Sydney attractions & landmarks
The landmarks on every postcard — and the reasons they're still worth it. These are the best places to visit in Sydney, with insider tips to see them at their best.
The top places to visit in Sydney are the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, the Royal Botanic Garden, The Rocks, Taronga Zoo and Manly. Most of the harbour icons are walkable from Circular Quay.
| # | Pick | Why it's here | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Sydney Opera House | Australia's most famous building | Bennelong Point |
| 02 | Sydney Harbour Bridge | Walk it or climb it | The Rocks to Milsons Point |
| 03 | Bondi Beach | Surf, swim, see and be seen | Bondi Beach |
| 04 | Royal Botanic Garden Sydney | The best walk in the city | Sydney CBD |
| 05 | The Rocks | History, pubs and markets | The Rocks |
| 06 | Taronga Zoo | Animals + skyline | Mosman |
| 07 | Manly | The ferry is the attraction | Manly |
| 08 | Darling Harbour & Barangaroo | Dining and attractions | Darling Harbour |
| 09 | Art Gallery of NSW | Free world-class art | The Domain |
| 10 | Watsons Bay | Fish and chips + The Gap | Watsons Bay |
| 11 | Queen Victoria Building | Shopping in style | Sydney CBD |
| 12 | Blue Mountains | The best day trip | Katoomba |
Photo: Sydney Opera HouseUNESCO World Heritage icon
Jørn Utzon's masterpiece is even more impressive up close. Take a guided tour, eat at Bennelong, or best of all, see a show inside. Tip: the classic photo is from Mrs Macquarie's Chair at sunrise.
Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)The 'Coathanger'
Walk across for free on the eastern footpath, visit the BridgeMuseum in the south-east pylon (ticketed), or climb the arch with BridgeClimb.
Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)Australia's most famous beach
Swim between the flags, watch the surfers from Icebergs, and start the coastal walk south. More in our best Sydney beaches.
Harbourside gardens
30 hectares wrapping Farm Cove, with guided walks (by donation — book ahead) and the Mrs Macquarie's Chair lookout.
Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)Sydney's historic quarter
Colonial-era laneways, Sydney's oldest pubs and weekend markets beneath the Bridge.
Zoo with the best view
A short ferry from Circular Quay to see Australian and exotic animals with harbour views. See Sydney with kids.
Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)Beach village by ferry
Ride the ferry across the harbour, walk the Corso to the beach and snorkel Shelly Beach.
Waterfront precincts
Restaurants, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and the Barangaroo Reserve headland walk.
Two buildings, one great gallery
Free general entry to the original Naala Nura building and the striking Naala Badu building (formerly called Sydney Modern).
Photo: Destination NSW (sydney.com)Harbour village & cliffs
Ferry over for fish and chips, then walk the clifftops at The Gap and South Head.
Grand heritage arcade
A Romanesque shopping arcade with stained glass and the Great Australian Clock.
World Heritage wilderness
About 90 minutes to 2 hours west by car, or around 2 hours by train: the Three Sisters, Scenic World and endless bushwalks. See day trips from Sydney.
The Sydney Opera House is Sydney's number one attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, closely followed by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach.
Don't miss the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the Manly ferry, the Bondi to Coogee walk and the Royal Botanic Garden.
Three to four days covers the highlights; add a day for the Blue Mountains or another day trip.
Circular Quay and The Rocks put you within walking distance of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Botanic Garden and ferries.
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