Here it is folks, your dedicated guide to the best things to do in Sydney/Eora.
From its sprawling harbour and coastal national parks to famous brewery crawls and nostalgic drive-in cinemas, there are heaps of exciting experiences and activities in Sydney to get around. Made for the out-of-towners, the actively dating, or even the longtime Sydneysider ready to get their adventure on, Urban List has you covered.
Here are 50 of the best things to do in Sydney in 2025.
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- Best Free And Cheap Things To Do In Sydney
- The Best Things To Do In Sydney With Kids
- The Best Things To Do In Sydney For Foodies
- Historic And Iconic Things To Do In Sydney
- The Best Things To Do In Sydney At Night
- The Best Things To Do Outdoors In Sydney
- The Best Things To Do On Sydney Harbour
- The Best Action-Packed Things To Do In Sydney
- The Best Things To Do In Sydney On A Rainy Day
Best Free And Cheap Things To Do In Sydney
Visit Sydney’s Best Beaches
Image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Boud
Dip your toes in Sydney’s best beaches, from the iconic Bondi Beach and harbour gems like Camp Cove to coastal beauties further north. If you want to sidestep the hour-long search for parking and the cabana-packed spots, check out Sydney’s best hidden beaches.
Explore Sydney’s Best Art Galleries
Art lovers are spoiled for choice in Sydney, with heaps of stunning free galleries to explore. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is a great starting point for historical and modern art, with two massive side-by-side buildings and plenty of rotating exhibitions.
White Rabbit Gallery is also a must-do, housing one of the world’s most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art, and a Tea House on the ground floor. Check out more of the best Sydney art galleries here.
Wander Around Sydney’s Best Museums
Image credit: Destination NSW | Aedan O'Donnell
View millennia-old artefacts at Sydney’s best museums. Established as the nation’s first public museum in 1827, the Australian Museum now holds more than 21 million treasures, including priceless fossils, flora and fauna specimens, and Indigenous Australian objects—and is completely free to visit.
The four-level Chau Chak Wing Museum covers a lot of bases too, like art, science, history and ancient cultures from Australia, Rome, Greece and Egypt, housed within the University of Sydney.
Discover Sydney's Chinatown Night Markets
Every Friday night, Sydney’s Chinatown springs to life with an Asian street food night market. More than a dozen stalls offer cheap eats like slurpable noodles, big bowls of pho, sizzling skewers, fresh sashimi and bursting dumplings. While you’re there, you have to try the iconic golden custard puffs from Emperor's Garden.
Watch The Sunset At Sydney’s Best Lookout Spots
Image credit: Destination NSW | Jason Ierace
There’s truly no better way to end a ripper day than watching the sunset at one of these top-tier lookout spots. Choose between a leafy picnic-worthy perch, a breezy beachside spot or a grassy hill with panoramic harbour views.
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The Best Things To Do In Sydney With Kids
Meet Friendly Animals At Sydney’s Zoos
Image credit: Destination NSW | Jason Ierace
For kids (and parents) with a wild side, Taronga Zoo Sydney is home to over 5,000 animals and 350 species from around the world. The conservation-focused zoo also runs two wildlife hospitals, where injured native animals are rehabilitated. Book tickets online for $31 per child (4-15 years), $53 per adult and free for infants 3 years and under.
Sydney Zoo is another must-visit with kids, boasting an Australian wildlife habitat, African savannah, primate space, aquarium, and the largest reptile and nocturnal house in the world. Book tickets online from $28 for children (3-15 years), $55 for adults and free for infants under 3 years.
Swim In Sydney’s Best Ocean Pools
Sydney is no stranger to a saltwater playground; in fact, we’ve casually racked up over 30 ocean pools. Throughout this list, you’ll find a batch of natural rock pools, old-school baths and beautifully built landmarks that are perfect for swimming in with kids.
Go Hyper Karting
Got an aspiring race car driver in the fam? Take them to The Entertainment Quarter for hyperkarting. Zoom around an electric neon-lit race track at controlled speeds suitable for all ages. There’s a mini track for ages 3–7 starting at $14, a junior track for drivers over 120cm from $24, and a main track for drivers over 140cm from $19. Book online.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Image credit: Destination NSW | Jem Cresswell
Say hi to Nemo, Dory and over 4000 more marine animals at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Hop aboard a penguin expedition boat ride, walk through a shark-infested underwater tunnel, learn about incredible rock pool ecosystems and meet Pig, a cheeky rescue dugong who loves lettuce. Entry tickets start at $42 for adults and $32 for children (2-15 years). Book online.
