How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Sydney

How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Sydney

If you only had one weekend in Sydney, how would you spend it? This is such a tough question to answer, considering I’ve spent over five years living here, and I still haven’t seen or done it all! However, if I *had* to answer, here are some of my top suggestions for coming up with a rough plan of attack for your visit. My plan is based around solo travel or a group of girlfriends or couples travelling. There are also millions of things for families to do in Sydney, but I’ll leave that to others to cover, since it isn’t my area of expertise. Here’s how to make the most of a weekend in Sydney, Australia. 

I’ve also added on some suggestions to customize at the end, with additional ideas for those into history, fashion, and adventure.

48 Hours in Sydney

Sparkling turquoise beaches, ferries jetting across the harbour, the iconic Opera House, and rich history- the possibilities for adventure are endless in Sydney. Sydney is a place with diverse culture, a safe and welcoming atmosphere, and enough natural beauty to fill your spirit long after you’ve left.

There’s never enough time to soak up all the delights of Sydney, and that’s coming from someone who has lived here quite a while, but if you only have 48 hours, you can still make the most of your adventure.

Where to Stay

Basing yourself in a central location, such as Sydney’s Central Business District (referred to as the CBD), or the Rocks will give you convenient access to the city’s public transportation and ferries. For a weekend of complete luxury, look no further than the Park Hyatt Sydney, with harbourside views, modern design and elegance, and picture-perfect views of the city and the Opera House. Other great options include the Harbour Rocks Hotel, the Four Seasons Sydney, The Grace Hotel, or the Sydney Harbour YHA – the Rocks. They are all great choices for all budgets.

Personally, I really love the Rocks, and it’s where I’d stay if I were visiting. Such a fun atmosphere, huge variety of restaurants and bars, and walking distance from Circular Quay or Wynyard train stations, which allow you to get around town easily. I never get tired of the old cobblestones and sandstone buildings, and looking down on the harbour from above.

If you’re mainly heading to Sydney to spend time by the beach, consider basing yourself in Bondi or Manly, and a huge range of hotels can be found in both suburbs.

For more information on where to stay, fellow Sydney blogger Sydney Expert has a really helpful and thorough guide here.

Opal Cards

Wherever you stay, pick up an Opal Card on arrival in Sydney- these reusable cards are your key to public transportation across the city, tapping on and off as you go. You can top up the balance at most convenience stores or train stations, or online via your account. Picking one up at the airport is the quickest way, and then you can take the train straight into the city from the domestic or international airport terminals. If you’ve been to London or Hong Kong, they operate identically to the Oyster and Octopus cards, respectively. More on Opal cards can be found here.)

On a tight budget? Here’s our top cheap eats in Sydney. 

The Rocks and Circular Quay

Spend your first morning strolling through the Rocks, Sydney’s oldest settlement and learn about the city’s convict past at the Rocks Museum, or browse the delectable treats and local crafts at the Rocks Markets, held every weekend. Pop into the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Cafe for a bite to eat and to browse their stunning collection of modern art- admission is free, although there is a charge for special exhibitions. After you’ve had your fill of art and croissants, meander across the harbour to check out the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden is also close by- the Calyx offers amazing exhibits within the garden. 

Sydneysiders have a massive love for coffee and cafe culture, so order a flat white and take your time to explore the cafes as you stroll around- there are so many hidden gems to be found.

If you have time, hour-long guided tours of the Opera House operate throughout a day, a fun way to learn more about the architectural marvel, and how the building came to occupy the edge of Sydney’s Bennelong Point. (Check out our review of this tour here.) Gelato Messina in Circular Quay makes for a refreshing stop after the Opera House for a sweet treat- pear & rhubarb or apple pie gelato can’t be missed.

Bondi to Coogee Walk

If the weather is nice, use your Opal Card to take the train to Bondi Junction, then catch a bus down to Bondi Beach. The 6km walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee is stunning, with sandstone cliffs, crashing waves, and photo opp after photo opp. Don’t miss Bondi Icebergs, offering fine dining, poolside yoga, and, of course, Sydney’s most Instagrammable vistas.

On a rainy afternoon, consider exploring the NSW Gallery of Art or the Australian Museum. Both are easily accessible by public transportation.

After a long day of sightseeing, consider an evening cocktail at the Shangri-La’s famous Blu Bar on 36, offering stunning view from the 36th floor, followed by a relaxed dinner at one of the historical pubs in the Rocks, such as the Glenmore or Australian Hotel. Or, splurge for Japanese in the Rocks at Sake or Nakashima.

 Manly via Ferry

Head back to Circular Quay the next morning to catch the ferry to Manly, for what has to be one of Sydney’s most scenic commutes. Find an outdoor seat on one of Sydney’s iconic yellow and green ferries, and cruise past the Opera House, Watsons Bay, and out past the headlands over to Manly Beach, on Sydney’s north. Take in the relaxed beach vibes under Manly’s iconic pine trees, and enjoy a fish and chips on the beach. Or, check out the surf shops, or try a surfing lesson. Or, a short walk down the Esplanade from Manly Beach is Shelly Beach, a protected marine alcove and a perfect spot for diving and snorkeling.

After your day at Manly, considering popping over to the trendy Inner West, a short train ride from the city. The neighbourhoods of Newtown, Surry Hills, and Glebe offer bountiful locally owned boutique shops, cafes, and hole-in-the-wall speakeasy-style bars. In Newtown, some of my favs include Miss Peaches, Mary’s, Earl’s Juke Joint, and the Courthouse Hotel. In Surry Hills, try Surly’s for American-style BBQ, or have a date night at the Winery.

Alfresco Dining at the Opera House

Finish your epic Sydney weekend off with a dinner at the Opera House’s Bennelong, for a true taste of modern Australian cuisine, or dine under the stars with a glass of wine at the Opera House Bar. This popular alfresco spot, offers harbour views and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

If you can stretch your time a bit longer in Sydney, consider also spending some time in the nearby Blue Mountains, South Coast, Palm Beach, or even Canberra. There is so much to see and do in Sydney, depending on your interests, but hopefully this guide will provide some inspiration when planning your next trip!

 Add-ons

If you like history, consider adding on a visit to the:

-Australian Maritime Museum
–Hyde Park Barracks (check out our recent review)
–Cockatoo Island
-Australian Museum

If you’re into fashion and culture, consider:

-Stroll through the boutiques in Paddington, Double Bay, or Woollahra
-Browse the weekend markets at Glebe or Carriageworks
-Check out the Sydney street art in the Inner West

For adrenaline-seekers, check out:

–Sydney BridgeClimb, for an experience unlike any other
-Try stand up paddle boarding or kayaking in Balmoral
-If you have an extra day, make a trip to the Blue Mountains for some bushwalking or abseiling. 

What are your favorite things to do in Sydney, or what would you recommend to guests visiting for the first time? Would love to hear your tips in the comments below!