Things to Do in The "City" Part of Sydney?

ego22 on 22/09/2018 - 16:06
Last edited 22/09/2018 - 17:42 by 1 other user

Me and my gf are traveling to Sydney for 4 days next month for our anniversary. She has never been there before but really wants to go, I would rather not, but it's just happening now.

We are staying near Darling Harbour. And just want to know what we should do or visit while there. Anything around the city area that is like 1 or 2 train stops away or better yet uber.

Some things we already thought of are the normal attractions.

Harbour bridge climb (maybe).
Opera house.
Walk around the rocks.
Taronga zoo.
Sea life.
Botanic gardens.
Want to do the Bondi to Coogee beach walk, Looks amazing.

Don't know what else to do, my sister said go to Sydney fish market? Should we go? Even though we don't… Buy fish?
recommendations for places to eat?
What are the good shopping places around? And there are alot of museums around which ones are worth going?

Travel New South Wales Sydney

Comments

    • ego22 on 22/09/2018 - 16:34
      +1

      Anything in a 7km? Radius around that bridge

    • smuggler on 22/09/2018 - 16:40
      +16

      It means around the CBD.
      When people say the city in Sydney they mean the CBD.

    • Homr on 24/09/2018 - 11:02
      +19

      What a peanut comment, obviously the OP meant the CBD and not somewhere like Penrith.

  • kerfuffle on 22/09/2018 - 16:17
    +11

    Pitt St Mall is the main shopping strip.

    Take a ferry ride to Manly or something

    • ego22 on 23/09/2018 - 01:14
      +6

      Thanx. Ferry ride to manly or something is now on the list.

      • maiuspala on 23/09/2018 - 09:49
        +18

        If you can, leave ferry ride(s) on Sunday.
        You get unlimited public transport for $2.50 the whole day with opal card (maybe with visa,mc and amex too, havent tried).

        And if possible, do Sea Life and zoo during weekdays to avoid the crowd and long queues.

      • HumbleCat on 24/09/2018 - 01:26
        +3

        Go visit Cockatoo island as well, its beautiful especially if you go around late afternoon to see the sun setting

      • Excelsior on 24/09/2018 - 09:33

        Visit Shelly Beach when you're at Manly. I went during Summer and had a blast snorkelling there.

      • ChocStrawberries on 24/09/2018 - 23:43
        +1

        Visit Q Station. Daytime history tours, or a night time ghost tour. Great fun!

        Also there are a couple of virtual reality places (one on George St, I believe?) which is somewhat pricey but worth the expense.

  • smuggler on 22/09/2018 - 16:41
    +5

    Visit Newtown and Glebe Point Road in the daytime. Lots of cheapish and great tasting food.

    • SnoozeAndLose on 22/09/2018 - 16:55
      +12

      I dont agree Newtown have lots of cheapish food.

      • smuggler on 22/09/2018 - 16:57

        I went to Uni there for a long time and live close by. I consider it cheap.

        • SnoozeAndLose on 22/09/2018 - 17:02
          +4

          Depend what kind of food you are referring to.

          Grab and go type is cheaper than city.

          City do have lots of good food with budget price.

        • esq on 25/09/2018 - 17:26

          Thai lunch specials intensifies

        • smuggler on 25/09/2018 - 18:15

          @esq:

          Lol…..

      • readeral on 26/09/2018 - 13:55

        Plenty of cheap food here (i live in newtown)

    • sydsm on 26/09/2018 - 14:00

      Enmore is super cool now - check out the bars also at night.

  • iforgotmysocks on 22/09/2018 - 16:53
    +37

    Worry about the cost of living

    • rgr on 22/09/2018 - 18:32

      LOL YESSS

  • SnoozeAndLose on 22/09/2018 - 16:58

    Observatory hill, star city,darling harbour, kings cross.

    Food go to tramshed.

    • smuggler on 22/09/2018 - 17:06
      +13

      Food go to tramshed.

      Hahaha!! Don't go to Tramshed for food. It is overpriced and so average.
      There's not a single restaurant there that will blow you away.

      • SnoozeAndLose on 22/09/2018 - 17:10
        -1

        Not for uni student

        • smuggler on 22/09/2018 - 17:16
          +8

          Oh please. I'm long past my uni days.

