Get exclusive travel offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
By signing up, you agree to the Finder
Privacy & Cookies Policy
and
Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.
Where to go in Sydney
Get to know every side of Sydney with this list of top spots in one of the world’s most famous cities.
Sydney
Travel Guides
We’re committed to our readers and editorial independence. We don’t compare all products in the market and may receive compensation when we refer you to our partners, but this does not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn more about Finder.
Explore the best areas in Sydney from outstanding beaches to the trendiest suburbs, national parks and historic sites.
We share the best locales in the city where you can find fine art, mouthwatering food, the coolest bars and all of the top city attractions that you simply must experience while visiting the most popular city in Australia.
1. Circular Quay
The most celebrated area in all of Sydney is Circular Quay, as it’s home to two of the major attractions in the city: the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Sitting on the edge of Sydney Harbour, this area is packed with restaurants and is the jumping-off point for exploring more of Sydney across the bay when you hop on a ferry.
- Best for: Scenic sites, culture and adventure.
- How to get there: For buses get off at the City Circular Quay (Alfred Street) stop, trains at the Circular Quay stop and ferries at the Circular Quay ferry wharf. It takes 17 minutes to reach Circular Quay from Darling Harbour.
- Top five things to see/do: Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, have a drink at the Opera Bar for great views, tour the Opera House, take a cruise around Sydney Harbour and ride a tall ship through the harbour.
- How long do I need? Half-day to a full-day.
- Recommended tour: Jump on a Sydney Harbour Highlights Cruise to see the best unobstructed views from the water.
2. Chinatown/Haymarket
Haymarket is a suburb in Sydney that is home to the vibrant and bustling Chinatown.
Sydney Chinatown is a mix of Chinese eateries, sushi and Korean barbeque. The area also has shops for everyone from Asian trends to designer brands and tourist shops. Traditional Chinese festivals are often held here, and the rest of Haymarket is known for its bargain shopping.
- Best for: Shopping, Asian cultures and food.
- How to get there: Catch a train to Town Hall or Central station which is a 15-minute walk to Chinatown, or take the lightrail to Haymarket stop. It is also a nine-minute walk from Darling Harbour or 20 minutes by transit from Circular Quay.
- Top five things to see/do: Start your night with a few drinks here, shop for bargains at Paddy’s Market, follow along on a food tour, explore the Chinatown Night Market, catch a festival.
- How long do I need? Half-day.
- Recommended tour: There’s no better way to explore Sydney’s Chinatown than through a food tour exploring the many great tastes of China and beyond.
3. Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is nestled beside the water and adjacent to the city centre making it easy to access all of its entertainment options.
It’s perfect for travellers of any age with family-friendly attractions, restaurants lining the water and the area comes alive at night with clubs and bars.
- Best for: Food and tourist attractions.
- How to get there: For trains get off at Town Hall station, buses at Museum station. By transit it will take 20 minutes from Darling Harbour or 45 minutes from Bondi Beach. Darling Harbour is within walking distance of Chinatown (nine minutes).
- Top five things to see/do: Visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium, take a selfie at Madame Tussauds wax museum, dine along the water at Cockle Bay Wharf, find quiet in the Chinese Garden of Friendship and get shopping at Harbourside Shopping Centre.
- How long do I need? Half-day to full-day.
- Recommended tour: Discover Sydney’s best with the Sydney Attraction Pass: Darling Harbour Experience Ticket that gives you the freedom to explore the main sites whenever you want.
4. Bondi Beach
The white sand of this crescent-shaped beach draws visitors in year-round.
It’s a prime spot for surfers looking to catch some waves and is either the beginning or the end of the scenic Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk. After some time in the sun the nearby Hall Street is lined healthy food options and pubs for all to enjoy.
- Best for: Surfing, nightlife, scenic views and relaxing.
- How to get there: Take a bus and get off at Campbell Pde near Hall St. It’s approximately a 45-minute transit ride from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay or a 25-minute drive.
