In this Ultimate 7 Day Sydney Itinerary, we visit the glistening harbour, take in the city’s impressive architecture and visit iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. You will find all the best places to visit in Sydney, as well as tips for travel, accommodation and even where to find the best places to eat in Sydney.
My Sydney Itinerary below is best enjoyed over 7 days but can be adjusted to what suits your time frame and what you want to see. Just bear in mind that there is nothing I would include here that I wouldn’t recommend!
Tips for Travelling Australia
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Book the cheapest Hotels: Hotellook — a service that helps you find and compare prices on hotels around the world, provided by a leading reservation system. Today, Hotellook.com offered to put together information on more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
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Trip Advisor: Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than one billion reviews and opinions of nearly eight million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places nearby.
Find the cheapest flights: WayAway is a flight aggregator that provides travelers with the best rates on airline tickets. Users can also purchase the WayAway Plus membership plan, which gives cashback on flights, accommodation, car rentals, tours, and more.
Day 1 & 2 – Explore Stunning Sydney
Whether it’s your first time visiting or your a local wanting to re-discover the city, we are going to dive straight into it with our first 2 days of the Sydney itinerary exploring the city.
One of the first things I like to do when I arrive in a new city is to go walking! It’s so helpful to get to know the area and you will find many cool places to eat or things to do along the way.
Start your Sydney Itinerary with a walking tour in the CBD. There are a number of walking tours you can do in Sydney. I would recommend doing one of these to get a feel for Sydney. The guides are highly informative, and you will learn a lot about the city and its history in the process!
If walking isn’t your thing the hop on/off tour is also a great option.
Sunrise at Circular Quay
Immediately when you walk into Circular Quay, you will see two of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. The Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Walk around the harbour, sit down and have a coffee at Opera Bar and enjoy the beautiful views. Come back in the evening and enjoy drinks amidst the bustling and vibrant nightlife.
HOT TIP: For a great viewpoint of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, take the lift up onto the Cahill Expressway which is right above you when you exit the Circular Quay train station.
There is also incredible views of the Harbour at the end of the walkway beside the Opera House and also at the top of the stairs directly opposite the Opera House leading into the Botanical Gardens.
Wander the Royal Botanic Garden
Keep walking all the way up to the Opera House. On your right is the entrance to the Royal Botanic Garden. It’s free to enter and offers some relaxation and picturesque walks within the cities hustle and bustle.
If you return at sunset, be sure sure to follow the waters edge along the Botanic Gardens which leads to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair– one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Sydney.
Head towards Sydney’s Oldest Neighbourhood- The Rocks
The Rocks is located next to Circular Quay and is a short walk from the Opera House. If you visit around lunchtime, be sure to try out some of my fav restaurants/pubs in the area:
- Munich Brahaus ($$)
Festive beer hall with live music, serving imported beers and German dishes like Schnitzel and Pork Knuckle - El Camino Cantina ($)
Tex-Mex Restaurant and huge Margaritas - Saké Restaurant ($$$)
Vibrant, rustic chic dining serving inventive sushi and sashimi - Pancakes on The Rocks ($$)
Whether its early morning or late night you can enjoy famous sweet and savoury pancakes, plus pizza, ribs and other brekkie items.
After lunch, explore The Rocks. This amazing and very old neighbourhood is filled with historic laneways in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge. Walk underneath the Harbour Bridge or sit on the hill and take in the views. There’s also some awesome walking tours you can join where you can learn about the convict history of the area or even do a pub crawl.
If you visit on the weekend, you can visit The Rocks Markets (10am – 5pm). You’ll find anything from art to clothing and unique Aussie souvenir items.
Enjoy the Sydney Nightlife
Sydney has some amazing Restaurants & Bars and a buzzing nightlife. This Sydney itinerary wouldn’t be complete without some tips on the best places to eat and/or drink around the city, including some incredible views!
My top recommended places to eat & drink in Sydney are:
- Chin Chin Sydney
Modern Aussie cuisine with a South East Asian twist- this place is by far my #1 favourite place to eat in Sydney. There isn’t a place I have come across yet that beats this place. - Shangri-La Sydney
There’s the Blu Bar on 36 and the Altitude Restaurant giving you million dollar views over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House - The Rook Rooftop Bar and Restaurant
The Rook is home to killer cocktails, top notch bar food and stunning city views.
I could go on forever! However for a more detailed guide on where to eat & drink in Sydney, check out my Delicious Guide to Sydney’s Best Bars & Restaurants!
Not sure what to pack? See my Packing List for more tips!
Walk about the Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a heritage-listed 1.03-hectare Chinese garden nestled at the south end of Darling harbour and a short walk from Chinatown.
The garden combines the elements of water, plants, stone and architecture.
