Having a stroll in the city of Sydney feels like a vacation already. Fabulous sunshine. Comforting harbor breeze. Relaxing city vibe. No wonder Sydney has continuously been voted one of the most livable and beautiful cities in the world.

The city is so well-developed yet so close to nature. Sydney’s city center is merely 16 minutes from the airport, 20 minutes from Bondi Beach, and an hour from the Blue Mountains.

Bondi Beach is an iconic stretch of fine sand and curling waves and one of the world’s most famous beach destinations. Walk along Coogee, where you will see some unique rock formations along the ocean. Apart from Bondi, take a ferry to Manly, a scenic journey, and take in Sydney’s incredible cityscape from the water. To go further, visit Cronulla and Palm Beach, I heard that these are surfer’s paradises.

The Blue Mountains are Sydney’s backyard. Your visit to Sydney won’t be complete without hiking in the mountains. For first-timers, head to Katoomba and witness the blue haze at the Cahill’s Lookout. Then get close to the natural wonder at the Scenic World, as you will see Katoomba Falls, Three Sisters, and the incredible flora and fauna by taking the cable car and railway. The Scenic Railway is the steepest passenger railway in the world!

Sydney’s city highlights

In case you are having a short layover in Sydney, there are a few places in the city center that you can explore. Most people Consider the Sydney BridgeClimb as it is one of the few bridge climbs available in the world, and you won’t regret doing so.

While the harbor is typically the hotspot of tourists, I am introducing the must-see neighborhood where you would at least get to see some of the greatest architecture, and have some fun.

Let’s hop on the subway, a ferry, or the Explorer bus and get around Sydney!

Circular Quay

The Circular Quay is where you will see all of Sydney’s classics – Sydney Opera House, and Harbour Bridge.

The Sydney Opera House requires no further introduction, this is the most recognizable and well-known architectural wonder in probably the entire southern hemisphere, if not the world.

Designed by the Danish architect, Jørn Utzon, the Sydney Opera House gained worldwide acclaim for its modern and bold design since its completion in 1973. The opera house looks like a sailboat in the center of Sydney Harbor from afar. the architecture is the focal point and can be seen from any angle of the city, from the air or the sea. So why not start your exploration of Sydney from here?

I always wonder how the opera house would look up close and personal. The building was very approachable as visitors were welcome to walk up to the platform and touch the white ceramic tiles that paved the roof of the entire opera house.

For those not watching a show (from ballet, opera, concert, drama, to play…), it is possible to see inside the performance halls by joining a guided tour to learn more about the architectural facts and fascinating stories about the building, find out fun facts about this landmark, and join a guided tour to go in for more.

I recommend having drinks or even dinner at the Opera Bar. The place has a variety of choices from barbecue and seafood, to Asian-style fusion dishes at a reasonable price. Diners could feel free to sit by the water-side sofa, enjoy, and relax between the two signature landmarks: Sydney Opera House, and Harbor Bridge.

Sydney CBD and The Domain

Behind the Circular Quay is the vibrant business center of Sydney with a lot to explore. Take a walk along Martin Place and discover the mix of old and modern, this is the business district with banks and offices.

Pitts Street and Market Street are a stone-throw away from the business district, and it is an exciting shopping area with not only modern shopping arcades, department stores, and the Apple Store.

The most touristy places are the historical centers like the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) and The Strand Arcade.

On the other side of the Pitt Street Mall stands the Sydney Tower, the tallest observation tower in New South Wales. The Sydney Tower (309 meters) is the city’s tallest structure, and it’s the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere, behind the Sky Tower – Auckland, New Zealand (328 meters).

The observation deck of the tower is called the Sydney Tower Eye. It has a couple of nicknames or other names: the Centrepoint Tower, AMP Tower, and colloquially, the Flower Tower, Glower Tower, and Big Poke.

While I enjoyed the view from the tower, I still find the Sydney Bridge Climb is the best place in the city to have a panoramic view of the city’s skyline, as my pick of  “even better” observation decks in the world.

It is one of the best ways to enjoy a panoramic view of Sydney. Visitors might even see the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, and Bondi Beach on a clear day! Daredevils could step onto SKYWALK and appreciate the stunning bird’s eye view of the bustling city beneath their feet!

Check out the beautiful State Library of New South Wales, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and Saint Mary’s Cathedral by the Royal Botanic Gardens!

For those who don’t like walking, or sitting on a tour bus – consider a bike tour to visit all the classic tourist spots in the Sydney city center. The Bonza Bike Tour offers different routes for visitors to the main attractions along the waterfront and beautiful beaches.

The Rocks

The Rocks is home to Australia’s first European settlement and is filled with interesting stories and tales. If you love history and want to learn about the colonial and aboriginal in Australia. The best way to do that is by taking a walking tour of the Rocks around the cobblestone lanes and stone buildings full of boutiques and artisanal goods.

