We’ve been to Sydney twice now, and honestly, we’d go back again and again. It’s hands-down the best city we’ve ever visited. There’s something about it – the energy, the views, the vibe – that just makes you fall in love. If we could move there, we probably would!
If you’re planning your own Sydney travel itinerary, here’s our tip: don’t rush it. This city isn’t a place you can tick off in just a day or two. We’d say stay at least four nights, but if you can, a whole week is even better. There’s so much to see, eat, and explore, and you don’t want to feel like you’re cramming it all in. From the stunning Sydney Harbour to the beaches and the amazing food, Sydney has something for everyone. It’s the kind of place where every moment feels special, whether you’re walking by the water or eating some seriously good plant-based food. We’re already dreaming of our next visit!
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Quick Peek
For our busy travelers, here is the Fact-sheet about our 5-day Sydney travel itinerary.
Travel Time
November & April
Travel Mode
City trip (5 nights)
Our Must-Sees
Coastal Walk, Opera area, Blue Mountains
Where to stay
One Global Resort Green Square
Plant-Based Food
Mobility
Rental car
Travel Budget
€3.030 / AUD5.229
without air fare
Sydney Travel Itinerary: Unmissable Gems to Explore
Sydney is full of amazing places, but these are the ones that truly stood out to us. Each one has its own charm and something special to offer, making them absolute highlights for your Sydney travel itinerary. Don’t miss them!
Sydney Opera House and the Surrounding Area
The Sydney Opera House isn’t just a landmark – it’s a whole vibe. We’ve been there several times, and honestly, once is just not enough. The area around it is so alive, and it would be such a shame to only visit it once. Our favorite time to head to the Opera House is just before sunset. The way the light hits the sails of the building is something you have to see with your own eyes – it’s stunning. After that, we love wandering around the harbor area in the evening when everything is lit up. The city feels so magical at night, with the reflections on the water and the soft glow of the lights from the Harbour Bridge.
Harbour Bridge in the Evening
From the Opera House, it’s just a short walk to the Harbour Bridge, and visiting this iconic spot in the evening is truly something special. As the sun sets, the sky turns into a beautiful mix of pink and orange, and the bridge starts to sparkle as the city lights come on. It’s one of those moments where you just have to pause and think, “This is unreal.” Of course, driving over the Harbour Bridge is another must-do. It gives you a whole new perspective of this incredible structure. And for photo lovers, there are so many great spots to capture the bridge perfectly. We’ll share more of our favorite photo spots in our Sydney Instagrammable Places post – so be sure to check that out!
Since we were exploring Sydney with our two little ones, we didn’t go up on the bridge itself. But if that’s something you’d love to experience, you can book a guided tour. From what we’ve heard, the views from up there are absolutely breathtaking. It’s definitely something to add to your list if you’re up for an adventure!
A Relaxing Day at Bondi Beach
If you’re visiting Sydney, Bondi Beach has to be on your list – and lucky for us, it was just a quick 10-minute trip from our accommodation to this famous spot. Sometimes, when you visit those big, well-known tourist attractions, they don’t live up to the hype. But Bondi? It’s different. It’s everything you imagine and more. We spent a fantastic day here soaking up the Aussie vibes. Whether you’re into surfing, people-watching, or just chilling on the beach, there’s always something going on to keep you entertained. It’s lively without being overwhelming, and you can’t help but feel like you’re in the heart of Sydney’s beach culture.
Coastal Walk: Coogee to Bondi (The Perfect Start to the Day)
If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to start your day in Sydney, the Coastal Walk from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach is a must. We decided to tackle the 6-kilometer trail in the morning, and it was such a refreshing and beautiful experience. For joggers, this walk is an absolute paradise – stunning views, fresh sea air, and plenty of space to get moving.
Here’s a little insider tip: parking at Coogee Beach is free, so you can skip the expensive parking fees at Bondi! The trail winds along Sydney’s stunning coastline, passing breathtaking cliffs, hidden coves, and countless scenic viewpoints. What we loved most? The freedom to stop along the way. There are plenty of beaches where you can take a break, dip your toes in the water, or just soak up the views. This walk isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about enjoying every moment of the journey. With the incredible coastal scenery and the relaxing vibe, it’s the kind of experience you’ll remember long after your trip is over.