- Top five things to see/do: Take in the scenery on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk, bask in the sun on the beach, give the waves a try with some surfing, swim in the well-known Iceberg ocean pool and dine in some trendy restaurants.
- How long do I need? Half-day.
- Recommended tour: Do a Bondi Beach Walking Tour for your chance to spot celebrities, walk along the shores, see Aboriginal rock art sites and more.
5. Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains boast rugged scenery just outside of Sydney to the west, with dramatic cliffs and stunning views.
The area is filled with towns, waterfalls, eucalyptus forests and galleries. Katoomba is the most popular village that travellers typically choose, as it borders Blue Mountain National Park where you can spot the famous Three Sisters.
- Best for: Scenic sites, outdoor adventure.
- How to get there: Blue Mountains for a 2.5-hour drive from the Sydney CBD or three hours by train from Central Station.
- Top five things to see/do: See the Three Sisters, ride the Scenic Railway, visit Wentworth Falls, visit the town of Katoomba and explore walking trails throughout Blue Mountain National Park.
- How long do I need? One to two days.
- Recommended tour: Experience a Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney where you’ll see the best sites, meet Australian animals and ride the world’s steepest scenic railway.
6. Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is an oasis in the heart of Sydney CBD.
Here you’ll find horticulture displays and plant science plus beautiful panoramas of the Sydney Harbour from the most famous viewpoints.
- Best for: Culture and nature.
- How to get there: The gardens are a 4-minute walk from Circular Quay or it can be reached by bus (Museum station) or train (Town Hall station) which is a 20-25 minute transit ride from Darling Harbour.
- Top five things to see/do: Join a walking tour to learn about Australia’s first botanic garden, visit the Palace Rose Garden and the Australian Native Rockery, explore the Calyx for entertainment and colourful flowers, head to Mrs Macquarie's Chair (the most famous vantage point) and stroll along the harbour for a peaceful break from the city.
- How long do I need? Two to four hours.
- Recommended tour: Enjoy a free guided walk of the gardens to learn about the wildlife and the garden’s history.
7. Botany Bay
Just south of Sydney you’ll find Botany Bay, made famous from Captain Cook’s landing in the 1700s.
Botany Bay is an inlet in the Tasman Sea and was named because of the large amount of plants collected from there. It is a heritage-listed site and an important place in Australian history.
- Best for: Scenic sites, history.
- Where it is/how to get there: Botany Bay is a 50-minute drive from Sydney CBD. Bus routes provide access to the area when you get off at Botany Road Mascot stop.
- Top five things to see/do: Check out the best scenic lookouts, explore the marine life while diving or snorkeling, hike around the area and enjoy a picnic.
- How long do I need? One day.
- Recommended tour: Botany Bay is easily accessible, and the best tour is the one you can take yourself.
8. Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo has been open since the early 1900s And is located along the northern part of Sydney Harbour.
It houses a number of animal and adventure attractions, and you can even sleep over at the zoo. There are over 4,000 animals to see and 20 shows or talks a day.
- Best for: Animal lovers, families.
- How to get there: For buses and ferries from Circular Quay get off at Taronga Zoo Wharf. Transit from Central station is 35-55 minutes or 15 minutes from Circular Quay. It’s approximately a 20-minute drive from Sydney CBD.
- Top five things to see/do: Have an early morning walk as the animals wake up, take a stroll through the Aussie Walkthrough, enjoy a zoo high tea, spent a night at the zoo and spot whales on a cruise before visiting the zoo
- How long do I need? Half-day to full-day.
- Recommended tour: Have a Wild Australia Experience with a behind-the-scenes zoo exploration, get a picture with a koala and ride the Sky Safari cable car.
9. Royal National Park
Just south of Sydney Royal National Park is where you can see coastal cliffs, quiet beaches, bushland and wildlife.
Exploring the park on the many trails takes you to stunning lookouts along the coast and over rivers. It’s in the Royal National Park that you’ll find the renowned naturally-shaped Figure Eight Pools.
- Best for: Outdoor lovers, nature.
