Located on the Australian eastern coast, comes the most populated city in Australia, i.e. Sydney. It is also referred to as Harbour City and it is home to plenty of major tourist attractions, both indoor and outdoor, attracting a huge number of visitors throughout the year.
From sky-high bridges to nature-filled zoos, the vibrance that this city has is really remarkable. Making it even more astonishing, a range of mystifying buildings allow visitors to mark their presence here and admonish people about it. The must-see attractions in Sydney really cover a diverse range of experiences for all.
Being so rich in culture, it offers some of the best traditional things to all visitors, along with its modern findings. With so many spots and places available to visit, people often get confused as to where to start. So if you are planning for your weekend to explore the capital city of the state of New South Wales with your family and friends, then you will be assisted a lot today.
1. Sydney Harbour
Featuring 240 km of coastlines through golden beaches, lush gardens, and attractive sights in the neighbourhood, the Sydney Harbour is the natural heart of Sydney. Its formation is so large that it even captures the Opera House, many islands, wildlife sanctuaries, and more.
You can explore the arch of the harbour bridge from the harbour point of the city. It is an aquatic playground in Sydney, and the Opera House is almost in view from the harbour. Sydney Harbour is the most iconic waterway, with natural features. It’s the most modified harbour in the world. You can sail on the ship here.
| Name | Sydney Harbour |
|---|---|
| Address | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Nearby Eateries | The Gantry Restaurant | Ripples at Milsons Point | Aqua Dining |
| Distance From Sydney CBD | Around 3.5 Km |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/iZbGgUp8nfzVd9Tb9 |
2. Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is a multi-performing venue that is regarded as one of the world’s most famous architectural masterpieces. Once opened by Queen Elizabeth II, this world-class engineered masterpiece includes several performance venues, such as a drama theatre, concert hall, playhouse, studio, and outdoor forecourt as well.
The entry fee here for adults is $43, and for children, it costs around $23 to be here. And the time it takes for different visitors to come and finish all the different shows occurring depends on their kind. In brief, it’s the perfect getaway weekend spot to come and give peace to your mind while enjoying the numerous activities that it entails.
| Name | Opera House |
|---|---|
| Address | Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia |
| Opening Hours | 8:45 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Nearby Eateries | Restaurant Hubert | Mr. Wong | The Butler | Quay Restaurant |
| Distance From Sydney CBD | Around 1.7 Km |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xd3TZHyJqSHZRaxcA |
3. Sydney Tower
Touching sky heights comes the Sydney Tower, which has always been an integral part of the famous Sydney skyline for the past 30 years. Upon making your way all the way, you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy an unequalled 360-degree view of the whole city. See exactly what a bird sees from all the way up, and try locating some of the hidden gems of this city.
To get a royal and luxurious experience for yourself, opt for Sydney’s highest feast, i.e., the SkyFeast at Sydney Tower. Get a one-of-a kind experience from one of the very rarest standpoints in Sydney while enjoying the culinary delights being served to you.
| Name | Sydney Tower |
|---|---|
| Address | Westfield Sydney, Level 5/108 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia |
| Opening hours |
Monday: 10 am–7 pm Tuesday: 10 am–7 pm Wednesday: 10 am–7 pm Thursday: 10 am–7 pm Friday: 10 am–7 pm Saturday: 10 am–7 pm Sunday: 10 am–7 pm |
| Website | https://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/ |
| Distance From Sydney CBD | Around 150 Metres |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/4VbVjTWqkt7nSoDN6 |
4. Moonlight Cinema Sydney
Bringing back the remembrance of old-age popcorn, film-watching, and picnics comes to the Moonlight Cinema Sydney. Come and enjoy the movies under the stars in the summer weather, excellently combined with a BBQ night, small markets, and open-air screenings as well. One can conveniently watch classic thrills as well as some of the very best newly released movies at this marvellous outdoor cinema in Sydney.
