From the iconic sails of the Opera House to the golden sands at Bondi Beach, Sydney is brimming with spectacular icons. Discover the city’s unmissable attractions by ticking these essential experiences off your bucket list.
- 7 min read
Sydney Opera House
Why it’s iconic: Set on the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most recognisable buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage–listed landmark – as much admired for its setting as its sail-like design.
What to see and do: Get up close to the architecture, stroll around Bennelong Point or take in magnificent harbour views from the forecourt, with the Harbour Bridge framed perfectly in the background.
Dive deeper: More than just a visual icon, it’s a working opera house hosting over 1,600 performances each year, from opera and classical ballet to contemporary dance, theatre and symphony concerts. Check out what’s on during your visit. Daily guided tours are also available in multiple languages, offering a behind-the-scenes look at this cultural powerhouse.
Good to know: Allow one to two hours for a visit; the exterior and forecourt are free to explore, while tours and performances are ticketed.
Nearby highlights: Settle in at Opera Bar or the adjacent House Canteen for harbourfront dining. Or treat yourself to a lavish fine dining experience at Bennelong, housed beneath the smallest sail and helmed by one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, Peter Gilmore.
Sydney Opera House Tours. Sydney - Credit: Nikki To
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Why it’s iconic: One of the world’s most recognisable landmarks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the largest steel arch bridge on the planet, spanning one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours. Affectionately known to locals as the 'Coathanger', it’s an intrinsic part of Sydney’s identity.
What to see and do: Walk or cycle across the bridge for harbour views, watch ferries glide below, or admire the structure from nearby vantage points such as Circular Quay or The Rocks.
Dive deeper: For a truly unforgettable experience, tackle the famous BridgeClimb and ascend to the summit for panoramic views across the city, harbour and coastline. Guided climbs are available at different times of day, including sunrise and twilight.
Good to know: Allow around 30 minutes to walk across the bridge, or several hours if you’re doing a climb. Pedestrian access is free, while BridgeClimb experiences are ticketed.
Nearby highlights: On the southside, The Rocks, Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House are all close by, making it easy to combine a bridge visit with other harbour icons. On the northside, check out Luna Park, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, and the Lavender Bay and Milsons Point circuit walk.
BridgeClimb, Sydney
Bondi Beach
Why it’s iconic: Sparkling blue waters, picture-perfect golden sands, a laid-back coastal lifestyle and a popular TV show make Bondi Sydney’s most famous beach.
What to see and do: Swim in the photogenic Icebergs ocean pool, relax on the sand or catch your first waves with lessons from Let’s Go Surfing.
Dive deeper: Tackle the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a 6km trail carved into sandstone cliffs, offering arresting ocean views and passing Tamarama and Bronte beaches before finishing in Coogee. Between October and November, enjoy Sculpture by the Sea, the world’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition, along the route.
Good to know: Bondi can get crowded on weekends and during summer, so plan your visit accordingly. Public transport is recommended, as parking can be limited.
Nearby highlights: Sip cocktails at beachside bars like Hotel Ravesis and Icebergs Dining Room and Bar; dine at local eateries such as North Bondi Fish, Sean’s, Speedos and Bondi Trattoria; and browse the Saturday and Sunday markets.
The Rocks
Why it’s iconic: Known as the birthplace of modern Sydney, The Rocks is where European settlers first arrived in 1788, making it one of the most historically significant precincts in the city.
What to see and do: Explore the area on foot, wandering cobbled streets and narrow laneways lined with markets, museums and galleries that bring its colonial past to life.
Dive deeper: Join a guided walking tour to uncover stories of convicts, sailors and early settlers.
Good to know: The Rocks is best discovered on foot, with weekend markets adding extra atmosphere.
Nearby highlights: Walk west to Walsh Bay for waterfront dining, heritage wharves and theatre venues, or continue on to Barangaroo Reserve.
