48 Hours in Sydney – How To See It All!

48 Hours in Sydney – How to See The Best of Syndey in Two Days

Sydney Opera House (Photo Credit: Hai Linh Truong, Flickr)

Australia’s largest city, Sydney is known for its iconic cityscape, bustling attractions and natural beauty. With so much to do and see, it’s the perfect destination for an action-packed getaway or a romantic weekend escape. Here are some of the best Sydney attractions to visit while you’re there.

The Sydney Opera House

Any trip to Sydney for the first time requires a visit to the Sydney Opera House, the most famous Sydney attraction. This incredible building first opened back in 1973 and encompasses exhibition rooms, theatres, a concert hall, studios and a cinema. It’s definitely worth making time to see a show. The opera house offers over 40 shows and experiences a week, ranging from music, theatre, comedy and talks, so there is something for everyone. You can also choose to take a guided tour of the inside, where you can learn all about the building’s history and get admission to the foyer and eateries.

The Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is only a short walk from the Sydney Opera House. It’s the city’s oldest scientific institution and one of the top attractions in Sydney. At the Garden, you get the chance to see thousands of plant specimens and incredible wildlife like water dragons, colourful birds and fruit bats. The Garden also features excellent restaurants, cafes and bars. Taking one of the Garden’s tours is a must do. On the Aboriginal Heritage Tour, you can learn all about the area’s Aboriginal history, taste bush foods and explore traditional plant uses and culture.

Museum of Contemporary Art

There are many excellent Sydney contemporary art galleries spread throughout the city that are definitely worth visiting. If you only have time to visit one, make sure to go to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney’s premier modern art gallery. The Museum of Contemporary Art features a large permanent exhibit, as well as other exhibits that are constantly changing. On level four of the museum, there is a great cafe where you can have a coffee or lunch break while enjoying the views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour.

Coastal Walk from Bondi to Coogee

One of the best free things to do in Sydney is to take the stunning coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee. The walk is 6 kilometres long and takes about two hours to complete if you’re walking at a good pace. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of Bronte, Bondi and Tamarama, and pass by great little cafes where you can stop for a refreshing drink. The walk also passes the Waverley Cemetery, one of the world’s most scenic operational cemeteries. The cemetery is located on top of rock platforms and sandstone cliffs. Once you arrive at Coogee, you can take a dip in the sea, make use of the public BBQs, or enjoy a meal at one of the bars and cafes in the area.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

Located directly east of the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair has one of the best viewpoints in Sydney. The chair overlooks the harbour and the surrounding mountains in the distance. You can also spot Pinchgut Island, Kirribilli House and the Navy dockyards at Woolloomooloo. The history behind Mrs Macquarie’s Chair makes it all the more special. Back in 1810, convicts carved a rock into a seat so that Governor Macquarie’s wife, Mrs Macquarie, had a place to sit and watch the ships from Great Britain arrive into the harbour. The chair’s interesting history and stunning views continue to attract hundreds of locals and tourists each day.

The Sydney Tower

Sydney’s cityscape is even more incredible at night time, with bright lights from the tall buildings reflecting off the waters of the Harbour. There is no better place to take in the city’s spectacular night time views than at the tallest building in Sydney, the Sydney Tower. At the tower, you can enjoy a delicious banquet style dining experience with unparalleled 360-degree views of the city.

Enjoy Nightlife in Newtown

A night out in Newtown is the perfect way to spend your second night in Sydney. Located only 10 minutes from the CBD, Newtown is the home to some Sydney’s best pubs, jazz clubs, wine bars and cocktail spots. The suburb boasts a wide range of fantastic restaurants serving everything from Indian, Italian, Malaysian to modern Australian cuisine and traditional pub food.

With so many great sights and attractions on offer, and cheap flights to Sydney available from Europe, the United States, Asia and New Zealand, a trip to Sydney makes for an unforgettable weekend escape.