Making your cinematic outing more cinematic, the stunning greenery of Centennial Park is also there. For those looking for added comfort and ease, the facility of a premium bean bed is there too, in an exclusive area, giving you some picturesque views of the main screen.
| Name | Moonlight Cinema Sydney |
|---|---|
| Address | Centennial Park, Belvedere Amphitheatre, Broome Ave, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia |
| Ticket Pricing |
General Admission $26 Connoisseur Lounge $42 AAMI Gold Grass $51 Platinum Experience $250 Family Pass (3 Tickets) $63 Family Pass (4 Tickets) $76 Family Pass (5 Tickets) $85 |
| Nearby Eateries | Clove Lane | Crystal Restaurant | Ester Restaurant |
| Distance From Sydney CBD | Around 5.8 Km |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/RqyU6Bg9uxWpwYHG9 |
Google Review: “Fantastic time to spend time with fam especially on a clear sky day. Leisurely, no fuss set up, food available and clean toilets too. Kids have fun!” – Joel Wilson
5. Luna Park Dream Circus
Subsiding the convenience of Luna Park, Luna Park Dream Circus came out as a perfect place for getting immersive adventure at its peak. This circus park is one of the newest additions to the bucket of exciting activities to do in Sydney.
As per various visitors, the experience it offers them is both fulfilling and confusing, which justifies the tremendous investment of around $15 million that was made for it. The magnificent technology used here gives a really alive experience to the views, taking them straight into the 3D movie experience. For foodies, there are plenty of options to try your hands at to enjoy your weekend very well.
| Name | Luna Park Dream Circus |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia |
| Ticket Pricing |
Children(up to age 13) - $35 Adults - $45 |
| Opening Hours | Daily from 9 am - 9 pm |
| Nearby Eateries | La Capannina Italian Restaurant Sydney | BACARI | LB's Restaurant |
| Distance From Sydney CBD | Around 5.2 Km |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/S1SpyrpEpYUrmo4r9 |
6. Taronga Zoo Sydney
One of the best zoos in Sydney that is quite eco-friendly and perfect spots to locate some friendly animals is Taronga Zoo Sydney. Being home to more than 5000 animals with 350 species, it’s a must-visit for all animal lovers. Upon visiting, catching a view of animals like Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, and Australian kangaroos won’t be that hard.
For those coming from their family, taking a selfie with a dingo animal and a koala could be the next thing on their to-do list. The ticket charges are AU$45.90 for adults and AU$27 for children aged 4–15.
| Name | Taronga Zoo Sydney |
|---|---|
| Address | Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia |
| Opening hours |
Monday 9:30 am-4:30 pm Tuesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm Wednesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm Thursday 9:30 am-4:30 pm Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm |
| Nearby eateries | Bistro Mosman | Bathers' Pavilion | SOTTOCASA cucina verace |
| Distance From Sydney CBD | Around 9.8 Km |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mt8tQJ8x2GYpMDsV9 |
7. PS40
Based on a unique cocktail bar concept, the PS40 perfectly combines flavour, experience, and service for all visitors to enjoy. Suitable to the taste of the customer, they serve really next-level cocktails based on some fearless innovations. For those looking to surprise their loved ones, this bar also offers the service of gifting their drinks.
With comfy weather combined with some good vibes, they have successfully left a great impact on the city’s drinking scene. What makes them more interesting is that their 60-seater bar is featured with a selection of bar snacks, craft wines, and beers in a pen cellar door setup.
| Name | PS40 Bar Sydney |
|---|---|
| Address | 40 King St Enter, Skittle Ln, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia |
| Opening Hours |
Monday Closed Tuesday 5–10:30 pm Wednesday 5 pm–12 am Thursday 5 pm–12 am Friday 5 pm–12 am Saturday 5 pm - 12 am Sunday Closed |
| Nearby eateries | Restaurant Hubert | Mr. Wong | The Butler |
| Distance From Sydney CBD | Around 450 Metres |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/9wJKccdryt45tPpu7 |
8. Royal Botanic Garden
Located next to the iconic Sydney Harbour come the Royal Botanic Gardens. It was established in 1816 and is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Australia. This oasis, spanning around 30 hectares of space, hosts around 5000 unique plants. If the flora and fauna part is something that you don’t relish much, then just embrace the historical part of it.
