Attractions in Sydney

Sunny surf beaches, stunning architecture, and bustling streets teaming with life.

Sydney is an unparalleled city, an absolute must-visit if you’re touring down under.

But what should you see in Sydney?

With the many options that Sydney has to offer, it might be challenging to decide what to see. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 exciting attractions that will ensure your tour to Sydney is unforgettable.

What is Sydney known for?

Sydney is one of Australia’s largest and most famous cities. Nestled in the southeast of the country, it’s built around the world’s largest natural harbour, offering breathtaking sea views. For this reason, Sydney is often referred to as one of the world’s most beautifully located metropolises.

Sydney is a popular destination in Australia. Here, you can enjoy everything from sunny beaches and exciting architectural buildings to a vibrant nightlife and fantastic shopping possibilities.

Whether you wish to relax on one of its iconic beaches or explore the dynamic city atmosphere, Sydney will certainly have attractions that suit your tastes!

The Rocks

The Rocks is Sydney’s oldest colonial district and is often considered the birthplace of modern Sydney. The area was established in 1788 by British settlers who displaced the indigenous Cadigal people originally living there.

The British settlers arrived with a fleet of about 1,500 people, including more than 700 convicts. The rest were crew members, soldiers, and officials with their families. Over time, the small colony grew and developed into the Sydney we know today, housing over 5 million residents.

With its distinctive sandstone houses and cobblestone streets, The Rocks exudes a historical charm not found elsewhere in Sydney. Experience the unique ambience in a cosy pub, lively market, or atmospheric café, or delve into the area’s fascinating history at The Rocks Discovery Museum.

Sydney Opera House

It’s difficult to mention Sydney without immediately thinking of the city’s most iconic landmark, the Sydney Opera House, which opened in 1973.

The Opera House is renowned for its captivating modern architecture, designed by the Danish architect, Jørn Utzon. Its large, white, sail-like structures beautifully grace the waterfront. It’s no wonder the Opera House has secured a place on the UNESCO world heritage list, which includes some of the world’s most important cultural wonders.

If you wish to witness the impressive sight and gain insight into the Opera House’s fascinating history, you can join a guided tour. You might also enjoy a boat tour through Sydney’s harbour, offering the perfect view of this iconic building.

The Sydney Opera House hosts more than 1,600 performances a year, including everything from classical ballet and modern dance performances to innovative theatre productions, comedy shows, and symphony orchestras. If you dream of attending a performance, we recommend booking tickets from home to ensure your spot.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, the world’s largest steel arch bridge, is one of Sydney’s most renowned and photographed landmarks. The bridge was constructed in the 1930s and was a strong symbol of Australia’s industrial development at the time.

There are many ways to experience this iconic bridge. For instance, you could cross it on an adventurous cycling tour or sail past it on a leisurely ferry ride, offering a stunning view of its breathtaking structure.

However, the most spectacular way to experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge is undoubtedly on a Bridge Climb tour. During this tour, you’re securely fastened with harnesses while you walk over the bridge’s arch, providing a magnificent view of Sydney.

Royal Botanic Garden

Step away from the bustling city and visit the Royal Botanic Garden, Australia’s oldest botanical garden, offering views of both Sydney Harbour and the Opera House.

Covering over 30 hectares, the Royal Botanic Garden is home to thousands of plant species from around the world. Here, you’ll find everything from vibrant rose gardens filling the air with their sweet fragrance, to rare plants that adorn the garden with their unusual shapes and colours. New plant species are regularly added, keeping the garden intriguing and diverse for all visitors.

Venture into the heart of the garden and you’ll discover The Calyx, an exhibition centre hosting spectacular floral and plant displays that change with the seasons. The Calyx is also renowned for its unique architecture and for housing one of the largest vertical plant walls in the southern hemisphere.

Sydney Tower Eye

Glancing at Sydney’s skyline, you can’t miss the iconic Sydney Tower Eye, a majestic tower that rises 309 metres above the streets of Sydney.

At the top, you have the opportunity to view the city from its highest vantage point. From here, you can enjoy the ultimate panoramic views stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Blue Mountains, which lie 80 km away. You’ll also be able to spot several of the city’s other famous landmarks, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

While ascending to such heights might be nerve-wracking, there’s no need to worry. With its robust design capable of withstanding anything from earthquakes to extreme weather conditions, the tower is recognised as one of the safest buildings in the world.

