100 things to do in Sydney

Sydney is one of the most livable city on Earth. Blessed with superb and distinguished beaches, iconic world heritage sites and the energetic multicultural population, Sydney will never cease to charm you with its magic and keeps you wanting to stay longer. Here is a comprehensive list of the top 100 things to do in Sydney from popular attraction to local hidden gems. Let’s check out what this wonderful city has in store for you and your guaranteed amazing trip to Sydney!

1. Visit the Sydney Opera House

things to do in sydney
Flickr: Marc Dalmulder

The Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most iconic architectural wonders and arguably Australia’s most famous attraction. There are plenty of ways to explore the Opera House, from enjoying performances by world renowned artists to exploring the marvelous design of the building itself on daily tours such as the recommended backstage tour, or just checking in Instagram with a photo on the steps outside. Check out its website for information on performance or daily tour tickets and reservation.

2. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

things to do in sydney
Flickr: Antony Shepherd

For the young and the enthusiasts, climbing one of the most famous bridges in the world would be a giant check of the Australia bucket list. Bridge Climb offers a variety of tours with different times of the day you can choose from morning till night with guaranteed breathtaking view of the Sydney Harbour. A free option to enjoy the view is to simply walk across the bridge.

3. Visit the Pylon Lookout

things to do in sydney
The panoramic view from the Pylon Lookout Instagram @flaviapiresexplora

Another less pricey way to take in the panoramic view of the Sydney Harbour is to visit the Pylon Lookout. Situated in the South East Pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it can be accessed via the pedestrian pathway from the East side of the bridge. You can get a fantastic view and learn about the history of the bridge with the general admission fee of just $15. Flickr: HardieBoys

4. Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

things to do in sydney
The breathtaking coastal views that awaits you on this walk Flickr: karlnorling

Highly recommended by travel blogs as one of the best free things to do in Sydney, this walk will take you through the stunning coastal view of many gorgeous beaches including Tamarama, Bronte and Gordon’s Bay. Starting from the Bondi Icebergs, this scenic 6km-walk will take around 2 to 2 and a half hours to finish. You can even reward yourself with a swim or grab a bite and a drink along the way. Here’s a more detailed review of the walking experience.

5. Trip to the Blue Mountains

things to do in sydney
80 kilometers away from Sydney lies the Australian gem. Flickr: John Cooke

Named in every list of the best day trips from Sydney by travel blogs, a trip to the Blue Mountains is a must to put in your Sydney itinerary. An hour drive away from Sydney CBD, this awe-inspiring destination is a stunning combination of vast eucalyptus forest, hiking trails, gorges and aboriginal rock paintings. Simply put, you cannot miss this gorgeous escape into the wilderness when in Sydney.

6. Beaches hangout

things to do in sydney
Bondi is always the go-to-beach on a sunny day Flickr: mysticmedia production

Needless to say, hangouts at the beach should be taken as given in your to do list when visiting this beautiful coastal city. Sydney never runs out of beaches for you to choose from the most famous including Bondi beach, Bronte beach and Manly beach to the undiscovered ones like Milk beach in Vaucluse or Wattamolla beach in the Royal National Park.

7. Learn to surf at Bondi beach

things to do in sydney
What’s better thing to do at a beach than dance with the waves? Flickr: Jessica Rabbit

While you’re at it, why not put yourself up to some new experiences by booking a course in surfing? Let’s Go Surfing offers courses to individuals, families and kids, and groups with different levels and skills tailored to your desired adventure. If you already know what to do with the inviting waves, then wait no more and surf away!

8. Hit the markets

things to do in sydney
Take your bite of the freshest of seafood at Sydney Fish Market Flickr: Alpha

What’s better way to live the Sydney life than heading to the markets for a try of the local produce, fresh seafood and home made arts and crafts? There are a number of markets you can visit to explore the local taste, the famous ones including the Orange Grove Organic Food Market with the notorious mouth-watering bacon and egg roll, the Bondi Farmers’ Market, Paddington Market with homewares and jewellery, Paddy’s Market for cheap souvenirs and Sydney Fish Market with the wholesale auction in early morning.

9. Visit the Royal Botanical Garden

what to do in sydney
Flickr: Richard Beech

Regarded as one of the most impressive gardens in the world in terms of location, the garden offer a serenity of harbour views and is a great place to relax for an hour or two. You can choose to follow a guided tour or just enjoy the garden at your own pace. Once you’re there, don’t miss Mrs. Macquaries Chair, one of the best lookout points over the harbour.

