10 Things Not to Miss in Sydney, Australia – Insider Tips

What are the 10 best things to do in Sydney?

Sydney is without a doubt one of my favorite cities anywhere in the world. Whether it is for a short visit, an extended stay or to move to, Sydney has so much to offer!

Unfortunately it has already been a few years since I spent a month living with a local family in Sydney so I don’t feel I myself can give you the most up-to-date tips for what not to miss in Sydney.

I, therefore, teamed up with Webjet, Australia’s leading online travel agency, to give you 10 great insider tips for your visit to Sydney!

Sydney has a lot more to offer than its famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge and that’s what we’ll focus on here.

Also Read: Things to Know Before Traveling to Sydney

What Not to Miss in Sydney, Australia

1. Sunday’s in Bondi

Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach is a must-visit, and one of Sydney’s main attractions.

A Sunday ‘sesh’ in Bondi has become a rite of passage for young locals living in Sydney, and honestly, I don’t think there is a better way to end the weekend.  

Pop down to Neighbourhood Bondi and grab yourself a cocktail. Have dinner by the beach, listen to the locals jamming in the streets, and just enjoy a very chilled Sunday.

2. Shopping at the QVB/Pitt Street

Up for some shopping? Aren’t we all.

Get yourself to the Queen Victoria Building, opposite Town Hall, and begin exploring the multiple levels of boutiques.

If you find yourself on the bottom floor venture through to Pitt Street Mall and continue your shopping day there.

Don’t expect to leave with a very full wallet though. With every shopping tier available, the Sydney shopping district is a much better alternative to large department stores.

3. Road Trip to the Blue Mountains

Exploring the Blue Mountains on a weekend drive is a great way to escape the city, and see some of the more relaxing parts of the region.

Drop by the Echo Point lookout and view the splendid Three Sisters.

Hire a car and visit the Leura Cascades, or just take a relaxing stroll around the town exploring the local antique shops.

4. Brunch in Surry Hills

In recent years Sydney has gained a name for itself as the Australian capital of brunch. So, a relaxed Sunday brunch is definitely one of the things not to miss in Sydney!

Pop into any one of the cafes along Bourke Street or Crown Street for a delicious meal.

If you’re looking for eggs benedict pop into Four Ate Five, or if you are after something a little bit more rich visit Bourke Street Bakery.

5. Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Palm Beach

Although the trip to Palm Beach can sometimes be tedious, due to the traffic that tends to bank up on your way North, it is completely worthwhile.

Take the short walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and the Central Coast, which is only a short ferry ride away if you’re looking for an adventure.

6. Vivid Festival in Circular Quay

Vivid Sydney is an incredible 23-day festival of light, music, and ideas around May/June every year.

So if you find yourself visiting this incredible city in the colder months, rug up and explore the lights and sounds of this wicked event.

The Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Taronga Zoo all take part in setting the city alight, with international acts and amazing artists showcasing their talent over the month.

7. Nightlife in Newtown

As the city begins to get quieter and the night draws on, catching a bus to Newtown is a great way to finish a night.

Mary’s is a great bar and restaurant serving American diner-style burgers.

If you aren’t interested in food Earl’s Juke Joint is a prohibition style bar that has a huge selection of cocktails.

Or if you just want to dance until the wee hours of the morning, the ‘Marly Bar’, AKA the Marlborough Hotel is the place to be.

8. Jubilee Park in Glebe

Take yourself to the end of Glebe Point Road and wander through Jubilee Park towards the Tramsheds Harold Park – a cool heritage restoration project and popular food court.

This walk is a local secret with unspoilt views of ANZAC Bridge and the city.

If you find yourself exploring the area further, head towards the Glebe Primary School, which plays host to weekly markets held every Saturday morning.

Those little markets bring in huge crowds due to their array of stalls, selling cafe style food, swimwear, second-hand clothing, soaps, pastries, and more.

9. Live Music at One of the Top 3 Venues

Enmore Theatre, The Metro and Factory Theatre are three of the smaller venues in Sydney. This among other reasons makes them a must do whilst in Sydney.

Pop in for a comedy show, or see one of their bigger international acts.

These venues hold intimate sessions and allow for the best Sydney music immersion.

10. Dumplings, Thai and Indian

Sydney is definitely a city for food lovers!

King Street in Newtown is known for its plethora of amazing Thai restaurants. Or take the trip down to Chinatown to fill up on plates of the tastiest dumplings on offer.

If you’re looking for a bigger range head to Spice Alley behind Central Park, which is home to various cuisines at an affordable price.

I hope this list of things not to miss in Sydney was useful!

I’m sure you will enjoy the city as much as I did and if you were wondering what you shouldn’t miss in Sydney, now you know!

 

Want to know even more about Sydney? Also read:

• 8 Things to Know Before Traveling to Sydney
• Interview With an Expat: Living in Sydney, Australia
• What to Do in Sydney With Kids

And if you want to explore more of Australia check out:

• A 3-Day Weekend in Adelaide – What to Do, Where to Eat & Where to Stay 
• Free Things to Do in Hervey Bay
• The Best Beaches in Queensland
• 10 Things to Do in Wollongong

 
Like this article about things not to miss in Sydney? Pin it!

This blog about things not to miss in Sydney is sponsored. However, as always all opinions are my own and I would not endorse anything I did not enjoy!