© Isabella Moore/Lonely Planet
Sydney
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.
Start planning your trip
Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Bondi Beach
Sydney
Definitively Sydney, Bondi is one of the world’s great beaches. It’s the closest ocean beach to the city centre (8km away), has consistently good (though…
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Circular Quay & The Rocks
Sydneysiders love their giant 'coathanger', which opened in 1932. The best way to experience this majestic structure is on foot. Stairs and lifts ascend…
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Sydney
A spectacular mix of sandstone, Australian bushland and tranquil water vistas, this 14,928-hectare park forms Sydney’s northern boundary. It’s located 20…
Watsons Bay
Sydney
Lovely Watsons Bay, east of the city centre and north of Bondi, was once a small fishing village, as evidenced by the heritage cottages that pepper the…
Taronga Zoo Sydney
Sydney
A 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, this forested harbour hillside is full of kangaroos, koalas and similarly hirsute Australians, plus numerous…
Sydney Opera House
Circular Quay & The Rocks
Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this magnificent building is Australia's most famous landmark. Visually referencing a yacht's sails, it's a…
West Head
Sydney
This central section of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a spectacular wilderness, with awe-inspiring vistas over Pittwater and Broken Bay, hidden beach…
Art Gallery of NSW
City Centre & Haymarket
With its neoclassical Greek frontage and modern rear, this much-loved institution plays a prominent and gregarious role in Sydney society. Blockbuster…
Planning Tools
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.
Read articleBest Neighborhoods
Beaches, nature, pubs and restaurants: Sydney has multiple neighborhoods blessed with a bit of everything.
Read articleDay Trips
Sydney's regional areas are varied and spectacular. And amazingly, they're also accessible on easy day trips from the city.
Read articleMoney and Costs
Sydney is not a cheap city to visit. However, there are ways to make your dollars go further in Sydney.
Read articleTransportation
Sydney's public transport network is reliable, reasonably priced and way more convenient than driving – plus its largely air-conditioned.
Read articleFree 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.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Sydney
Festivals & EventsSydney will become an illuminated work of art as Vivid Sydney kicks off this monthMay 3, 2023 • 5 min read
Activities21 top things to do in Sydney to get a feel for Australia's first cityJan 14, 2023 • 13 min read
Best in Travel - 2023Check out Meissa Mason's best day in Sydney, AustraliaNov 15, 2022 • 2 min read
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of Sydney with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.