Running water, towering willow trees, cool lagoons with lotus plants and large colourful fish all make this an idyllic spot to read a book or recharge your batteries. It really is something special. The garden features waterfalls, lakes, pavilions, sculptures and local wildlife such as the water dragon, koi carp and several species of birds.
Wander through Chinatown
There’s always something to do in Chinatown, especially on the pedestrian thoroughfare of Dixon Street.
Enjoy world-class shows at the historic Capitol Theatre, a beautiful heritage-listed venue on Campbell Street, built from 1893-1928.
The shopping is fabulous, with malls, markets and arcades plus some of the best Asian supermarkets in Sydney. Shoppers flock to the famous Paddy’s Markets, which dates back to colonial times. Upstairs, Market City is home to factory outlets and World Square is filled with high street shops and restaurants.
HOT TIP: Make sure you get yourself some Emperor Cream Puffs from the Emperor’s Garden Restaurant- the queue is always worth the wait!
One of my favourite restaurants in the area is Boon Café on Pitt St- a bright cafe with a rustic interior of exposed-brick walls offering Thai specialties with a modern twist. It even has a Grocer selling fresh fruit and veg!
Try out some of these great options below when you’re in Sydney:
360° Views of Sydney in the Sydney Tower Eye
Sydney Tower Eye is the tallest building in Sydney. Standing at a record breaking 309 metres in height overlooking the city’s central business district. From the top you can enjoy 360° views of the city including Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Hyde Park & St Mary’s Cathedral, Anzac Bridge and Darling Harbour.
Grab a fast track entry pass to the observation deck here. This saves you 20% off the full price.
Day 3 – Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour and the CBD
Grab a ticket to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and go on an underwater journey through Australia’s unique freshwater and marine aquatic environments. (Online price saves you up to 20%)
My favourite part was watching the Grey Nurse Sharks and Sting Rays swim above me inside the underwater tunnels!
Since you’re now in the heart of Darling Harbour, you have the choice of many more museums and other things to explore right at your fingertips:
- Powerhouse Museum – which houses an extraordinary array of scientific, technological, industrial, design and historical treasures.
- Australian National Maritime Museum – Inside the museum, you’ll find a selection of exhibitions and events that tell the stories of Australia’s history at sea. That includes one of the largest collections of floating historical vessels in the world, including a replica of Captain Cook’s famous HMB Endeavour (which you can board and explore), the navy destroyer HMAS Vampire, and even a massive former navy submarine named the HMAS Onslow.
- WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo – right next door to the Aquarium is the Sydney Zoo where you can get right up close and personal with Australian Native wildlife right in the heart of the city.
- Madame Tussauds – See lifelike wax figures of your favourite celebrities and cultural icons
- Hurricanes Grill – Hurricane’s restaurant in Darling Harbour is a vibrant, modern Steakhouse which overlooks the stunning Sydney CBD skyline and across the water of Darling Harbour. They are famous for their succulent ribs and wagyu steaks!
Check out all the things you can see and do in Darling Harbour on their website- Darlingharbour.com
Go Shopping or Relax at Hyde Park
If you’re looking for something more relaxing, take a stroll through Hyde Park. Australia’s oldest park is also one of its most well-known. Hyde Park offers 16 hectares of wide open space in the heart of central Sydney.
Divided by Park Street, the southern section of Hyde Park contains the ANZAC Memorial building and visitor centre, the pool of reflection and numerous monuments and statues. The northern section features the iconic Archibald Fountain and various theme gardens, public art works, monuments and water features.
Just across the road from Hyde Park is St Mary’s Cathedral. In 1821, Governor Macquarie laid the foundation stone to St Mary’s Chapel in Cathedral Street, Sydney, on the site of the first land grant to the Catholic Church in Australia. In 1835 it became Sydney’s cathedral but burnt down in June 1865. Its replacement, which remained unfinished for a further 119 years, is the Cathedral we see today.
If you’re more in the mood for shopping, only a 5 minute walk down Park St (from Hyde Park) you will find the architecturally beautiful Queen Victoria Building (QVB) which houses more high end shops. Just a short walk from the QVB is Pitt St Mall and Sydney Tower Westfield where you will find a whole variety of shops to suit all budgets.
Day 4 – Day out at Taronga Zoo
Sydney Taronga Zoo is a must on your Sydney Itinerary! Taronga Zoo Sydney is one of Australia’s best zoo’s and is over 100 years old! There are eight zoogeographic regions spread over 69 acres with 350 species living there. Not only is it great to see all the different species in the Zoo but the views of Sydney Harbour are absolutely stunning! I’m quite jealous of the real estate that belongs to the Giraffes that live there.
One of my highest recommendations is to plan your day around seeing the Seal Show which comes free as part of your entry fee. It was so fun to watch all the tricks the seals can do whilst learning all about their marine environment. You’ll see species such as the Australian sea lion, Californian sea lion, and New Zealand fur seal.