Chinatown

Sydney is a city rich in cultural diversity, and you don’t need to wander far to experience its myriad cultures. One of the most vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods is Chinatown, offering an authentic kinetic atmosphere. Sydney’s Chinatown is among the largest worldwide, making it distinctive among cities.

Chinatown is beautifully adorned with lanterns and authentic Chinese decorations, offering many exciting experiences. You can savour traditional dishes such as Peking duck or visit one of the lively markets, like Paddy’s Market, which features over 100 stalls.

If you visit the area on a Friday night, you’ll also have the chance to experience the Chinatown Night Market, where you can shop and enjoy lively entertainment with traditional dancing and music.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is one of Sydney’s most vibrant areas, offering a delightful mix of restaurants, bars, and attractions for both children and adults.

Take a tranquil stroll in the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship, where traditional Chinese pavilions and trickling water create a relaxing atmosphere amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. Meet famous celebrities at Madame Tussauds or dive into Sydney’s maritime history at the Australian National Maritime Museum, where you can explore historic ships and submarines.

If you’re travelling with children, they’ll love the large playground in the area, brimming with slides, climbing frames, and swings – perfect for a few hours of play and fun.

When the sun sets, Darling Harbour transforms into one of Sydney’s most atmospheric areas. Enjoy a cocktail by the waterfront at one of the restaurants in Cockle Bay Wharf while you take in the last rays of the sun. If you’re lucky, you might catch the spectacular fireworks that regularly light up the night sky in stunning colours. Darling Harbour is easily accessible by ferry, light rail, and on foot from the city centre.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2021, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of Sydney’s most visited museums, drawing over 2 million visitors annually.

The museum offers a broad array of exhibitions with artworks from around the globe, featuring everything from historical paintings and artefacts to modern art installations. For example, you can delve into exhibitions of Aboriginal art that provide a fascinating insight into Australia’s indigenous roots and culture, or you can explore contemporary works that challenge traditional norms and provoke new ways of thinking about the world.

Apart from a few select exhibitions, admission to the museum is free. Visitors can explore the museum independently or join a guided tour for deeper insights into some of the numerous exhibits. Both free public tours and personally guided tours for a fee are available.

Bondi Beach

If you’re in need of a day at the beach, Bondi Beach is definitely worth a visit. The beach is world-famous, not least due to the TV show “Bondi Rescue”, which follows the brave lifeguards at the beach as they work daily to ensure the safety of beachgoers.

Bondi Beach is renowned for its beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters, perfect for a refreshing dip. The beach is also a popular destination for surfers. The northern end of the beach is particularly suitable for beginners with its calmer waves, while the southern end is more suited to experienced surfers with its larger waves. If you’ve never surfed before, you can learn to surf at one of the surf schools located by the beach.

You can also take the beautiful Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk from Bondi Beach. This 6 km route takes you past scenic beaches, green parks, and fantastic viewpoints along the coast.

Blue Mountains

Swap the bustling city atmosphere for nature’s tranquillity and serene surroundings with a visit to the Blue Mountains. Just a 1–2 hour drive west of Sydney, this National Park is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural landscapes, featuring everything from steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls to lush forests and deep valleys.

In the National Park, you have the opportunity to experience fascinating nature and wildlife on one of the park’s many hiking trails. The Blue Mountains offer trails suitable for different levels – whether you’re after a short and relaxing walk or seeking a more challenging hike.

Move up to Echo Point, one of the park’s famous lookout points, and you’ll see a breathtaking view of Jamison Valley, known for its lush eucalypt forests and steep cliffs. From here, you can also admire one of the Blue Mountains’ most popular attractions, the Three Sisters – a trio of rock formations that, according to legend, are the remnants of three sisters turned to stone.

Fancy experiencing Sydney?

Whether you’re keen to explore iconic landmarks, soak up sunny days on the beach, or feel the vibrant urban energy, a visit to Sydney promises an unforgettable experience.

We offer a wealth of tours to Australia, featuring Sydney as one of many exciting destinations.

If you’d like to learn more about the amazing experiences Sydney has to offer, or if you’re uncertain about which tour to choose, you’re always welcome to reach out to our skilled travel specialists.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller