When I booked my trip for Australia, I couldn’t imagine that I would have been such impressed by this country, by its friendly people, its organized style of life, its infrastructures. I totally loved it and I wish that I could go back soon to explore more of this country that has too much to offer. My first stop was of course Sydney. Let’s discover the best of this city!
Sydney Opera House/Sydney Harbour Bridge
The emblematic and most photographic spot of the country is the first on your visit list. It was totally impressive during day and night. The best view to gaze at it is from the Circular Quay West (The Rocks side) or from the imposing Sydney Harbour Bridge. You may reach the bridge by stairs from the Rocks side (https://maps.app.goo.gl/BWFj23dNhrY1t8E46) to enjoy its view or even have an organized climbing adventure (https://maps.app.goo.gl/rJCtKqv6dfmQDfKb7). If you want to take a closer look at the Opera House, take a walk along the Circular Quay East. Along your walk you will find beautiful souvenir stores (a little overpriced though) and nice bars and restaurants under the Opera where you can enjoy a drink.
The Rocks
Since I have mentioned the Rocks multiple times already, lets find out what it stands for, an industrial style neighborhood opposite the Opera House, full of lovely cafes, shops, pubs and restaurants with great view. Keep in mind that in Australia the restaurants close early in the night (around 9 or 10pm) so if you are used to eating late, you will have to change a little bit your habits or you will starve.
Royal Botanic Garden
Practically behind the Opera House is located this exquisite botanic garden that will charm you! A tranquil location to escape the city, walk around, admire the view of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge (from a further distance this time- Come on, you are in Sydney, you can’t live without seeing the Opera House daily!). Mrs Macquarie's Chair (https://maps.app.goo.gl/qVjcUTnT4YuKuPW7A) – a bench created in 1811 is the best spot to enjoy the whole view.
Bondi to Coogee Walk
Another thing that impressed me about Sydney is how near the beaches are to the city center and how well organized the transportation system is to reach you to them (there was literally a bus every 6 minutes from Bondi Beach to the City Center and it was not even summer or weekend when I visited it! Just impressive). So, if you are in Sydney, you can’t miss these 6 kilometers walk from Coogee to Bondi Beach. For around two hours you will pass marvelous beaches, and you will have the opportunity to admire stunning sea views (the Waverley Cemetery Lookout is one of my favorites - https://maps.app.goo.gl/eQwnegMVrJuFpTG19- until you reach the huge and impressive sandy Bondi Beach. Around the area it is full of restaurants and cafes where you can hang around or/and enjoy the sunset.
Queen Victoria Building/ Townhall
If you take the tram along George Str (there are trams every 3 minutes) you cannot miss the imposing Queen Victoria Building which houses a huge commercial center and the beautiful Townhall of the City.
Chinatown Sydney/Paddy's Markets Haymarket
If you continue a few more stops with the tram you will pomp into the Sydney´s Chinatown. Here you may find many Asian food options even a bit later in the night. Opposite the Chinatowns entrance is an industrial building where it is located the Paddy’s Market. Here is the perfect place to buy you souvenirs. The market is packed with whatever souvenir you can imagine and at the best prices (unfortunately the market is not open every day but only from Wednesday to Sunday until 6pm).
St Mary’s Cathedral/Hyde Park/ Archibald Memorial Fountain
Another City’s beautiful spot is St. Mary’s Cathedral and its around area. The impressive Cathedral (resembles something of Harry Potter) while Hyde Park with the Archibald Memorial Fountain creates a gorgeous landmark in the heart of the city.
Anzac Memorial
At the end of Hyde Park, stands with glory the Anzac Memorial. It reflects the little pool in front of it, with amazing architecture and its little museum is a great spot for calm and historic flashbacks.
Darling Harbour
Close to Chinatown on foot is this elegant Harbour, full of bars and restaurants and some K- pop adolescent groups rehearsing in the streets which are pleasant to watch.
Surry Hills
A tranquil, charming neighborhood full of nice restaurants, pubs, cafes, art galleries ,fashion boutiques and unique architectural style houses will totally impress you!
Manly Beach
If you want to spend more time at the beach and at the same time admire the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from the sea this time, Manly Beach is the ideal location for you. Not more than 30 minutes away by boat from Circular Quay, Wharf 2 and with itineraries every 15 minutes, you may grab a coffee admiring the sandy surfing beach with the huge waves (and even surf) or walk around and dawdle the little stores from the Manly Wharf till you reach the beachside.
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