Sydney

Travel Guide
Sydney Harbour Bridge featuring a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge

Sydney Travel Guide Video

Blessed with more than 100 beaches and buzzing with youthful vitality, when it comes to the good life it’s hard to beat the Harbour City.

The capital of New South Wales, and home to more than four million people, Sydney is one of the most cosmopolitan cities on earth. This relatively young city is endowed with a brash, infectious optimism and sun-tanned residents who are as comfortable on  surfboards as they are at the ballet.

From the golden sands and sparkling water of Bondi Beach to the instantly recognizable curves of the Sydney Opera House, this city is a photographer’s dream.

Start your Harbour City adventure with a Skywalk at Sydney Tower. Then, explore the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens and the majestic sails of the Sydney Opera House. Just a short stroll away is Sydney’s outdoor answer to New York's Grand Central Station, Circular Quay. From this bustling transport hub, jump aboard a famous Sydney ferry to just about anywhere in Sydney Harbour. Nearby Darling Harbour has the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Follow the restaurant- and park-lined waterfront to The Rocks where you’ll almost feel the ghosts of the city’s convict and seafaring past. Thrill-seekers can ride the Wild Mouse roller coaster at Luna Park. If heights don’t phase you, stretch your legs on the Sydney Harbour Bridge BridgeClimb for a truly breath-taking experience.

Say “G’day” to kangaroos, koalas and platypus at Taronga Zoo. Be sure to catch the free-flight bird show set against the spectacular backdrop of the harbor.

A short walk from downtown, you’ll find village-like suburbs such as Paddington, Surry Hills and Newtown. These charming neighborhoods are studded with quirky cafés, boutiques and galleries. Darlinghurst and Potts Point are top spots for foodies. Major shopping destinations include Bondi Junction and a sprawling Westfield mall in the heart of downtown.

Sydney is a paradise for nature-lovers the bush and the beaches are never far away. See the harbor’s rugged coastline on the 30-minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, one of the city’s most beautiful beaches.

Getting around Sydney is simple, with an excellent network of trains, buses and ferries. The climate is temperate, with hot summers and pleasantly cool winters, making the Harbour City an ideal Australian destination year-round.

Where to stay in Sydney

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

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(1,320 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 which includes central business district, night scenes and a bay or harbor

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(269 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Darling Harbour. Check out top attractions like Australian National Maritime Museum and Sydney Lyric Theatre, 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 theaters and live music. Make a stop by Accor Stadium or Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre while you're exploring the area.

Sydney Olympic Park
Manly Beach which includes tropical scenes, a sandy beach and a coastal town

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
Parramatta featuring general coastal views and a city

Parramatta

Parramatta is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Westfield Parramatta Shopping Centre or Riverside Theatres.

Parramatta
Bondi Beach which includes general coastal views, a beach and a coastal town

Bondi Beach

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

Bondi Beach
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,043 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$3,043
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,268 reviews)
"Close proximity to attractions and transportation. Also walkable to most shopping. House keeping were courteous. Property was outdated and need improvement"

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
8 Arrival Court, Sydney International Airport, Mascot, NSW
The price is NT$3,967 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
NT$3,967
per night
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,648 reviews)
"If you like airplanes, this is the place for you!! Really enjoyed our stay here"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is NT$5,592 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
NT$5,592
per night
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,702 reviews)
Beautiful hotel
"We loved our stay at the Shangri-La Sydney. The staff was super friendly and helpful. The room was gorgeous with an outstanding view. We had a very comfortable bed. And a great location!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

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 onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,268 reviews)
"Close proximity to attractions and transportation. Also walkable to most shopping. House keeping were courteous. Property was outdated and need improvement"

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

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 Opera House and Circular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (78 reviews)
"Nice modern hotel. Had a decent view of the cityscape/bay, I suppose a bit down to luck. Staff were very polite and accomodating of a late checkout."

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

Citadines Walker North Sydney
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 onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (974 reviews)
"Large apartment no view though just a building site. Pool was a fair size but freezing for an indoor one. You would think the Meriton would be able to supply at least 2ply toilet paper ended up using more than if it was, just a thought."

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

Meriton Suites Sussex Street
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

Reviews of Sydney

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
673
" "5 - Excellent 70.17726798748697%
4 - Good
247
" "4 - Good 25.755995828988528%
3 - Okay
32
" "3 - Okay 3.3368091762252345%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 0.4171011470281543%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 0.31282586027111575%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 25, 2020

I have been to Sydney before and really enjoyed it. But, unfortunately, I didn't actually make it this time due to the pandemic.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 20, 2020

Great place and I’ll definitely go back one day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 18, 2020

Great, vibrant city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 17, 2020

Sydney is a beautiful friendly town. The downtown area is easily accessible on foot.

5/5 - Excellent

Suzanne
Mar 16, 2020

Beautiful city, felt very safe walking around.

5/5 - Excellent

RoyandGayeLynn
Mar 14, 2020

We were only there for a day, waiting to fly home from our cruise. But I definitely recommend Darling Harbour. And I'd love to go back and explore more of Sydney.

Cities near Sydney