Sydney Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Sydney

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

Sydney Town Hall which includes cbd, heritage architecture and a city

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
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 Riverside Theatres while you're in town.

Parramatta
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
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 Beach and Manly Wharf.

Manly
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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
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is NZ$176 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$176
per night
19 May - 20 May
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! (1,358 reviews)
"The property was close to the Harbor and easy walking there. China town not far and great cafes and restaurants close by. Staff were friendly and prompt with check in. Room was very spacious"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$400 per night from 12 May to 13 May
NZ$400
per night
12 May - 13 May
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. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,129 reviews)
"Love this hotel"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is NZ$340 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
NZ$340
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
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 restaurant in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,766 reviews)
"There's nothing i could ask for! The best accommodation! The altitude breakfast buffet, the food, service and the spectacular view of opera house and harbor view on the top floor is nothing to compare. Its juat breathtaking!"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Shangri-La 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! (1,358 reviews)
"The property was close to the Harbor and easy walking there. China town not far and great cafes and restaurants close by. Staff were friendly and prompt with check in. Room was very spacious"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Citadines Walker North Sydney
Citadines Walker North Sydney
4 out of 5
88 Walker Street, North Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Sydney Harbour Bridge and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (139 reviews)
"Really loved the smell when you enter in reception area, reminded me trip to Cancun, all in all very noce hotel, really tidy, noce rooms,comfortable bed and close to public transport"

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Citadines Walker North Sydney
Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites
Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites
4 out of 5
243 Pyrmont Street, Darling Harbour, Pyrmont, NSW
Stay at this aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (7,039 reviews)
"The fire alarm went off twice at about 2am! Other than that everything was fine!"

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites
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 50.17135023989034%
4 - Good
2425
" "4 - Good 41.55243317340644%
3 - Okay
427
" "3 - Okay 7.31665524331734%
2 - Disappointing
40
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6854009595613434%
1 - Terrible
16
" "1 - Terrible 0.27416038382453733%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Jun 2020

Good vibe, great restaurants

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
3 Jun 2020

Beautiful city, heritage and modern

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
26 Apr 2020

Dont book at APX Darling Harbour

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
11 Apr 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
6 Apr 2020

Always liked Sydney

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
24 Mar 2020

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