Things you should not miss on a Sydney city day tour
Sydney is not only the biggest city in Australia but also the oldest and most beautiful as well. There is nothing that Sydney cannot offer to its visitors. From sultry beaches to lush gardens, city downtown, and national parks, it is worth visiting this city at least once in your lifetime.
The rich culture and history of this city, which dates back thousands of years, have so much to offer to the people. And if you want to get a real taste of Sydney, you will need to explore the unseen things of the city. Whether you are a local or an international traveller, you would find something new every time you visit Sydney.
Here we have presented the top Sydney attractions that you shouldn’t miss if you want an enthralling travel experience. So, stick with us as we get you through the Sydney city tour itinerary – Things to do and the best things to do.
Broughton Street Lookout
Spend a day in the elevated Broughton Street Lookout that offers a splendid view of the Sydney harbour. Broughton Street Lookout ranks among the top 2 city parks in Sydney. If visited in the early morning, this place can be so tranquil that you would not hesitate to stand with closed eyes feeling the cool breeze passing through your hair strands.
Location: Milsons Point NSW
Things to do:
- Take a better view of the surrounding areas
- Night view of Sydney
Don’t miss: Don’t forget to click your photos at this park. The park has got many views for selfie enthusiasts.
Best time to visit: Early morning and during and after the sunset
The historic Rocks area
Take a step back in time and get transported to the yesteryears of Sydney at the Rocks’. Located directly under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is worth vising this former European colony. You can book your Sydney city tour to this place and witness the splendour of the bygone eras, including Meander cobblestone streets, sandstone buildings, and the Rocks market.
Location: Sydney CBD
Things to do:
- Visit the Cadmans Cottage- Sydney’s oldest surviving residential building
- Observe stars at the Sydney Observatory
- Appreciate arts and culture at the Museum of Contemporary Art
- Relive the history at the Rocks Discovery Museum
- Enjoy a drink at the Rocks pubs
- Stroll across the Rocks Market every Saturday and Sunday
Don’t miss: Have a meal, grab a drink, and spend some time at the rooftop bar that gives an amazing view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Best time to visit:
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm- the Rocks Market
Friday: 9 am to 3 pm- the Rocks Foodies Market
The Opera House
When we imagine Sydney, we imagine the Grand Opera House!
This extravagant construction, sitting on Bennelong Point in Circular Quay, is not only an engineering marvel but possibly represents Sydney to the whole world. As soon as you reach this World Heritage Site, buy the tickets to the show available every half an hour. Apart from this, you can also participate in the Sydney Opera House guided walking tour, backstage tour, inside tour, tasting plate, and Dine at the Opera Bar.
It might intrigue you to learn that the Opera House attracts about 8 million visitors annually and is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.
Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney
Things to do:
- Undertake guided tours
- Attend a show in the Opera House theatre
- Visit the Opera bar at sunset
- The Bada Gili show at sunset
- Stroll in and around the Opera House
Best time to visit: 9 am – 5 pm
Don’t miss: If you are a daring person, don’t miss taking the Opera House’s new House After Dark tour. It will give you a spooky experience, even in the daytime.
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Your Sydney city tour would remain incomplete without visiting Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, carved out of a sandstone rock ledge in 1810. This place boasts panoramic views of the harbour, Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Visit this place early in the morning or during the twilight to experience a serene ambience. Do not forget to take your camera along, as this is Sydney’s one of the most picture-perfect locations.
Location: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Things to do:
- Undertake a stroll
- Admire the splendid city view
- Picnicking
Best time to visit: Early morning and during the sunset
Don’t miss: Do not miss the sunset, as the place offers an amazing sunset view.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
St Mary’s Cathedral is a catholic church located at St Mary’s Cathedral College is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. The ‘Gothic Revival’ style stands out from the rest of the surrounding buildings and is somewhat recognizable from a distance.
This brown-coloured building under the blue sky and amidst a few trees across the street displays a beautiful scene meant to hold a permanent in the onlookers’ minds. Therefore, visiting this place is recommended if you want to spend some tranquillity praying and reflecting on life.
Location: St Mary’s Cathedral College
Things to do:
- Pray
- Sit in tranquillity
- Take a relaxed stroll in and around the church
Best time to visit: Sunday- Free guided tours
Don’t miss: The cathedral has got a beautiful backdrop to Hyde Park. So don’t forget to go explore the surrounding of the cathedral.
