I’ve visited Sydney many times during my time in Australia and now living in the USA, these are my favorite highlights from a recent trip.
Day 1: Explore, Shop, and Sip
9:30 AM
Start your day with coffee and a croissant at
Lune en route to Circular Quay. My top picks are the Ham & Cheese croissant or the Vegemite scroll for an Aussie twist. Don’t forget to order a flat white!
Head to the Sydney Opera House to admire its architecture, climb the steps, and snap some photos. While you’re there, consider taking a guided tour for an insider’s look at this iconic landmark.
Once you have explored the Opera House, walk through the Botanic Gardens on your way up to the Shopping District.
11:00 AM
Walk to George Street, Pitt Street, and the Queen Victoria Building for shopping. Check out Aussie staples like Cotton On, Uniqlo, Myer, David Jones, and Portmans. While in the Queen Vic Building, stop by
Haigh’s for chocolate-covered almonds or honey vanilla nougat from the glass cabinet.
For lunch, grab a sushi roll from the
Central Plaza Foodcourt or a quick bite as you explore.
Afternoon Happy Hour Recommendations (The Rocks):- Morrison’s Oyster Happy Hour: $1.50 Sydney Rock Oysters (Wednesdays, 5–6 PM), whilst in Sydney you must try the Sydney Rock Oysters, so if you aren't here on a Wednesday make sure to either try them elsewhere or find another Oyster Happy Hour (there are plenty).
- Maybe Sammy: A world-renowned cocktail bar with a fantastic happy hour (4–5 PM), at a minimum make sure to get here for one drink – the performance with their full priced drinks is worth every dollar!
- Uncle Ming’s Bar: Cocktail Bar
- The Royal George: Classic Aussie pub vibes.
Dinner Recommendations (near The Rocks):- Bistecca or Alfie’s: They do one thing - Steak, but they do it incredibly well!
- Jade China: Asian fusion with great dumplings.
- Bopp & Tone: Modern Australian cuisine.
For more variety:
- Primi Italian, DOC Pizza (Surry Hills, also near Four Pillars Gin Lab which is a must try if you are out this way), or try a classic Aussie chicken parm at The Glenmore Hotel or Fortune of War.
Day 2: Sunrise Kayak and Bondi Beach
5:00 AM
An early start for a Sunrise Kayak with Sydney by Kayak turned out to be the highlight of our month-long trip to Australia. This experience is an incredible way to see two of Australia’s most iconic sights—the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge—from a unique perspective.
Our group of eight was guided by two fantastic guides who made the experience smooth and enjoyable. Coffee orders were taken in advance, and having my latte ready at 4:30 AM as we prepared to hit the water was a lovely touch.
The sunrise over the water was absolutely breathtaking, and it felt magical being some of the only people out on the harbor at that hour. The guides also took stunning photos throughout the tour, allowing me to fully enjoy the views without worrying about my phone. The photos, included in the price, were an added bonus and captured memories perfectly.
While the price is steep, it’s comparable to the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Personally, I’d recommend this over the Bridge Climb for two reasons:
- The photos are much cooler and more unique.
- The serenity of being on the water at such a quiet, peaceful time is truly unforgettable.
8:00 AM
Once you are done with your Kayak, walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge back to The Rocks (30 minutes). If it’s a weekend, visit The Rocks Markets. Then, refuel with breakfast and a second coffee at:
- Aslan Coffee Roasters
- Diggy Doos
- Black and White Espresso Bar
- Cabrito Coffee Traders
Head back to your hotel for a shower, a nap and a change of clothes.
Midday: Bondi Beach There are two options for today – one with a big walk included, the second option is just a lazy beach afternoon.
Option 1: Active Adventure
Take a bus/Uber to Coogee Beach, where you can grab lunch or a drink. Begin the picturesque Coogee-to-Bondi coastal walk with stunning cliffs and beach views, stop for a swim at any of the beaches and swimming holes along the way, or just enjoy the walk and go for a swim at Bondi.
As you reach Bondi Beach at the end of the walk, you’ll pass the Bondi Icebergs Club—my go-to spot for a swim. While there’s a small fee to enter, it’s absolutely worth it for several reasons:
- It’s stunning—a saltwater pool with waves crashing in from Bondi Beach.
- It offers convenient amenities, including bathrooms, showers, and changerooms.
- It’s a sand-free experience, which is perfect for water lovers like me who aren’t fans of dealing with sand.
If you prefer to swim at Bondi Beach itself, simply continue walking down to the beach and set up a towel! Enjoy the water, but be sure to swim between the flags set up by the lifeguards for your safety. If surfing is on your agenda, there are plenty of surf schools here offering lessons or board rentals, which are definitely worth checking out.
Option 2: Relaxation
Skip the walk and head straight to Bondi Beach. Swim between the flags for safety, explore murals along the promenade, or book a surf lesson with a local school.
For lunch, grab fish and chips at Bondi or return to the city for dinner (see Day 1 recommendations).
Day 3: Manly and a Relaxed Farewell
9:30 AM
Take the ferry to Manly for breakfast. Enjoy views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the top deck. Try
Barrel One Coffee Roasters for coffee and bagels or Sway, Little Legends or Fika Lane for a full Aussie breakfast.
Spend the morning exploring Manly’s boutiques, surf shops, and weekend markets (9 AM–5 PM, Saturdays & Sundays).
Beach or Bushwalk
If it’s sunny, relax at Manly Beach or take a walk through the Sydney Harbour National Park. Don’t forget sunscreen—the Aussie sun can be harsh! For lunch, grab fish and chips (try
Manly Seafood) - My order is a grilled piece of flake, a potato cake (also called a potato scallop) and a minimum chips (generally between 2 – 3 people). Pro tip: ask for Chicken Salt!
Other option
If you want to stay in town and check out some of the museums such as the Art Gallery, Australia Museum, Sydney Aquarium or Maritime Museum then head to Bills in Surry Hills for their scrambled eggs, grab an uber out to The Grounds of Alexandria (try and book as there is often a wait), or stay close to downtown and check out Brew Café or Bowery Lanefor great Eggs Benedict.
Afternoon Options
Once you are done, head back to Sydney via. Ferry, grab a beer on the Ferry on the way back – Four Pines Brewery is also in Manly, so if you don’t stop at their BrewPub try one of their beers on the licensed Ferry back!
For sunset drinks, book a table at the
Shangri-La rooftop bar or
IHG Sydney Hotel’s rooftop for unbeatable views of the Harbour Bridge.
Dinner and Nightcap
Dine at one of the dinner options from Day 1 and end the trip with drinks at a great cocktail bar:
- Now and Then
- Marble Bar
- Maybe Sammy
Let me know your thoughts on this itinerary or if you have things to add for the next time I visit Sydney!