Sydney is Australia’s most visited city and for good reason. Home to more than one hundred beaches, some amazing museums, interesting heritage sites, world-class architecture and an array of excellent restaurants, Sydney has something for everyone. What’s more, visitors to this amazing city can also use Sydney as a base to explore the surrounding harbor, get out into the mountains, explore vineyards and travel the coastline north and south in search of even more beaches on day trips.
With so much to see and do, it can be easy to become overwhelmed, especially if you are visiting the city for the first time. Before you set off on your travels, it’s worth taking the time to consider exactly what you want to get out of your time in this iconic Australian city. With a clear plan in place, you can be sure that you will maximize your time and get the very most from your trip. With that said, it’s also crucial that you base yourself in the right location both for exploring Sydney itself and for taking excursions to the surrounding areas. While there are many great Sydney hotels and guesthouses in the city, the Shangri La Sydney has proved a popular choice with travelers year on year, offering an excellent accommodation option in a great location.
Let’s take a look at a few tips to help you plan your trip to Sydney to ensure you get the best experience possible in this iconic destination.
Get An Opal Card in Sydney
Sydney is a large, sprawling city with an excellent public transport network. To get around the city as quickly and as efficiently as possible, you will need to use a combination of trains, busses, ferries and Sydney’s light rail network. If you want to get the best value for your trip, be sure to pick up an Opal Card. These cards have maximum daily and weekly charges which can save you money. Plus, you can top your card up at a train station, convenience store or online. Just be sure to tap when you get on and off, your chosen mode of transport or you will be charged the maximum amount for your journey.
Get Your Walking Shoes On
While the city is large and sprawling, once you get to where you need to be, there are some fantastic opportunities for walks. You can walk across the world-famous Sydney Harbor Bridge, for example, or explore some of the city’s trendy suburbs on foot with ease. There is also a range of inner-city bush walks and coastal paths that you can check out. Getting out in the fresh air and putting on your walking shoes is a great way to get the most out of your time in and around the city.
Photo by Jamar Cromwell on Unsplash
Start The Day Early
If you truly want to do Sydney right, then get up early like the locals. This is a city of early risers and many cafes and breakfast spots open their doors at 7 am or shortly after. Starting your day early will allow you to pack more into each day of your trip. What’s more, if you’re visiting at the height of Australian summer, you will be able to plan your day so you can avoid being out during the hottest part of the day. There are also some epic sunrise spots that will make setting your alarm a little earlier well worth the effort.
Check Out The Restaurants in Sydney
In between exploring all of the world-famous sights that Sydney has to offer, make sure that you take the time to check out some of the restaurants too. Whether you want to treat yourself to a fine-dining Michelin star restaurant experience or you’re looking for something a little more low-key, you can be sure to find it in this foodie-driven city. Sydney is renowned for its amazing restaurants and they can get bust so make sure that you book ahead. In a city this size, you can expect every type and standard of restaurant imaginable so it’s important to do your research to ensure that you find a spot that will meet your needs and work with your budget too.
Enjoy A Special Sydney Sunset
Every night of the year, the Sydney Opera House is illuminated with a special projection known as the Badu Gili. Displaying the works of First Nations artists from Torres Strait Islanders, along with new artists, truly is a sight to behold and something that cannot be seen anywhere else n the world. No matter what type of trip you are planning in Sydney, this is the perfect way to complete a perfect day in this wonderful city.
Have The Trip Of A Lifetime In The Iconic City Of Sydney, Australia
With so much to see and do in Sydney, it really is important that you take the time to plan your adventure properly to maximize your time in this amazing city. Following the advice above, you can ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime in this iconic Australian metropolis.
For more travel ideas, be sure to read our Itinerary Ideas
