Sydney Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sydney
Cronulla Beach which includes waves
Sydney
Sydney
Sydney showing a bay or harbour, skyline and night scenes

Sydney Travel Guide Video

Blessed with more than 100 beaches and buzzing with youthful vitality, when it comes to the good life it’s hard to beat the Harbour City.

The capital of New South Wales, and home to more than four million people, Sydney is one of the most cosmopolitan cities on earth. This relatively young city is endowed with a brash, infectious optimism and sun-tanned residents who are as comfortable on  surfboards as they are at the ballet. From the golden sands and sparkling water of Bondi Beach to the instantly recognisable curves of the Sydney Opera House, this city is a photographer’s dream.Start your Harbour City adventure with a Skywalk at Sydney Tower. Then, explore the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens and the majestic sails of the Sydney Opera House. Just a short stroll away is Sydney’s outdoor answer to New York's Grand Central Station, Circular Quay. From this bustling transport hub, jump aboard a famous Sydney ferry to just about anywhere in Sydney Harbour. Nearby Darling Harbour has the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum. Follow the restaurant- and park-lined waterfront to The Rocks where you’ll almost feel the ghosts of the city’s convict and seafaring past. Thrill-seekers can ride the Wild Mouse roller coaster at Luna Park. If heights don’t phase you, stretch your legs on the Sydney Harbour Bridge BridgeClimb for a truly breath-taking experience. Say “G’day” to kangaroos, koalas and platypus at Taronga Zoo. Be sure to catch the free-flight bird show set against the spectacular backdrop of the harbour. A short walk from downtown, you’ll find village-like suburbs such as Paddington, Surry Hills and Newtown. These charming neighbourhoods are studded with quirky cafés, boutiques and galleries. Darlinghurst and Potts Point are top spots for foodies. Major shopping destinations include Bondi Junction and a sprawling Westfield mall in the heart of downtown. Sydney is a paradise for nature-lovers; the bush and the beaches are never far away. See the harbour’s rugged coastline on the 30-minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, one of the city’s most beautiful beaches. Getting around Sydney is simple, with an excellent network of trains, buses and ferries. The climate is temperate, with hot summers and pleasantly cool winters, making the Harbour City an ideal Australian destination year-round.

Where to stay in Sydney

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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
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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
Circular Quay - The Rocks which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a city

The Rocks

A noteworthy feature of The Rocks is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Circular Quay and Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Rocks
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 CommBank Stadium 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 Wharf and Shelly Beach.

Manly
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
The price is ฿5,241 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
฿5,241
฿5,765 total
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,299 reviews)
"Great location, hotel, staff. We were I’ll stay again"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Shangri-La Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
The price is ฿5,222 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
฿5,222
฿5,744 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,741 reviews)
"Great hotel!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Hyatt Regency Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
The price is ฿6,522 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
฿6,522
฿7,174 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,837 reviews)
"It was my first time staying at the Four Seasons, we had an awards nights there so stayed over. The room was large and very comfortable and clean. We had a great view of the city out of one window and a view of the harbour out of the other window.. Large bathroom with separate shower. Plush bedding, ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Four Seasons Hotel 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 Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,138 reviews)
"We loved our stay at this hotel, will definitely be back. The rooms are all renovated. Bathrooms were beautiful, and staff were so friendly."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Meriton Suites Sussex Street
Meriton Suites Sussex Street
5 out of 5
234 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,363 reviews)
"Reception staff were very friendly"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Meriton Suites Sussex Street
Meriton Suites Kent Street, Sydney
Meriton Suites Kent Street, Sydney
5 out of 5
528 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,109 reviews)
"The check in was seamless. The people behind the desk were very friendly & accommodating. The room was clean & a great size. I was cooking in the room & having family come to eat. Housekeeping provided me with more plates & cutlery. Great location for the Sydney Film Festival"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Meriton Suites Kent Street, 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.

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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.

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