10. Picnic in the parks

things to do in sydney
A stride through Hyde Park under the canopy is perfect for a chilling afternoon Flickr: Jason Tong

If you’re in need of a chilling afternoon, have a small picnic and enjoy yourself in the sun is not a bad idea at all. Centennial Park, Hyde park, The Domain, Wynyard Park are the popular names to have your laid back day at. There are more to discover in Sydney. Check out our list below to plan the most perfect trip! 11. Explore the neighborhoods 12. Discover Sydney in the air with Sydney Seaplanes 13. Hop on a city tour with free shuttle bus around CBD (route 555) 14. Save your money and go on some of the Sydney free tours 15. Enjoy the Free festivals all year round 16. Take in the top view at Sydney Tower 17. Practice sophistication at the Art gallery NSW18. Take the Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly  19. Sydney tours and pass 20. Get in touch with nature in Taronga Zoo21. Kayaking in Middle Harbour22. Fly over Sydney in helicopter 23. Stand-up paddle board at Balmoral Beach 24. Try theDharawal National Park Walking Tour25. Sauna at Icebergs Pool26. Catch the Katoomba-bound train in early morning for Blue Mountains sunrise 27. Camping in Sydney - Cockatoo sydney 28. Visit Royal National Park - biggest national park behind the Yellowstones 29. Go on a museums crawl30. Hit the road with motorized bike 31. Attend cultural events 32. Party at King’s Cross33. Get drunk at Hunter Valley for the wine lovers34. Bike rentals for city sightseeing35. Try the Town Hall tour 36. Live it up at music festivals37. Have the hands on wildlife experience 38. Shopping-spree at Birkenhead Point brand Outlet 39. Dine on Captain Cook Cruises 40. Check out the National Opal Collection Sydney 41. Get luxurious at The Star - premier entertainment complex 42. Try Oz jet boating/thunder jet boat43. Explore Ultimate Sydney culinary tour for the foodies 44. Discover Bangaroo village45. Go full Australian with Culture Scouts 46. Go to a game at Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium 47. Shop at Volle Jewellery 48. Experience night racing at Canterbury Park Race course49. Get an adrenaline rush at Lunapark Sydney 50. Explore Kangaroo Valley 51. Visit Port Stephens 52. Have the famous breakfast @ Bills Surry Hills 53. Enjoy the sunrise from Hornby Lighthouse 54. Try horse riding at Centennial Park 55. Go fishing with Fishing Sydney Tours56. Go snorkelling at Fairlight Beach or Gordon’s Bay 57. Skydive the Beach  58. Rock climbing with Climb Fit59. Take the dreamy Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk 60. Enjoying the shows at the Enmore Theatre61. Shop at Strand Arcade 62. Try the Super Mega Ramen at Gumshara 63. Have a laugh at The Comedy Lounge 64. A day trip to Byron Bay 65. Have dinner at Circular Quay66. Go back in time at Elizabeth Farm67. Relax with the ocean tidal pools at Wylie’s Baths68. Immerse in Chinese contemporary art at White Rabbit Gallery 69. Have goosebumps with the First Nations choreography at Bangarra Dance Theatre 70. Visit Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park 71. Go under the sea at Sydney Sea Life Aquarium 72. Star gaze at Sydney Observatory 73. Try to understand cricket at Sydney Cricket Ground 74. Have a wildlife coffee experience at Grounds of Alexandria75. Have a dimsum lunch at Mr. Wong76. Take a leap of faith with Skyspeak77. Get cheap eats, beer and theatre at Old Fitzroy Theatre 78. ROLLERCOASTER ZIPLINE! Yes, it exists, in Sydney. 79. Sign up for a free yoga class 80. Get cheap beers from the Rock Brewing Company tour 81. Bond with your friends at one of the Escape Rooms 82. Go Beyonce at Mizuya, free hour of karaoke comes with your 20$ food and drink83. Jump your heart out at Sky Zone Alexandria84. Check some things off your bucket list at one of the Work-Shop’s classes85. Take the Insta-worthy Grand Pacific Drive across the Sea Cliff Bridge86. Stay fit and go for a run at the Harbour Side Run 87. Put on your birthday suit at Lady Bay, Sydney’s only naked beach88.Visit Dobroyd Head for a look at the ancient aboriginal art 89. Keep an ear out for Didgeridoo by the Aboriginals on the streets of Circular Quay 90. Browse the bookshops for the titles you keep wanting to have 91. Book one of the whale watching tours and pray for sunshine 92. Visit the studio of Brett Whitley93. Join the Sydney Historic Pub Crawl and go wild 94. Get that quality time with Sydney’s most favorite outdoor cinema, Moonlight Cinema95. Up your bargaining game at Chinatown Night Market 96. Treat yourself with the best fish and cheap in Sydney at Balmoral Beach 97. Check out the Aboriginal art at the Aboriginal and Pacific Art Gallery 98. Go birdwatching at Lane Cove National Park 99. Watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day100. Enjoy the New Year’s fireworks on a sail with your loved ones