Play Mini Golf
Image credit: Holey Moley | Website
Holey Moley is Australia’s craziest mini golf course, with glow-in-the-dark rooms, huge clown heads, motorbikes and more. There are 9 locations across New South Wales. Book tickets online from $22 for 9 holes and $38 for 18 holes.
See more of Sydney’s best things to do with kids.
The Best Things To Do In Sydney For Foodies
Visit Sydney’s Best Breweries
Set out on your own brewery crawl through Sydney’s Inner West and try craft beers from The Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre in Marrickville, Young Henrys in Newtown and Mountain Culture Beer Co. in Redfern.
For brews over the bridge, head to Sydney's Northern Beaches and work your way around breweries like Bucketty's, Dad & Dave's, and Nomad—all within walking distance in Brookvale’s industrial precinct.
Carriageworks Farmers Market
Image credit: Carriageworks | Facebook
The iconic Carriageworks Farmers Markets is the perfect way to spend a Saturday in Sydney. A range of Sydney’s best cafes, restaurants, bakeries and food vendors host weekly pop-ups, slinging warm pastries, baked bread, coffee, handmade cheeses, fresh produce, pantry staples and more.
Try World-Class Cocktails At Sydney’s Best Bars
Image credit: Maybe Sammy | Instagram
Sydney is home to some of the best bars in Australia (and the world). Award-winning cocktail bar Maybe Sammy is a regular feature on the World's 50 Best list, and margarita-fuelled joint Cantina OK! was recently added too. We also love Poly in Surry Hills for top-notch wine and refined fire-cooked dishes.
Go To Cabramatta For Vietnamese Food
Certain pockets of Sydney are known for acing particular cuisines—for Western Sydney suburb, Cabramatta, it’s Vietnamese food. First, hit up Pho Tau Bay, it’s been serving up elite pho since the ‘80s. Then stop off at Viet Hoa Hot Bread for one of the best bánh mì in Sydney—it's open 24/7 daily.
Pub Crawl Through The Rocks
Image credit: The Travelling Tavern | Website
Hop on Sydney’s only pedal-powered pub crawl through the heritage-listed Rocks precinct. The Travelling Tavern takes you to some of Sydney’s oldest, well-loved pubs, while journeying past iconic sights and sending down local beers, ciders, wines, pre-mixes and non-alcoholic drinks. Round up a group of 8 or more and book online from $88 per person.
Grab Coffee From Surry Hills’ Best Cafes
If you’re caffeine-inclined, hit the specialty roast coffee shops sprinkled through Surry Hills—they are some of the best cafes in Sydney. Head to Single O for cult-status brews, Reuben Hills for bold roasts, and bills—an iconic staple of Sydney’s brunch scene—for sips paired with the best godamn ricotta hotcakes in town.
Explore Burwood Chinatown
Sporting over 30 hawker-style eateries, Burwood Chinatown is a must-visit dining and retail destination in Sydney’s Inner West. You’ll also want to make sure to check out Million Life, Sydney’s first pink claw machine arcade.
Dine At Sydney’s Best Restaurants
Image credit: Bennelong | Facebook
If you live in or come to Sydney and don’t dine at one of these best restaurants, you’re missing out. For true food mastery, book globally acclaimed chef Josh Niland’s seafood-fine diner Saint Peter, Crown Sydney’s innovative modern Australian masterpiece Oncore By Clare Smyth or Peter Gilmore’s Bennelong, where you can dine inside the sails of Sydney Opera House.
Historic And Iconic Things To Do In Sydney
Sydney Opera House
Image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Tran
Not only is this architectural gem one of the most iconic landmarks in Sydney, but it’s also the pinnacle of Sydney’s arts and theatre scene. Catch a play, a musical, the opera, the ballet, a comedy show, or sit in on a live panel. View the Sydney Opera House’s events program online.
Australian National Maritime Museum
Hop aboard floating historical vessels at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Built in 1991, the Darling Harbour Museum has art, cultural and scientific exhibitions to explore, relating to our connection with the sea. Book all-inclusive tickets online from $35 per adult and $25 per child (4-15 years).
Luna Park Sydney
Image credit: Luna Park Sydney | Website
Originally built in 1935, Luna Park is one of the only heritage-listed amusement parks in the world. Enjoy rides for all ages, roller coasters, Coney Island slides, carnival games, and Sydney Harbour views from the iconic Ferris Wheel. Book an unlimited ride pass online from $65 per adult.
Cockatoo Island
In the heart of Sydney Harbour lies Cockatoo Island/Wareamah, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Previously a convict prison from 1839 to 1869, followed by a shipyard and educational institution, the island now has historical tours, cafes, concerts, camping and heritage accommodation. Get there by ferry from Circular Quay or Barangaroo.