          The food is still shit.

      • vietbargain on 25/09/2018 - 08:25

        Trashed = Hipster paradise

  • Vallani on 22/09/2018 - 17:22
    +19

    Unless you really like fish, don’t bother with the fish market. Not really a tourist attraction. Quite run down. A day in Manly if the weather is nice is worthwhile.

    • SnoozeAndLose on 22/09/2018 - 18:36

      Scampi only avaliable at Fish market, you should go if you like raw fish

    • bdl on 22/09/2018 - 19:25

      How else will the seagulls get fed?! :)

    • Brendoo on 22/09/2018 - 23:47

      I second that. You can spend that time better elsewhere. But if you are massive fish lovers then go, you can also eat there, you don't have to buy and take it home and cook it.

    • QW3RTY on 24/09/2018 - 09:30
      +6

      Fish Market is downright unpleasant. Old structure. Constant rotation of Asian tour buses means it's always packed to the brim with limited seating. Also, it's slightly out of the way in Pyrmont, meaning when you're done, there's very little to do other than walk back towards the city via Darling Harbour.

    • richmond12 on 24/09/2018 - 23:56

      disagree. best place for raw seafood.

    • drprox on 25/09/2018 - 06:36

      I would add to this unless you really hate fish don't bother with sealife, particularly if you're from Melbourne. Their aquarium is ancient and just not very good. Apart from the dugongs..

  • JIMB0 on 22/09/2018 - 18:05
    +5

    Go up the Sydney Tower at Centerpoint. Visit the Powerhouse Museum.

  • Scab on 22/09/2018 - 18:06
    +9

    I'd go and visit Scotty.

    • Kangal on 24/09/2018 - 08:30
      +1

      Bring bikies?

  • Priya123 on 22/09/2018 - 18:16

    Go to David Jones Market St…They have got foodhall as well…

    • kerfuffle on 23/09/2018 - 13:00
      +2

      As someone who works for them, I'd go to the Bondi Junction one instead as that's what the Foodhall will look like in the future once they finish refurbishing Elizabeth Street.

  • scrimshaw on 22/09/2018 - 19:17

    Eat / Drink at Barangaroo?

    https://www.barangaroo.com/see-and-do/things-to-do/eat-drink…

    Visit the Museum of Magic this Sunday. it'll cost you $41 per ticket

    https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/inner-sydney/darl…

    or a cocktail masterclass
    https://classbento.com.au/cocktail-classes-sydney

    Look on groupon for discounts etc.

  • TheBilly on 22/09/2018 - 19:41
    +18
    • Maritime Museum and Powerhouse Museum are fantastic.
    • Centrepoint tower
    • Walk through the botanic gardens to Msr Macquarie Chair
    • Obligatory - Opera House / Harbour Bridge
    • China Town - get a cup of tea from somewhere and head over to the end of the strip and get some emperors cream puffs from the chinese bakery
    • Walk through Paddys market
    • Walk through Cockle Bay
    • Star Casino
    • Barangaroo Walk
    • Visit a karaoke bar
    • Golden Century Restaurant
    • Mamak on Goulburn Street
    • Shop at Pitt St Mall
    • Homr on 24/09/2018 - 13:10
      +5

      I find mamak over-rated. Why do people like it so much???

      • TheBilly on 24/09/2018 - 13:26

        Cheap

        • Johnx on 25/09/2018 - 00:57

          Only because they consistantly underpay staff

        • TheBilly on 25/09/2018 - 01:03
          +1

          @Johnx:

          Maybe international students shouldnt flaunt their 20hrs a week limit and actually get paid the correct wage.

        • Homr on 25/09/2018 - 10:58

          Cheap in what way? The food quality or the price?

          I find the food quality cheap and the price average. So I'm not a fan of mamak

        • TheBilly on 25/09/2018 - 12:33

          @Homr:

          There's definitely worse

        • Homr on 25/09/2018 - 12:40

          @TheBilly: Where do you eat?

          Ching Yip Coffee Lounge serves great authentic Hong Kong cafe style food

        • TheBilly on 25/09/2018 - 13:18

          @Homr:

          I can't say I eat in one spot. It is just a list of recomended things to do in the city. General in nature. Substitute Mamak for Ching Yip ?!?

      • MessyG on 25/09/2018 - 10:40

        The roti is so good!

  • John Kimble on 22/09/2018 - 20:46
    +9

    If you can't afford the bridge climb, then you can go do the pylon for a lot cheaper or walk across it for free.

    http://www.pylonlookout.com.au/Visitor_frs.htm

    Sea life is teeny tiny and half under renovations anyway (I think), so not worth it.

    What kind of food do you like? Eg Japanese? Thai? Indian? Pub? Burgers?

    • ego22 on 23/09/2018 - 01:10

      Thanx i didnt know about the pylon. We are shure to do that. i just googled the bridge climb and..

      "How long is it between bathroom breaks?
      On BridgeClimb, it is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. On BridgeClimb Express it is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes"

      So thats a solid hell no on the climb.

      damn. I love aquariums. I been there before so we can give it a miss this time.

      And all food is good food, But asian food is everything lol

      • SharkBait on 24/09/2018 - 18:06

        The whole experience is 2 hours 40 minutes, not the climb itself. The first 90 minutes or so is getting suited up, safety demo, and a practice climb.

  • AlloAllo on 22/09/2018 - 21:46
    +47

    A swim at Bronte or Tamaramma on your Bondi to Coogee walk (Bondi to Bronte is the best bit if you are time poor).
    Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly (return). Awesome value and beats any harbour cruise.
    Drink a beer in a pub in the Rocks.
    Breakfast at Three Blue Ducks in Bronte (expensive but worth it in my opinion).
    Coffee at Triple Pick in Bondi Junction (completely unknown but Sydney’s best coffee).
    Lunch at the Watson’s Bay Hotel. Get wet in the harbour at Watson’s Bay. Take the ferry there and back.
    Walk to The Gap from Watson’s Bay.
    Walk from Town Hall via Darling Harbour to Barangaroo and to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.
    Sit under a tree in the Botanic Gardens.
    Walk across the Harbour Bridge (the free version of Bridge Climb).
    Eat Sydney’s best Laksa at Happy Chef in the Sussex Centre food court in Chinatown.
    BBQ King in the city.
    For a fancy dinner try Mr Wong. Pendelino is awesome if budget no issue.
    Take a surfing lesson at Bondi (letsgosurfing.com.au).
    Play a round of golf at Bondi Gold Club.
    Definitely visit Taronga Zoo (100% worth it) and catch the ferry there if possible.
    Buy a loaf of Bread at Iggy’s in Bronte.
    Eat a sausage roll at Bourke Street bakery
    Swim at the Boy Charlton pool in the domain.
    Swim in North Sydney pool.
    Banh Mi at Marrickville Pork Roll.
    Burger at Mary’s.
    A steak at the Fairmont Restaurant in the Occidental Hotel.
    Coffee in the CBD at Marlowe’s Way. Mecca also great. And Gumption.
    Single O cafe in Surry Hills (very close to Central Station).
    A few hours in Centennial park. Just take a walk.
    A drink in a pub in Balmain.

    • maiuspala on 23/09/2018 - 10:05

      Im a big fan of Bahn Mi, but have never heard of Marrickville Pork Roll.
      How does it compare to Hong Ha on Botany rd?

      • [Deactivated] on 23/09/2018 - 14:17
        +2

        Doesn't matter V8 pork rolls are the best and on Elizabeth St in the CBD.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/09/2018 - 11:28

          I miss that little place

        • [Deactivated] on 24/09/2018 - 11:54
          +2

          @terminal2k: I turn up there the other day after over a year not going there because of the city mess situation, and he asks if I want the usual! I have been eating there on and off for 20 years, but it made me feel so warm to have my order remembered after so long.

      • Serathis on 24/09/2018 - 10:15
        +2

        Marrickville Pork Roll is the bomb!

      • susmind on 25/09/2018 - 00:21

        Roll n Bowl just round the corner and on the main shopping rd has the pork roll
        I still prefer but only a year & a half ago they used the most tasty sauce & now not any more :-(

      • sydsm on 26/09/2018 - 14:02

        Hong Ha is better. marrickville Pork Roll is more…authentic in style (tiny hole in the wall).

