Every year, tourist destinations all over the world receive millions of vacationers. Among the most popular of these destinations is Sydney, Australia, which welcomed over 15 million visitors in 2018 alone.

If you’re planning a trip to The Harbour City this year, it’s important to have an idea of what you’re going to do and see once you’re there. Sydney is home to so many attractions, it can be difficult to experience it all in one trip!

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best things to do in Sydney, so you don’t miss out on any of the city’s greatest hits.

Read on the learn everything you need to know about Sydney’s top tourist attractions

1. Visit the Iconic Opera House

Regardless of your depth of knowledge regarding Australia, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sydney is probably the Opera House. Completed in 1973, this iconic building has come to be synonymous with The Harbour City due to its striking appearance and picturesque location.

After you’ve taken a few pictures of the architectural masterpiece, you can journey inside its walls to enjoy a tour of the building, a live performance, or a lovely meal.

2. Relax at Bondi Beach

You can’t visit Sydney without spending some time in one of the world’s most famous beaches, Bondi Beach. A quick drive from the city center, Bondi Beach is known for its crystal clear water and excellent surf.

If you’re not a surfer, not to worry! This beach offers many other attractions, such as the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, as well as a wealth of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

3. Spend a Day in Darling Harbour

As Sydney is known as The Harbour City, it’s no surprise that one of its most popular features is a harbour! More specifically, Darling Harbour, a recreational complex in the heart of the city.

While it’s certainly an option to just stroll through and take in the sites, you would be amiss not to enjoy at least a few of its many attractions!

During the day, be sure to visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship and sip a cup of tea as you wander through a sea of blooming flowers, babbling waterfalls, and noble willows. Afterward, take in the exhibits at the Australian National Maritime Museum and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

And the fun continues once the sun goes down! Experience the harbour’s vibrant nightlife, including a bowling alley, laser tag, and a variety of restaurants, before you turn in for the evening.

4. Stroll Through the Royal Botanic Gardens

Just south of the Sydney Opera House are the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of the city’s most frequently visited locations. These gardens are not only stunningly beautiful but also the oldest in Australia, having been established over 200 years ago in 1816.

There are a few options for viewing the gardens. You can take a self-guided tour, follow a guide through the gardens as you learn about its botanical history, or hop aboard the Choo Choo express for a scenic overview.

The gardens are walking distance from the Opera House, so keep that in mind when organizing your itinerary!

5. Visit the Taronga Zoo

A quick ferry ride from the city’s center will bring you to the shores of Sydney Harbour and the Taronga Zoo. This zoo has been open for over 100 years, and for good reason! Home to over 5,000 animals from over 350 species, the Taronga Zoo is passionate about conservation and sustainability.

After you’ve spent the day among the wildlife, tested your courage on the sky-high ropes adventure course, and taken a ride on the zoo train and Sky Safari, you can keep the fun going by spending the night!

That’s right, Taronga Zoo offers two overnight options for its guests who wish to do so. You can spend the night in luxury at the Wildlife Retreat or opt for the Roar and Snore, an overnight safari experience.

6. Enjoy the Bustling Nightlife

On top of its many daytime attractions, Sydney boasts one of the most lively nightlife experiences in the southern hemisphere. There’s something for everyone after dark, from bars to clubs to some of the best brothels in Australia.

Visit the Kings Cross area and wander Oxford Street and Surry Hills to dance the night away in a super-club or have a few drinks and appetizers in one of the area’s many pubs.

7. Take a Ghost Tour

If more traditional nightlife activities aren’t your thing, spend the evening exploring the spookier side of Sydney with a ghost tour. There are several tours to choose from, as many areas of Sydney are quite haunted!

The endless supply of ghost stories come from Sydney’s dark history. The first English settlers used Sydney as a convict colony, meaning most of its inhabitants were convicted criminals.

Sydney is also home to sites like Quarantine Station, used to keep individuals suspected of carrying contagious diseases separate from the general population.

Add These Things to Do in Sydney to Your List of Vacation Activities

When planning your trip to Australia, adding these things to do in Sydney to your list of activities is a must! Sydney is a fantastic choice for a vacation destination, as there truly is something for everyone, regardless of age or interests.

Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal fanatic, or an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love your time in The Harbour City!

Though planning every minute of your vacation in advance is unnecessary, it’s good to have a rough idea of what activities you want to experience during your trip. Doing so will help you avoid wasting precious vacation time trying to decide which attractions to visit.

Looking for more exciting ideas for your next vacation? Be sure to check out our blog!