect view of these two iconic landmarks together.

2. Shop Till You Drop in Upmarket Paddington

Wondering what to do in Sydney? How about some retail therapy! Stylish Sydneysiders flock to Oxford Street in the exclusive Paddington neighborhood where they can find cool Aussie brands and individual boutiques. This leafy tree-lined street runs all the way from the city center to Bondi Junction so there are plenty of options for those looking to treat themselves.

Local tip: Every Saturday by the church and the primary school on Oxford Street you’ll find Paddington market, which is filled with local artisans selling clothes, jewelry, and gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.

3. Escape the city on a day trip to the Blue Mountains

Although not actually blue, this national park to the west of Sydney gets its name from the haze which appears blue at a distance. Regardless of the color, Blue Mountains National Park is a paradise for those looking to get back to nature. Stroll through the eucalyptus forests, climb the rugged cliffs, hike to waterfalls or simply relax and take in the area’s hazy view. However, you want to explore this rugged terrain the national park will leave you spoilt for choice.

Local tip: Blue Mountains National Park is easy to access by public transport. Just catch one of the trains to Katoomba which departs regularly from the city’s Central Station.

4. Try exotic Asian flavors in China Town

Sydney is a melting pot of cultures and that is apparent in its cuisine. With plenty of delicious Asian flavors to try, head to the city’s centrally-located China Town for some exotic and authentic bites. From cool restaurants offering the perfect mix of dim sum dishes and tasty stir-fried noodles to authentic Asian supermarkets filled with interesting and tropical snacks. You’ll find this district to be full of cool bites to delight all your senses.

Local tip: Head to the restaurant in Chinatown’s mall on a Sunday for tasty and affordable dim sum.

5. Take a walk along the rugged coast

Sydney’s close proximity to the ocean is one of its major draws and there is no better way to explore the scenery than on one of the city’s many coastal walks. With rugged cliff faces and rushing tides, the natural surroundings are sure to take your breath away. The most popular coastal walk is the Bondi to Coogee trail, but there are plenty more options open to you. If you are after an easy stroll you can’t fo wrong with the South Head Heritage Trail, or if you have more time to spend discover secret beaches on the Manly to Spit walk.

Local tip: May to November is the whale migration season in Sydney. So if you are taking a coastal stroll during this time keep your eyes peeled and you may get lucky.

6. Discover Sydney’s street art in alternative New Town

Colorful, vibrant, and eclectic, Sydney’s inner west suburb of New Town has a distinct character that delights locals from all walks of life. With a thriving craft beer scene thanks in large part to the local brewery Young Henrys and an abundance of individual boutiques, this neighborhood is the perfect funky neighborhood to hang out in. With such an arty vibe it should come as no surprise that New Town is full of cool street art. Wander through the districts bohemian streets and take in its many, many stunning murals.

Local tip: Watch the world go by with a refreshing beer in hand from the top floor balcony of the New Town hotel.

7. Explore Sydney’s history in the city's oldest neighborhood

Sydney’s The Rocks neighborhood is perfect for history-loving travelers looking for cool and unusual things to do. In the area’s charmingly crooked cobblestone streets, you’ll find traditional Australian hotels, cool museums, and stunning harbor views. Weave your way through the narrow streets and discover cool one-of-a-kind stores. Plus the area’s market which takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two.

Local tip: Head to The Australian Heritage Hotel, one of Sydney’s oldest pubs for a traditional steak and chips.

8. Take a ferry ride from Circular Quay

Sydney harbor is really just as good if not better than the pictures would have you believe. Want to know the best and cheapest way to see it? Take a ferry from Circular Quay and enjoy panoramic views of one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors. Not sure which ferry to take? Why not take the 30-minute ride over to the beach-side suburb of Manly? With laid-back Aussie vibes and surfers riding waves at all hours of the day, you’ll feel like you are a million miles away from the busy city center.

9. Relax on one of the city’s secret beaches

Sydney’s close proximity to the coast is a major draw for many travelers. With well over 100 beaches ranging in size and popularity, you really are spoilt for choice. Blend in with the locals as you spend a day full of sun, sea, and sand on one of the city’s lesser-known beaches. If you want to swim in the ocean head to the small eastern suburb of Clovelly. Here the rocks form a channel in front of the sandy beach which is perfect for a casual swim. For those that want to spend a whole day with the sand between their toes, Freshwater beach has sand and surf without the crowds.

Local tip: If you want a beach with a view, Milk Beach has a cool view of the Harbour Bridge.

10. Go on a ghost tour in North Head Quarantine Station

On the northern beaches close to Manly you’ll find Q Station. This is a heritage-listed former quarantine station where people suspected of carrying diseases were held before being allowed to enter Sydney. Many of Q Station’s former occupants didn’t make it out alive and so the station is said to be haunted with their spirits. Take a ghost tour of this eerie spot or if you are really brave you can stay overnight in the hospital.

Local tip: The ghost tours at Q Station all take place at night. The cover of darkness makes them extra spooky.