    • JTTheMan on 24/09/2018 - 09:46
      +1

      That's a good list. You must be a proper long term Sydney-sider! :)

    • Homr on 24/09/2018 - 11:08

      wow thanks, Tinder date list sorted

    • MessyG on 25/09/2018 - 10:46

      This is the best list!! Love Mr Wong. If you buy the bread at Iggy's, sourdough from anywhere else will be ruined forever. Since moving to Melbourne I haven't found a comparison. Highly recommend doing Bondi to Coogee and stopping at Three Blue Ducks and Iggy's, and swimming in all the sea baths - Sydney does these so well. If you can bring a snorkle, go snorkling at Clovelly, there's some lovely fish down there (at all of them but Clovelly feels the safest). You can always split the walk up over two days too!

      If you want to go hard on the romance, Catalina or Quay are both absolutely stunning locations, and if you're cashed up: cocktails at Shangri-La hotel (they're $20 each from memory, I could never afford it while a uni student, it's on the wishlist!)

  • John Kimble on 23/09/2018 - 10:38
    +15

    She has never been there before but really wants to go, I would rather not, but it's just happening now.

    Hahaha

  • sahh on 23/09/2018 - 11:23
    +3

    Museum of Contemporary Arts (to the side of Circular Quay)

    Check out timeout / broadsheet / concrete playground the week you’re here as there’s always something on!

  • ozbarhui on 23/09/2018 - 12:13
    +1

    Visited the Sydney Fish Market last month for the first time. It's not bad if you've never been, but I'm not sure about visiting it multiple times. It's much smaller than I thought (I was imagining a market like Melbourne's Queen Vic). Most visitors go there to eat seafood! You can get lots of fresh as well as cooked seafood there (e.g. fish tacos, nigiris, lobster mornay, crab noodles, salmon aburi, etc).

    • kerfuffle on 23/09/2018 - 13:01

      You want Sydney's equivalent of Queen Vic, try Paddy's Markets

      • derpdeder on 24/09/2018 - 09:21

        Best thing about the fish market for me was Vic Meats brisket burger.

        I challenge anyone to suggest a better smoked brisket burger.

  • TPbMe on 23/09/2018 - 13:28
    +3

    Sydney has an amazing array of things to do in just 4 days. All of “AlloAllo’s” suggestions are spot on. The one absolute ‘must-do’ I would add is to catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Park Zoo wharf & then, instead of walking up the hill, take the cable-car up to the Zoo’s entry gates. This day out will always be a wonderful memory as the zoo has beautiful views of the harbour. (There’s a combo ticket available if you search around).
    The Queen Victoria building in George St is a beautiful place to shop & lunch.

    • Pantagonist on 24/09/2018 - 05:56
      +1

      instead of walking up the hill, take the cable-car up to the Zoo’s entry gates.

      I wouldn't recommend doing this on a weekend. Last time I was there on a Sunday morning the queue for the cable car looked about an hour long and 60% of it comprised unhappy children under 5.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/09/2018 - 14:12
    +4

    I love taking a trip to the MCA, grabbing a coffee at Ground Control, taking a ferry ride to nowhere just on dark and having a ride on the ferris wheel. I always try to stop in and pee in the Opera House toilets too, because they are really nice. Take a drink bottle with you Circular Quay has handy water refill stations.

    With a little more money, I highly recommend a tall ship cruise. I grab them from red balloon cheap all the time. I get the unlimited champagne package.

    Dinner in Chinatown is always a winner. Dixon House has a very simple, smoky and bustling atmosphere and very cheap delicious food. I recommend the shop in the right hand corner with the huge array of signs.

    • Serathis on 24/09/2018 - 10:21

      I definitely go with the tall ship cruise , a nice cruise in Sydney Harbour on a beautiful ship with great tunes and booze. aye !

  • SpotTheOzzie on 24/09/2018 - 00:08
    +3

    I went to the fishmarket 2-3 months ago to check it out and it's changed considerably over the years.

    Prices have skyrocketed, food quality plummeted.

