5 Things to Do in Sydney to Make Your Stay Unforgettable
Sydney is Australia’s oldest, most populous, and most picturesque city. If you’re fortunate enough to spend some time in New South Wales’s busy capital, you’ll want to see its renowned attractions, stunning architecture, noteworthy museums, and so much more. You’ll experience the Opera House’s white sails glinting in the sun, the Harbour Bridge’s beautiful arch, and you’ll instantly recognize why so many always find their way back to Sydney.
Museums are perfect for art and history buffs
There are a number of free museums to be found in Sydney because of its Commonwealth history, making it a cheap and fun pastime in an otherwise rather pricey city. For example, The Hyde Park Barracks Museum tells a very important story of Sydney’s past. Historical relics, first-person accounts, and recreations of colonial life are all used to tell the story of Sydney’s ancient convict barracks from the 18th century.
Though the entrance isn’t free of charge, you’ll feel that every penny of the entry charge is well spent. If you’re a lover of the arts, you will enjoy strolling through the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia at The Rocks, and the White Rabbit Gallery which houses some gorgeous contemporary Chinese art.
The Hunter Valley is perfect for wine connoisseurs
If you love the finer things in life such as exquisite wines, Sydney has a spot perfect for you. One of the best wine districts in Australia is located north of town. The Hunter Valley is home to some of the best wineries in the country, producing some of the best red wines in the world. It’s a good way to spend an extra weekend near Sydney and see the natural world. We suggest you spend at least one night in the valley if you want to get the most out of your vacation.
You can catch a bus from Sydney or rent a car and visit the Hunter Valley at your own speed. As long as you have a vehicle, you can stay in the nearby cities of Newcastle or Cessnock but you’ll get a more unique experience by staying in one of the many remote cabins in the region.
Markets will make you feel local
There are a plethora of fascinating markets to discover in Sydney. It’s easy to lose track of time in Sydney’s many seasonal markets, such as Paddington Markets, the Fish Market, Bondi Farmers Market, and the Flower Market. The Paddington Market, for instance, is perfect for every foodie in need of culinary inspiration. You will feel like one of the locals when you stroll around the market tasting all the fresh goodies.
Check out Glebe Market if you love thrifting and fun handicrafts, Rozelle Collectors Market for the eclectic antiques, and Orange Grove Organic Market for more unique and tasty culinary options. If you’re stuck on what to take home as a souvenir, once you visit some of these markets, you will find out that there are so many fun options to choose from.
Sydney Opera House is the city’s gem
The Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist draw on the city’s sparkling harbor, is probably the most famous symbol of the city. Built to seem like shells or billowing sails, this elegant structure never ceases to amaze tourists with its glory. You can choose from a variety of ways to get to the Sydney Opera House. You can rent a boat in Sydney Harbour and explore the Opera House from the ocean side.
Once you finish your unforgettable boat tour, you can dine at one of the many restaurants in the area, explore the grounds, or join a guided tour to see this spectacular monument up close. Located in one of the hippest neighborhoods in town, it is home to a number of theaters, studios, and exhibition halls.
Bloom in the Royal Botanic Garden
Tired of all the shopping and sightseeing in the city and want to meet some cool people? Find some inner peace in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. If you’re in need of some nature therapy, this serene haven is a short walk from the Sydney Opera House. What is also great is that everyone can enter for free! The garden was established in 1816 and is the oldest botanical garden in Australia. There you will find many botanical species including palm trees and orchids, ferns and succulents as well as tropical plants and rainforest plants. Oriental gardens are also a must-see.
Sydney is one of the liveliest metropolitan cities in the world, offering a variety of attractions to its many diverse tourists. No matter your preferences, you will find something to make you fall in love with this beautiful coastal gem.