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

© Isabella Moore/Lonely Planet

Why visit 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.

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Top places to visit in Sydney

Discover the best attractions in Sydney from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Travel Guides

Sydney travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

From beachside to harborside, live the high life in Sydney with our top things to see and do in this captivating and diverse Australian city.


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Best Time to Visit

Use this guide to plan the perfect trip to Sydney no matter what time of year you're traveling.


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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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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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Best Neighborhoods

From vibrant LGBTIQ+ communities to flashy tourist attractions and major sights, this is your ultimate guide to Sydney's neighborhoods.


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Day Trips

Make the most of good roads and public transit connections to explore more of New South Wales on these top day trips from Sydney.


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Money and Costs

Sydney isn't an inexpensive city to visit, but with these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your budget.


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Traveling with Kids

Family-friendly Sydney is packed with amazing experiences to share with your kids, from bushwalking to ocean pools, plus playgrounds, museums and art.


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5 Shops

From jewelry to vintage clothes, here's our pick of the best independent stores in Sydney.


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Spending Diaries

Our writer shares his highlights and costs from a long weekend in Sydney, with tips on how to save money and where to splurge.


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Accessibility

One in five (4.2 million) Australians have a disability and accessibility is a hot topic in the Australian travel industry right now. In 2018…


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