Sydney

Sydney is the gateway to an incredible Australian adventure — a city where world-class dining meets rugged coastline, and where every suburb has its own personality. Compared to the intensity of New York or LA, Sydney runs at a more relaxed pace, but don't let that fool you — there's a lot to take in. This guide is organized by suburb so you can explore neighborhood by neighborhood.

Tips

• Cash & Cards: You almost never need cash — your card or phone payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) works everywhere. A few Asian restaurants might be cash-only, but it's rare.
• Tipping: Not customary in Australia. If a place prompts for a tip, just select "No tip." Some restaurants are starting to include it, but it's not the norm.
• Sun Protection: The Australian sun is no joke — the ozone layer is thinner here. Wear sunscreen and reapply every 4 hours.
• Public Transport: Sydney's trains, buses, and ferries are efficient within the city. Tap on and off with your debit/credit card or phone.
• Airport Transport: Skip the train (expensive at $25–35/person) and avoid taxis (tourist markup risk). Uber or DiDi is usually $35–40 off-peak, and DiDi is often cheaper. Walk to the pickup point rather than using the taxi rank.
• Driving: Australians drive on the left side of the road. GoGet car-sharing is often cheaper than traditional rentals for day trips.

Activities

The best things to do around Sydney:

• Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk — One of the most iconic walks in the city. Stop at any beach along the way, dip into the Bronte Ice Baths, snorkel at Gordons Bay, and hit up Bondi Junction for shopping before or after.
• Ferry to Taronga Zoo — Take the ferry across the harbor (great views), then explore the zoo for kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Stay near the exit to grab the shuttle first.
• Ferry to Manly Beach — Another scenic ferry ride. Snorkel at Shelley Beach on the way.
• City Walk — A full-day walking route: Darling Harbour → Barangaroo → The Rocks at Circular Quay → Sydney Opera House → Royal Botanic Garden → Hyde Park → George Street. Do it in either direction.
• SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium & Maritime Museum — Great for a rainy day or if you love marine life.
• Kamay Botany Bay National Park — Combine with Cronulla Beach, the sand dunes, and Kurnell Beach for a nature day.
• White Rabbit Gallery — Contemporary Chinese art in a converted warehouse.
• Party Boat on Sydney Harbour — Plenty of operators, or rent a private boat if you've got a group.
• Crown Hotel and Casino / Star Hotel and Casino — For a night out.

Royal National Park

During winter months (June–August), you can spot whales from the coast.

• Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk — Scenic bushwalk with ocean views.
• Forest Path — Quieter, shaded trail through the park.
• Couranga Walking Track — Another solid option for a half-day hike.

Blue Mountains (Katoomba)

You can take public transport to Katoomba Station (about 3 hours one way) — budget-friendly and no driving needed. From the station, most walking routes are a 15–30 minute walk away.

Recommended route:

1. Three Sisters Walk — Start here for the iconic rock formation and sweeping valley views.
2. Giant Stairway — Descend from the Three Sisters for a close-up look at the cliffs and rainforest.
3. Federal Pass — Continue through lush rainforest and past dramatic rock formations.
4. Scenic World — Great rest stop and halfway point. Ride the Scenic Railway (steepest in the world), Skyway, or Cableway.
5. Dardanelles Pass Loop — A pleasant way to finish the day, though less dramatic than the earlier sections.

Day trips requiring a car:

• Japanese Bath House — An onsen in the mountains. Book ahead.
• Leura Village — Charming shops, cafes, and gardens.
• Wentworth Falls — Spectacular waterfall with trails at various difficulty levels.
• Govetts Leap — Panoramic views over the Grose Valley.
• Mount Tomah Botanic Garden — Native and exotic plants with stunning views.
• Blackheath — Access to the Grand Canyon Walk and other great hikes.

Food & Drink by Suburb

CBD (In City)

• ★ Bar Totti's — The antipasto and crab pasta are must-tries. Book ahead.
• ★ Mango Coco — Known for the "Egg on Nest" dessert. Worth the visit.
• ★ Spicy Joint — Perfect for mala/Szechuan spice lovers.
• Mr. Wong — Upscale modern Asian with a stylish vibe.
• Hansang — Traditional Korean, known for hearty soup.
• Bornga — Classic Korean BBQ with quality meats.
• Gogo Music BBQ — Casual Japanese dining.
• Abura Soba Noodles — No-fuss soba noodles.
• Mensho Ramen — Authentic ramen with rich broths.
• Beom Beom — Modern Korean fusion with a creative twist.
• HeyTea — Famous for cheese teas (also in Burwood and Melbourne CBD).
• Bengong Metro — Contemporary dessert and pastry shop.
• The Eight — Dim sum.
• Ho Jiak — Malaysian.
• Holy Basil — Thai.
• Kuki Soft Serve and Cookies — Ice cream and cookies.
• Thanon Khaosan — Thai.
• Betty's Burgers — Solid burgers.
• Doodee King — Thai.
• Chowon — Korean.

Bars

• ★ Cantina OK! — Renowned for margaritas.
• ★ Bancho — Asian-inspired cocktails with unique flavors.
• ★ Vina Bar — Vietnamese-inspired cocktails.
• Caterpillar Club — Late-night bar.

Surry Hills

Yuppie food paradise — perfect for brunch or trendy modern meals.

• ★ Paramount Coffee Projects — Excellent brunch spot, trendy atmosphere.
  • ★ AP Bakery — Take the elevator upstairs for incredible pastries.
• Ito — Japanese-inspired dishes, minimalist approach.
• Foreign Return — Indian restaurant.
• JIBBICOFFEE ROASTERS — Specialty coffee.

Newtown

Hipster vibes, great for a local feel.

• Azuki Bakery — Small bakery with tasty treats.
• Maeda — Relaxed Japanese.
• Hanoi on King — Vietnamese joint.
• Thai Pothong — Decent Thai, nothing exceptional.

Burwood (Chinese Suburb)

• ★ Mr. Stonebowl — Popular Chinese restaurant with a wide range of dishes.
• Xi Bay Hand Made Noodles — Handmade noodles, a must-try.
• Tea n Co — Cozy tea and light snacks.
• HeyTea — Cheese teas (also in CBD and Melbourne).
• Bengong Bakery — Pastries and boba.
• Karriton Dessert — Ube-flavored sweet bread (also in Melbourne CBD).
• Homeway — Shandong food.

Strathfield (Korean Suburb)

• ★ Mandoo — Phenomenal dumplings and soups. Order one soup and a couple of dumplings to share.
• Hansang — Reliable traditional Korean.

North Strathfield (Korean Suburb)

• ★ Jongro Hwaro KBBQ — Top pick for Korean BBQ in Sydney.
• ★ Butcherant KBBQ — Another excellent KBBQ spot.
• Myeongdong — Casual Korean.

Marrickville (Vietnamese Suburb)

• ★ Vn Street Food — Exceptional bun cha. Order at the counter, eat on the other side. Don't forget spices for dipping.

Bondi

• Bondi Junction — Great for food and shopping after the coastal walk.

Other Spots

• The Grounds of Alexandria — Charming little plaza, popular on Instagram. Close to the city but not much else to do.
• My Mother's Cousin (Bexley North) — Excellent pizza, hot honey wings, and apple pie ice cream.
• Gyradiko — Greek.
• Jasmine 1 (Leichardt) — Lebanese.
• Harris Park — Indian and Middle Eastern suburb, worth exploring for food.
• Cabramatta — Vietnamese suburb with authentic eats.