48 Hours in Sydney

Sydney is beautifully situated along the coast and boasts a stunning harbour, world class restaurants, and idyllic beaches. Its sunshine, laid-back vibe, and abundance of natural attractions will have you wanting to actively explore the city and its surrounding areas.

I’ve put together a list of some popular attractions, historic sites, and beautiful beaches to visit if you only have a few days to see Sydney.

Day 1

Circular Quay

Circular Quay is the bustling hub of activity near the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This is a great area to stroll around and soak in the gorgeous views, or to grab a drink at one of the many nearby patio restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could climb the Harbour Bridge or take a tour of the Opera House. (Be sure to walk across the Harbour Bridge for great views of the Opera House from a far.)

The Rocks

This historic area is the place of Australia’s first European settlement and is filled with Colonial style buildings, boutiques, pubs, and restaurants. Grab a pint at one of the many historic pubs or shop at the weekend markets.

The Royal Botanic Gardens

It’s free to enter and walk through the 30 hectares of local and international plants. Within the gardens, you can access Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, which gives you a great vantage point of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

You can also walk from the gardens to nearby Hyde Park and grab a take away lunch for a quiet picnic.

Manly Beach

Take a surfing lesson or watch the pros at this world class beach. There’s an abundance of waterfront restaurants and pubs and many other activities- like bike tours and kayak rentals. The ferry ride is roughly 30 minutes.

Day 2

Darling Harbour

This area has a variety of attractions including an entertainment centre, a waterfront shopping centre, museums, the Sydney Aquarium, and Wildlife World. If you’re looking to do some budget-friendly shopping, head to nearby Paddy’s Markets for clothing, jewelry, fresh fruit, and a multitude of other goods.

Watsons Bay

Take the ferry from Circular Quay to visit Australia’s oldest fishing village. Stroll along the coastal walking paths which have beautiful views of the city in the distance or sample fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants. The best fish and chips are said to be served at Watsons Bay Hotel.

Bondi Beach

Sunbathe on the famous beach or walk along the coast from Bondi to Coogee. You will be rewarded with beautiful views as you pass smaller beaches, bays, parks, and rock pools. The walk is fairly easy with a few staircases along the track and takes roughly two hours to complete.

Kings Cross

Check out Sydney’s nightlife and infamous clubs at Kings Cross- also known as the red-light district.

Additional Info:

• You can take a free walking tour of the city, which is offered daily at 10:30am, 2:30pm, and 6:00pm
• MyMulti Day Pass gives you unlimited train, bus, and ferry travel for $23
• When I was in Sydney I stayed at Sydney Central YHA and Sydney Railway Square YHA. Both hostels are centrally located- just steps away from the bus terminal and Central Railway Station

 Have you been to Sydney? What are you favourite sites in the city?