Sydney holidays

Surrounded by a twinkling, deep-water harbour, Australia’s most populous city beckons with white-sand beaches, lush botanical gardens and the most innovative food and drink scene in the southern hemisphere. Not bad for a former penal colony. The best holidays to Sydney lock onto the city’s magical mix of nature and culture, with space leftover for a round of ‘coldies’ (beer) on the patio at sunset.

Sydney holiday highlights

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Stunning architecture

Holidays to Sydney are always a hit with architecture fans. The UNESCO World Heritage Sydney Opera House, with its unique shape and protruding sails, stands tall on the waterside. Nearby, the steel arch of the Harbour Bridge rises high above the water. And St Mary’s Cathedral, built with local sandstone, is a photogenic Gothic Revival landmark.

Botanical gardens

An oasis in the heart of the city, Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden provides a soothing escape from the bustling quayside. Even better, it’s free! Visit the gardens to discover native and exotic plants and wander through themed displays, including fragrant roses and herbs. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while the kids run around vast green lawns.

City of art

A holiday to Sydney is an art lover’s dream. At the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), explore cutting-edge works in an Art Deco building overlooking the harbour. Or step inside the late-19th-century Art Gallery of New South Wales to discover masterpieces by Australian and international artists. On the hunt for street art? You’ll find pockets of colourful murals in Bondi, Newtown and Chippendale.

Sydney: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

Australian dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC+10 (AEST) and UTC+11 (AEDT)

High season

December – February

Low season

May – July

Find the best time to go to Sydney

Weather in Sydney

March – May: Autumn offers crisp mornings and evenings, along with mild daytime temperatures. This is the perfect seasonto explorethe city without the crowds.

June – August: Winter is prime time for digging into Sydney’s cultural gems, from art galleries to shows at the Sydney Opera House. Pack a warm jacket for chilly nights.

September – November: In spring, purple jacaranda blooms blanket the city. Enjoy sunny days, minimal rainfall and warm temperatures.

December – February: Sydney pulses with life in summer, from its beaches and harbourside bars to open-air cinemas. The sunshine is strong, so pack high-SPF sunscreen and seek shade when possible.

Events in Sydney

Sydney Festival (January): This three-week cultural event features art installations, drag shows, live music and theatre performances.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (February to March): Australia’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration sends rainbow waves through the streets. The parade is the biggest spectacle, but don’t miss the comedy shows and street parties.

Vivid Sydney (May to June): Winter’s dark nights get some extra sparkle during this three-week festival. Enjoy a range of immersive art installations and light projections.

Sydney Marathon (September): This is one of the most spectacular courses in the world, with views from Sydney Harbour Bridge and a crowd of over 100,000 people cheering on the race.

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The best neighbourhoods in Sydney

City Centre

The City Centre is the best area to stay in Sydney to be in the heart of the action. This bustling area is within easy walking distance of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Enjoy shops, restaurants and glamorous nightlife venues around Sydney Harbour. For a culture fix, pop into the State Library of New South Wales to admire the stunning interior and check out its portrait gallery.

Good for: Restaurants, shops, nightlife

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Sydney with kids. Walk through the Shark Valley tunnel at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and cool down in the water play area at Darling Quarter Kids Playground. You’ll find plenty of chic waterfront restaurants with views of yachts. Or it’s just a short stroll to Chinatown and Haymarket for budget-friendly dining and shopping at market stalls.

Good for: Families, restaurants, Chinatown

Bondi

Wondering where to stay in Sydney to swim and surf just steps from your hotel? Bondi Beach and its world-famous stretch of golden sand is the spot for you. Dive into the Bondi Baths ocean pool and dine at the iconic Bondi Icebergs restaurant overlooking the sea. Stroll along Campbell Parade for trendy boutiques and restaurants serving Instagrammable dishes.

Good for: Beach, water sports, boutiques

Things to do in Sydney

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Beaches

One of the most famous beaches in Sydney, Bondi is just a 20-minute drive from the city centre. This crescent-shaped stretch of sand is a haven for swimmers, sunbathers and surfers. Follow the coastal walking trail, and bring binoculars to spot whales from May to September. Plunge into the iconic ocean pool, then soak up the atmosphere with locals in bars and cafes.

