Areas: where to base yourself
- Circular Quay and The Rocks: harbour views and ferries on the doorstep, at the highest prices.
- CBD and Darling Harbour: big hotels, good transport, often cheaper at weekends.
- Surry Hills and Darlinghurst: cafés, restaurants and bars a short walk from Central.
- Bondi and Coogee: beach life, a bus ride from the city.
- Manly: a beach town with a ferry commute to the city.
Food and drink
Sydney eats well. Try Sydney rock oysters, fish and chips by the water, a flat white in a neighbourhood café and the dumpling and noodle houses of Haymarket and Chinatown. The Sydney Fish Market is good for a seafood lunch, and many smaller restaurants are BYO for wine.
Money-saving tips
- Use ferries instead of harbour cruises.
- Travel on Sundays, when Opal fares have a low daily cap.
- Many of the best things are free: beaches, coastal walks, the Botanic Garden, the bridge footway and several art galleries.
- Picnic on the harbour foreshore instead of eating at the Quay.
Safety and practicalities
Sydney is a safe city. Swim only between the red and yellow flags, use plenty of sunscreen, and take care on cliff-top paths. Watch your belongings in crowded nightlife areas. Tap water is safe, and public drinking fountains are common.
Sample plans
One day
Start at the Opera House, walk through the Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, then explore The Rocks and walk across the Harbour Bridge. Finish with a sunset ferry to Manly and back.
Two days
Day one around the harbour as above. Day two for Bondi and the coastal walk to Coogee, then dinner in Surry Hills.
Three days
Add Taronga Zoo by ferry, or take a day trip to the Blue Mountains.
