Australia’s largest city and pretty much every visitor’s gateway to Australia.
Beautiful big city surrounded by bodies of water and lots of natural beauty. It’s a very big city with lots to do, and also more metropolitan (more ethnically and culturally diverse). Many people may prefer its more posh big-city vibe. But others (like myself) actually prefer a smaller, chiller, hip city like Melbourne…which feels more relaxed and not like you have to run across big distances to get places.
Between Australia’s biggest cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)…Sydney is considered the better beach destination. But it’s still not comparable to Sydney’s best beach destinations. So you decide…if you really want the best beaches, or you want a mix of beach with city.
Sydney could easily fill a week of your time with activities but 3 days can be enough. 1st day in the CBD and harbour areas (Opera & Harbour bridge). 2nd day at the famous Bondi beach and hip Newtown area. 3rd day in the Blue Mountains.
Where to stay:
- Kings Cross – feels like a central downtown area. Close to many things and cheaper to stay. It was long considered a dodgy “rough” area of Sydney but is quickly gentrifying. Is also known as the main “nightlife district” with lots of bars and clubs here.
- Bondi Junction – nice area, also near many things, also near the famous Bondi Beach.
Overall, Sydney’s public transportation is really good and easy to get around anywhere. But still…you might like a certain neighborhood for its vibe.
Hostels:
- Mad Monkeys – I found these to be a good option for young folks (below 20’s) as they like to party hard but were still relaxed and well-behaved in the hostel.
Neighborhoods & Walking areas:
- Bondi Junction – popular nice local walking area to be. Shops, stores, malls, a nice commercial area.
- Darling Harbour – nice commercial area by the water with many restaurants and bars. Touristy. Lots of Asian stuff here as it’s also right next to Chinatown Sydney.
I haven’t been in Sydney long enough to explore all the suburbs and less popular areas, but I imagine there are many gems in there that provide a nice local and less touristy vibe.
Activities to do:
- Buildings & architecture –
- Parks, gardens, green spaces – Hyde Park, beautiful park and considered the heart of city (a nice green oasis right in the city). Royal Botanical gardens, considered Sydney’s most beautiful green space. Chinese Garden of Friendship, nice chill park with Chinese-zen ambiance.
- Bridges & water-points – Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Arts & museums –
- Sunset views –
- Shopping – Westfield Bondi Junction (huge and beautiful modern mall), Queen Victoria Building (beautiful old super charmy mall). If you have any excuse to go shopping, I highly recommend these!
Restaurants & Cafes:
- Good places are everywhere. So unless you have lots of time, I’d pick places convenient to things you’re seeing and visting.
Sydney food scene is really good. Also, there’s great Asian food (understandably since it’s in Asia).
Bars & Clubs:
- Cantina OK! (Council Pl) – don’t know why but it’s very popular.
- The Lobo – sexy place we went to because Cantina OK (it’s 30 meters away) was full.
- Will list later.
Generally, Sydney is still fun for nightlife but not as cool as what it was. Many people also complain that the bouncers are too strict and unfriendly…rejecting you at the door for anything (haircut, shoes, the way you’re dressed, or because you look slightly drunk, etc). It’s not the friendly spot-hopping scene it used to be. And the numbers aren’t like what it was before.
Miscellaneous tips:
- Cheap sunscreen – can be bought at Chemist Warehouse. Many other things available here, too. Great recommendation by my local friend.
Nearby towns:
Unfiltered notes: