Sydney Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sydney
Cronulla Beach showing surf
Sydney
Sydney
Sydney showing a city, night scenes and general coastal views

Sydney Travel Guide Video

Sydney has beaches by the bucket-load, must-see icons and a climate to die-for. But it also has a big brash heart that's certain to bowl you over.

Sydney, the capital of Australia's most populous state (New South Wales), has plenty of eye-candy for the visitor. It sits in geographic wonderland, a submerged ancient river valley that gifted it more than 70 beaches and pretty coves. Its plucky residents have spent the last two centuries building on that natural splendour. The solid arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge now nicely sews together the two halves separated by the sea. Sydney's cultural coming-of-age is anchored in-place by the sculpted white beauty of the Sydney Opera House. And the needle of the Sydney Tower provides a 30-metre vantage over it all, opening the city out for your viewing pleasure. But your stay in Sydney really should dip into the less well-known, if you want to find its heart. To take in the charm of the rough-edged diamond of The Rocks, the city's oldest and hardest-done-by district. To share a crooked smile with the Syndeysiders at their beloved Luna Park, an amusement park stuck in a 1930s time-warp. Or to pick up a board and test the surf at one of Sydney's two iconic beaches: the trend-setting Bondi Beach on the south shore. Or the scene-defining Manly Beach to the north, where surfing was born, and men (apparently) are made.Sydney has also done a superb job at helping conserve Australia's wildlife, with two innovative zoos and a world-class aquarium. Taronga Zoo shows how zoos should work, with a wide expanse of bush-land for its denizens to roam, and ground-breaking conservation projects. And the Sea Life Centre, located next to Sydney's window on the sea, Darling Harbour, does its bit too. Both by astounding and educating its thousands of visitor to the wonders of Australia's rivers, seas and oceans. And by making them aware of their vulnerability.With its sun, sea and sand, there's no shortage of reasons to come to Sydney. And it's pretty easy to sum up Sydney in a few snapshots. This is a city that wears its icons on its self-cut short-sleeves, after all. But Sydney is far more than just a folder in your photo album. It's an attitude. A brash prankster with a devilish glint in its eye. A caring custodian of the spectacular (and quirky) natural world that this continent has bred, in its 100-million years of isolation. A big-hearted bloke that welcomes the world in, with a barbie and a tinny. Look Sydney in the eye with a smile, and you'll be paid back ten-fold.

Where to stay in Sydney

Default Image

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(8,551 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Darling Harbour showing city views, a city and night scenes

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(3,097 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Darling Harbour. Check out top attractions like Star Casino and Australian National Maritime Museum, and jump on the metro at Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station or The Star Station to see more of the city.

Darling Harbour
Default Image

Sydney Olympic Park

Unique features of Sydney Olympic Park include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Accor Stadium or Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre while you're exploring the area.

Sydney Olympic Park
Circular Quay - The Rocks which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a city

The Rocks

A noteworthy feature of The Rocks is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Circular Quay and Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Rocks
Parramatta showing a city and general coastal views

Parramatta

Travellers come to Parramatta for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Westfield Parramatta Shopping Centre and CommBank Stadium while you're in town.

Parramatta
Manly Beach featuring a coastal town, tropical scenes and a beach

Manly

A noteworthy feature of Manly is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Manly Wharf and Shelly Beach.

Manly
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is NZ$277 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$277
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,299 reviews)
"Great location, hotel, staff. We were I’ll stay again"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Shangri-La Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$290 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$290
14 July - 15 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,742 reviews)
"Great Service Fantastic Location Great Showers"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Hyatt Regency Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
The price is NZ$350 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$350
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,831 reviews)
"It was my first time staying at the Four Seasons, we had an awards nights there so stayed over. The room was large and very comfortable and clean. We had a great view of the city out of one window and a view of the harbour out of the other window.. Large bathroom with separate shower. Plush bedding, ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,139 reviews)
"We loved our stay at this hotel, will definitely be back. The rooms are all renovated. Bathrooms were beautiful, and staff were so friendly."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Meriton Suites Sussex Street
Meriton Suites Sussex Street
5 out of 5
234 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,365 reviews)
DELIGHTFUL HOTEL AT A FAIR PRICE
"Reception staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. Swimming pool and spa were enjoyable. Room was quiet and spacious. Well located for transport. Just would like to have had bath towels at the swimming pool."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Meriton Suites Sussex Street
Meriton Suites Kent Street, Sydney
Meriton Suites Kent Street, Sydney
5 out of 5
528 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,111 reviews)
"The check in was seamless. The people behind the desk were very friendly & accommodating. The room was clean & a great size. I was cooking in the room & having family come to eat. Housekeeping provided me with more plates & cutlery. Great location for the Sydney Film Festival"

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

Meriton Suites Kent Street, Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Sydney

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2928
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
2425
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
427
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
40
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
16
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Good vibe, great restaurants

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful city, heritage and modern

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Dont book at APX Darling Harbour

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Looking forward to restrictions being lifted so we can come and visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Always liked Sydney

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Unfortunately we had to cut our holiday short as there were travel restrictions coming into place the following day but we enjoyed what time we did spend there.

Cities near Sydney