    It's 100% a tourist trap - It was turning over buses and buses of Chinese tourist within the two hours I was there, with no locals in site.

    • DarkOz on 24/09/2018 - 06:12
      +1

      It was really expensive in the first place and they have increased the prices even more? Food quality is just the same as you would find in any suburban seafood stores. The only difference is it's right next to the water with fishing boats and that gives the perception it's caught only a few seconds ago.

      The last few times the wife went there with her sister and friends I refused to go. Yup, definitely a tourist attraction ripping people off. I hate the place as I drive by it every week and it has a rotten stench to it.

  • DarkOz on 24/09/2018 - 06:06
    +1

    If you really don't want to show your girl friend around Sydney just give us a yell here. I am sure someone here will volunteer.

  • chakkz on 24/09/2018 - 06:18

    Go to fish market if you like to eat expensive fish dishes..

    I went to fish market thinking it will be same as asian fish markets.. but quite opposite.. there are more food staffs than actual fish stalls..

  • Haha Hihi Hoho on 24/09/2018 - 09:24
    +1

    avoid George Street at all cost ! it is ugly atm.

  • sezzyp on 24/09/2018 - 10:00
    +1

    I moved up to Sydney from Melbourne and have friends come and visit all the time so we’re constantly doing the tourist stuff. The bridge walk is like $600 for 2 people. I’m sure there could be cheaper but I haven’t looked much further into it. The best suggestions I can make to get a really nice experience around Sydney is a harbour lunch or dinner cruise. We go with either Captain Cook cruises (entertainment book discounts) which is good if the weather is cooler or raining as enclosed with option of standing on deck or the Sydney tall ships (Groupon available at the moment) during warm weather is honestly a cracker. The other thing we do is take people on the open air hop on hop off bus tour. Can get a 24 or 48 hour pass and just use it to look around a great deal of Sydney. You don’t have to sit up top if you don’t want, can just be used to get you from A to B if the weather is overly suited. They also have a couple of ticket options that will include entry to a few museums etc and I think it was Big bus tours that are offering a free extra day ticket promo (we have friends visiting this weekend so I’ve just purchased the same lol)

    • JTTheMan on 26/09/2018 - 10:36

      Yes I think the hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to get around and see Sydney.
      I've even thought about trying it myself and I'm born and bred Sydney! :)

  • factor on 24/09/2018 - 10:37
    +3

    Glenmore Hotel (a pub), Men's bathroom, second top floor, view from the urinal is amazing. The top floor outside has great views of the opera house - unless a bloody cruise ship pulls up.

    Cafe/bar top floor of the museum of contemporary art (opera house & harbour bridge)

    Lord Nelson

    Hero of Waterloo

  • Homr on 24/09/2018 - 11:05
    +2

    Go to King wharf street strike bowling and do an escape room

    or go to Holy Molley and play putt putt

    Then at night go bar hopping in King Street Newtown

    • [Deactivated] on 24/09/2018 - 11:56

      +1 for getting drunk and playing late night mini-golf at Holey Moley.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/09/2018 - 11:33

    if you're only here for a short time, try and string some stuff together to fit more in

    centrepoint tower is above pitt st mall if you like shopping (I don't so can't comment on the shopping quality)

    ferry over to manly then walk down the corso and have a swim on manly beach, avoid the fish n chip places on the corso though, they're garbage, search google for one just off the corso

    check out the opera house, walk around circular quay to the rocks, then you can walk over the bridge, and there's luna park over the other side

  • Smulder on 24/09/2018 - 11:38
    +2

    As a resident of Sydney, I have done Bridge Climb and it is great. It is however very expensive.

    If money is an issue, you can go to the top of the South East Pylon of the harbor bridge, where they have an exhibition of the building of the bridge, as well as an outdoor viewing platform. You get a similar view as Bridge Climb and even better, you can take your own photos (you can't take a camera on BridgeClimb).

