Sydney is an absolute gem of a city and I was lucky enough to call it my home for 9 months. Home to over 5 million residents, Sydney is nestled along east coast of Australia. What I love most about this city is the lifestyle: a laid-back vibe, yet active at the same time, and so close to beautiful ocean. It seemed like 80 % of the people were in activewear, out and about in the early morning with a coffee to go in hand. Only when I visited Perth, I realised how active people in Sydney were!
Sydney is the perfect blend of urban energy, amazing coffee shops and coastal vibes. With the coast being such an integral part of the city, there’s a very special atmosphere. During my time as a resident, I explored many parts of Sydney and have summarized my favourite ones for you in this Sydney Travel Guide. These are the spots and activities I would recommend to anyone visiting the city and wanting to avoid the typical tourist route. While many of these activities are popular among tourists, they likely won’t be the first things you find on Tripadvisor.
Sydney: A short overview
You can divide Sydney into four main areas: the Northern Beaches, the CBD (Central Business District), the Southern Beaches, and the Inner West. Each area in Sydney has its own unique charm, which is why I’ve put together a list that gives you a good mix of everything.
The Northern Beaches are known for their coastal lifestyle, surf culture, and beachfront cafés. This area feels a bit more removed from the city and is home to more families and people who enjoy a more quieter life. South of the bridge, in suburbs like Bondi and Coogee, you’ll experience a more vibrant, urban and slightly hippie beach vibe. Being close to the CBD means there’s always something going on, with plenty of activities to choose from. This is where I think there is less going at in the Northern Beaches.
The Central Business District is the heart of Sydney, filled with skyscrapers, shopping districts, and busy professionals. It’s also home to the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge – one of my personal favourite spots. Lastly, there is the Inner West, known for its artistic scene and diverse restaurants. Being further from the beach, it has a distinct atmosphere that’s hard to describe—you really need to experience it firsthand!
My favourite activities to discover Sydney
Do the Bondi to Coogee Walk
The Bondi to Coogee Walk is my favourite coastal walk in Sydney. Stretching for 6km, this path takes you along stunning cliffs, small beaches, and parks. You’ll start the adventure at the iconic Bondi Beach and pass by Bondi Icebergs (that famous pool you might have seen on Instagram). Along the way, you’ll pass through Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly Beach – each with its own unique charm.
The Bondi to Cogee walk is easy to manage, and with plenty of spots to stop along the way, it makes for a perfect day out. I personally loved the cafés at Bronte Beach! You can stop for lunch or coffee while watching the surfers. Be sure to bring a refillable water bottle, as there are many places to refill along the way – free drinking water and public toilets were one of the things I absolutely loved about Australia. The walk ends in Coogee, where you can catch a bus back to the city. For the whole activity I’d plan around 4-6 hours.
Take the ferry to Manly
Manly is a popular suburb north of the bridge. It’s quite similar to Bondi, but … different. The most iconic way to get to Manly is by taking the ferry from Circular Quay. This picturesque ride across Sydney Harbour gives the best views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and CBD. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
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Once in Manly, take a walk along the beach (many surfers!), have a look at the shops along the Esplanade, and treat yourself to a cookie from Butter Boy – the best cookies I’ve ever had! Manly is great for a beach day or to casually spend a few hours. One thing I also loved was visiting the second hand shops there. They have the best things!
By the way: You can tap on and off with your credit cards in any transportation in Sydney!
Explore Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay is another stop which can easily be reached by ferry from Circular Quay. Watsons Bay is a coastal suburb popular for its stunning views of the Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. The ferry stops at a very pretty park from where you can do the South Head Walk, which leads to the Hornby Lighthouse. The South Head Walk is a relatively short trail, approximately 1 km each way. It will give you a beautiful view over the city on the one side and the endlessness of the ocean on the other side. There is a lot of cute coffee shops in Watsons Bay where you can sit down and observe for a bit afterwards.
Visit Sydney CBD: Circular Quay, Darling Harbour & The Rocks
A visit to Sydney MUST include a visit to its Central Business District, because this is where the city’s most iconic landmarks are located: the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Every time I visited, my heart made a little jump. The best way to discover the heart of Sydney is by finding a bench, sitting down, and taking it all in. Walking both over and underneath the Harbour Bridge is a great way to see it from different angles (it really doesn’t need the expensive walking over the bridge tours!)
Just nearby the harbour is “The Rocks”. The Rocks is a historic area known for its cobblestone streets, small laneways, and colonial buildings. It’s popular for the weekend markets (more about this in the next point) and its lively pubs. A 15 minute walk from Sydney Harbour is the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The great thing about this gallery is that it’s free to enter and sometimes they have some exciting exhibitions on!