Hyde Park Barracks
Once a convict barracks, women’s immigration depot and later government offices, Hyde Park Barracks is now an immersive museum telling the stories of those held within its walls, and the Aboriginal communities deeply affected by colonial expansion. Book free timed entry tickets online.
The Best Things To Do In Sydney At Night
Visit Sydney’s Best Rooftop Bars
Image credit: Hyatt Regency | Supplied
We’re not a city short of an epic view, a sky-high feed or an open-air drink. And these rooftop bars are stepping the elevated game up a massive notch with espresso martinis on tap, indoor cloud trees, apple cider slushies, sunsets for days and palm springs vibes.
Experience Sydney’s Best Drag Shows
Don your sparkles at one of Sydney’s best drag shows, like at heritage-listed The Imperial Erskineville. It’s been an iconic LGBTQ+ venue since 1983, and you’ve probably spotted its facade in the opening scene of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert.
Watch a Movie At Sydney’s Retro Drive-In Cinema
Image credit: Skyline Drive In | Facebook
Blacktown’s Skyline Drive-In is a flashback to the '50s. Sporting a Happy Days-style diner with all the movie snacks and a mammoth outdoor screen to witness all the smash blockbusters. This spot is also one of the best places for a date night in Sydney. Book tickets online from $40 per car.
Catch Live Music At Sydney’s Best Venues
Delve into Sydney’s live music scene at iconic venues like Enmore Theatre, Oxford Art Factory, and Metro Theatre. Whether it's supporting up-and-coming local bands or singing along to chart-topping hits by international artists, Sydney has no shortage of performers and stages to get around. Check out more of Sydney’s best live music venues.
Stargaze At Sydney Observatory
Since opening in 1858, Sydney Observatory has transformed from guiding ships and charting stars to a public education hub for sky exploration. Join guided tours, view terrestrial objects through telescopes, attend night photography workshops, and explore sky-focused exhibitions. There's both free and ticketed events that you can book online.
Attend Vivid Sydney
Image credit: Destination NSW | Henry Li
During Winter each year, Sydney’s skies and famous landmarks light up with colourful projections for Vivid Sydney. From May to June, heaps of free immersive installations take over like light tunnels and sound-reactive art, plus live music, conversational panels, entertaining performances, and fiery street-food eats from Vivid Fire Kitchen. Find out more about Vivid Sydney 2025 here.
The Best Things To Do Outdoors In Sydney
Stroll Along Sydney’s Best Coastal Walks
Image credit: Destination NSW | James Horan
Whether you’re looking for an iconic coastal trail, a dog-friendly foreshore walk, or an easy stroll with insane harbour views, Sydney has it all. Some of the best walks in Sydney include the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk and the gorgeous four-hour Spit Bridge to Manly trail.
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
Easily one of NSW’s most beautiful national parks, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park features stunners like the Great North Walk, The Basin Campground, Akuna Bay (perfect for a picnic), and the West Head lookout.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Wander through a wildflower meadow, palm grove, succulent sanctuary and lush gardens at the Royal Botanic Garden. It’s Australia’s oldest botanical garden, home to thousands of amazing plant species, and completely free to visit. Explore by yourself, on a free guided tour or an Aboriginal heritage walk.
Go Snorkelling At Sydney’s Best Spots
Image credit: Destination NSW | Tom Park
Dip beneath the surface and explore a quieter world filled with thriving reefs and vibrant sea life at Sydney’s best snorkelling spots. Follow fish through kelp forests around Manly Cove at Shelly Beach or hunt for a weedy sea dragon at Kamay Botany Bay National Park.
Raging Waters Sydney
Make the most of a hot sunny day at Raging Waters. It’s Sydney’s biggest water park, housing 30 different slides and pools for all ages. Open from early November until the end of March, you can purchase day passes from $54.99 or season passes from $89.99 online.
Explore The Royal National Park
Pack your sleeping bag and take this overnight hike through the Royal National Park. The multi-day walk between Bundeena and Otford can be tackled in sections too if you're time-poor. While you’re at it, check out the park’s best swimming spots.
Watch A Movie At An Outdoor Cinema
Image credit: Mov'in Bed | Supplied
Catch new releases and cult-favourite films under the stars at one of Sydney’s seasonal open-air cinemas. From summer into early autumn, make the most of balmy nights with outdoor screenings at Westpac OpenAir, Mov’in Bed and Sunset Cinema. Bring a blanket (or upgrade to a comfy seat), load up on snacks, and you’re all set.
The Best Things To Do On Sydney Harbour
Experience A Thrilling Jet Boat Ride
Image credit: Destination NSW | Jeremy Shaw
Race around Sydney Harbour on an adrenaline-fuelled jet boat. The speedy ride reaches up to 75km/h and wizzes past Luna Park, the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge. Book tickets online from $85 per adult and $59 per child (5-15 years).
