Best things to do in Sydney: How to spend your free time in Australia’s biggest city

Sydney’s must-do cultural and historical sights

Once you’ve checked off the famous landmarks from your list of things to do in Sydney, you should visit cultural and historical destinations, too. Spend an afternoon strolling through historic neighborhoods or a few hours exploring the treasures of world-class museums. These are the types of activities that will elevate your Sydney tour.

1. The Rocks District

Sydney’s oldest colonial neighborhood, The Rocks has long been one of the best things to do in Sydney, whether you’re a visitor or a local. This is why we normally include a short visit during our Sydney tours. Our Australia for Solo Travelers: Melbourne, Queensland Coast & Sydney tour, includes a guided walk through The Rocks to then stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair—a bench carved into sandstone in the early 1800s, where you can admire the view of Sydney Harbour Bridge. But you should return in your free time to explore the area’s historic laneways and visit its various local businesses. It offers a wonderful glimpse at modern life in Sydney, and the district is one of our top tips for a trip to Sydney.

“We thoroughly enjoyed exploring The Rocks neighborhood and its spectacular farmers market,” says staffer Konrad. “The Rocks, just a 10-minute walk from Sydney Harbor, is brimming with timeless pubs and restaurants that offer excellent food. It’s a charming area that adds a unique local flavor to the Sydney experience.”

2. Art Gallery of New South Wales

Located on the edge of the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) is a popular choice among Sydney’s museum-goers. With a host of Australian, Aboriginal, Asian, European, and contemporary art, photography, and film screenings, it offers something for every kind of art lover, making it a true highlight of any trip to Sydney.

AGNSW is open daily (except Christmas and Good Friday), and entrance to the museum, permanent collection galleries, and guided tours are all free. Feeling hungry? Stop by the museum’s cafe for a light meal overlooking the Gardens and Sydney Harbour.

3. Darling Harbour

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop in which to spend a free day during your Sydney tour, Darling Harbour is it. The 50-acre development is full of fun Sydney attractions. It’s essentially a waterfront playground that hosts all sorts of events throughout the year. You can shop, you can try various restaurants and bars, watch concerts, and much more. There’s even a relaxing Chinese Garden located between Darling Square and Darling Quarter. If you’re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city, a tranquil stroll through this beautifully manicured oasis is easily one of the best things to do in Sydney.

The best nature and outdoor attractions in Sydney

While Sydney is Australia’s biggest city (with a population of about 5 million), it is surrounded by truly stunning natural landscapes. And it would be a shame if on your Sydney tour, you’re not able to carve out time for the great outdoors. Here are two easy-to-access destinations you can do in your free time in Sydney.

1. Blue Mountains National Park

For the freshest of air, escape the city and head west to the aptly named Blue Mountains. The lush eucalyptus trees that populate the mountains emit oils which, when touched by humidity and light, form a beautiful blue haze against the hilly backdrop. You can reach the Blue Mountains in less than two hours by train, and follow along the trails at your leisure. For a truly memorable experience, gaze out at the picturesque natural rock formations from the Three Sisters Echo Point Lookout or soar above the gorge in a cable car. It’s a lovely excursion to fill up your free day in Sydney during our Highlights of Australia: The Great Barrier Reef to Sydney tour.

2. Manly Beach

For us, its beaches are where Sydney beats out Melbourne in the great Sydney-versus-Melbourne debate. There are so many fabulous seaside retreats within easy commute of the city center, making them a great complement to the activities on our Sydney tours. An alternative beach option to Bondi, Manly Beach is tucked away in Sydney’s Northern Beaches region. Manly is a bustling area with a bevy of clothing boutiques, delicious dining options, aquariums, museums, art galleries, and some of Sydney’s best whale watching. It’s a thirty-minute ferry from the city, but even if you only stay for a brief time, the idyllic ride past the Opera House makes the journey completely worthwhile.

“I took a short ride over to Manly where there was an arts fair happening in the streets and a volleyball tournament down at the beach—it was so close to Sydney but gave more local vibes which was fun,” says staffer Amanda, who traveled on our Highlights of Australia: The Great Barrier Reef to Sydney tour.

Manly Beach is also one of our favorite recommendations during free time on our Australia for Solo Travelers: Melbourne, Queensland Coast & Sydney tour. What better way to bond with your new travel buddies than with a group trip to one of the best beaches in Sydney?

Where to Eat and Drink in Sydney

Like many major cities, Sydney has a robust culinary scene that tackles every craving you can imagine, from memorable fine dining to exciting street food to fabulous wines. Take it from staffer Greer, who has taken three trips to Australia. “I loved the food in Sydney. My favorite dishes always involved avocado toast or halloumi in some way,” she says. “Even simple acai bowls at the beach were incredible!” Our Sydney travel guide features some of our favorite local restaurants, but here are a few more culinary spots you can visit on your next trip to Sydney.

1. Circular Quay

Bordered by the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Garden, and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay couldn’t be more centrally located. This means you’ll be there at some point during any of our Sydney tours. But you should take some time on your own to explore the culinary offerings. You can have a more upscale meal at either Aria or Bennelong, which are inside one of the Opera House’s white sails. Or opt for something more casual at Cafe Sydney on the rooftop of heritage-listed Customs House, where you’ll have some jaw-dropping views.