- How to get there: You can reach Royal National Park by driving 50 minutes from the Sydney CBD.
- Top five things to see/do: Relax at Wattamolla lagoon, visit the Figure Eight Pools, check out the view from Bald Hill lookout, explore the park by kayak and surf at Garie Beach.
- How long do I need? One day.
- Recommended tour: Enjoy a Coastal Adventure Tour and see the Figure Eight Pools, hike along the coast track, relax at the beach and visit the best lookout in the park.
10. Ku-ring-gai National Park
Ku-ring-gai National Park in the north of Sydney holds a lot of history. It’s a protected area of rainforest, bushland and coastline.
The Red Hands Cave track brings you to Indigenous sites with rock paintings and engravings.
- Best for: Nature, water activities.
- Where it is/How to get there: Ku-ring-gai National Park is a 45-minute drive from the Sydney CBD or 1.5 hours from Central station by a combination of trains and buses.
- Top five things to see/do: See the views at West Head lookout, visit Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse, go kayaking and bushwalking, learn about local history and try stand up paddleboarding.
- How long do I need? One day.
- Recommended tour: Join a Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Day Trip from Sydney to admire the scenery, visit Palm Beach, learn about the local history and more.
Klook
Up to 60% off activities, experiences and things to do
Valid on select dates including holidays like Christmas, New Year's and more depending on the destination. Destinations include Hong Kong, Singapore, Osaka, Taipei, Dubai, Sydney, Melbourne, London, Paris, New York and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
11. Northern Beaches
When visiting Sydney you’ll be spoiled for beach options. Manly is the most well-known northern beach and is a popular area filled with restaurants and shops.
Watson’s Bay is another prominent harbourside suburb that showcases views of Sydney Harbour and is home to sandy beaches.
- Best for: Beach lovers, relaxing, shopping and Sunday sessions.
- How to get there: Manly Beach is a 35-minute drive from the Sydney CBD, 35 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay, or an hour by combinations of trains, buses and ferries from Central station. Water taxis are also available from Sydney Harbour.
- Top five things to see/do: Take a coastal walk, bask in the sun on the pristine beaches, catch sunset on a bike tour, try surfing and enjoy some of the local seafood.
- How long do I need? Half-day to full-day.
- Recommended tour: Enjoy a 3 Beaches Kayak Tour to see Manly Beach and its neighbouring beaches from the water to hilltops, including secret hidden-away spots.
12. Parramatta
Parramatta is a multicultural suburb in Sydney, and an up-and-coming art and film scene.
The area is popular with young professionals and is where you can find trendy bars, eateries and lots of creative types. Along the river are walking and cycling paths and historic colonial sites.
- Best for: History and art lovers.
- How to get there: Parramatta can be reached by train from Central station (35 minutes), by car (45 minutes) or by ferry from Circular Quay (49 minutes).
- Top five things to see/do: Explore galleries, find top bars and cafes, stroll along the river to find theatres, restaurants and historic sites, visit Elizabeth Farm and spend some time in Parramatta Park.
- How long do I need? Half-day to full-day.
- Recommended tour: Experience the Taste of Australia in Parramatta where you can explore the history of Australia through food with an optional river cruise to take in the sites.
Top travel deals in Sydney
Lastminute.com.au
Up to 40% off pet-friendly hotels
Available on stays until October 2020. Destinations include Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Lastminute.com.au
Up to 30% off last-minute Australia stays
Available for stays until October 2020 in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, Newcastle, Rockhampton and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Kayak
Australia-wide flights from $51 each way
Available on select flights until February 2021, including over Christmas and New Year's Eve. Destinations include Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Perth, Broome, Melbourne and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Ballina with Jetstar.
