Top Things To Do In Sydney

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Tourist in summer clothes and a hat posing in front of Sydney Harbor Bridge
Tourist in summer clothes and a hat posing in front of Sydney Harbor Bridge

Wondering what to do in Sydney?

With its crystal clear beaches, colorful cockatoos, and super-cool crowd, Australia’s most vibrant city demands attention with its endless list of things to do. Lovers of the outdoors will be treated with bush-fringed coastline and manicured gardens; foodies will be spoiled for choice at century-old markets and quaint cafés. Many of the best things to do in Sydney can be found in and around the central pedestrian precinct, Darling Bay Harbor. From this perfectly positioned starting point, see major attractions like the Opera House before heading deep into the inner-city suburbs, where rows of 19th-century terrace houses sandwich tiny book shops and boutiques.

Tourists and locals enjoying a beautiful sunset with Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge in the background

A very pretty city

With sleek architecture, sun-dappled streets, and heritage buildings harking back to Sydney’s maritime history, finding a city with more aesthetic wow-factor would be a tall ask – and yet, Sydney is somehow upstaged by its natural surroundings. With so many outdoorsy things to do in Sydney, it’s no wonder getting outside is what locals do best. Whether you stroll the lawns of the centuries-old Royal Botanic Gardens, hike between cliffs, explore the sun-soaked harbor, or tuck into seafood on the beachfront, the city-to-surf lifestyle offers plenty of things to do in Sydney.

Tourists and locals enjoying a sunny day out at a local beach in Sydney

Breathtaking beaches

Sydney’s seaside is a paradise for beach bums, and each of the city’s beaches has its own appeal. There’s Manly Beach, a haven of golden sand and bronze bodies sunbathing and surfing, while street art-plastered Bondi Beach is perfect for beachside bar-hopping with beautiful people. For coastal walks, Coogee can’t be matched, and the secret sheltered shorelines and hidden coves in all corners of the city lure locals for balmy beachside afternoons. Wherever you decide to soak up the sun, one of the most unique things to do in Sydney is to travel between the beaches by ferry!

A typical food stall at a local market in Sydney

Phenomenal food

It’s not all shrimp on the barbie – Sydney’s food scene is a celebration of flavors from all over the world. Many of the most memorable things to do in Sydney involve food, from tucking into crispy fish and chips along on a beachfront to trawling historic inner-city markets for street food. Whatever cuisine you fancy – Turkish, Thai, Indian, Mexican, Chinese – you’ll find it here, and while fusion food is predictably huge, there’s no shortage of local fare. Once you’ve had your fill, grabbing a drink at a tiny heritage bar is one of the best things to do in Sydney at the end of your day.

Latest reviews from our guests

    Olivia was so great. We got to see many aspects that we wouldn't have even turned to on our own and got to hear so much history behind it.

    30 April 2026

    Jennifer G

    While visiting Sydney for just one day on the Island Princess during our 54-day cruise, we wanted to experience as much of the city as possible. We booked a four-hour walking tour with Graeme Cole, and it proved to be the perfect choice. Experience: This tour delivered both depth and variety—exploring The Rocks, crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and ending at Manly Beach. Graeme’s commentary was rich with history and personal insight, making every stop meaningful. Admission Fee: The tour offered excellent value for money given the quality and duration of the experience. Length of Visit: At approximately four hours and about 15,000 steps, the tour felt comprehensive but very manageable. Graeme efficiently adapted the pace for my husband, who moves slower due to needing a knee replacement, so we never felt rushed. Atmosphere: We enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day with clear views of Sydney’s landmarks. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly—Graeme’s warm personality made the experience feel like spending time with family. Crowd Size: Fortunately, crowds were lower on our tour day than they had been the day before. That allowed us to cover more ground comfortably and take in the sights without feeling overwhelmed. Staff: Graeme was exceptional—professional, accommodating, and deeply knowledgeable. His passion for Sydney was evident, and his genuine care for guests made the day truly memorable. Best For: This tour is ideal for first-time visitors, cruise passengers with limited time in port, and anyone who wants a well-rounded introduction to Sydney’s history and highlights. Graeme also shared suggestions for what to explore if we return with more time, and we absolutely plan to do just that. After this unforgettable experience, we’ll be back to see more of Sydney and its surrounding areas.

    15 April 2026

    Kimberly S

    This is a great tour to get introduced to Sydney and how to navigate. It can also be personalized based on your interests which is a major plus.

    15 April 2026

    Jennifer I

    Malcolm was an excellent tour guide. He walked and talked teaching us about Sydney. He was very informative and was able to answer all our questions. He took us to sites we were interested in.

    13 April 2026

    Jan G

See more reviews

Experiences for all types of travelers

^
curious

Experiences
for all types
of travelers

A local guide and tourists on a bridge while touring Melbourne

Top Things To Do In Melbourne

Tourist in front of Sydney Opera House on a night tour of Sydney Harbor

Best Sydney Night Tours

Couple of tourists on a night tour of Melbourne

Best Melbourne Night Tours

Private Tour Guides In Melbourne

Private Tour Guides In Melbourne

Private Tour Guides In Sydney

Private Tour Guides In Sydney

Walking tours Melbourne

Walking tours in Melbourne

Walking tours Sydney

Walking tours in Sydney

Melbourne private tours

Melbourne private tours

Sydney private tours

Sydney Private Tours

Sydney Food Tours

Sydney Food Tours

Melbourne Food Tours

Melbourne Food Tours

City Unscripted Destinations