Hello, Sydney locals and Sydney visitors! If you have only a few days to spend in Sydney, but want to see as much as possible, here is my list of the top places to visit Sydney.
1) Sydney Opera House
Sydney’s iconic landmark is an impressive building from outside and from within. Check out the thousands of tiles on the walls by climbing up either the steps or lift; you can’t miss it! The exterior’s huge shell-like structure will make your jaw drop – not only because of its size but also due to its very unique shape. It is one of Sydney’s most famous attractions for both Sydney residents and Sydney visitors. During peak times (i.e., during Vivid Sydney), be prepared to queue for a long time. Sydney Opera House is Sydney’s number one Sydney attraction and there is no doubt about this!
2) Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an impressive sight, towering above Sydney Harbour with its central arch. The most popular place to view the bridge from would be Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair Lookout, which offers amazing views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House. I admire the Sydney Harbour Bridge and both its significance and symbolism for Sydney – but personally, I do not find it as fascinating as Sydney Opera House (and that is just my own humble opinion). If you want a photo with the Sydney skyline in the background, then head up to Milsons Point Station or try taking a ferry from Circular Quay; Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge (if not blocked by other tall buildings) will always be in the background.
3) Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Sydney has two Sydney harbor bridge climbs, one on each side of Sydney Harbour Bridge; both offer amazing views of Sydney but I prefer the southern Sydney harbor bridge climb view as it offers river and city views, and more opportunities to take photos (i.e., you don’t need to line up like a magpie at the lookout points). A Sydney harbor bridge climb is also a great opportunity to have a photo captured from above with Sydney’s most famous attractions from below: Skyline from Sydney Opera House, the waterway from Queen Victoria Building, and Circular Quay – all Sydney Sydney’s most famous attractions.
4) Sydney Opera House Tour
This Sydney attraction is not for the faint-hearted! It will require you to climb up and down, up and down. Worth it? Well, that depends on how much effort you are willing to exert; if you want an overview of Sydney Opera House (and its background stories), then this Sydney attraction is worth it. I found myself getting tired after climbing up and down, so I do not know if it is worth the effort – but others seem to find value in doing this Sydney attraction.
5) Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb + Sydney Opera House Tour Combo
If you feel like both these Sydney attractions are well worth your time and effort (as they most definitely are), then this Sydney attraction combo is perfect for you!
6) Sydney Harbour with Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House in the background – Circular Quay, Sydney CBD
The most common Sydney harbor photos will have Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background. My favorite is Circular Quay as it offers great opportunities not only to view both Sydney’s landmarks from afar (Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge), but also fantastic photo opportunities such as Skyline from Sydney Opera House; waterway from Queen Victoria Building; or ferry crossing the waterway (vivid colored lights during Vivid Sydney).
7) Powerhouse Museum & Art Gallery of NSW
The Powerhouse Museum hosts a wide range of Sydney exhibitions and Sydney events, from Sydney fashion shows to Sydney art. As a kid, I loved going there as there were always interesting Sydney exhibits which you can interact with – simple things such as trying on different types of hats or playing with magnetic letters (the latter is not very common in many other Sydney museums). If it’s too hot outside, then the Art Gallery of NSW offers good air-conditioned viewing for those looking to take a break from Sydney heat.
After reading this article, if you think you would appreciate some company, you can try out the Sydney Escorts at Ivy Societe.
