Friends hug in front of the Sydney Opera House © Isabella Moore/Lonely Planet

Sydney New South Wales

Sydney, spectacularly draped around its glorious harbor and beaches, has visual wow factor like few other cities. Scratch the surface and it only gets better.

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Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do

Top Sights

Unmissable sights for your itinerary

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Planning Toolkit

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Things to Know
From what to pack to local culture and etiquette, here's what you need to know before you head to Sydney.
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Best Neighborhoods
Beaches, nature, pubs and restaurants: Sydney has multiple neighborhoods blessed with a bit of everything.
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Day Trips
Sydney's regional areas are varied and spectacular. And amazingly, they're also accessible on easy day trips from the city.
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Money and Costs
Sydney is not a cheap city to visit. However, there are ways to make your dollars go further in Sydney.
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Transportation
Sydney's public transport network is reliable, reasonably priced and way more convenient than driving – plus its largely air-conditioned.
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Free Things to Do
You don't need a fat wallet to enjoy the glamour and chic of Sydney. These free experiences, attractions and Sydney icons won't cost you a cent.
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Articles

Latest stories from Sydney

Festivals & Events

Sydney will become an illuminated work of art as Vivid Sydney kicks off this month

May 3, 2023 • 5 Min read

The 2023 edition of the famous festival will bring famous chefs, leading thinkers and, of course, brilliant light shows to Sydney.

Beaches
🌍 Help me LP! Which ferry do I take for the best Sydney views?
Mar 17, 2023 • 5 Min read
Which ferry offers the best views of Sydney’s stunning harbor? All of them.
Budget Travel
24 fantastic free things to do in Sydney
Feb 14, 2023 • 12 Min read
You don't need a fat wallet to enjoy the glamour and chic of Sydney. These free experiences, attractions and Sydney icons won't cost you a cent.
Budget Travel
See the best of Sydney on a budget
Jan 24, 2023 • 6 Min read
Sydney is not a cheap city to visit. However, there are ways to make your dollars go further in Sydney.
Destination Practicalities
The best times to go to Sydney
Jan 16, 2023 • 7 Min read
Use our guide to what's happening through the year in Sydney to help you plan the perfect time for your visit.
Activities
21 top things to do in Sydney to get a feel for Australia's first city
Jan 14, 2023 • 13 Min read
From the beachside to the harborside, live the high life in Sydney with our top things to see and do in this captivating and diverse Australian city.
Budget Travel
Everything you need to know to get around Sydney this year
Jan 11, 2023 • 9 Min read
Sydney's public transport network is reliable, reasonably priced and way more convenient than driving – plus its largely air-conditioned.
Art
A reason to travel to Sydney in December: the new Sydney Modern gallery
Nov 23, 2022 • 5 Min read
The new Sydney Modern, an expansion of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, promises a world-class facility to showcase the best in contemporary art.
Best in Travel - 2023
Check out Meissa Mason's best day in Sydney, Australia
Nov 15, 2022 • 2 Min read
Sydney is much more than its beaches and landmarks. Meissa Mason shows you her idea of the perfect day in her hometown.
Best in Travel - 2023
4 days to connect with Sydney, Australia
Nov 15, 2022 • 11 Min read
From hosting one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world to its new indigenous tours, return to Sydney to see it from a new perspective.