Sydney Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sydney
Cronulla Beach showing surf
Sydney
Sydney
Sydney showing a city, night scenes and general coastal views

Blessed with more than 100 beaches and buzzing with youthful vitality, when it comes to the good life it’s hard to beat the Harbour City.

Although it’s not the capital, there is little doubt that Sydney remains Australia’s premier city. The Harbour City, home to over 4.5 million people, offers a blend of vibrant bars and beaches that’s a draw for young people, but it also has a laid-back and self-confident vibe that will appeal to visitors of all ages.Sydney is symptomatic of an evolving Australian culture, often being described as one of the most cosmopolitan and charismatic cities on the planet. Sydney residents are also renowned for going out of their way to make visitors feel at home, making this an ideal holiday destination.Sydney plays host to some of the world’s most recognisable tourist attractions, with the inner harbour housing the distinctive Sydney Opera House and the ocean side boasting the warm golden sands of Bondi Beach, perennially lapped by clear blue waves.There is much to explore elsewhere within the city, however. In the CBD, Sydney Tower provides breath-taking views over the city, and is the starting point for the popular Skywalk—a guided tour around the outside of the tower, 268 metres above the ground. If heights aren’t your thing, Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing harbour-side stroll, and lead visitors to the iconic Sydney Opera House. From here, it’s a short walk to Circular Quay, where you can catch a ferry to many harbour locations, or just enjoy the round trip. Dock into Darling Harbour and explore the award-winning Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the fascinating Australian National Maritime Museum.Sydney’s waterfront throngs with diverse restaurants and bars. The Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Potts Point areas are famed for the fine-dining choices they offer. Numerous scenic parks provide a relaxing location to enjoy food and drink if you prefer the self-catering option.If you’re looking for some scenic thrills, don’t miss Luna Park with its roller-coaster, Ferris wheel and other traditional amusements, right under the famous Harbour Bridge. If you have a head for heights, try the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb for spectacular views.Kids will love Taronga Zoo, home to many species of native Australian animals, while the inner-city suburbs of Paddington and Newtown will appeal to adults with their café culture and eclectic mix of boutiques and galleries. For some retail therapy, make your way to Bondi Junction, and the well-stocked Westfield mall.Above all else, Sydney’s uniquely Australian natural beauty shines through at all times, with the Bush, beaches and the Harbour City’s coastline only a stone’s throw away. A relatively mild climate, stunning scenery, excellent transport networks and no end of things to do make Sydney a simply unmissable experience.

Where to stay in Sydney

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Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(8,551 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Darling Harbour featuring night scenes, city views and a bay or harbour

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(3,097 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Darling Harbour. Check out top attractions like Star Casino and Australian National Maritime Museum, and jump on the metro at Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station or The Star Station to see more of the city.

Darling Harbour
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Sydney Olympic Park

Unique features of Sydney Olympic Park include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Accor Stadium or Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre while you're exploring the area.

Sydney Olympic Park
Manly Beach which includes swimming, tropical scenes and a coastal town

Manly

A noteworthy feature of Manly is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Manly Wharf and Shelly Beach.

Manly
Bondi Beach showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Bondi Beach

Travellers to Bondi Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Bondi Beach and Bondi Icebergs.

Bondi Beach
Parramatta showing general coastal views and a city

Parramatta

Travellers come to Parramatta for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Westfield Parramatta Shopping Centre and Riverside Theatres while you're in town.

Parramatta
Shangri-La Sydney

Shangri-La Sydney

5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$315 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$315
per night
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,409 reviews)
"love the view"

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Shangri-La Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$395 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
AU$395
per night
21 Sept - 22 Sept
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,955 reviews)
"It was my 30th bday and we had just gotten engaged and they gave us a free bottle of champagne to celebrate! They helped with bags, they really were just so nice and friendly and the room was gorgeous!"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is AU$296 per night from 9 Oct to 10 Oct
AU$296
per night
9 Oct - 10 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,814 reviews)
"Beautiful property. Close to restaurants and bars."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Hyatt Regency Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Meriton Suites Kent Street, Sydney

Meriton Suites Kent Street, Sydney

5 out of 5
528 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,168 reviews)
Walkable to the light rail
"The location was very central ,hotel staff was very amazing . Just the servicing which is done after 3 days is a bit of inconvenience"

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Meriton Suites Kent Street, Sydney
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,287 reviews)
"The room was very well set up and it was nice to have kitchen facilities. Staff were excellent on check-in and throughout our stay, very welcoming and made us feel relaxed. Easy walk from Town Hall station and the cafe next door was great. Only reason I gave 4 stars and not 5 is the bed was very ..."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Meriton Suites Campbell Street, Sydney

Meriton Suites Campbell Street, Sydney

5 out of 5
6 Campbell Street, Haymarket, NSW
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,706 reviews)
Exceptional Accomodation
"An exceptional place to stay. Room was perfect, staff friendly and helpful. Public transport at the door"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Meriton Suites Campbell Street, Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Sydney

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2928
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
2425
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
427
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
40
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
16
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Good vibe, great restaurants

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful city, heritage and modern

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Dont book at APX Darling Harbour

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Looking forward to restrictions being lifted so we can come and visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Always liked Sydney

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Unfortunately we had to cut our holiday short as there were travel restrictions coming into place the following day but we enjoyed what time we did spend there.

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