Wander around the weekend markets
Sydney is home to a number of weekend markets, perfect for strolling around and trying out different food. Personally, the food, snacks and coffee are the main reason why I love the markets in Sydney. Around the city, there are plenty of markets to choose from. These are my favourite four markets to discover in Sydney:
1. Glebe Markets
Glebe Markets is located in Glebe, a suburb with bohemian atmosphere and historic terrace houses. The markets are held every Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, featuring live music, a variety of food stalls, vintage clothes and handmade crafts.
2. The Rocks Markets
The Rocks Markets are set in the historic The Rocks district. It’s the perfect spot to wander through cobblestone streets while discovering local crafts and enjoying live entertainment. Due to the central location it’s a convenient spot to also explore the Sydney Harbour. The Rocks Markets operate on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM.
3. The Grounds of Alexandria
The Grounds of Alexandria hosts weekend markets every Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. The Grounds are known for its charming garden setting and stalls selling fresh product flowers and artisanal goods. In addition to the market, there’s a small resident farm with chickens, goats and a pig.
4. Kirribilli Markets
Kirribilli Markets are held twice a month (it’s best to check their calendar for the dates!). Generalla, there’s the Design & Fashion Market on the second Sunday, and the General Market on the fourth Saturday of the month. What makes Kirribilli Markets so special is the location to the Harbour Bridge. You could take public transport to Circular Quay and then walk over the bridge to make the market visit an even bigger adventure!
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Visit Palm Beach & hike up to the lighthouse
Palm Beach is located at the northern tip of Sydney’s coastline, marking the end of the Northern Beaches. If offers a peninsula-like setting, surrounded by ocean and national park. Palm Beach is a great spot for a day trip to enjoy the beach, visit one of the beachfront cafés or take a short hike up to Barrenjoy Lighthouse for beautiful views.
The best way to get to Palm Beach is by bus from the city center. The journey takes around 1 hour and will take you through different neighbourhoods. I love this trip, as it offers you a glimpse of Australian life away from the common path and busy city.
Take the train to the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are another must visit destination when you’re in Sydney. Located about 90 minutes from the city, this huge national park offers a range of adventures. Most visitors visit the iconic landmarks such as the Three Sisters rock formation, and take a ride on the world’s steepest cable car down into the valley.
The Blue Mountains provide various hiking trails for all skill levels, scenic lookouts, and attractions like saunas and fruit farms. If you come by car make sure to check out one of the apple farms that sell warm, home made apple pies! The temperatures in the Blue Mountains are generally cooler than in the city, and it can even snow in winter. The area gets its name from the blue haze created by the eucalyptus trees. You can not only see it but also smell it! The trees release oil that scatter sunlight and give the mountains a blue tint.
The best way to explore the Blue Mountains is by car, as it it’s faster than the train and offers more flexibility and access to remote trails. However, if you are not able to go by car, there’s a 2 hour train to Katoomba (this is where the Three Sisters are located). Make sure to check the weather forecast beforehand as, as temperatures can drop significantly. I once visited when it was around 8 degrees Celsius. If you have time, you could stay overnight in one of the local hotels or hostels to fully enjoy your time in the Blue Mountains.
By the way: On Saturdays and Sundays the Sydney transportation system offers a reduced fare called the “Weekend Travel Cap”. You can travel across the public transport network for a daily cap of AUD 8. This also includes the trip to the Blue Mountains!
Spend a day out at Royal National Park
If you have access to a car, don’t miss the chance to visit Royal National Park. Royal National Park is located about 30 kilometers south of Sydney, perfect for hiking, kayaking and – between May to November – spotting humpback whales by the coast. The entrance fee is AUD 12 per vehicle per day. Here are three spots you can add to your journey to Royal National Park. Each of them offering parking spots, public toilets and hiking trails:
- Wedding Cake Rock: A white rock formation looking like a wedding cake.
- Figure 8 Pools: Natural rock pools shaped like the number 8 (check tides before going!).
- Wattamolla: My favourite spot to look out for humpback whales.
Have dinner in Newtown
This one’s for the foodies: Newtown is one of Sydney’s trendiest suburbs, filled with street art, a diverse range of restaurants, and quirky boutiques. I heard a lot of students are staying in this area which definitely reflects in the overall vibe. King Street is the heart of Newton, lined with live music venues and restaurants. For dinner, you’ll have endless options, especially if you’re into plant-based or vegetarian cuisine. Golden Lotus is a superb vegan restaurant offering Chinese dishes. Also, have you ever tried Baklava ice cream??
I hope these 9 activities will give you the best time to discover Sydney. The city is so diverse and vibrant, it has something to offer for people with different interests!