“Drinking champagne at the Opera Bar in Circular Quay was an amazing experience and something I recommend to anyone visiting Sydney,” said staffer Greer.

2. Chinatown

Even if you’re not a foodie, a visit to Chinatown is a must. It’s the largest of its kind in Australia and certainly one of the best things to do in Sydney. But that’s especially true if you love to eat. And as you might be able to guess, there’s a delightful focus on Asian cuisines at many of the neighborhood’s top eateries, from dim sum and roast meats to Thai noodles and crispy roti. And on Friday nights, dozens of market stalls pop up on a pedestrian street in the center of Chinatown, where you’ll find mouthwatering vendors whipping up food from all over the world. An indulgent day or night out exploring the endless tasty treats that Chinatown has to offer will be one of the highlights of your Sydney tour.

3. Newtown

Located in the western edge of the city, Newtown is a diverse neighborhood known for its bohemian energy. Here, inside restored 19th-century terrace houses, you’ll find exciting art galleries and treasure-filled vintage and antique shops. Over the years, Newton has also blossomed into foodie heaven thanks to an impressive (and ever-growing) collection of top-rated dining venues that is as diverse as the destination itself. You can try Nigerian cuisine at Little Lagos, tuck into Japanese food at Rising Sun Workshop, which is also a motorcycle workshop, and then some natural wine and craft beer at Earl’s Juke Joint. Whether you’re on our New Year’s Eve in Australia & New Zealand tour or our Australia for Solo Travelers: Melbourne, Queensland Coast & Sydney tour, Newtown is a fun, lively district to add to your trip to Sydney, where you can get a glimpse at the local lifestyle.

Hidden gems you can’t miss in Sydney

The city of Sydney is full of grand attractions. But some equally special landmarks require a bit more digging around. Discover these hidden gems, one of the most charming things to do in Sydney, are well-worth the added effort. And if you need a little help finding them, just ask the Tour Director during your Sydney tour.

1. Wendy’s Secret Garden

Located just west of the Harbour Bridge overlooking Lavender Bay, this lush garden, which has been cared for by artist Wendy Whiteley, wife and muse of late Australian artist Brett Whiteley, is likely Sydney’s worst-kept secret. While there aren’t a lot of big signs pointing you to its whereabouts, Wendy’s Secret Garden is universally known by locals and visitors alike. It's famous for its immense collection of stunning flora, from native plants to more exotic species: fig trees, ferns, agave, and aloe. Throughout, you’ll also find sculptures and items of curiosities, whether that’s an ornate fountain, a winged cherub, or a bronze statue by Australian sculptor Joel Elenberg. Whimsy abounds in Wendy’s Secret Garden.

2. Cockatoo Island

Did you know that Sydney harbor is dotted by a bunch of islands? The largest of them is Cockatoo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located where the Parramatta River meets the Lane Cove River. Called Wareamah by the Indigenous Australians who originally lived on the land and later used by European settlers as a penal island, Cockatoo is now an important local landmark. If you want to visit during free time on your Sydney tour, you can easily take the daily ferry over from Circular Quay. Once there, there’s plenty to see and do: There are arts installations and exhibitions, guided tours (including ones that explore the island’s convict history as well as ghost tours), and plenty of restaurants to try.

Best day trips from Sydney

We know that a city as big as Sydney offers a lot to different types of travelers. But what makes Australia so special is that there are fabulous travel experiences waiting just beyond the city limits. And that’s why we typically build full free days in our Sydney tours. So that if you want to venture a bit off-the-beaten path and take an exciting day trip to a neighboring region, you’ll have the time to do so. Here are our two favorite day-trip destinations that you can easily do from Sydney.

1. Hunter Valley

Two hours north of Sydney, Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s most delightful wine regions and not to mention one of its oldest. (Some say Hunter Valley is the birthplace of Australian winemaking!) The area’s vast, lush vineyards are where some of the world’s best shiraz grapes are planted. So you can expect to find high-quality wine productions all over the valley, from world-famous brands to boutique, family-owned labels. There are over 150 wineries throughout the valley, and where there’s fantastic wine, you know that there will be amazing food as well, making a detour to Hunter Valley one of the best things to do in Sydney. And to add to all that deliciousness, you can also stop at Hunter Valley Gardens, a relaxing, family-friendly attraction. If you love food and wine, you simply must add Hunter Valley to your Sydney tour.

2. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Whether it’s on our Australia for Solo Travelers: Melbourne, Queensland Coast & Sydney tour or our Highlights of Australia: The Great Barrier Reef to Sydney tour, the additional excursion to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has become one of our most popular free-day activities. And why not? This stunning destination just outside Sydney allows you to immerse yourself in both the unique landscapes of the region as well as Aboriginal heritage. Once you arrive at the park, you’ll meet your local Aboriginal guides who will take you through an in-depth experience through the park, stopping to learn about rock engravings, cave paintings, and traditional plants. You can also opt to have your face painted. It’s a special experience that you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Sydney.

What will you do with your free time in Sydney? Shop our Sydney tours now.