Sydney Opera HouseAttraction
Sydney Opera House
The white-sailed concert hall on the harbour, visited on a guided tour or for a performance.
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Things to do in Sydney
Compare tickets, tours, transfers, hotels and flights for Sydney in one place, and see who provides each one before you book.
Photo: BAVhah, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
AirportsSydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)
Getting aroundTrains, ferries, buses and light rail
CurrencyAustralian dollar (AUD)
Best monthsSeptember to November, March to May
Sydney in brief
Sydney is Australia’s largest city, built around one of the world’s great natural harbours. The Opera House and the Harbour Bridge stand at its centre.
Ferries are part of daily life here, and the cheapest way to see the harbour. Ocean beaches such as Bondi and Manly are a short ride from the centre.
The seasons are reversed: summer runs from December to February. The Blue Mountains, to the west, make the classic day trip.
Top attractions in Sydney
Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour BridgeAttraction
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The great steel arch across the harbour. Walk across for free, or climb to the top with a guide.
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Bondi BeachAttraction
Bondi Beach
The city’s most famous beach, with surf, cafés and a clifftop coastal walk to the south.
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The Rocks
Taronga ZooAttraction
Taronga Zoo
A zoo on the north shore reached by ferry, with Australian animals and views back to the city.
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Royal Botanic GardenAttraction
Royal Botanic Garden
A large garden on the harbour next to the Opera House, with the best view of both landmarks.
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Photo: Sydney Opera House — Mfield, Matthew Field (CC BY-SA 3.0); Sydney Harbour Bridge — JJ Harrison (CC BY-SA 3.0); Bondi Beach — DXR (CC BY-SA 4.0); The Rocks — Dietmar Rabich (CC BY-SA 4.0); Taronga Zoo — Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada (CC BY 2.0); Royal Botanic Garden — Dietmar Rabich (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons
Tours and day trips
Guided tours, day trips and experiences, with photos, reviews and prices.
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Getting there and around
Airport transfer from Sydney Airport (SYD)A pre-booked car from arrivals to your hotel. Alternatives are the airport train, a taxi or a ride-hailing app.
Trains from SydneyTrains reach Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains, in about two hours and Newcastle in about two and a half.
Car rentalNot needed in the city. Useful for the coast and the mountains. Driving is on the left.
Flights
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Where to stay
Pick a neighbourhood first, then compare hotels.
1
Circular Quay and The Rocks
Beside the Opera House, the bridge and the ferries. The most convenient area, and the dearest.
2
Darling Harbour
A waterfront area of hotels, restaurants and family attractions, a short walk from the centre.
3
Bondi
Beach life, cafés and the coastal walk, about half an hour from the centre by bus.
4
Manly
A relaxed beach suburb across the harbour, half an hour away by ferry.
Hotels in Sydney with live prices
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Sydney day by day
- Day 1: The harbourThe Opera House in the morning, a walk through the Royal Botanic Garden, The Rocks at midday, then across the bridge on foot towards sunset.
- Day 2: Bondi and the coastBondi Beach in the morning, then the coastal walk south to Coogee, with stops to swim.
- Day 3: Manly by ferryThe ferry to Manly for the beach and lunch, returning at dusk for the skyline from the water.
- With a fourth dayTake a day trip to the Blue Mountains.
Local tips
- Tap a contactless card on and off on trains, ferries, buses and light rail.
- At the beach, swim only between the red and yellow flags.
- The sun is very strong. Wear sunscreen and a hat, even on cloudy days.
- Take the public ferry to Manly. It is the best-value harbour cruise.
- Remember that the seasons are reversed. Christmas falls in summer.
Before you go
Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.
Everything for Sydney
Ten services for the trip, all in one place.
Travel guide
Sydney is best from September to November and March to May, and 4 days covers the harbour, beaches and a day trip. The airport train reaches the city in about 15 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Sydney?
September to November and March to May are mild and sunny. Summer, from December to February, is hot and busy, and winter is cool but rarely cold.
How many days do I need in Sydney?
Four to five days cover the harbour, the beaches and a day in the Blue Mountains.
Do I need to book the Sydney Opera House?
Book tours and performances ahead. Walking around the outside is free at any time.
How do I get from the airport to the centre?
The airport train reaches the city centre in about fifteen minutes. Taxis, ride-hailing apps and pre-booked transfers take twenty to thirty minutes, depending on traffic.
Can I swim at Sydney’s beaches all year?
Yes, though the water is warmest from December to April. Always swim where lifeguards are on patrol.