I have 7 Things You Need to Know About Visiting Sydney Taronga Zoo so make sure you give this a read too before you go!
Day 5 – Day Trip to Bondi Beach
There’s no Sydney itinerary that doesn’t include a visit to Bondi Beach!
If you are using Public Transport- Catch a train to Bondi Junction station then take the 333 bus to Bondi Beach. Grab a delicious breakfast and top notch coffee from one of the MANY cafes around!
One of the best things to do in Bondi is obviously going to Bondi Beach! Discover why Australia’s most iconic beach enjoys the reputation it does. If visiting during summer, you may see them filming reality tv show Bondi Rescue, but don’t forget to swim between the flags to avoid making an appearance on the show!
Other than beaching, brunching and doing the coastal walk (which I’ll go into more detail below), there are many other things to do in Bondi! See our highlights below!
Highlights include:
- Bondi Weekend Markets at Bondi Public School
- Go shopping at the boutiques
- See ‘Sculpture by the Sea’
- Sunset drinks at Bucket List Bondi
- Cocktails at Bondi Icebergs
- Pub feed at Beach Rd Hotel
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
After soaking up the iconic Bondi Beach, set out on an adventure across the beaches. The infamous coastline from Bondi to Coogee is very popular with both locals and tourists!
This amazing coastal walk is 6km and will take about 2 hours to complete, but I’d give a good 3 hours (4 if you are stopping at a cafe to refuel) so you can take photos along the way.
You will encounter stunning ocean views, ocean pools, a historic cemetery, Australian wildlife (if you’re lucky you may even spot a whale or two!) and stunning oceanfront mansions.
The walk is straight forward and easy most of the way, with some hills and stairs more towards the end of the walk.
HOT TIP: If you are able, try to do the walk on a weekday when the crowds will be smaller.
When you arrive in Coogee, be sure to spend the evening wining and dining either at the Coogee Bay Hotel or the Coogee Pavilion both which have great food, chilled vibe and a cool laid back beach culture.
Day 6 & 7 – Weekend Getaway to the Blue Mountains
Spending a couple of days exploring the Blue Mountains should be on every Sydney itinerary. The Blue Mountains is a beautiful place offering picturesque views, plenty of hiking trails and amazing waterfalls.
Getting to the Blue Mountains is fairly easy, just jump on a train at Central with the journey to Katoomba taking around 2 hours. I would prefer to self-drive the distance giving you the freedom to make scenic stops along the way.
Once you’ve arrived in Katoomba, you have the option of jumping on The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus which picks you up from the Katoomba train station. The hop-on-hop-off bus is the most convenient way to explore all the great spots of the Blue Mountains.
The area includes ten national parks and features pretty waterfalls, sheer sandstone cliffs and vast regions of dense forest and pretty mountain villages full of cute shops and excellent cafes.
Some Highlights in the area include:
- Echo Point – see the iconic Three Sisters’ rock formation against the backdrop of the never-end mountain ranges. From this look-out there is an opportunity to take short hikes to other lookouts or you can head to Wentworth Falls for longer hikes to the waterfalls.
- Scenic World -see views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, Mt Solitary and Jamison Valley from the Scenic Skyway, take a trip on the world’s steepest railway down into the Jamison Valley and ride the Cable Car back to the top.
- Leuralla Toy and Railway Museum – the Southern Hemisphere’s largest collection of toys, trains and associated memorabilia.
- Waterfalls: Leura Cascades, Katoomba Falls, Wentworth Falls
*HOT TIP: Check out my detailed itinerary on How to Spend the Ultimate Blue Mountains Weekend Getaway
Accommodation in the Blue Mountains
If you’re going to spend a night or a few nights in the Blue Mountains, I can highly recommend staying at the beautiful Hydro Majestic Hotel.
The food at the Hydro Majestic is incredible and I would highly recommend having dinner at the Wintergarden Restaurant whilst visiting the Blue Mountains. Not to mention the beautiful interior dećor of the hotel.
Click on the link above or search your dates in the box on the right to find the best/cheapest price available to stay here.
How to get to Sydney
To get yourself from the airport into the city, you have a couple of options and the easiest is probably to Rideshare. Sydney has Uber, Ola, DiDi, Shebah, GoCatch and Bolt.
Another option is the Sydney Airport Link Train, which takes 15 minutes and costs around $17. You have the option to purchase an Opal Card which you can continue to top up and use to access public transport during your stay in Sydney which also works on buses, light rail and ferries.
Follow me on Instagram @miastravelmemoirs to see my latest adventures!
So that was my Sydney itinerary for 7 days! Have you been to Sydney before? What was your favourite thing to do? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!
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As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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- A Beautiful Day Trip to Leura in the Blue Mountains
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