Whether you’re saving up for a once-in-a-lifetime trip or stretching every dollar like a pro, Sydney delivers the goods. Iconic landmarks? Check. Epic food? Absolutely. Coastal vibes? In spades. Here’s how to see, eat, and stay in Australia’s most dazzling harbour city — no matter your budget.
See & Do
Splurge-Worthy (Up to $1,200)
Private Seaplane to Palm Beach
Take off from Rose Bay for a sky-high spin over Sydney’s glittering coastline. Choose a quick scenic jaunt or go big with a full-day adventure. Land at Palm Beach to hike to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, play a round of oceanfront golf, or tuck into a seafood lunch at The Boathouse.
Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour
Go beyond the velvet ropes on this 2.5-hour insider tour. From orchestra pits to dressing rooms, you’ll get a rare peek behind the scenes — with stories from the stage and a breakfast spread in the performers’ Green Room to match.
Sunset Charter on Sydney Harbour
Golden hour hits different when you’re sailing past the Opera House with a glass of bubbly in hand. This private charter includes a luxe vessel, local cheeses, and plenty of postcard moments as you cruise under the Harbour Bridge and along Sydney’s waterfront mansions.
Budget-Friendly (Up to $100)
Pylon Lookout
Skip the splurge of the BridgeClimb and conquer 200+ steps inside the Harbour Bridge’s granite pylons. The reward? Epic 360-degree views and a mini museum on the bridge’s wild engineering history.
Self-Guided Kayak from Rose Bay
Paddle your way to Sydney’s best skyline snaps — and maybe even a secret beach. Rentals are affordable, and early birds get glassy waters and prime birdwatching.
Marrickville Brewery Crawl
Marrickville is Sydney’s craft beer mecca. Hop between indie spots like Batch, Sauce, and The Grifter. Bonus: There’s usually a food truck or two along the way.
Free & Fabulous
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Clifftops, crashing waves, golden sand — this iconic six-kilometre trail delivers it all. Along the way: ocean pools, surfers, seaside cemeteries, and maybe even migrating whales.
Art Gallery of NSW
Free to enter, free to explore. Wander Indigenous, Asian, and European collections, then dive (figuratively) into the Tank gallery — a WWII oil bunker turned subterranean art space.
Euroka Clearing, Blue Mountains
Head west for kangaroo-spotting at dawn or dusk in this peaceful meadow framed by eucalyptus trees. Bring a picnic, follow quiet bush trails, and stay overnight if the stars call to you.
Eat & Drink
Premium Bites (Up to $400)
Quay
Harbour views, exquisite plating, and a menu that reads like a love letter to Australian seafood. Think mud-crab congee and smoked eel cream, with desserts as artful as the skyline.
Bennelong
Dining inside the Opera House sails? Yes, please. Start with oysters, stay for grass-fed beef with truffle purée, and toast the night with a glass of Aussie pinot.
Mid-Range Munchies (Up to $100)
The Grounds of Alexandria
Part café, part garden wonderland, part Instagram fever dream. Sip house-roasted coffee, feast on charcoal chicken, and leave room for dessert (hello, warm pistachio cookie skillet).
Sydney Fish Market
Shuck, slurp, and savour your way through Australia’s largest seafood market. Grab a picnic table and watch the bay while fending off hopeful seagulls as you sample sashimi, chilled prawns and barbecue lobster!
Budget Eats (Up to $20)
Marrickville Pork Roll
The city’s most beloved bánh mì — crunchy, savoury, packed with pork belly and pickled veg on a crusty baguette. It’s cash-only and fast-moving, but totally worth the queue.
Spice Alley
Lantern-lit laneways lead to a smorgasbord of hawker stalls. Thai BBQ, Singaporean laksa, Malaysian roti — mix, match, and feast beneath the fairy lights. Order your favorites (we recommend some sizzling satay) and then grab a seat at one of the communal tables.
Stay Awhile
Luxury Stays (Up to $1,200)
Park Hyatt Sydney
Unrivalled Opera House views, marble everything, and private balconies for sunset gawking. Unwind at the full-service spa, lounge at the rooftop pool, and grab a bite at the on-site restaurant. Book the Sydney Suite for the ultimate indulgence—complete with a spa bath, dry sauna, and steam room.
QT Sydney
Bold, quirky, and unapologetically theatrical. Expect velvet, neon, and a rooftop bar scene straight out of a movie. Bonus: spaQ and an old-school barber on-site.
Chic & Mid-Range (Up to $350)
The Old Clare Hotel
Industrial-chic meets boutique cool at this hotel located in a converted brewery. Think exposed brick, rooftop pool, and killer cocktails. Plus, you’re steps from Spice Alley and Central Station.
Veriu Central
Cosy studios in a heritage building, with Chinatown and Darling Harbour in easy reach. Perks include smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, and five on-site eateries.
Budget Beds (Up to $100)
Little Drifter, Surry Hills
A boutique-style hostel with minimalist dorms, leafy courtyards, and pop-up events like painting nights. Surrounded by indie shops and brunch hotspots.
Wake Up! Sydney Central
Lively hostel vibes meet heritage charm across from Central Station. Daily walking tours, nightly socials, and quick connections to Bondi make this a budget traveler’s dream.
