3 Days in Sydney Itinerary: Exploring City’s Best Attractions

Welcome to your ultimate guide to spending three days in Sydney, packed with the city’s best attractions, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. Let’s dive into Day 1 of your itinerary!

Day 1: Sydney Harbour and Its Icons

Morning

Sydney Opera House

Start your day with one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, the Sydney Opera House. You can take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating architecture, history, and the many performances held here. There’s even an option for a backstage tour if you’re interested in seeing the inner workings of this world-famous venue.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Next, take a short walk to the dazzling Sydney Harbour Bridge. Feeling adventurous? Opt for the BridgeClimb, where you can climb to the summit for breathtaking views over the city and harbour. If you prefer something less strenuous, you can walk or cycle across the bridge for free and still enjoy spectacular scenery.

Midday

Royal Botanic Garden

Head to the peaceful Royal Botanic Garden for a stroll amidst native and exotic plants. Don’t miss Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for a perfect photo spot with panoramic views of the harbour, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge.

Lunch at Circular Quay

Grab a bite to eat at one of the lovely cafes or restaurants in Circular Quay. This bustling area offers a wide range of dining options catering to different tastes and budgets. Enjoy your meal with impressive harbour views.

Afternoon

The Rocks

Spend your afternoon exploring The Rocks, Sydney’s historic district. Wander through the cobblestone streets, browse the weekend markets, and delve into the area’s history at The Rocks Discovery Museum. If you have time, consider booking a walking tour to learn more about Sydney’s past.

Darling Harbour

Make your way to Darling Harbour, where you can visit attractions such as the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the hands-on exhibits at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Evening

Dinner at Darling Harbour

Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants along Darling Harbour. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Italian, or Asian cuisine, you’ll find a great spot to dine with waterfront views.

Evening Stroll & Nightlife

End your day with an evening stroll along the waterfront. If you’re up for it, experience Sydney’s nightlife with a visit to a rooftop bar or catch a live performance at one of the local theatres or live music venues.

Day 2: Beaches and Outdoor Adventures

Morning

Bondi Beach

Start your day early at the iconic Bondi Beach. Whether you’re a surfer, swimmer, or sunbather, Bondi Beach offers something for everyone. If you’re up for a bit of exercise, take the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, a 6 km trail that takes you along the coast with spectacular ocean views.

Breakfast at a Beachside Café

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at one of the many beachside cafes along Bondi Beach. Grab a table at Three Blue Ducks, known for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, or visit Speedos Café for a hearty and healthy meal.

Midday

Visit Taronga Zoo

After your morning at Bondi, head to the Taronga Zoo. To get there, you can take the ferry from Circular Quay—another chance to enjoy Sydney’s beautiful harbour. The Taronga Zoo is home to a wide variety of native Australian animals and exotic species. The zoo’s Sky Safari cable car offers sweeping views of the zoo grounds and the skyline of Sydney.

Lunch at the Zoo

While visiting the zoo, enjoy lunch at one of their cafes. The Taronga Food Market offers a range of dining options where you can enjoy a meal with views of the Sydney Harbour.

Afternoon

Manly Beach

In the afternoon, take a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Beach. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and scenic beauty, Manly offers great beaches, quaint shops, and excellent restaurants. If you’re interested in water activities, Manly is a perfect spot for surfing, snorkeling, or even taking a swim in the ocean.

Explore the Manly Corso

Wander through the Manly Corso, a pedestrian-friendly area that links the harbour to the oceanfront. Discover shops, cafes, and street performers as you soak in the local vibe.

Evening

Dinner at Manly Wharf

After a day of beach hopping, have dinner at one of the restaurants at Manly Wharf. Options range from casual eateries to fine dining, with many offering beautiful waterfront views. Try Hugos Manly for a fine dining experience or Garfish Manly for some of the freshest seafood.

Sunset Ferry Ride

End your day with a ferry ride back to Circular Quay, enjoying the stunning sunset views over the harbour. It’s a beautifully scenic way to conclude your adventure-packed day.

Day 3: Culture and Beyond

Morning

Breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria

Start your final day in Sydney with breakfast at the popular The Grounds of Alexandria. This cafe and garden setting offers delicious food and a unique ambiance. It’s the perfect way to fuel up before a day of exploring cultural attractions.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Next, head to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This major public gallery houses a stunning collection of Australian, European, and Asian art. Take a couple of hours to wander through the galleries and enjoy the beautiful artworks on display.

Midday

Hyde Park

Visit nearby Hyde Park, Australia’s oldest park. Wander through the lush greenery, admire the Archibald Fountain, and if you’re interested in history, visit the ANZAC War Memorial located within the park.

Lunch at Chinatown

Make your way to Chinatown for an incredible lunch experience. Enjoy a wide variety of Asian cuisine, from traditional Chinese dishes to modern Asian fusion. Din Tai Fung is among the popular options.

Afternoon

Australian Museum

After lunch, take a short walk to the Australian Museum. This museum is a treasure trove of natural history and cultural exhibits. Discover Australia’s rich indigenous heritage, marvel at dinosaur skeletons, and explore the many interactive exhibits.

Sydney Tower Eye

Next, visit the Sydney Tower Eye for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. The observation deck, located at 250 meters above the street level, offers a stunning perspective of Sydney’s skyline, harbour, and beyond. For the adventurous, the Skywalk experience allows you to walk on the tower’s outdoor platform.

Evening

Barangaroo Reserve

As the day winds down, head to Barangaroo Reserve. This revitalized former industrial site is now a sprawling park with walking paths, native plants, and amazing views of the harbour. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely evening stroll.

Dinner at Barangaroo

Enjoy dinner at one of the trendy restaurants in the Barangaroo precinct. Barangaroo House offers multiple dining options, including House Bar and Smoke Rooftop Bar, perfect for ending your Sydney adventure with some delicious food and drinks while enjoying night-time views of Darling Harbour.

Nightcap in The Rocks

If you have any energy left, pop back to The Rocks for a nightcap. Visit one of the historic pubs like The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel or explore some of the cozy wine bars in the area.