Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sydney

Facing Hyde Park, St. Mary's Cathedral (1868-82) is a symbol of the spiritual beginnings of the Catholic Church in Australia. This striking landmark, in neo-Gothic style, is the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney.

Surrounded by beautiful parklands, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of the country's most distinguished art museums. The building dates from 1885 and houses spacious, light-filled galleries and Grand Courts, with collections ranging from works by the European masters and Asian artists to evocative contemporary art from around the world. The gallery also houses one of the largest collections of Aboriginal art in Australia.

Named after Hyde Park in London, Sydney's Hyde Park is Australia's oldest park. It's a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city and a lovely spot for a picnic. Sprawling lawns, shady picnic spots, flowers, fountains, and fig trees provide a welcome escape, and the park offers prime people-watching - especially at lunch when city workers come here to kick off their shoes.

Bustling George Street, in the heart of the city, is Australia's oldest street. Once a nameless track trodden by convicts fetching supplies of water, it's now one of the city's major traffic arteries. It's worth exploring to feel the pulse of this vibrant city and browse the shops.

At Taronga Zoo, you can see all your favorite animals, as well as spectacular city views. Nestled on a point along the north side of the harbor, the zoo inhabits prime Sydney real estate in the posh suburb of Mosman, and it's one of the top things to do with kids in Sydney.

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Chill out at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney in Farm Cove. A visit to this tranquil oasis is one of the many relaxing things to do in the city for free - especially if you're in need of a nature fix - and it's only a short stroll from the Sydney Opera House.

Darling Harbour has something for everyone. Packed with tourist attractions, this waterfront precinct on the western side of Sydney's CBD is a hub for tourists and locals alike. You'll find everything here, from shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues to museums, a zoo, aquarium, and an IMAX theater.

Sydney is famous for its sparkling waterfront setting, and one of the most popular things to do in Sydney Harbour is a sightseeing cruise. Most harbor cruises depart from Circular Quay in Sydney Cove, which is also home to the city's main ferry terminal.

Want to soak up a bit of Sydney history? Take a stroll around The Rocks. On a tongue of land protruding into Sydney Harbour, the Rocks historic area was once home to the Gadigal aboriginal people. Later, it became the country's first site of European settlement.

Nicknamed the "Coathanger," the Sydney Harbour Bridge is another Sydney icon. Supported by massive double piers at each end, it was built in 1932 and remains the world's largest steel arch bridge. You can drive over it, cruise below it, chug over it on a train, or photograph it from afar. But one of the best ways to appreciate this marvel of engineering, and soak up the spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, is on a climb to its 135-meter-high summit.