Sydney is one of the most popular places for tourists in the world. Whether you’re visiting for a few days from interstate or stay for longer, this list provides useful tips on where to stay, and what to do, see, and eat. From accommodation, such serviced apartments, to food and shopping, you’ll never run out of ideas on your trip.

Where to Stay

1. The CBD – try an apartment or a hotel in the CBD for the most convenient location. You can enjoy the great harbour views and have easy access to the major iconic attractions like circular quay, the opera house, and bridge.

2. Manly – great views and chance to take a ride on the Manly ferry and enjoy the harbour.

3. Other Harbour Locations – Balmain, North Sydney, Mosman, and Rose Bay all have ferry services.

4. Sydney City Fringe – Cheaper options but transport will be more limited in these areas to cars and taxis, while walking into the city will take more than 30 minutes. Includes Surry Hills, Woolloomooloo, Darlinghurst, Prymont, and Ultimo.

5. Eastern Suburbs – Bondi Beach has cheap accommodation but traffic in and out of the area can be slow.

What to See, Do and Eat

6. Take a Day Trip to the Blue Mountains – spectacular views only 90 minutes away from the CBD

7. Do the Harbour Bridge Climb – possibly the most picturesque bridge climb in the world. Daily guided climbs and admire the spectacular views from 134 metres above the harbour.

8. Take a Ferry Ride and See the Harbour and Opera House – there’s nothing quite like being on the water and passing under the magnificent Harbour Bridge.

9. Dine in Style – Australia is famous for its fresh produce and fine food. Dine in style at any of Sydney’s world-famous restaurants in view of the harbour.

10. Go Shopping – Sydney has a huge variety of shopping strips and markets. For higher end fashion, try the Queen Victoria Building, World Square, Pitt St mall, Strand Arcade in the CBD. Paddington, Bondi and Newtown each have many interesting boutique shops for higher end shopping. Factory outlets are located at Birkenhead Point, Olympic Park, and Alexandria. Weekend markets offer travellers an excellent shopping experience. Try the Glebe Markets, Paddington Markets, Rozelle Markets, and the Rocks Markets on weekends. Sydney also has major shopping centres in suburban and inner city locations.

11. Visit Chinatown – try Chinatown for a change of atmosphere and great food.

12. Opera Performance or Theatre at the Opera House – check into the Opera House for an exciting theatre or opera performance. There is always something interesting on.

13. Walking Tour of King’s Cross – King’s Cross is Sydney’s red light district and a tourist attraction. Take a walking tour and look out for landmarks such as the El Alamein fountain, the fire station, and the rail station.

14. Hit the Beach – there are some 150 beaches in the Sydney area. Some of the most popular beaches are Bondi, Manly, Cronulla and Coogee. Be warned, it can get crowded on weekends during warm weather!

15. Helicopter Sunset Ride – take a helicopter ride at sunset and see the harbour from a new perspective.

16. Taronga Zoo – just 12 minutes from the city by ferry and is home to over 2,600 animals. Just the place for you if you’re keen on seeing some Australian wildlife.

17. Sydney Aquarium – located right in Darling Harbour and displays over 650 different species of marine life.

18. Eco Whaling Cruise – yes, Sydney has whales and dolphins swim right in the middle of the city’s harbour. Most cruises run during the migratory season from May to August and September to November.

19. Jet Boat Ride or Sailing in Sydney harbour – take an exciting jet boat ride or sign up for a sailing experience right in the harbour.

20. Take a Day Trip – other than the Blue Mountains, you can try the Hunter Valley, South Coast, Port Stephens, Mudgee and the Southern Highlands.