What to do in Sydney in 2026: personal tips from a local

Discover the trendy area of Potts Point

Potts Point can be seen as two worlds in one. On one side, there’s the lively part, including the trendy Kings Cross, with plenty of hip eateries, cozy cafés, and nightlife hubs. 

Once a rough neighborhood prone to incidents, this area has now transformed into a stylish hotspot beloved by both locals and tourists.

Close to the water, you’ll encounter a completely different vibe: charming harbors, modern architecture, people walking their dogs along the water’s edge, and views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney 

Tower from various angles, especially from Rushcutters Bay Park leading to Finger Wharf.

Tip: Enjoy a drink, you’ll love the view from the Woolly Bay Hotel, a trendy bar in Potts Point with great rooftop views over Finger Wharf.

Take an idyllic walk from Taronga Zoo to Mosman Bay

Taronga Zoo is among the world’s most beautiful zoos, not least thanks to its location in North Sydney, offering stunning views of the bridge and Opera House, expect an unforgettable photo op!

But I don’t just want to recommend the zoo itself, I especially want to highlight the area between Taronga Zoo and Mosman Bay. Hiking and nature lovers will absolutely enjoy themselves here. 

Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, and from there you can immediately start this enchanting walk. As soon as you leave the ferry, turn left and follow the path alongside the cable car. 

From there, the rest speaks for itself.

During this walk in North Sydney, you’ll follow some of the most beautiful coastal trails. Enjoy idyllic little beaches, nature and wildlife, and spot some of the most luxurious houses, because you’ll definitely find them in Sydney’s north.

With its well-maintained trails, breathtaking views, and the most idyllic beaches (all within a bustling metropolis), I simply have to recommend this walk. For us, it was truly one of the highlights of our visit to Sydney. And just look at the photos below, these views are absolutely priceless!

We chose to walk as far as Mosman Bay, where we caught the bus since the ferry wasn’t running at that time. However, you can continue much further and 

make the walk as long as you like, the trail stretches for several more kilometers along the coast.

Dine with a view at the Harbour View Hotel

The Rocks is one of my favorite places in Sydney. This historic area still carries a touch of old Sydney, which is especially evident at the Fortune of War, the city’s oldest pub. 

The architecture of the houses and buildings around the Harbour Bridge also reflects that typical old ‘The Rocks’ character.

Once again, we couldn’t resist looking for a cozy restaurant here. This time it turned into quite a search, as we weren’t exactly sure what we were in the mood for, you probably know that feeling. 

But the long search was worth it, because suddenly there it was: the Harbour View Hotel, right on the corner beneath the Harbour Bridge. 

 The charming lights and the laughter of Australians drew us inside, not realizing that the Harbour View Hotel has a beautiful rooftop bar where delicious dishes are served.

The food here is absolutely fantastic! And what makes this place truly special is the stunning view of the historic Harbour Bridge. I don’t think you can dine any closer to the bridge than this. Having dinner at sunset just a stone’s throw away from the bridge, it’s such a treat. There’s definitely plenty to see from this rooftop bar; you can even interact with the groups who have just climbed the Harbour Bridge.

Locatie: het Harbour View Hotel vind je op het volgende adres: 18 Lower Fort St, Dawes Point NSW 2000

Visit the brand-new Sydney Modern Project

Museum lovers can now delight in the Sydney Modern Project, which is free to visit and located next to the Botanic Gardens. In this brand-new building, an extension of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, art, architecture, and landscapes are brought together in a spectacular way. Both Australian and international artists display their masterpieces here, and you can enjoy them too.

Even if you’re not particularly into art, it’s still worth taking a look here. The Sydney Modern Project is a fascinating building that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. The museum features several large galleries showcasing a variety of remarkable artworks, and from the museum’s garden, you have a stunning view of Potts Point and other parts of the city. The Sydney Modern Project is a wonderful addition to the city. This architectural masterpiece is already being ranked by some as one of Sydney’s most iconic attractions, alongside the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Wander through the Botanic Gardens

From the new Sydney Modern Project, it’s quite easy to enter the Botanic Gardens. You just need to cross the street, and you’re there. While every major Australian city has a botanic garden, we’ve always been big fans of the ones in Sydney. The stunning location, open spaces, and the diversity of trees and plants make each visit a true delight. This time, it was also clear how well the gardens are continuously developed and meticulously maintained.

Visiting a bustling city like Sydney can be intense, especially if it’s your first time. The Botanic Gardens offer that little spot where you can momentarily forget the city’s hustle and bustle. Grab a takeaway coffee and a tasty sandwich, and enjoy the most remarkable flora and fauna in a stunning setting.

Discover the alternative vibe of Newtown

If you still have time to explore areas around the city, we recommend visiting the alternative neighborhood of Newtown. Take the train from the city center toward Newtown and immerse yourself in a vibrant area full of vintage shops, cozy coffee spots, and trendy multicultural bars. Newtown has a distinctive spirit, characterized by its Victorian buildings, street art, and the alternative people who live there. Artists, foodies, and vintage lovers are drawn to this area. Concert and theater enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy, as the neighborhood is home to many lively venues, including the beautiful Enmore Theatre, where numerous well-known artists have performed.

Go surfing at the idyllic Maroubra Beach

Sydney is of course famous for is its many idyllic beaches, perfect for surfing. You’ve probably heard of Manly and Bondi. these are Sydney’s most popular beaches, where you’ll also find plenty of surfers. We’d like to take you to the slightly lesser-known Maroubra Beach. Catch the bus from Bondi Junction, and within half an hour, you’ll be at Maroubra Beach, the surfers’ place to be! Thanks to the great wave conditions, this spot is very popular with surfers and other watersport enthusiasts. Rent a surfboard and enjoy the best waves!

