A 3-day itinerary in Sydney for first time visitors

Morning 

Kick off your bucket list weekend with Sydney’s most iconic sight – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The bridge has connected the city and North Shore since 1932 and is used by almost a quarter of a million people each day. Today, you can be one of them. Walk across the bridge on foot, admiring the sweeping views of the sparkling harbour, Sydney Opera House and skyscrapers of the CBD. Or take your adventure to new heights with BridgeClimb, climbing up one side of the steel arch for a 360-degree view of the city. 

BridgeClimb, Sydney

Back at ground level, it’s time for lunch. Fresh seafood and French bistro classics are on the menu at Whalebridge, an elegant restaurant set on the eastern edge of Circular Quay. All tables are outside, so you’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of the busy harbour. For something more budget-friendly, grab fish and chips from Costi’s inside Quay Quarter Tower, just behind Circular Quay, then find a spot along the water to watch the ferries come and go. 

Whalebridge, Sydney - Credit: Kitti Gould

Afternoon  

Walk off your meal with a stroll in the Royal Botanic Garden. Dating back to 1816, it’s Australia’s oldest scientific institution and covers 30 hectares from the edge of the harbour into the city. Wander the winding paths, past groves of native trees, elegant rose gardens and lush green lawns. Continue on to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone seat carved by convicts in 1810 for Elizabeth, the wife of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. It has some of the best views in the city. 

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Sydney City

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is on the southern edge of the Royal Botanic Garden. The gallery dates back to the 1870s, though the grand neoclassical sandstone building you see today was opened in 1902. The permanent collection is made up of more than 30,000 pieces from Australian and international artists. It also hosts regular exhibitions like the Archibald Prize. Next door, the new Sydney Modern Project opened in 2022 with an incredible collection of First Nations art, enormous sculptures and a unique subterranean gallery. 

Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney

It’s just a short walk to your hotel, the five-star InterContinental Sydney. The lower levels were originally the 1851 Treasury Building, all honey-coloured sandstone, marble floors and leafy atriums. The rooms are in a modern tower above, with gorgeous harbour or city views. Don’t miss the rooftop Aster bar for an after-dinner drink overlooking the twinkling lights. 

InterContinental Sydney, Sydney - Credit: InterContinental Sydney

Evening 

Hop on the light rail from Circular Quay and travel down George Street to Chinatown. On Friday nights, Dixon Street comes alive with the popular Night Market. More than 50 stalls pop up, serving food from all across Asia – dumplings, pho, curry, roti, takoyaki and much more. Alternatively, visit the new Hay St Market dining precinct inside Paddy’s Markets. This Euro-style food hall has individual mini-restaurants and bars serving pasta, paella, burgers, pizza, deli meats, cheese, tacos and sweet treats until late. 

Chinatown gates on Dixon Street, Sydney

Morning 

If you’re an early morning person, don’t miss the chance to catch sunrise at Sydney’s most famous beach. Watching the sun come up over the water at Bondi is an experience you’ll never forget. Follow it up with a dip in the spectacular Bondi Icebergs swimming pool (and the accompanying Instagram post). Then don a wetsuit and learn how to catch a wave with Lets Go Surfing. Their group surf lessons are suitable for everyone absolute beginners and will show you the basics of ocean safety, paddling techniques and the all-important pop up. 

Let's Go Surfing, Bondi Beach

Treat yourself to lunch at North Bondi Fish, set on the ground floor of the North Bondi RSL. It’s owned by celebrity chef Matt Moran, who champions local produce and fresh flavours, so you can expect everything from fish burgers to mussels mornay and tuna belly sashimi. Just steps from the sand, it’s the perfect blend of elevated seafood dining and laid-back Bondi vibes.  

North Bondi Fish, North Bondi

Afternoon  

At the southern end of Bondi Beach, just past Icebergs, is the start of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Winding for six kilometres along the cliffs and past the Eastern Suburbs’ best beaches, it’s a glorious introduction to the Sydney coastline. You’ll also walk beside the 150-year-old Waverley Cemetery, where Australian legends like Henry Lawson and Dorothea Mackellar are buried. Stop off for a swim at Tamarama or Clovelly or bring your snorkelling gear to look for blue groupers at Gordons Bay. Once you reach the end, head up to the rooftop of the Coogee Pavilion for a cocktail in the sun. 

Coastal views of Tamarama Beach along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Evening 

After a quick change back at the hotel, head for the tallest structure in the city – Sydney Tower Eye. Opened in 1981, it was originally called Centrepoint Tower (and you’ll find lots of locals still use that name) and the observation deck is 250 metres from the ground. It has unmatched 360-degree views of the CBD. It’s open until 7pm, so visiting in the evening gives you the chance to watch the lights come on. If you’re feeling brave, hop into a jumpsuit and harness, and step out onto the open-air Skywalk platform. You’ll have Sydney at your feet – literally. 

Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk, Sydney CBD

The views continue at the aptly named Bar 83. Set on the 83rd floor of the tower, it has wraparound, floor-to-ceiling windows. If you can tear your eyes away from them, the retro 1970s airline lounge styling and exquisite cocktails and just as appealing. 

Bar 83 at Sydney Tower, Sydney CBD