Last verified
Deal ends
Viator
Exclusive
10% off things to do in Australia
Available on select dates for activities including jet boat rides, sightseeing cruises, tours, wildlife and animal interactions and wine tastings. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns, Adelaide and more. Discount will be applied at check-out. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Groupon
Up to 75% off Australia activities
Available on select dates and activities like spas, skydiving, hot air balloon flights, tours, whale watching, skywalks, classes and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
DiDi
Exclusive
Free rides in Sydney
Get a free ride up to $15 on weekends until 1 November 2020. Valid for Sydney rides only. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trip.com
Qantas Airways: Domestic flights from $113 each way
Available on select dates until December 2020 to Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Brisbane, Cairns and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Gold Coast. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trip.com
Up to 38% off Australia attractions and experiences
Available on select travel dates in Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns, Darwin, Canberra, Melbourne and more. Attractions include SEA LIFE Aquarium Sydney, Sydney Featherdale Wildlife Park, Madame Tussauds and Eureka Skydeck. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Extra $10 off site-wide with code
Valid on all dates, including over Christmas, on activities like skydiving, quad biking, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, scuba diving, cruises, high tea and more. Destinations include Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and more. Minimum spend of $80 required. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Adrenaline
Up to 85% off domestic activities
Available on select dates for activities including skydiving, hot air balloon flights, quad biking, scuba diving, whale watching, bridge climbing, high tea and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Wotif
Up to 60% off Australia stays
Available on stays until May 2021 in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sunshine Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Extra 10% off Australia activities with code
Valid on all dates on activities like skydiving, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, cruises, tours, high tea and more. Minimum spend of $100 applies. Destinations include Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Hotels.com
Up to 60% off Australia-wide stays + an extra 8% off with code
Available on select dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Oaks Hotels & Resorts
Up to 30% off Australia stays
Available on select stays until 30 June 2021. Destinations include Darwin, Sydney, Brisbane, Gladstone, Townsville, Adelaide, Glenelg and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Lastminute.com.au
Up to 56% off Australia getaways
Available on stays until December 2020. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns, Brisbane, Townsville, Adelaide, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Trip.com
Up to 46% off Australia-wide hotels
Available on select dates until December 2020. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Europcar
Exclusive
$20 off nationwide rentals
Available on rentals until 31 January 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and more. Minimum spend of $200 required. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
DiDi
Exclusive
Get $20 credit
Get $5 off each of your first four rides in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Geelong, Perth and Newcastle. Valid on all dates for new users. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Groupon
Up to 73% off getaways
Available for travel on select dates to Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Adelaide, Brisbane, Launceston, Newcastle, Noosa Heads, Cairns and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Experience Oz
Up to 50% off Australia activities
Available on select travel dates until 2021 on activities like skydiving, hot air ballooning, whale watching, sightseeing tour, wildlife interactions and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sunshine Coast, Adelaide and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cheap Flights
Australia flights from $92 return
Available on select dates until March 2021, including over Christmas and New Year's Eve. Destinations include Gold Coast, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Launceston and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Adelaide with Jetstar.
Last verified
Deal ends
Kayak
Brisbane flights from $72 each way
Available on select dates until March 2021. Sample fare departs from Sydney with Jetstar.
Last verified
Deal ends
Kayak
Sydney flights from $53 each way
Available on select dates until March 2021. Sample fare departs from Ballina with Jetstar.
Last verified
Deal ends
Agoda
Up to 82% off Sydney hotels + Extra 5% off with code
Available on select dates until December 2020. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Up to 13% off domestic getaway packages + an extra 10% off with code
Available on select travel dates for stays in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Canberra and more. Minimum spend of $100 required. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Australia experiences for 2 from $38 + Extra $10 off with code
Available on select dates for experiences like tours, zoo and wildlife interactions, hot air balloon flights, skydiving and more. Destinations include Sydney, Hunter Valley, Melbourne, Brisbane and more. Minimum spend of $80 required. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Up to 60% off Australia activities + an extra 10% off with code
Available on select dates and activities like hot air balloon flights, tandem skydiving, getaways, driving experiences and more. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns and more. Minimum spend of $100 required. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Hertz
Get 1 day free on Australia car hires
Available on rentals until 31 December 2020 when you book a minimum of 5 consecutive days. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Skydive Australia
Up to $20 off skydiving with code
Get $20 off per person when you book for 4 or more. Destinations include Sydney, Byron Bay, Newcastle, Cairns, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Luxury Escapes
Up to 61% off Australia holiday packages
Available on select dates until December 2021, including over Christmas and New Year's Eve. Destinations include Adelaide, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Sydney, Cairns, Canberra, Hunter Valley and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Avis
4th day free + free upgrade on Australia car hires
Available on rentals until 18 December 2020 in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and more. Minimum 4 days rental required. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Hotels.com
Up to 60% off Sydney stays + an extra 8% off with code
Available on select hotels and stay dates until November 2021. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Airbnb
Sydney stays from just $35 per night
Valid for travel on select dates from July 2020 onward. Sample accommodation is in Redfern. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Get Your Guide
Australia activities from $10
Available on select dates for activities like sightseeing tours, attraction passes, river cruises, hop-on hop-off tours and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Launceston, Melbourne, Cairns, Hunter Valley, Perth and more.