Step out of the hustle and unwind in Hyde Park

Just like the Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park is also a wonderful place to retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Sydney’s reputation as a very green city is evident here as well. The many trees and plants make you almost forget you’re in a bustling metropolis.

Hyde Park is also the gathering place where the stunning St Mary’s Cathedral and the impressive Anzac Memorial come together. Every year on April 25th, Anzac Day, Australians and New Zealanders are commemorated here for their service and sacrifice in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Hyde Park is a spot frequented by business people during lunch and a place where locals gather on weekends. Throughout the park, you’ll see people enjoying the sunshine and relaxing with a book in hand.

Visit the impressive Powerhouse Museum

One of Sydney’s most beautiful museums is the Powerhouse Museum, located near Darling Harbour. You can’t miss this impressive building if you’re walking around Chinatown. The museum is spread across several floors, with a focus on art, science, innovation, and design.

Here, you’ll find a section dedicated to ancient ceramics, learn all about the Steam Revolution, and explore a massive hall showcasing vintage vehicles, including an old train board from Sydney’s Central Station. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts various pop-up exhibits. There’s plenty to admire in this magnificent museum in the heart of Sydney.

Do the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk

One of the most beautiful walks around Sydney, in my opinion, is the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk. This stunning 10-kilometer coastal walk takes you to some of Sydney’s best viewpoints and most idyllic beaches. If you do this walk in the summer, you’ll encounter a variety of reptiles, including large lizards and smaller salamanders.

The nature along the walk is truly impressive, and the great thing about this trail is that it’s never boring. The landscape keeps changing, and you’ll be constantly surprised by the stunning coastline. You can, like us, start at Spit Bridge and end in the lively Manly, but of course, you can also begin in Manly—it’s up to you! Read more about the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk.

Tip: You can also enjoy a beautiful coastal walk at the Northern Beaches. For example, we walked from Mona Vale to Dee Why Beach.

Savor authentic flavors at Burwood Chinatown

Anyone who loves Asian food should not miss Burwood Chinatown. Take the train from Central toward Burwood, and within five minutes you’ll find yourself in this atmospheric food court. Not only are there plenty of eateries inside the food court, but outside you’ll find a street food market as well, along with various other charming Asian restaurants surrounding the area.

The food here is very diverse, both in variety and price range. For example, you can get a full plate for around $15, or opt for just meat skewers, which cost about $35. In many restaurants, you choose the portion size and the price yourself. Next to the food court, there’s also a nice pub with a cozy rooftop terrace overlooking the street food market.

Take a walk in Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden

One of the most beautiful public gardens in Sydney is Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. Most tourists will head to the Botanic Gardens first (which are, of course, very beautiful). But if you’re looking for something smaller and less well-known, you should definitely visit these gardens in North Sydney. Over the past 20 years, Wendy Whiteley, the wife of Australian artist Brett Whiteley, has developed Whiteley’s Secret Garden.

Several hilly paths lead you through this beautiful green oasis, filled with a variety of plants and trees, and offering stunning views of the Harbour Bridge. Throughout the garden, you’ll find picnic tables where you can enjoy your own breakfast or lunch. A fun aspect of the garden is that around midday, Australians from nearby offices come to relax with their lunch. It’s a wonderful spot to unwind and enjoy nature and the beautiful views. But shhh… keep it quiet and don’t tell anyone, because, after all, it is a secret garden 😉

Visit The Grounds Coffee Factory in South Eveleigh

Step into the world of coffee at the new Grounds Coffee Factory in South Eveleigh. Housed in an old industrial building, this cool coffee factory lets you not only enjoy delicious coffee but also learn about the roasting process and discover how coffee is made.

In a spacious hall that can accommodate hundreds of coffee lovers, you can enjoy the tastiest coffee, along with delicious pastries. The beautiful modern interior combined with this impressive industrial space makes The Grounds Coffee Factory such a cool place. Throughout the huge hall, you’ll see various pipes through which the coffee beans literally travel.

As far as I’m concerned, this is a place you shouldn’t miss when you’re in Sydney. Even if you’re not a coffee lover, the South Eveleigh area is worth a visit. You’ll also find plenty of great restaurants and pubs here, many of which are housed in beautiful industrial buildings.

Tip: If you want to visit The Grounds Coffee Factory, make a reservation in advance to guarantee a table, as it can get busy.

Do the Dee Why to Manly Walk

Sydney has many beautiful walking tracks, each one stunning in its own way. Over the past few years, we’ve done several long walks around Sydney. One of the most beautiful, in our opinion, is the walk from Dee Why to Manly. Along this walk, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and a lovely variety of natural scenery.

If you do this walk in the spring, you can, like us, enjoy all the beautiful flowers and trees in bloom. It’s a fun and varied walk, taking you past some of the loveliest beaches, offering views of striking rock formations, and showcasing plenty of beautiful nature. If you’re a swimmer and the weather is warm, it’s also nice to take a dip in one of the many stunning ocean pools along the way.

Tip: The walk features well-maintained paths, but if you have mobility issues, I would advise not to go, as the route includes some climbs and large portions of the path are made of stone.

Enjoy a wine tasting in The Rocks

Just like us, go on a wine tasting in The Rocks and discover delicious wines at a prime location in Sydney. During this private wine tasting, we sampled six wines from the world-famous Barossa region in South Australia. Each wine had its own character and unique flavor.