At night, explore the Rocks differently by joining The Rocks Ghost Tours which includes spooky, strange, and mystery stories and antidotes wandering in various streets of the oldest district in the city.

Paddington and Surry Hills

While the CBD is the area of important businesses and landmarks: Paddington and Surry Hills are the areas for shopping and fun.

3 kilometers east of Sydney’s CBD, Paddington has a much more relaxing and laid-back vibe – and it is a shopping paradise. Enjoy a day of shopping spree along Oxford Street as it is the best area in Sydney to discover designer boutiques, cafés, and stores that are full of unique character and style.

Bloggers, designers, and small businesses need time to build their businesses and establish their names. The Paddington Market is a stage for startups to gain exposure until “one day” they become “somebody”!

Paddington Market is the cradle of local designers before they could open a boutique store on Oxford Street, local designers like Collette Dinnigan, Lisa Ho, and Von Troska…. started up in this market, so you would never know if you have discovered a future star in the fashion world.

The Paddington Markets open on Saturdays with about 200 stalls of fashion, accessories, artworks, paintings, and home products. They are produced with each designer’s heart and soul. Customers may also get to “meet the designer” when they try to explain the design concept behind their products.

The area has several landmarks worth a visit while you are there. For example, Paddington Town Hall is a symbol constructed in 1890 when Paddington was a separate municipality, the clock tower is 32 meters high and is on the ridge of Oxford Street.

The Victoria Barracks is another historic building from the 19th century, with a museum open to visitors about the military past. Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) can be accessed from Morre Park Road as well as the Football Stadium. Paddington Reservoir Gardens is an important location for the city’s water supply.

The Cupcake Bakery after your shopping spree – it’s a popular Cupcake bakery with freshly baked cupcakes in different flavors, from mint chocolate, lemon cheese, strawberry yogurt to carrot.

Darlinghurst and Kings Cross

A little bit further south from Paddington, go out for some nighttime fun at the Darlinghurst and Kings Cross.

The two districts are connected by Oxford Street – between Darlinghurst and the CBD are the Central railway station, Hyde Park, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, and the Domain – the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ Nightlife.

What was once a shady neighborhood has turned itself into a range of small bars, art galleries, and respected theaters that make exploring Darlinghurst full of surprises! It is an exciting area for the kooky and wicked. The Darlinghurst end is well-known as the hub of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ community, where the yearly parade of Sydney Mardi Gras takes place.

Along Darlinghurst Road, you may find tattoo parlors, nightclubs, lottery stores, old videotape rental places, and adult stores. One night we were walking along the street, and we headed to a burger place later we found that there was a tranny bingo to get free drinks!

Where are the other landmarks to explore in Darlinghurst?

The Sydney Jewish Museum is a hidden gem as it showcases the history of the Holocaust, the history of Jewish people in Australia, and human rights issues in Australia.

The Australian Museum is located on William Street, and it is another heritage-listed museum. Being the oldest museum in Australia, it is also the fifth oldest natural history museum in the world. Today it’s one of the most important institutes in the city. More, check out the Fire Station, the Courthouse, and some other historic buildings.

Dixon Street & Haymarket

Sydney’s Dixon Street is a funky Asian town (a.k.a. China Town) that is like Taipei’s night market or Hong Kong’s Woman’s Street. Here, bilingual street signs are up in Chinese and English. Hong Kong Diners, Asia Food Court, Chinese Hot Pot, Karaoke Lounge, Foot Massage, Nail parlors, Chinese Supermarkets with all sorts of dried seafood, and Chinese sauces and condiments can be found in the area – you can smell the Sichuan pepper in the air!

The Taiwanese dessert and Thai food were exceptional, and it gets better during the weekends when food stalls are set up with Asian novelty snacks, small bites, and souvenirs, the funniest thing to me was the long queue outside the “Emporer’s puff”… selling Hong Kong-style egg waffles.

Embracing the Central Station, the Market City (Paddy’s Markets Haymarket) is a bustling bargain shopping complex with factory outlets, souvenirs, and a food court.

Darling Harbor

Darling Harbor is on the western side of Sydney and it is a wonderful place for family travelers and laid-back tourists. The harbor is packed with fun attractions, entertainment, and culinary experiences.

Check out the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Australian National Maritime Museum, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Powerhouse Museum, and Harbor Cruise with Buffet Lunch.

The Koala Breakfast is an incredible and unique experience. It’s an opportunity to meet the adorable koalas while enjoying a hot or cold breakfast buffet in a bush garden setting. Remember to make a reservation because seats are limited and they are filled up pretty fast.

The Fish Market is one of my favorites, check out The Best Places to Visit in Sydney around the Harbour about how to plan your itinerary and travel plan in Darling Harbor.