The Royal Australian Naval Base – Garden Island
Located to the east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay, the Garden Island is a must-visit if you want to get Sydney’s enormous 360-degree view from the top of the old signal station. In addition, you get a panoramic view of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, and the Sydney skyline from the old signal station. Another highlight that this place boasts of is the country’s first lawn tennis court, which is still in use.
Note: Public access is only through the Public Access Area on the northern end of Garden Island. Public access is via private boat only.
Location: Sydney CBD
Things to do:
- Walk to the old signal station to get a panoramic view of the city
- Visit the Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre
- Explore the relics in the Public Access Area
- Take a stroll on the white beaches and foreshores
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Sailing
Best time to visit: Sunrise to sunset
Don’t miss: Don’t forget to visit the Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre Museum.
Shark beach
If you want to shake off your busy schedule for a day and enjoy your Sydney city tour from an oceanic perspective, visit Shark beach. Located only 20 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, this tranquil beach is ideal for spending some leisurely time with your family. And if you have kids along, they can enjoy swimming in its sheltered water
Location: Nielsen Park
Things to do:
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Stroll
Best time to visit: Any time of the day
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the small picnic area near the beach.
The Gap at Watson Bay
The Gap at Watson Bay, facing the Tasmania Sea, is a place from where you can get some of the spectacular views of Sydney. Although it is a famous tourist destination, the Gap is also infamous for being a suicide point. Take the ferry to Watsons Bay and walk-through Robertson Park to the overlook, directly across from the ferry pier during your day tours from Sydney. And if you are ready to shed some sweat, undertake any scenic coastal walks that start from the Gap.
Location: Watsons Bay
Things to do:
- Undertake coastal walks
- Visit the nearby Gap Park
- Unwind at the Gap Tavern
Best time to visit: Any day of the week
Don’t miss: Go to the top of near-vertical ocean cliffs and experience stunning views from there.
Bondi Beach
What to spend a beachy day in Sydney? Think no more and head towards the famous Bondi beach. Here you can spend your day soaking under the bright sun or taking a dip in the ocean. But if you are not a swimming person, we suggest you undertake a stroll along the beach or go on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
And if you are an art lover, visit Bondu Beach in October and November to witness the Sculpture by the Sea, an outdoor exhibition of artworks.
Location: Sydney CBD
Things to do:
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Sunbath
- Coastal walk
- Whale watching
Best time to visit: Any time of the day
Don’t miss: If you love swimming, don’t forget to enjoy soundtracks every Friday from 5:30 pm and Sunday from 4 pm.
Paddington
Give a kickstart to your Sydney city day trip by visiting one of the most popular Sydney suburbs- Paddington or “Paddo.” But what is there so special in this suburb? Well, this otherwise usual-looking suburb boasts an early Victorian residential flavour. Here, you can admire the architecture of the terraced streets or pop into any of its exquisite shops or café. And if you want to witness the local flavour of this place, you should come here on any Saturday and check out the Paddington Markets.
Location: 395 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
Things to do:
- Visit the Paddington Reservoir Gardens
- Picnic at the Centennial Parklands
- Take a step back in the history at Chauval
- Shop till you drop at the nearby shops and boutiques
- Unwind at a café with a cup of hot coffee
Best time to visit: October: William Street Festival
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the lunch if you want to experience the almighty sea urchin crumpets there.
Chinatown
Are you craving some delicious Asian cuisine? Do you want to witness a slice of the Asian community in Sydney? If yes, then head towards Chinatown.
This sprawling place is filled with stalls, eateries, cafes, and restaurants. Here you can shop till you drop and relax in any of its exquisite restaurants serving cuisines like Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, and so on. However, the biggest attraction is the Paddy’s Markets, where you can buy local souvenirs for your loved ones.
Location: Dixon Street, Haymarket
Things to do:
- Day and late-night shopping
- Enjoy Asian cuisines
- Visit Hay Street and the Golden Water Mouth sculpture.
Best time to visit: Wednesday and first Saturday: 10 am- 10 pm- Paddy’s Market
Don’t miss: If you ever visit Chinatown, don’t forget to visit one of the most hotpot restaurants in Australia, Spice World.
January and February: Chinese New Year festival
September – The Moon Festival, in mid-Autumn during the Equinox
To Sum Up
Sydney is a dream destination for many travellers. There are many unknown wonders that you may not know before. So, try to explore every nook and corner of Sydney. But if you are running short of time, go through our list of must-visit spots in the city. You can also contact Sydney Private Tours to learn more about Sydney and the ways you can explore it.
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