Top 5 Things to Do in Sydney
View of the Sydney Opera House and Botanic Gardens
As a world-class city, Sydney offers weeks and weeks worth of activities to suit every pallet. If you’re looking for the cream of the crop, however, here’s a list of the top five things to see and do if your time is limited. By no means is this an exhaustive list; instead, it’s meant to jumpstart your visit.
Sydney Tower- Alternatively known as AMP tower, Centrepoint Tower, or the Sydney Tower, this is Sydney’s highest point. At 305 meters, the Tower soars above the city, offering fantastic views from its observation deck. When it opened in 1981, Sydney Tower was the 4th tallest building in the world, though it has since fallen in the rankings. If you’re looking for a workout, consider the Sydney Tower Run-up, a race to the top from ground level: Paul Crake holds the world record at 6 minutes and 52 seconds.
Taronga Zoo- The Taronga Zoo showcases over 2,600 animals, making it a must during your time in Sydney, especially if you’re traveling with children. A new marine division called Great Southern Oceans opened in early 2008, and has quickly become one of the most popular parts of the park. For most visitors, the preferred transport to the zoo is by ferry from the Circular Quay wharf.
Sydney Opera House- One of the most recognizable architectural masterpieces in the world, the Sydney Opera House is first on many visitors’ lists. But don’t take our word for it. According to famed architect Louis Kahn’s: “The sun did not know how beautiful its light was until it was reflected off this building”. The best views of the opera house are found from ferries running across Sydney Harbor, and incidentally, this is also a really inexpensive way to spend a few hours. If you would like to see the inside of the Opera House, tours are available. There are also performances by Opera Australia and the Sydney Symphony throughout the year.
Royal Botanic Garden- Just east of the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. The Gardens are actually on the site of the first farm laid out on the Continent. Admission is free, and the park is open daily throughout the year.
The Rocks- For a taste of “Old Sydney”, your best bet is a visit to the Rocks. This area was one of the first to be developed after colonization, and much of the original architecture remains. There are two pubs here that claim to be the oldest in all of Australia-it’s up to you to decide which legitimately holds the honor.
For a fantastic selection of Sydney Hotels and Apartments, visit our accommodation website.
