Sydney

Travel Guide
Sydney
Cronulla Beach showing waves
Sydney
Sydney
Sydney which includes skyline, general coastal views and a city

Sydney Travel Guide Video

Few cities can match the good life of the 'HarbourCity', a city with more than a hundred beaches, brimming with youthfulvitality. Sydney, the capital of NewSouth Wales, has more than four million inhabitants and is one of themost cosmopolitan cities in the world. As a relatively young city it has acontagious optimism and its tanned residents feel equally at home on theirsurfboard as in ballet.

From the golden sands and sparkling waters of BondiBeach to the unmistakable curves of the Sydney Opera House, the cityis a dream location for photographers. Start your exploration of the city witha Skywalk at Sydney Tower with its incredible views then explore the nearbyRoyal Botanic Gardens and the majestic sails of the SydneyOpera House. A short walk away you will find the Circular Quay, theequivalent of Grand Central Station in New York, but only outside (it isSydney, after all). Go to this bustling transport hub and board one of thefamous ferries from the city to one of the many surfy suburbs. In nearbyDarling Harbour you'll find the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the AustralianNational Maritime Museum.

Walk the quayside are filled with restaurants andparks to The Rocks, where you can almost feel the ghosts of the criminal andmaritime history of the city. For thrill seekers there is the Wild Mouse rollercoaster at Luna Park. Say "G'day" to the kangaroos, koalas andplatypuses in the Taronga Zoo and make sure you visit the bird show, with theport as a spectacular backdrop.

A short walk from the centre and you’ll find neighbourhoodslike Paddington, Surry Hills and Newtown. These charming neighbourhoods aredotted with quaint cafes, boutiques and galleries. Foodies will appreciate Darlinghurstand Potts Point. Those looking for a little retail festival will Bondi Junctionand the large Westfield shopping centre in the heart of downtown.

Sydney is a paradisefor nature lovers, who are never far from the bush and beaches. Admire therugged shoreline of the harbour during the half-hour ferry ride to ManlyBeach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the city.

Thanks to an excellent network of trains, buses andferries, you can easily get around Sydney. Sydneydelights visitor with warm summers and cool, pleasant winters. The ‘HarbourCity’ is an ideal year-round Australian destination.

Where to stay in Sydney

Default Image

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(343 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Darling Harbour showing city views, a city and night scenes

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Darling Harbour. Check out top attractions like Star Casino and Australian National Maritime Museum, and jump on the metro at Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station or The Star Station to see more of the city.

Darling Harbour
Default Image

Sydney Olympic Park

Unique features of Sydney Olympic Park include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Accor Stadium or Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre while you're exploring the area.

Sydney Olympic Park
Parramatta showing a city and general coastal views

Parramatta

Travellers come to Parramatta for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Westfield Parramatta Shopping Centre and Riverside Theatres while you're in town.

Parramatta
Manly Beach featuring a coastal town, tropical scenes and a beach

Manly

A noteworthy feature of Manly is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Manly Beach and Manly Wharf.

Manly
Bondi Beach featuring general coastal views, a beach and a coastal town

Bondi Beach

Travellers to Bondi Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Bondi Beach and Bondi Pavilion.

Bondi Beach
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
The price is €230 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
€230
includes taxes & fees
16 Dec - 17 Dec
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,473 reviews)
"Loved the location and the service that staff provided."

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2024

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
8 Arrival Court, Sydney International Airport, Mascot, NSW
The price is €133 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
€133
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,336 reviews)
"Excellent for an overnight stay before an early international flight"

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2024

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is €183 per night from 17 Dec to 18 Dec
€183
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,082 reviews)
"Hotel, not bad but loved the breakfast!"

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2024

Shangri-La Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,689 reviews)
"great stay. one elevator working so it was little wait. but otherwise all good. everything was clean would recommend"

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2024

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
ADGE Hotel & Residences
ADGE Hotel & Residences
4.5 out of 5
212 Riley Street, Surry Hills, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (609 reviews)
"Great hotel in a trendy spot. Just be aware that it's in a very queer neighbourhood which can be a good thing if that's what you are after, but not if you are conservative. Very safe and friendly area."

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2024

ADGE Hotel & Residences
Rydges Darling Square Apartment Hotel
Rydges Darling Square Apartment Hotel
4 out of 5
72 Liverpool Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 4-star boutique aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,346 reviews)
"I found the room was a good size for a hotel and the little kitchenette was a bonus. I liked having the balcony too. It was good to go outside and sit and have a drink."

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2024

Rydges Darling Square Apartment Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Sydney

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
168
" "5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
63
" "4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

An amazing city , it certainly has plenty of iconic sights to see, and lots to do, with amazing shops too.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fantastic

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

very central for visiting other areas, trains to Blue mountains and Southern Highlands

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Sydney is a city like so many others however the Harbour Bridge, the opera house and Circular Quay make it unique

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Really enjoyed our time in Sydney. The hotel was perfect location for The Opera House, Sydney Bridge, Restaurants, bard, shopping and all transport.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved our visit. Definitely worth hopping on the ferries to get to other city areas, cheap and frequent. Good museums, Plenty of reasonably priced places to eat.