From the Opera House to the lobster at the Fish market, Sydney in Australia is an unmissable stop when you plan to visit down-under. Bright, modern with a fresh European feel is a place you’ll feel welcome as soon as you step a foot outside your door. Even if we found the food tradition not as rich as in other places, the fresh produce and the catches from the Ocean will keep you busy tasting for more than enough to experience also some surfing in Bondi beach!

Discover now the 10 tips that will make you wish to book a flight to Sydney

Australia – Sydney

1. Opera House

Wake up baby, you are in Sydney! It is as simple as that. You do not fully realise you are in the most iconic city in Oz until you see the stunning Opera House emerging from the bay. And it is as breath-taking as you imagined.

Dream on, your adventure down under has just started! For all music lovers, just have a look at the website to try and book for a concert or simply a guided visit.

2. Bridge

After the Opera House, this is for sure the second most iconic landmark of Sydney. Also referred to as the ‘coathanger’, the Harbour Bridge is the world’s largest (but not longest!) steel arch bridge.

Perfect for a nice walk to cross the bay and take beautiful pictures of the Opera House, the bravest can actually climb it. We did not do it as time was limited (and I am also not the bravest woman in the world when it comes to altitude to be completely honest), but this website pretty much tells you all you need to know and arranges the full experience for you. Find more information here.

3. Bondi

And yes, now that you have realised you are in Sydney it is time to leave the city centre and get to the world famous surfer city paradise. Also called Bondi beach. You can easily get here via bus and you can quickly rent a board and a swimsuit to show off for friends once back in the boring city.

A lot of cafes and small restaurants located in front of the beach will ensure you can have a quick and cheap bite as a reward, once out of the water and trying to post your bravery on Instagram.

For very hungry surfers a full load of energy is available at Macelleria.

4. Darling Harbour

Whatever your age is and no matter who you are travelling with, Darling Harbour is the place to go to spend a nice day with friends, kids or your other half. There is simply so much to do and so many places where to eat that almost everyone can find anything they fancy.

Also great to grab a quick bite and a chill drink to enjoy on a bench, looking at the bay.

5. Sealife Sydney Aquarium

We have all seen Finding Nemo at least once. And we have asked ourselves what kind of funny fishes the main characters actually are. Well, if you want to show off with your kids and show you do know your marine biology inside out this is the place to go.

Besides spotting Nemo, Dory and all their friends for real, make sure you do not miss visiting giant mantas, the adorable shark nursery (watch those tiny hands out, these might be young but they already have the biting instinct!) and – for your grand finale – the king of the whole aquarium aka the Dugong. The king of the seas, but vegetarian. Shame you cannot cuddle it!

Plan your visit here

6. Chinese Garden of Friendship

If you are tired of the city and need a real break, just head for the Chinese Garden nearby. A small island of silence to collect your energies before getting ready for your next adventure. And if you are keen to confuse your friends on Facebook, do ask to get dressed in Chinese costumes. Take a look here

7. Sydney Fish Market (Lobster)

OH MY. Fish lovers beware, this is a true paradise you will never want to leave. Ever.

[Not much to add, picture says it all!]

8. Sydney City Center

There is so much more you can explore in Sydney, and a lot of places for great shopping. If you have some more time to spend and want to take a nice break, head to Victoria Park in the University area.

And stop at a café to enjoy a flat white. But please make sure you don’t call it a cappuccino.
Or things could get very serious.

9. Pavlova

And yes, you have made it all over Sydney. Walking, climbing, surfing. So clearly it is now time for a proper treat.

Why not trying the pavlova then? Despite the Russian sound alike name, this dessert was invented in Wellington (New Zealand), named after the ballet dancer Anna Pavlova who was on tour visiting.

It is super famous all over the country and is a triumph of meringue, topped with whipped cream and fresh seasonal fruit.
Tuck in!

10. Oysters

Loved Sydney and keen to replicate authentic flavours once back to gloomy wherever?
The Sydney Fish Market is also home to a seafood school and has a schedule of cooking classes you can attend.

Don’t miss out! And as a plus, you can easily treat yourself with a fresh dozen of oysters for a snack in the sunshine.