Shopping

The shopping in Sydney does not disappoint. Inside the historic Queen Victoria Building, you’ll find a sprawling shopping mall with more than 140 boutiques over five levels. Check out emerging designers in the Paddington neighbourhood, or shop for the famous Australian Akubra hat in the Strand Arcade.

Take in the culture

Museums in Sydney cover a fascinating range of subjects, from Australia’s deadliest creatures to its convict past. The Australian National Maritime Museum celebrates seafaring history with interactive exhibits and historic vessels. Discover Aboriginal cultures at the Australian Museum, or visit the Old Government House. Originally built by convicts, it’s now home to colonial homeware and furniture collections.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Sydney can be as lively or mellow as you like. Choose between heavy beats in trendy nightclubs or gentle jazz in backstreet bars. Listen to live music at the Lansdowne in Chippendale or, depending on your stamina, pop into the Abercrombie, famous for its all-night parties.

Places to eat

Whatever your culinary cravings, you’ll find a restaurant in Sydney that satisfies. Look for Asian classics in Chinatown, or head to the city centre for celebrity chef restaurants. Cosy pubs usually offer homestyle meals and can be found citywide. Of course, Sydney’s waterside location means the seafood is usually first rate. Be sure to seek out the fish and chips, an Aussie institution.

Free things to do

Along with the limitless beach days, it’s easy to find other free things to do in Sydney. Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales to see one of the country’s largest art collections. Walk across the spectacular Sydney Harbour Bridge, and photograph the skyline views. Or learn about the pre-European history of Sydney at The Rocks Discovery Museum.

Plan your holiday to Sydney

Budget

Looking to plan a cheap holiday to Sydney? The best things to do here are free, from basking on beaches to strolling the Botanic Garden. Get your Aussie coffee fix for around five Australian dollars ($), and grab a cheap meal for $25. A local beer costs around $11, while a short taxi ride is $22.

Day trips from Sydney

You’ll find everything from the coast to mountains on day trips from Sydney. Head south to explore the rugged beaches and seaside towns of Wollongong and Kiama. A 50-minute drive north takes you to the rainforests and Aboriginal sites of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. And the scenic hiking trails of the Blue Mountains are just a two-hour train ride away.

Getting around Sydney

Sydney has an excellent public transport system that includes buses, trams, trains and a metro rail. Buy an Opal card to travel with ease. The city also boasts a ferry system. You’ll find a variety of cycling paths around Sydney and plenty of places to hiring a bike. For day trips further afield, you’ll want to hire a car.

FAQs about Sydney holidays

The official currency in Sydney is the Australian dollar (AUD). It's helpful to bring some cash with you during your trip to Sydney, but digital payments and credit cards are generally accepted.
If you love hot weather, visit Sydney in the summer, from December to February. For the best cheap holidays to Sydney, look at off-peak or winter breaks between June and August.
While on your city break in Sydney, you'll hear the locals speaking mostly in English.
With temperatures reaching a high of 32ºC (90ºF), January is the warmest month in Sydney.
Organise your Sydney trip for July and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. 5ºC (41ºF) is as cold as it gets.
There are all manner of attractions to see and things to do on trips to Sydney, but three to five days should allow you to see the highlights. A week’s stay lets you take your time, especially if you plan on beach-hopping.
With endless things to do in Sydney, this lively city will have you hooked from the start. Get your sightseeing underway at must-visit attractions like Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sydney is a friendly city that’s safe for travellers. As with all big cities, stay aware of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded areas.
When you go, how you choose to travel, and where you stay will help influence the price you pay for your city break in Sydney. If you want to keep costs low, keep your eyes peeled for discounts or last-minute deals on Sydney flights and hotels. Travelling midweek and flying with budget airlines are additional ways to save.
With an average rainfall of 12 cm, March is the wettest month to go on a Sydney holiday. When the drizzle sets in, head indoors and make the most of the city's shopping malls, art galleries, cafes and more.