Sydney is one of the most vibrant and attractive cities of Australia. The suburbs of the city are all uniquely designed to give you maximum pleasure during your stay. There is a lot to do in Sydney which is sometimes called the cultural capital of Australia and not without good reason!
You should start by exploring as much of Sydney as you can! You should definitely look to venture into the suburbs including the Bondi Beach which is a great hangout zone and will give you some much needed rest and relaxation. You will also enjoy the lovely cafes that this beach is dotted with. You can go to Newtown if you’re looking for style while the shopaholic in you will appreciate Paddington more than anything else as it is home to some of the finest designer boutiques in Australia. You will definitely want to spend a day exploring Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. These two places will give you ample scope for shopping, eating and drinking all you wish! You will love stumbling upon gourmet grocers and boutiques like Doll Baby and Wheels.
You can also check out the Book Kitchen which offers a fantastic brunch in addition to the Bourke St Bakery which offers sausage rolls, baguettes and plum tarts among other attractions. If you’re an art enthusiast, you will certainly fall in love with 2 Danks Street which is a fabulous warehouse complex possessing several mini galleries in the Waterloo backstreets. You can also get some delectable brunches from the prize winning café present in this area and even venture to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art where the Circular Quay view will mesmerize you along with the compelling artwork on display. If you like beaches and the seaside, you should try and check out some of the little known beaches around like Camp Cove which lies near Watson’s Bay and the Shelly Beach which is located near Manly.
Take a leisurely stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens which offers a wonderful view of the iconic Opera House. Cremorne Point is another fabulous place for walking amidst lovely gardens with mindboggling views of the city. You can take a ferry to this lovely destination. You can also take a walk right along the top of the cliff from Bondi to Coogee. This walk will give you some amazing views of the sea and there are several cafes on the way for refreshments and recreation. The Sculpture by the Sea exhibition is held in October or November each year and is a unique yet magical beach installation that you should not miss out on! The Kings Cross district offers several bars and budget accommodation. This colourful district is not for the faint hearted but offers you insights into the culture and spirit of the city.
You can also have a leisurely drink or two at the Opera Bar lodged at the Opera House. This will definitely give you some fantastic views of the setting sun. The Surry Hills’ Absinthe Salon is another funky bar while the Victorian Room at the Darlinghurst transforms into a lounge, restaurant and café, depending upon the time of the day. Foodies have plenty to savour in Sydney including Thai cuisine, contemporary Australian delicacies and compelling seafood. The best spot to start your food trail is Crown Street which is located at Surry Hills and is home to several iconic restaurants and funky eateries including bills Surry Hills, Spice I Am, Le Monde, Billy Kwong and more. You can also check out Hugo’s at Manly which will give you a fabulous combination of sea views and delectable Australian food. Newtown is home to several Thai restaurants and the Campos café is a big hit with the locals.
Cleveland Street is where you will find some of the best Middle Eastern food houses and eating joints. Betty’s Soup Kitchen and the Oceanic Café are joints which will give you a real flavour of the city encased in fun takeaways. If you’re a shopaholic, you should definitely venture to the shopping streets at the Central Business District or visit the Queen Victoria Building. Paddington is where some of the most premium boutiques and brands are located. Must visits include Glebe, Egg Records, Better Read than Dead and the weekend markets at Glebe, Paddington and Bondi. These markets will give you some fabulous bargains.
You can catch trains from the airport to the city if you’re travelling alone or even take a cab if you have company. The monorail will take you to several areas along with ferry services which take you to both sides of the harbor. The SCG is another place that you should visit if you’re a cricket buff and wish to get your fill of one of the world’s most iconic sporting grounds. The Tour Experience offers insightful journeys through the Allianz Stadium and the ground itself.
You will enjoy visiting the dressing room, private suite, Players Tunnel, Walk of Honour and the Members Pavilion. The SCG Museum is another big attraction here. This Tour cannot be missed if you’re a true cricketing and sports enthusiast. You can take a stroll down the Sydney Harbor Bridge which is one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions. You can enjoy some beautiful views from the North Head Lookout and if you’re lucky you might spot whales and other marine specimens from the mouth of the harbor. The New South Wales Art Gallery will give you several displays to cherish along with films and free talks. Camp Cove is one of the most intimate and secluded beaches in Sydney while the Bronte Park is another unique destination for having lunch. Shelly Beach and the Sydney Aquarium will give you fabulous insights into marine life in its natural habitat.
The St James’s and St Mary Churches are also worth a visit, particularly for their beauty and architectural splendour. The White Rabbit Gallery should also find a place in your travel itinerary while in Sydney.