Manly Beach: Another Perfectly Relaxed Day for Your Sydney Travel Itinerary
On our second trip to Sydney, we decided to spend a day at Manly Beach – and it turned out to be such a great choice. This beach has a really laid-back vibe and feels a bit less busy compared to Bondi, which made it perfect for a relaxing day. We drove there over the Harbour Bridge, which was such a cool experience in itself. Parking at Manly was easy to find, thanks to the long stretch of beach and plenty of space nearby. It’s also a fantastic spot for anyone wanting to learn how to surf – the waves are just right for beginners, and there are lots of schools around to get you started.
Even if you’re not into surfing, Manly Beach is such a nice spot to chill, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the ocean. It’s one of those beaches that we’d definitely recommend adding to your Sydney travel itinerary, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing, stress-free beach day.
Blue Mountains: A Perfect Day Trip for Your Sydney Travel Itinerary
One of the highlights of our trip to Sydney was visiting the Blue Mountains. We made it a day trip, and it was absolutely worth it. The drive from Sydney’s city center takes around 1.5 hours, so it’s easy to fit into your itinerary. That said, if you’re really into hiking or want to explore all the trails and lookouts, spending a night there might be something to consider. There’s so much to see and do, and one day honestly felt a bit short.
The scenery in the Blue Mountains is breathtaking. From the iconic Three Sisters rock formation to the countless hiking trails, there’s something for everyone. We loved stopping at the different lookouts along the way – each one seemed to have an even better view than the last!
Our Favorite Accommodation in Sydney
When we travel, we usually love staying in Airbnbs – especially when doing a road trip. Having our own space, a kitchen, and that cozy home-away-from-home feeling is just perfect. But when it came to Sydney, we wanted to fully experience the city. So, we spent a lot of time researching the best place to stay.
Of course, the Harbour area is the first thing that catches your eye when looking for accommodation in Sydney. But in the end, we found what we think was the perfect choice – the Skye Suites Green Square in Zetland. And guess what? We loved it so much that we booked it again for our second trip! It’s now called One Global Resort Green Square, but everything we loved about it is still the same.
Why We’d Choose It Again
The location is super convenient. If you’re flying in, it’s only two train stops from the airport – which is a huge plus after a long journey. If you’re driving, there’s a parking garage available for around 50 AUD per day. That might sound like a lot, but for Sydney, it’s actually pretty reasonable. Getting to Sydney’s top attractions is easy too. In less than 20 minutes, you can be at the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, or any of the city’s famous spots. And if you’re heading to Bondi Beach or the coastal region? It’s only about 15 minutes away.
Sydney Travel Itinerary: Top Plant-Based Dining Options
Sydney is an absolute dream for plant-based food lovers! The city has endless options, from trendy vegan cafés to high-end restaurants with amazing plant-based menus. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a healthy brunch, or a fancy dinner, Sydney has it all.
We tried so many incredible spots that we actually wrote a separate blog post all about the best plant-based dining options in Sydney. There’s just too much to fit into one section! If you’re looking for the best vegan burgers, delicious smoothie bowls, or creative plant-based fine dining, check out our full guide to vegan and vegetarian food in Sydney.
Sydney Travel Itinerary: How We Got Around the Harbour City
Here’s how we did it. On our first trip, we arrived in Sydney by car, having already picked up our rental back in Adelaide. On our second trip, we flew in from Perth and quickly realized that we could save over $1,000 on our rental if we picked it up in the city instead of at the airport. So, we took an Uber from the airport for around $80, which was absolutely fair.
With two kids and all our camera gear, having a car just made things easier for us. But if you don’t need one, Sydney has a super modern public transport system – which isn’t surprising for one of the best cities in the world. If you’re planning to explore the city without a car, grab an Opal Card and take advantage of the trains, buses, and ferries. It’s especially the best option for visiting the Opera House and the Harbour area, where parking is insanely expensive.
Speaking of parking – Sydney’s parking prices are crazy. But there are ways to save! We highly recommend using the Wilson Parking app and booking a spot in advance. It’s worth researching because prices can vary massively, even if garages are just a few hundred meters apart. Look out for special deals, too – these can easily save you a few hundred dollars over the course of your stay.
