21 experiences you can't miss in Sydney

03.11.2023 - 14:49 / lonelyplanet.com / Art

Sydney is one of those cities that grabs your attention long before you get to experience it.

Bodyboarding at Bondi Beach, zipping under the Sydney Harbour Bridge on a ferry, or catching a show at the incredible Sydney Opera House are just a few of the incredible Sydney experiences you’ll want to tick off on your big trip Down Under.

And once you’ve tackled those, it’s time to explore what else the city has to offer. Here are the best things to do in Sydney, whether you’re visiting for the first time or the tenth. 

Sydney's dining scene has never been more inventive and exciting. Restaurants serving food from across the globe, often with a uniquely Australian twist, can be found in every pocket of the city.

Okay, it may be a little faddish and perhaps a bit too obsessed with big-name chefs, but it wouldn't be Sydney if names weren't being dropped. Thankfully the food scene manages to balance style with substance.

Fine dining restaurants such as Quay and Oncore by Clare Smyth stand out as world-class on every front – from the views and the service to the exquisite menus on offer.

Other Sydney hotspots – no less incredible in terms of quality dishes and top-notch hospitality – include NOMAD, Mr Wong, Cafe Paci, Long Chim, and seafood pioneers Saint Peter. However, a takeaway Sri Lankan or a cheap noodles night with BYO wine could just as easily be your Sydney dining highlight.

Sydneysiders love their giant coathanger, which opened in 1932. The best way to experience this majestic structure is on foot; stairs and elevators climb up the bridge from both shores, leading to a sidewalk on the eastern side (the western side is a bike path). Get the train to Milson's Point Station and walk back towards the city to enjoy the most spectacular viewpoint. Climb the southeastern pylon to the Pylon Lookout or ascend the arc on the popular BridgeClimb experience.

Planning tip: You can now book a trip with a First Nations storyteller who'll share their perspective on the city and country while you look over Sydney’s magnificent harbor from on high.

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this eye-catching building is one of Australia's most iconic landmarks. Visually referencing a yacht's sails, it's a soaring, commanding presence that comprises five performance spaces for dance, concerts, opera, and theater.

You can wander around the outside to your heart's content but the best way to experience the interior is to attend a performance. Taking a guided tour is also highly recommended (and available in several languages). There are a variety of tours on offer including backstage tours, a food-focused tour, and one that zones in on the architectural talent that created the building.

Bondi is one of the world’s most famous