Take The Ferry To Manly
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, taking the fast ferry to Manly from Circular Quay is one of the best ways to see Sydney Harbour. The under-30-minute boat ride passes all the iconic sights, has a licensed bar onboard, and only costs around $8.
When you get to Manly, grab a fat focaccia sando from Norma’s Deli to devour by the beach. Or, hit up these best restaurants in Manly.
Fly Over Sydney In A Seaplane
Booking a bougie seaplane flight over Sydney is a bucket-list activity that’s worth the splurge. For $440 per person, you’ll get to see the city like never before, swooping over Sydney Harbour, the iconic Opera House and famous beaches up north, all the way to Palm Beach (the Home & Away filming location). Book online.
Discover Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden
Image credit: Wendy's Secret Garden | Website
This picture-perfect nook in Lavender Bay is one of Sydney’s most picturesque gardens. Just a five-to-ten-minute walk from North Sydney or Milsons Point train stations, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is a lush hideaway filled with Bangalow palms, figs and lilies, backgrounded by stunning glimpses of Sydney Harbour. Find more of Sydney’s best gardens, parks and picnic spots in this list.
The Best Action-Packed Things To Do In Sydney
Surf At Sydney’s Iconic Wave Park
Surf, swim, or boogie board at URBNSURF, Australia’s only surf park, located in Sydney Olympic Park. Ride man-made, ocean-like waves suited for all levels and grab a bite from RAFI, the on-site restaurant. Book tickets online from $104 per adult (13+ years) and $99 per child (6-12 years).
Jet Pack Over Sydney
Arm yourself with an aquatic jetpack and take flight over water at Penrith’s Jetpack Adventures. Hydro jets will launch you into the air, and once you master the basics, you can attempt spins and flips. Book tickets online from $249.
Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk
Image credit: Destination NSW | Jason Ierace
The Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk is basically a rite of passage in Sydney. The mega tower reaches 268m above the ground and has the most sought-after vantage point in town. The Skywalk Tour lasts 60 minutes and provides access to a glass observation deck. Book tickets online from $96 per adult and $70 per child (10-17 years).
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Image credit: Destination NSW | Daniel Tran
The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is an unskippable Sydney experience. Choose from a range of climbs, from a quick sampler to the “ultimate” experience, which lets you conquer the summit in a small group with a guide. Book tickets online from $364 per adult.
The Best Things To Do In Sydney On A Rainy Day
Watch A Movie At Sydney’s Best Cinemas
Image credit: Ritz Cinemas | Facebook
Don’t settle for a regular cinema on a rainy day. Sydney’s most unforgettable movie theatres are bursting with character, like The Ritz in Randwick, a deco-era gem screening 35mm classics or the colossal IMAX Sydney, where a jaw-dropping 692-square-metre screen envelops you in the movie.
Relax At Sydney’s Best Bathhouses
Image credit: Slow House | Instagram
Sydney's best bathhouses offer self-care on a silver platter, in the form of magnesium pools, steam rooms, cold plunges, infrared saunas, and next-level spa treatments like custom facials and healing massages. There are even spas that offer margarita-fuelled sip and soak sessions, cause why not?
See A Show At Sydney’s Best Theatres
In the basement of The Old Fitzroy, you’ll find Australia’s only remaining pub theatre. The 55-seat Old Fitz Theatre hosts plays, cabaret, comedy and more live acts, which you can book tickets to online.
Belvoir St Theatre is another beloved Aussie theatre company that always has something on, from novel adaptations and intense dramas to feel-good musicals. Book tickets online.
Play Darts At Flight Club
Flight Club is a social darts venue in The Rocks with epic high-tech that keeps track of the points for you. There are multiple oches (playing areas) for up to 12 people, with ocktails, tap beers, wine, and fried snacks delivered straight to your game. Book online from $24 per person for 60 minutes.
Visit Sydney’s Best Indoor Play Centres
Image credit: BOUNCE | Supplied
From trampoline parks to soft play zones, Sydney has a variety of indoor play centres perfect for all ages to run wild. These venues provide hours of entertainment, keeping kids busy while parents squeeze in some well-deserved chill time.
Solve Puzzles At Sydney’s Best Escape Rooms
There’s just something so bloody exciting—and a little terrifying—about being locked in a room and solving your way out. Perfect for date nights, rainy days, or group challenges, Sydney’s best escape rooms guarantee a pulse-raising good time.
See more of Sydney’s best things to do on a rainy day.
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Main image credit: Destination NSW | Adam Krowitz
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