With time, these have really turned out to be one of Sydney’s most alluring and scenic destinations. The word really falls short while describing its natural beauty, which is present in abundance. To obtain more specific knowledge, guides are there to take help from. Within their space, a lot of cafes and restaurants are also there.
| Name | Royal Botanic Garden |
|---|---|
| Address | Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia |
| Opening Hours |
Monday 7 am - 8 pm Tuesday 7 am - 8 pm Wednesday 7 am - 8 pm Thursday 7 am - 8 pm Friday 7 am - 8 pm Saturday 7 am - 8 pm Sunday 7 am - 8 pm |
| Nearby Eateries | Restaurant Hubert | Quay Restaurant | Machiavelli |
| Distance From Sydney CBD | Around 1.2 Km |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/ykxQYT7mwSVPwtWg9 |
9. Queen Victoria Building
Established in 1898, the Queen Victoria Building is a spectacular and vibrant piece of astonishing engineering. Because of this, it’s also a heritage-listed late-nineteenth-century building that is located at George Street in the Sydney central business district. In this five-level shopping centre, there are more than 140 fashion stores.
This building easily occupies an entire block of George Street, which is in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. The option of dining or relaxing in the restaurant area is always there in this Victorian masterpiece. One of the best times to come here is during the Christmas season, when its dome is adorned with a giant Christmas tree.
| Name | Queen Victoria Building |
|---|---|
| Address | 455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia |
| Opening Hours |
Monday 9 am–6 pm Tuesday 9 am–6 pm Wednesday 9 am–6 pm Thursday 9 am–6 pm Friday 9 am–6 pm Saturday 10 am–6 pm Sunday 10 am–6 pm |
| Nearby Eateries | The Restaurant Pendolino | Mejico Restaurant | Cardea Sydney |
| Distance From Sydney CBD | Around 175 Metres |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/CnYit7kycmVXPmat8 |
10. Darling Harbour
Located on the western outskirts of the Sydney CBD is a renowned harbour called Darling Harbour. It’s one of the most iconic tourist places in Sydney. Catching the marvellous view of some dazzling fireworks in the evening is a must if you visit this spot on your journey. This place is also quite famous for the delicious chain of restaurants present here.
Being surrounded by a line of shopping centres, it gives the visitors an excellent opportunity to come and explore places such as the Sydney Aquarium and Zoo, the National Maritime Museum, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, and more.
| Name | Darling Harbour |
|---|---|
| Address | Sydney NSW 2000, Australia |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Nearby Eateries | Planar Restaurant | Adria Bar Restaurant | Cockle Bay Wharf |
| Distance From Sydney CBD | Around 500 Metres |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/gkPWZp1riSsySx6Q8 |
To Summarise
There are so many good places to explore in Sydney to escape the hustle bustle of your daily
boring life. Being a city of art and culture, as well as food and drinks, there are a lot of places to visit that are worth spending your money and time. Along your journey to these attractive places, you will be rewarded with some of the best aussie cuisine allowing you to uplift your taste buds.
We’ve tried our best to mention every mandatory queries that might arise in your mind while planning your trip to one of these places in Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s one of the most loved tourist places in Australia and is well-known for its icons such as Sydney Harbour, Opera House, Sydney Tower, and much more.
The best seasons to visit Sydney are from September to November and February to May, as at this time the weather is pleasant and the crowds are also not that large. For those looking for an economical trip here, I prefer coming in June to August.
In the month of January, summer is at its all-time high, with an average temperature of 27.4°C.
The coldest month in Sydney is July, as even the daytime temperature reaches around 13°C.
Buses are the main transportation medium in Sydney and connect most of the parts of the city very well.
