(Unofficial) Top 10 Things to do in Sydney

Sydney is kind of like a mini-New York with better weather. Depending on how much time you have, top 5 can be covered comfortably over a couple of days and top 10 can be covered comfortably over the week. These are my top picksso if you Google "Top 10 things to do in Sydney" you might get a different list. I have also provided budget friendly options where there is one. Keep an eye out for a similar page for Outside of Sydney for those of you with more time and don't mind going interstate.

Things to keep in mind while you're reading this list is November is late spring/early summer in Sydney which means the days are longer and weather will be warmer. Don't forget to pack sunscreen and a hat because of the hole in the ozone! All of these places are accessible through public transport or on foot (pack comfy shoes) if you are staying in Sydney or Pyrmont.  Of course, if you have any questions feel free to ask!


Without further ado...in true count down fashion, saving the best for last!

(All costs are quoted in AUD.)

10b. Luna Park - This place is an heritage amusement park with carnival games, think Coney Island.

10a. Hyde Park - Walk through or watch people play giant chess on the St. James Station side.

9. Art Gallery of New South Wales - A great free gallery, special exhibits may cost some money.

8. Harbour Bridge - Walk across (Free), go to the top of the pylon (about $10), Climb the dang thing (about $200-300 and you must book at least a month ahead). The bridge is about a mile long so if you walk across you'll have to walk back unless you take the train back The walk across the bridge will take about 30 minutes. Allow for 1.5 hours if you're planning to walk round trip across the bridge.  The bridge climb ranges from 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours and you will have to get there early.

7. The Rocks Market - This is at the Rocks which is near Circular Quay (pronounced Key). This market is only on weekends and there's food, music, crafts, souvenirs, clothes. Really nice atmosphere and fun browsing. Allow for half a day.

6. Royal Botanic Gardens - Kind of like Balboa Park in SD, but with great views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Pack a picnic with some wine and cheese and enjoy the view! Allow an afternoon.

5. Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont - Open from 6am until 4pm. Go for lunch for amazing seafood from fresh shucked oysters, fish and chips, and yum cha (e.g. dimsum). Grab a bottle of wine and watch out for the crazy sea gulls.  Guard your food! This place can get quite  crowded and busy especially when the Asian tour bus unloads at the same time. Allow for 2 hours.

4. Taronga Zoo - I have heard is quite good, but I have not been and is about a 25 minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. This will set you back about  $45 for ferry ticket and admission. I think it is like San Diego Zoo where there's a wild safari one where animals roam uncaged and one that is like a regular zoo. Allow for at least half a day or potentially full day if you are taking the kids.

If you're short on time another option might be the Wildlife Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, it's close to the city and small. Allow 1-2 hours.

They also do a combo ticket with the Sydney Aquarium. Allow 1-2 hours. Half a day for both Aquarium and Wildlife Zoo.

3. Bondi Beach - Do the Bondi to Coogee walk or enjoy a bite at Trio cafe or Iceberg or North Bondi RSL.  For Californians, Bondi Beach is a small beach but it's iconic and where Bondi Rescue is based.

2. Take Manly Ferry over to Manly beach - This the cheapest way to get on the Sydney harbour. This is a 30 minute ferry ride and make sure you go to the back deck of the ferry and stake out a good spot because this is where you will get the best picture of the Opera House and Harbour bridge as the ferry leaves the wharf.  Once you're in Manly, you can enjoy a drink and a bite at Hugos, Belgian Beer Cafe, etc. or wander through the Corso to the beach on the other side. If you're there around sunset, hang around the wharf for the sun to go down and you just might see the penguins! Allow for half to full day.

1. Sydney Opera House - Catch a show at Opera House and having a drink/meal at Opera Bar. I would not recommend the Opera House tour put your $25 towards a ticket to a show instead, but if you must do the tour check for discounts on Google. Book ahead for a show if you're picky about seats and some shows do sell out. Allow for half a day.

A useful site for what's on in Sydney is here.

These next 2 sections plug the gap, if you will.  Check back for updates to this area as I think of more things!

Shopping 

QVB (Queen Victoria Building) which is also near the new Westfield mall  (great food court) and Myers (like Macy's) and David Jones (like Nordstroms).

Bondi Junction also has a great mall and is about a 15 train ride from the center of the city (e.g. Town Hall or Martin Place)

Paddington has great boutiques and the Saturday market there has interesting jewelry/clothes/decorations.

Paddy's Market - It is a massive souvenir market and also fruit and vegetable market. Best if you are buying lots of souvenirs because you can haggle and bargain even for Uggs!

Eating 

Have a bowl of Laksa at Jimmy's next to the Art House bar in the city
Have a bacon and egg roll at the Kings Cross Saturday morning market
Kangaroo Pizza at The Australian Hotel (pub) in the Rocks
Kangaroo sliders at Wine Odyssey in the Rocks
Roti and curry at Mamak near Chinatown