Traffic in Sydney? Surprisingly not bad at all. For a city this size, we barely hit any real traffic jams, which made driving a lot less stressful than we expected.
Our Sydney Travel Budget: A Complete Breakdown
Accomodation
€296/night (excl. breakfast) x 5 nights = €1.480
Food & Dining
Around €120 per day = €600
Mobility
Rental Car (Toyota Prado) €120 per day = €600
Petrol & Parking €350
Activities
all for free
Total Spent
€3.030 / AUD5.229
Capture the Best Moments: Instagrammable Spots in Sydney
Sydney and its surroundings are packed with stunning photo opportunities! From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s no shortage of breathtaking spots to capture. Since there are just too many to fit into one section, we’ve put together a separate blog post highlighting our Top 10 Instagrammable Places in Sydney. Check it out for the best views, angles, and must-visit photography locations!
Your Ultimate Sydney FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Sydney is great year-round, but the best time really depends on what you want to do. If you love warm beach weather, visit between November and March (Australian summer). For fewer crowds and still pleasant temperatures, September to November or March to May are perfect.
To really experience Sydney, we recommend at least four nights. A week is even better if you want to explore more beaches, do day trips, and enjoy the food scene without rushing.
Yes! The Opal Card is Sydney’s public transport card and works for buses, trains, ferries, and light rail. You can buy and top up the card at stations, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Alternatively, you can also use contactless payment (credit/debit card or phone) to tap on and off.
Sydney isn’t cheap, but you can manage your budget with a few smart choices:
- Use public transport instead of taxis.
- Book accommodation outside the city center (like Zetland, where we stayed).
- Take advantage of happy hours and lunch specials at restaurants.
- Enjoy free attractions like the beaches, coastal walks, and botanical gardens.
If you’re staying in the city, take bus 333 or 380 from Circular Quay, which drops you right at Bondi Beach. If you’re driving, parking is super expensive, so it’s best to come early or park in a nearby suburb and take public transport.
Yes! Sydney’s tap water is safe and clean, so bring a reusable water bottle and save money instead of buying bottled water.
There are so many amazing spots! Our top recommendations:
- Mrs Macquarie’s Chair – Best place for panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
- Quibaree Park – A quiet spot with stunning views from the other side of the Harbour.
- The Manly Ferry Ride – Great views from the water.
The Blue Mountains are about 1.5 hours from Sydney, making it an easy day trip. But if you love hiking and want to explore more, spending a night there is definitely worth considering.
Tipping isn’t as common in Australia as in some other countries. In restaurants, it’s not expected, but if you had great service, leaving 5–10% is a nice gesture. In cafes and casual spots, rounding up or leaving small change is totally fine.
Australia uses Type I power outlets (same as New Zealand and China). The standard voltage is 230V, so if you’re coming from the US or Europe, you may need an adapter and a voltage converter for certain devices.
Sydney has strict alcohol laws, and drinking in most public areas (beaches, parks) is not allowed unless it’s a designated alcohol-permitted zone. Some areas like The Rocks or Darling Harbour have relaxed outdoor drinking rules in licensed venues.
Yes, Sydney is a very safe city, even at night. Areas like Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and The Rocks are well-lit and busy. As always, use common sense – stick to well-lit areas and be mindful if you’re in less touristy neighborhoods late at night.
Sharks exist, but attacks are extremely rare. Sydney’s beaches have shark nets and lifeguards who monitor the water closely. Always swim between the red and yellow flags, as these areas are watched for both sharks and strong currents.
Yes! Uber, Ola, and DiDi all work in Sydney and are often cheaper than taxis. The only thing to keep in mind is that airport pickups have a special rideshare area, so follow the signs when you arrive.
Sydney has some fantastic markets, and they’re great for food, souvenirs, and local vibes. Our top picks:
- Paddington Markets – Perfect for fashion, jewelry, and local art.
- Carriageworks Farmers Market – Amazing fresh produce and gourmet food.
- The Rocks Markets – Great for souvenirs and handmade crafts.
- Fish Market – A must for seafood lovers!
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