The Rocks Walking Tours, The Rocks
Royal Botanic Garden
Why it’s iconic: A 30-hectare green oasis in the heart of city, the Royal Botanic Garden boasts some of Sydney’s most spectacular real estate: wrapping around the harbour and sitting adjacent to the Sydney Opera House. With a long history dating back to 1816, it’s the oldest botanic garden in Australia, and home to an impressive collection of plants from Australia and overseas.
What to see and do: Wander through gardens and waterfront paths, relax on the lawns with a picnic, or simply soak up harbour views.
Dive deeper: Join a free guided tour to learn more about the garden’s history, biodiversity and cultural significance – the Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tour is a standout, offering insight into the Gadigal people’s connection to the land and plants.
Good to know: Entry is free and the gardens are open daily; early mornings and late afternoons are especially beautiful for photography and quieter walks.
Nearby highlights: Continue your walk through to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for one of Sydney’s most famous viewpoints.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Why it’s iconic: One of Australia’s leading art museums, AGNSW showcases significant works by international and local artists, including one of the world's largest permanent exhibitions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Receiving over two million visitors a year, the gallery is located just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, in pretty parklands overlooking the harbour.
What to see and do: Visit during the one of the country’s most important annual art events, the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes; join a free daily guided tour; and stop to fuel up at one of the onsite dining spots, Crafted by Matt Moran or Mod Dining.
Dive deeper: On Wednesdays, stay late for Art After Hours, with talks, music and performances until 10pm.
Good to know: Don’t miss the gallery’s new building, Naala Badu. The sustainably designed space features contemporary exhibitions in site-specific art spaces, including a column-free gallery and a gallery for time-based art.
Nearby highlights: Combine your visit with a stroll down to Woolloomooloo’s Finger Wharf, and take your pick of waterside dining options, such as OTTO, Akti and Kingsleys.
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
Taronga Zoo
Why it’s iconic: Home to more than 4,000 animals, Taronga Zoo pairs unforgettable wildlife encounters with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, just 12 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay.
What to see and do: Wander immersive habitats home to everything from iconic Australian native species to rare and endangered animals from around the world, and learn about global conservation efforts through daily keeper talks and shows.
Dive deeper: The zoo offers Animal Encounters with capybaras, koalas, giraffes, dingos, penguins and meerkats, as well as a Keeper for a Day program for little ones.
Good to know: You can check-in for an overnight stay at the zoo: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is an eco-retreat nestled within the zoo, and Roar and Snore is a fully-hosted experience in safari tents.
Nearby highlights: Be sure to make time to check out Bradleys Head Amphitheatre, a 20-minute walk from the wharf along Bradleys Head Walking Track, for panoramic vistas of the city.
Taronga Zoo Sydney, Mosman
Chinatown
Why it’s iconic: Sydney isn't the only global city with a Chinatown, but this one is bigger, better and boasts more than most thanks to the Chinese immigrants that started arriving in the 1800s. You can find everything here, from small specialist stores and sprawling Asian grocers to noodle bars in hidden food halls and tucked-away late-night karaoke.
What to see and do: Feast your way through Sussex and Dixon streets. Favourites include Mamak for roti, Ho Jiak for char kway teow, The Eight for yum cha, Nanjing Dumpling for salted duck and Emperor’s Garden for 60c cream puffs.
Dive deeper: Join Local Sauce Tours for a two-hour guided experience to uncover the stories, flavours and cultural history behind the neighbourhood, stopping for street food along the way.
Good to know: The area is especially lively during the weekly Friday Night Markets and annual Lunar New Year celebrations.
Nearby highlights: Roam the tranquil Chinese Garden of Friendship; hunt for souvenirs and fresh produce at Paddy’s Markets; or sample more than 25 global cuisines at the Hay St Market food hall.
Local Sauce Tours, Chinatown
Sydney Tower Eye
Why it’s iconic: The 309-metre-tall Sydney Tower Eye takes you to the highest point above Sydney for breathtaking 360-degree views. On a clear day, the vistas stretch from the golden beaches of the Eastern Suburbs to the Blue Mountains.
What to see and do: Begin with the 4D Cinema experience – a short film giving you a bird’s-eye view of the city – then ascend to the Observation Deck, 250 metres above ground. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide striking views.
Dive deeper: For an adrenaline rush, book the guided Skywalk experience and step onto the outdoor glass-floored platform that circumnavigates the tower.
Good to know: Bar 83, perched 83 floors above street level within the tower, pairs retro-inspired interiors with creative cocktails and glorious views – perfect for a sunset drink.
Nearby highlights: Sydney Tower Eye is located within the Westfield Sydney shopping centre. Make a day of it by also dropping into nearby Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building and The Galeries.
Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk, Sydney CBD
Sydney Fish Market
Why it’s iconic: Located on the scenic Blackwattle Bay, the new Sydney Fish Market is the largest market of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. With more than 40 outlets and double the retail space of the original site, it’s the city’s ultimate spot for the freshest catch – from just-shucked oysters and buckets of king prawns to fresh lobster and cooked-to-order plates straight from the tank.
What to see and do: Graze your way through fishmongers, casual takeaway counters and premium waterfront restaurants, sampling everything from seafood platters to generous po’ boys. Grab a seat overlooking the water and soak up the lively market atmosphere as boats glide past.
Dive deeper: Sharpen your skills at Sydney Seafood School with a hands-on cooking class, or join one of the excellent guided tours on offer, such as the Behind-the-Scenes Tour for auction floor access or the Taste of Sydney Fish Market Tour to sample specialties from multiple vendors.
Good to know: There are 400 car parks at the site, but the best way to visit is via bus or the light rail – with a new ferry slated to open in 2027.
Nearby highlights: Continue along the waterfront to Blackwattle Bay Park and the Glebe Foreshore, following the pathway all the way to Tramsheds or Glebe Point Road, which is lined with a number of great bars, cafes and shops. Or head the other direction to explore Pyrmont.
Sydney Fish Market, Pyrmont - Credit: Tom Roe
Museum of Contemporary Art
Why it’s iconic: Housed in the former Maritime Services building at Circular Quay, the MCA is Australia’s leading museum dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting contemporary art.
What to see and do: Explore the evolving collection of over 4,500 artworks, the only public collection in Australia dedicated to the work of living artists, with over a third represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Dive deeper: Free guided tours are conducted each day, and the gallery also hosts educational programs and online exhibitions.
Good to know: Indulge in a long lunch at Canvas, located on Level 4 and boasting incredible views of the harbour and nearby icons.
Nearby highlights: Wind down post-gallery visit at one of the area’s historic pubs, such as Fortune of War, The Orient Hotel or The Glenmore Hotel.
Julie Mehretu Exhibition at the MCA - Credit: Artworks Copyright Julie Mehretu
Manly Ferry
Why it’s iconic: Departing from Circular Quay, the Manly Ferry is one of Sydney’s most scenic and affordable harbour experiences. In just 20-30 minutes, the journey delivers front-row views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and glittering harbour foreshores before arriving at the laid-back beachside enclave of Manly.
What to see and do: Grab a seat on the outdoor deck for uninterrupted views as you cruise past waterfront mansions, secluded coves and national parkland.
Dive deeper: Once in Manly, stroll The Corso to Manly Beach, explore ocean pools or settle in for seaside dining.
Good to know: Sit on the right-hand side when heading to Manly for the best Opera House and Harbour Bridge views. Time your trip for sunset to watch the city skyline glow on the return journey.
Nearby highlights: Find a stretch of sand at nearby Shelly Beach – bring your own snorkel or sign up for a tour to get-up close to the marine life of Cabbage Tree Bay just metres off shore – or follow the stunning coastal walk to North Head.
Circular Quay to Manly Ferry, Manly