Last verified
Expedia.com.au
Up to 60% off Australia hotels
Available on select 2020 dates and hotels. Destinations include Perth, Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Newcastle, Port Stephens and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Klook
Up to 40% off local activities
Available on select dates in 2020 for activities including whale watching, hot air balloon flights, getaways, hop-on hop-off bus tours, attraction passes and more. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cudo
Up to 93% off things to do in Australia
Available on select dates and activities like classes, spas, getaways, dining experiences and more. Destinations include Sydney, Perth, Melbourne Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Voyagin
Up to 40% off things to do in Australia
Available on select dates and activities such as Sydney attractions tickets, SEA LIFE Aquarium Sydney, Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
G Adventures
Up to 15% off Australia and New Zealand tours
Available on select dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Cairns, Wellington, Auckland, Queenstown and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Klook
Up to 60% off + get 1 free Sydney Tower Eye ticket
Available on select dates until 31 December 2020. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Popular Travel coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Oct 2020 | $1 wine tastings in the Hunter Valley | WIN**** |
| 21 Oct 2020 | Northern Territory activities from $36 + and extra $10 off off with code | FDR**** |
| 21 Oct 2020 | Extra $10 off site-wide with code | FDR**** |
| 20 Oct 2020 | Extra 10% off Australia activities with code | RBF**** |
| 7 Oct 2020 | $20 off nationwide rentals | FIN**** |
More guides on Finder
-
Hotel health and safety measures that will help keep you safe during COVID-19
Have a safe stay on your next Australian getaway with these hotel health and safety measures.
-
How to enjoy the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks for 2020/2021
The Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks have been given the green light for 2020/2021. Here's how to enjoy them in a COVIDSafe way while still distancing.
-
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo review
Centrally located, packed full of local critters and perfect for families, WILD LIFE Sydney offers a few fun hours out.
-
7 unforgettable South Australian family holiday destinations
Sort your itinerary and your accommodation in one hit with our top spots to take the family in South Australia.
-
6 Northern Territory family holiday destinations that are truly unforgettable
These kid-friendly destinations in the NT are the perfect way to introduce kids to the stunning territory, from the Top End to the Red Centre, including a list of our favourite swimming spots for the ultimate cool down.
-
Where to buy masks in Melbourne and Victoria
With masks set to become mandatory in some areas of Victoria, we’ve rounded up where you can get your hands on one.
-
Tasmanian family holiday destinations that are full of fun and adventure
These Tasmanian school holiday activities will get you making the most of your own backyard and exploring the great outdoors.
-
Luxury Airbnb glamping spots in Australia that give hotels a run for their money
These tents have it all, including views of the Aussie bush and waterfront, beds, kitchenettes, bathtubs on the deck and farm animals to wake up to.
-
Best places to visit in the Northern Territory in 2020
Unique cultural experiences and picturesque natural wonders await in these six destinations. Plus, our top picks on the territory's best camp sites.
-
Best places to visit in the Gold Coast
Find where to go on the Gold Coast for unlimited entertainment from water activities to nature, skyscrapers and beaches.
Ask an Expert