    Plus, entry to the pylon is only $15.

    http://www.pylonlookout.com.au/Visitor_frs.htm

    I recommend getting a ferry from Darling Harbour across the harbour to Luna Park, walk up to the pedestrian stairs onto the bridge near Milson's Point train station, walk across the bridge to the Pylon, go up the Pylon and then continue across the bridge to the Rocks. It is a great way to spend a couple of hours :)

  • pogichinoy on 24/09/2018 - 11:43
    +8

    In addition to those already listed:

    Behold St Marys Cathedral.
    Art Gallery of NSW.
    Breakfast at Bills.
    Ferris Wheel at Darling Harbour
    Congee, XO pippies, and chow mein at Superbowl in Chinatown.
    Hot pot at Spice World.
    Breakfast at Bathers Pavilion at Balmoral, then stroll around the beach.
    Chinatown night markets on Fridays.
    The Rocks markets on Fridays or Sundays.
    Oxford st shopping.
    Sit on a bench on the main path at Hyde Park.
    Eat Sydney's best wagyu at Rengaya in North Sydney.
    Bondi icebergs for breakfast (ask for a table near the window) and then take a dip in the rockpool below.
    Breakfast at Celsius Coffee co in Kirribilli, get here by ferry, but be early.
    Sepia for a fancy dinner. (Note they're closing soon)
    Go up the walkway near Quay restaurant for uninterrupted views of the bridge and opera house.
    Gelato Messina at The Star.
    Coffee at Kingswood coffee in World Square.
    Icecream at Matcha Ya (Darling Harbour), Aqua S (Regent place) or Oh Matcha (Regent place).
    Stroll in QVB (Queen Victoria Building) for shopping.
    High tea at The Tea Room (QVB).
    Drink a beer at the Star Hotel pub (location for film, Two Hands).
    Korean BBQ buffet at Se Jong on Castlereagh st.
    Lunch or dinner at Aqua Dining in Milsons Point (overlooks the North Sydney pool and the bridge).
    Wish yourself luck in finding a table at The Grounds of Alexandria on a weekend. But come to the Potting shed here at night and have some free roasted marshmallows.
    Have a bowl at Bare Naked Bowls Bondi.
    Brunch at Cuppa Flower in Waterloo. Don't go to the Mascot one.
    Italian at Via Napoli on Crown st.
    Xiao long bao dumplings at Din Tai Fung in World Square/The Star/Westfield Sydney).
    Free walking tours on weekends near Sydney Town Hall and St Andrews cathedral.
    Karaoke at Karaoke World on Elizabeth st and visit the haunted room.
    Find the various Will Coles street art work.
    Brunch at Devon cafe at Barangaroo.

    If you venture out of the CBD, Paddington, Kirribilli and Rozelle markets are nice.

    • MessyG on 25/09/2018 - 14:27

      I'd like to highlight Balmoral beach and the Bathers Pavilion and high tea at QVB on that list 😍

  • Homr on 24/09/2018 - 12:06

    Hot tip OP, If you propose to her at the Observatory Hill. She will say yes 9/10 according to the stats

    • John Kimble on 24/09/2018 - 12:27
      +1

      Also, if you propose on bridge climb, probably best to do it near the end of the climb if you're not sure, or it'll be an awkward 2 hours…

      • Homr on 24/09/2018 - 13:09
        +3

        You can always push her off the bridge if she says no and want to avoid the awkwardness during the way down.

  • Fredorishi on 24/09/2018 - 13:18
    +1

    Thanks for this post! I'm taking my son up from Melbourne this weekend, so this will help a lot. :)

  • Thenarrator on 24/09/2018 - 13:28
    +1

    eat malatang. google it

  • [Deactivated] on 24/09/2018 - 14:37

    Go to Gunners Barracks for High Tea, always romantic and a nice way to spend a Saturday morning (in my experience, before the races and/or beer starts).

    • John Kimble on 24/09/2018 - 14:57
      +1

      No man should ever have to experience a "High Tea".

      • [Deactivated] on 24/09/2018 - 16:07
        +1

        i'm sure there's some good "high tea" things in amsterdam

      • [Deactivated] on 24/09/2018 - 16:16
        +1

        Any particular reasons why 'no man should ever have to experience a High Tea'?

        • John Kimble on 26/09/2018 - 15:57

          TBH I've never been, it sounds like torture and I've seen photos of my cousin's husband and 3 year old son when they went and they looked like they wanted to kill themselves.

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