Top 12 Places to Visit in Sydney: Landmarks, Beaches & Hidden Gems

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If you are a student living in this port city, then you should visit these top tourist attractions in Sydney. You must be familiar that this is the capital city of New South Wales right?

So, for those of you who study and has student accommodation here, you should know that Sydney is famous for its nature parks, beaches, luminescent harbour, wildlife adventures and many others to be explored!

You should not miss out on these tourist attractions in Sydney which are listed below for your fun adventure! There are some tourist attractions near Sydney which are not far off to visit!

Must -Visit 12 Tourist spots in Sydney 2025

Sydney Opera House

While in Sydney, this is one place you shouldn’t miss as it’s symbolic of design and architecture. It is a masterpiece of architecture in the world. There are about 40 shows that happen in a week. So, if you want some fun time, you can visit the harbour. And, guess what? You can also enjoy lip-smacking dishes and drinks too! It is the best tourist places in Sydney and people from across the world are a fan of Opera House! Here’s what makes it special:

Take a guided backstage tour to uncover its architectural brilliance.
Enjoy a gourmet meal at Bennelong Restaurant, located inside the Opera House.
Fun Fact: The structure’s sails were inspired by segments of an orange!

Sydney Harbour Bridge

If you are looking for free tourist attractions in Sydney, then this is a must-see place! It is the city’s landmark, as it connects the CBD with North Shore Sydney. It is one of the most popular attractions in Sydney. Did you know? It is also the tallest steel arch bridge in the world, built-in 1932. That’s cool, huh! Without this bridge, it would have been difficult for transportation and commutation. That’s why it’s of historical importance in the city of Sydney. Here’s what makes it special:

Take a guided backstage tour to uncover its architectural brilliance.
Enjoy a gourmet meal at Bennelong Restaurant, located inside the Opera House.
Fun Fact: The structure’s sails were inspired by segments of an orange!

Royal Botanical Gardens

This is one of the best things to do in Sydney—explore this garden! On days when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, you can come here with your friends, pack some food, and enjoy a picnic. In the evening, you can treat yourselves to a stunning view of the sunset hovering over the harbour, Opera House, and Bridge. Following are the Things to do in the gardens:

Relax with a picnic overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Visit the Calyx for its interactive and artful botanical displays.
Don’t miss Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for one of the best sunset views in the city.

Blue Mountains

For those of you who love outdoor adventures, you should go marvel at the blue mountains! This place will charm you with its natural beauty, with rough cliffs, tracks, and mountains. You will also get to spot some interesting glowing worms in the caves. Located just outside Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rugged landscapes and eucalyptus forests. Following are the things that makes the Blue Mountains special:

Visit the iconic Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point.
Ride the Scenic Skyway or Scenic Railway for thrilling aerial views.
Explore the Jenolan Caves, a natural wonder filled with stalactites and underground rivers.

Taronga Zoo

The country is known for having so much wildlife. If you want to see the animals of Australia, you can visit the zoo, as they have over 5000 animals with many species, some of which are also endangered animals. This place is huge, so take some water with you as it will take up to three hours to cross the park. Below are the reasons why Taronga Zoo is worth visiting:

Get hands-on with wildlife at their keeper talks and animal encounters.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Sydney skyline from the zoo.
Participate in the Wild Ropes Adventure, a high-rope course within the zoo.

Hyde Park

On and off, when you want to take a break, you can visit one of Sydney’s tourist spots! The best part about this park is that it is located in the CBD area. It is a quiet spot with nice green lawns, fountains and flowers. While visiting Hyde Park here’s what to explore:

Admire the Archibald Fountain, a tribute to Australia-France relations.
Visit the ANZAC Memorial for a historical perspective.
Enjoy a leisurely walk surrounded by fountains and flower beds.

Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

It is one of Sydney’s tourist spots, boasting its architecture built in the Revival style in the 1990s. This is an upscale area, so enjoy shopping, partying, eating, and shopping as much as you can for anything you want! Below are the reasons as to why you should visit QVB:

Architectural Marvel: Admire the stained-glass windows, mosaic floors, and grand domes.
Cultural Events: Enjoy seasonal decorations, exhibitions, and Christmas displays.
Central Location: Easy to access, right in Sydney’s bustling CBD.

St Mary’s Cathedral

St Mary’s Cathedral is a magnificent Gothic structure and a spiritual center in Sydney. With its soaring spires and intricate carvings, this cathedral is a must-visit for those who appreciate history and architecture. Following are the reasons that makes St Mary’s Cathedral Special?

Historical Significance: Built in 1821, it stands as one of the oldest landmarks in Sydney.
Peaceful Ambience: A serene spot for reflection amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
Festive Celebrations: Visit during Christmas to witness beautiful decorations and services.
Free Entry: Open to visitors at no cost, making it a great budget-friendly attraction.

Sydney Eye Tower

This is another one of Sydney’s tourist attractions, offering the ultimate bird’s-eye view of the city. It started in the year 1981, and today, it’s got a 4-D cinema and observation, a deck, and also a viewing platform to enjoy the view of the city. Following are the Highlights of the Sydney Tower Eye:

Walk the Skywalk, a glass-floor platform 268m above ground.
Explore the 4D Cinema Experience, offering a multi-sensory journey through Sydney.
Dine at the revolving restaurant while soaking in 360-degree city views.

Darling Harbour

What is the point of being in Sydney if you haven’t explored this place yet? Darling Harbour is a bustling waterfront precinct packed with attractions, dining, and entertainment options. If you want some fun and adventure, you should get to Darlin Harbour right away and enjoy experiences ranging from water sports to fireworks, shopping centers, museums, dining places, etc. Following are the reasons as to Why you should visit Darling Harbour?

Explore the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo.
Enjoy waterside dining at one of the many restaurants and cafés.
Don’t miss the fireworks displays on weekends.

Bondi Beach

A trip to Sydney isn’t complete without visiting the iconic Bondi Beach. Known for its golden sands and surf culture, this beach offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. Following are the top highlights of Bondi Beach:

Take a dip in the Bondi Icebergs Pool, a seaside saltwater pool with spectacular views.
Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail for stunning ocean views and hidden coves.
Explore the Bondi Markets for handmade crafts, clothes, and gourmet treats.

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Art enthusiasts will find the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) a fascinating place to visit. Located in the Rocks, this museum showcases a range of modern and contemporary art. Below are the reasons why you should visit the MCA?

Discover works by leading Australian and international artists.
Enjoy free entry to most exhibitions.
Relax at the Rooftop Café, offering stunning views of Circular Quay.

Conclusion

The tourist sites in the Sydney area are breath-taking! While we have listed only 12 of the top tourist attractions in Sydney, there are tons more to explore. The best part about being a student in Sydney is that you have long years to stay there, so you will get a chance to explore and find the widest, coolest, and most happening place in Sydney. Remember, while you are out there having fun, stay safe, and don’t be a spendthrift.

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