Things to Do in Sydney | Free Walking Tours & Top Can’t-Miss Attractions

The search for things to do in Sydney is a quick mission with such a long list of ideas. It’s no wonder that Sydney hosts more tourists each year than any other city in Australia. Not only does Sydney have world-famous (if not infamous) nightlife, it also has exquisite beaches, authentic history, and great weather. The fact that Sydney also has very mild winters makes it a perfect destination year-round.

Free Walking Tours

One of the best ways to see and learn about Sydney is a free walking tour. Locals who are passionate about their home city volunteer to take tourists through the city, showing Sydney attractions and explaining their significance and historical backgrounds.

• The I’m Free Tours are a great way to become acquainted with Sydney and gain valuable insight on Sydney attractions you’d like to visit during your stay.

• The Sydney Sights Free Tour is offered every day, two times a day at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. This tour lasts about three hours. It begins in Town Hall Square at George Street, between Sydney Town Hall and Saint Andrew’s Cathedral.

• The Rocks at 6PM Free Tour begins at 6:00 PM every day and guides tourists through the The Rocks District, outlining the history of European settlement, including murders, muggings, lane development, pubs and other relevant highlights of the area. This tour group meets on the water side of Cadmans Cottage.

Check In to Sydney Hotel CBD, Step Out to Sydney Town Hall

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Sydney Opera House

Among the most iconic Sydney attractions is the Opera House. Occupying Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbour , the Sydney Opera House hosts operas and events on a regular basis. The unique architecture of Sydney Opera House adds a sophisticated touch to Sydney Harbour , and the way it’s illuminated at night makes it a sight to behold after the sun descends. Aside from shows, Sydney Opera House also offers tours.

• Another great way to enjoy the breathtaking views of not only Sydney Opera House but also Sydney Harbour and surrounding areas is to take a ferry or Harbour Cruise around Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. You can even save on the Sydney Harbour Cruise by taking advantage of public transportation!

Check In to Rydges Sydney Harbour Hotel, Step Out to Sydney Opera House

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Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour isn’t only a popular Sydney attraction to view from a Harbour Cruise. It’s a fun-filled destination in and of itself! At Darling Harbour, you can catch a wave of serenity by strolling through the Chinese Garden of Friendship and enjoying a cup of tea in its quaint tea house. You can also enjoy mesmerizing riverside views from the Francis Langford Dockside Pavilion. Even more, gain insight to maritime life and history at the Australian National Maritime Museum or check out true-to-life wax replicas at Madame Tussauds Sydney.

• You’ll find plenty of places to shop at Harbourside shopping mall, and you can get an up close view of marine life at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. When you need a break, take a relaxing ride on The Carousel at Darling Harbour.

Check In to ParkRoyal Darling Harbour Hotel, Step Out to Darling Harbour

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Dining at Circular Quay

Like Darling Harbour, Circular Quay is more than a dazzling Sydney attraction to view from the water on a Harbour Cruise. Circular Quay is a prominent destination for delectable dining in Sydney. If you’re seeking fine dining in an opulent atmosphere with an amazing view of Sydney Harbour, you have plenty of elegant options including ARIA, Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, Tapavino, and Yayoi Garden. If you’re on a budget and want to save on Sydney dishes, Ship Inn offers meal deals on a weekly basis. You can also get delicious Vietnamese street food at Bahn You Vietnamese Street Food or enjoy classic burgers at City Extra.

Check In to Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, Step Out to Circular Quay

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Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Sydney and the entire country of Australia. Bondi Beach hosts scores of gorgeous bodies and is a popular destination for celebrities from all parts of the world. You won’t have to travel too far for refreshments or a delicious meal, either. Bondi Beach is surrounded by delightful eateries including Bondi Harvest Culver City, El Indio Bondi Beach (casual dining atmosphere that’s great for families with children), Hurricane’s Grill & Bar Bondi Beach, Bondi Trattoria, and Bondi Hardware.

Check In to Hotel Bondi, Step Out to Bondi Beach

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Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge is a popular destination for climbing enthusiasts. There aren’t many bridges in the world that offer climbing as a feature, but climbing is definitely an option at Sydney Harbour Bridge. Your climb leader will provide you with all the gear you need to keep you safe along your ascending journey. This experience will deliver good vibes with experienced climbers and impeccable views of Sydney Harbour and surrounding areas.

Check In to Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection, Step Out to Sydney Harbour Bridge

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Ales and Tales – Sydney Historic Pub Tour

Pubs have always been an integral piece of Sydney’s rich and eclectic history. The Sydney Historic Pub Tour is a four-hour adventure that introduces visitors to the oldest pubs in Sydney. You get the opportunity to taste a variety of beers while learning about the captivating history of European settlement and development, including brothels, gang activity, unsolved mysteries and murders, and seedy details along the route. It starts at 25 George Street in the Rocks District (The Rocks). The list price for the Ales and Tales – Sydney Historic Pub Tour includes discount vouchers to a variety of vendors, restaurants and pubs in The Rocks, so you can shop for souvenirs and extend your fun after the tour and save money!

Check In to Mercantile Hotel, Step Out to The Rocks

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Elizabeth Farm

Elizabeth Farm offers another historic account of the early European settlement in Sydney. The oldest homestead in Australia, this 19th century farmhouse was converted into a living museum in which visitors have access to all areas. There are no barriers or locked doors, so you get a real sense of walking through the home and seeing it through the eyes of the MacArthur family – the homes original inhabitants. Learn their story, experience the house on a candle-lit tour, and sip authentic Devonshire tea in the tea room.

Check In to Rydges Parramatta Hotel, Step Out to Elizabeth Farm

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Sydney Fish Market

Being a coastal city, Sydney is always stocked up with fresh seafood. The Sydney Fish Market is favored for its appetizing seafood and remarkable quality. Aside from daily deals and mouth-watering seafood options such as sushi and Chinese seafood cuisine, the Sydney Fish Market also offers guests a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour.

Check In to Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites, Step Out to Sydney Fish Market

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Sydney Tower Eye

Take a tour to the top of Sydney Tower to get a panoramic, 360-degree view from Sydney Tower Eye – the highest point in Sydney. Sydney Tower is open every day of the year, so it’s a perfect destination that is suitable for any vacation. You can catch a film while you’re at the tower, as well, in its 4-D cinema.

Check In to SKYE Suites Sydney, Step Out to Sydney Tower

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Taronga Zoo

Tour around Taronga Zoo on the zoo train or Sky Safari to experience the entire massive zoo without wearing yourself out. Visit giraffes, koalas, owls and penguins up close, and see a diverse mix of other members of the animal kingdom. You can even choose to stay overnight in a safari-style tent!

Check In to Meriton Suites North Sydney, Step Out to Taronga Zoo

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