Sydney itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: Opera House, The Rocks & the harbour
The Opera House and Circular Quay, the Botanic Garden, the old lanes of The Rocks, and sunset at Barangaroo.
- 1
Morning
Opera House & Circular Quay
The sail-roofed Opera House on its point in the harbour, with the ferry wharves of Circular Quay beside it and the Harbour Bridge across the water.
- Sydney Opera House
- Circular Quay
- Harbour Bridge views
Walk out to the steps at the front of the Opera House for the classic view back to the bridge.
Walk around the Opera House into the garden, about 10 min.
- 2
Late morning
Royal Botanic Garden
A large harbourside garden right next to the Opera House, with lawns running down to the water and paths along the edge of Farm Cove.
- Farm Cove
- Harbour paths
- Opera House views
Walk back along Circular Quay into The Rocks, about 20 min.
- 3
Afternoon
The Rocks & Dawes Point
The oldest part of Sydney, with sandstone lanes, old pubs and warehouses, a weekend market, and Dawes Point right under the southern end of the Harbour Bridge.
- The Rocks lanes
- Weekend market
- Dawes Point
The Rocks Market runs at weekends; on other days the lanes are quieter and easier to explore.
Walk west along the water through Walsh Bay, about 20 min.
- 4
Late afternoon
Walsh Bay & Barangaroo Reserve
A waterfront walk west from the bridge past the old wharves of Walsh Bay to Barangaroo Reserve, a headland park built from sandstone blocks.
- Walsh Bay wharves
- Barangaroo Reserve
- Harbour sunsets
Day 2: City centre, Darling Harbour & Luna Park
The QVB and the arcades, Martin Place and Hyde Park, Darling Harbour and Chinatown, and the north shore views in the evening.
- 1
Morning
Town Hall, the QVB & the Strand Arcade
The heart of the city centre, with Town Hall, the domed Queen Victoria Building and the Victorian Strand Arcade, then Pitt Street Mall and George Street.
- Queen Victoria Building
- Strand Arcade
- Pitt Street Mall
Walk along Pitt Street Mall to Martin Place, about 10 min.
- 2
Late morning
Martin Place & Hyde Park
Martin Place, the city's grand pedestrian square, and Hyde Park, the oldest park in Australia, with St Mary's Cathedral and the Hyde Park Barracks on its edges.
- Martin Place
- Hyde Park
- St Mary's Cathedral
Walk west along Market Street to Darling Harbour, about 20 min.
- 3
Afternoon
Darling Harbour & Chinatown
The harbour's busy western inlet, crossed by the old Pyrmont Bridge and lined with museums and promenades, with Chinatown and Paddy's Markets just behind it.
- Pyrmont Bridge
- Darling Harbour
- Chinatown
Train from Town Hall or Wynyard over the bridge to Milsons Point, about 10 min.
- 4
Evening
Lavender Bay & Luna Park
The north shore of the harbour, with a hidden public garden above Lavender Bay, the old Luna Park funfair and one of the best views of the Opera House beneath the bridge.
- Lavender Bay
- Luna Park
- Opera House view
Day 3: Bondi & the coastal walk
A morning on Bondi Beach and an afternoon on the clifftop path from the Icebergs pool to Tamarama.
- 1
Morning
Bondi Beach
Australia's best-known beach, a long curve of sand with surfers in the water, the Bondi Pavilion behind it and murals painted along the beach wall.
- Bondi Beach
- Bondi Pavilion
- Beach-wall murals
The Bondi Markets set up behind the beach at weekends.
Walk south along the beach to the Icebergs pool, about 15 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Bondi Icebergs & the coastal walk
The ocean pool of Bondi Icebergs at the southern end of the beach, and the start of the clifftop coastal walk south past Mackenzies Point to little Tamarama Beach.
- Bondi Icebergs pool
- Mackenzies Point
- Tamarama Beach
The path is exposed, with little shade, so bring a hat and water.
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Sydney plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Sydney
How many days?
Three days covers the harbour and The Rocks, the city centre and Darling Harbour, and a day by the ocean at Bondi. Two days is enough for the highlights if you keep moving.
Where to stay
The Rocks and Circular Quay put you on the harbour; the CBD is central and well connected; Darling Harbour is good for families; Bondi suits a beach-first trip. Compare areas →
Getting around
Walk around the harbour and the centre, use the trains and light rail for longer hops, and take the ferries from Circular Quay, which double as harbour cruises.
Sydney is a harbour city first. The Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the old stone lanes of The Rocks and the ferries of Circular Quay all sit around one stretch of water, and most first visits start there. Behind it is the city centre, with its Victorian arcades and Hyde Park; to the west is Darling Harbour; and half an hour east are the ocean beaches, with Bondi the most famous of them.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those streets and paths, so you can see the harbour, the arcades and the coastal walk before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to the landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Sydney itinerary: common questions
How many days do you need in Sydney?
Three days is a good first visit: one for the Opera House, The Rocks and the harbour, one for the city centre and Darling Harbour, and one for Bondi and the coastal walk. Two days covers the highlights at a faster pace.
Is Sydney a walkable city?
The harbour and the city centre are very walkable, and you can walk from the Opera House through The Rocks to Darling Harbour. The beaches are further out, so take the train and bus or a ferry for those.
How do you get from the city to Bondi Beach?
Take the train to Bondi Junction and a short bus ride down to the beach, about 35 to 40 minutes from the centre in total. Buses also run straight from the city, but they are slower in traffic.
When is the best time to visit Sydney?
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are warm without the summer crowds. December to February is beach season and the busiest time; winter is mild and quiet.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Where to stay in Sydney
7 areas compared, each with a street walk so you can see the neighborhood before you book.
Read the guide →Keep exploring Sydney
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Sydney city guide →