Sydney, Australia’s largest city, is multicultural, diverse and extremely attractive. The capital of the state of New South Wales offers both big city flair and mountains with the Blue Mountains as well as beautiful coastlines with many beaches and bays.
Sydney is not only a cosmopolitan city, but also one of the most livable metropolises in the world. Approximately 5.5 million people live in the city and it is still growing. The languages spoken here are just as multicultural as the inhabitants.
The most common are English, Arabic, Greek and Cantonese. If you visit Sydney, you should plan a lot of time. The city has a lot to offer, be it nightlife, shopping, nature, bars, restaurants or a lot of art and culture.
Below we present the most exciting tours, most beautiful attractions and best sights in Sydney.
1. Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous buildings in the world. The house itself turns into a work of art, but also houses all sorts of forms of performing arts. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, visitors will find 1000 rooms with countless stories. The building has become a landmark of Australia and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country.
It is located right on the water, at Port Jackson, from where you can also watch an unforgettable sunset. The Sydney Opera House is considered to be one of the largest cultural centers on earth. Over four million visitors flock to the house every year, up to 2,500 events take place here during this period.
2. Sydney Tower Eye for the best view
Another landmark of the city is the tower. It is an observation tower that is also open to visitors. At a height of 251 meters, you have an incredible view of the city from here. The tower is open every day except for Christmas. In the four-story area for visitors there are also two revolving restaurants and a café. There is also a skywalk at a height of 260 meters.
This is a platform walkway with a glass floor. The visitors are secured with a rope up here and can catch an even more beautiful view of the city from the roof of the tower cage – under the open sky, mind you. You can see about 80 kilometers from the tower and see the Pacific, Botany Bay, the Blue Mountains and the natural harbor from above.
3. Sydney Harbor Bridge
Another landmark of the city is this bridge at the Port Jackson harbor. It is also popularly called The Coathanger. It is an architectural marvel. The Harbor Bridge consists of around 52,800 tons of steel, more than half of which was used for the arch.
The steel arch bridge is one of the most important sights for tourists and a popular photo opportunity. The listed Harbor Bridge has eight lanes for cars, two railroad tracks, a cycle path and a pedestrian zone. From here you have a breathtaking view of the harbor, the Opera House and the skyline of Sydney.
4. Stroll and surf on Bondi Beach
It is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – Bondi Beach combines white sand with crystal blue sea. This place is simply fantastic for visitors. The beach is about a kilometer long and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The water temperature here is around 25 degrees and in addition to extensive sunbathing or a walk on the beach, you can also enjoy the day in one of the cafés or simply learn to surf. Bondi Beach is one of the best places to surf in the world.
5. Shopping in the Queen Victoria Building
Sydney is of course also a hotspot for shoppers. Just as it should be in a metropolis. One of the most magnificent shopping centers in the world is the Queen Victoria Building. The Victorian building with the unforgettable design is located in the center of the city. It was built and opened in the 19th century. The main focus here is definitely on the huge dome.
At Christmas you can find a big Christmas tree here every year. The Queen Victoria Building has numerous shopping opportunities, as well as cafes and restaurants for breaks between shopping. But the building is worth a visit even without shopping because it is simply impressive both architecturally and historically. It is one of the most exclusive and popular shopping centers among the city’s residents and visitors.
6. Pure nature in the Blue Mountains
At the edge of the metropolis there is a wonderful piece of nature. The Blue Mountains and their national park offer unique landscapes, the incomparable rock formations of the Three Sisters, rivers and canyons. Here nature is still nature and attentive visitors can also marvel at rare animal and plant species.
Wild kangaroos also live here and are used to the presence of humans. If you want to take longer, you can camp in the Blue Mountains National Park and spend a few days longer in the Australian countryside.
7. Relax in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Get out of the hustle and bustle of the big city and into nature. A visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens is particularly relaxing – the perfect place for a break. In a relaxed and, above all, calm atmosphere, there are lush green parks, ponds and meadows to relax and enjoy. The botanical garden is more than 30 hectares, making it the largest park of its kind in the city.
A nice highlight of this sight of Sydney is next to the nature, the animals and plants, the tropical center and the rose garden. You can also picnic on one of the meadows right on the South Pacific and let your mind wander. Numerous restaurants and cafés also invite you to linger. From here you also have a wonderful view of the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House.
8. Shop locally at Eveleigh Farmers Market
A little insider tip to get to know the Australian culture, the food and the locals better is the Eveleigh Farmers Market. Here you will find regional and sustainably produced products, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit and all kinds of other stalls and market stalls.
The market is located in a hall with a scent from every corner. Ready meals can also be bought and eaten here. The Eveleigh Farmers Market is open all year round and in all weather conditions, it is one of the culinary attractions in Sydney.
9. A day at Sydney Harbor
This port is not just a port. It is one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors along the coast. Here you can marvel at yachts and sailing boats, or see the city from the water on a motor cruiser or ferry. The Circular Quay ferry terminal is considered to be the pulsating center of the port.
Here you can start harbor tours or take the water taxi from A to B. From here you can also walk to the Opera House, the Botanical Gardens and the Harbor Bridge. You can also take a boat tour from here to visit uninhabited islands in the city. In addition, events take place here throughout the year, such as the Vivid Festival or the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
10. Insider tip Kings Cross
A little insider tip and especially interesting for younger people is the Kings Cross. This area is known to the population as the red light district of Sydney. But contrary to what you might think, it’s not dangerous or dodgy here. Regular police patrols ensure sufficient security.
Many backpackers and young travelers like the area because of the variety of hostels. But the Kings Cross is also the perfect place to go out for all other visitors, because it has the hippest bars, clubs and pubs in town. Here you can party until the early hours of the morning or explore the district.