Unmissable Sights and Experiences in Sydney

Sydney is one of the most visited cities in the world thanks to its picturesque harbour and sparkling beaches
Sydney is one of the most visited cities in the world thanks to its picturesque harbour and sparkling beaches | © Prasit photo / Getty Images
Aimee Chanthadavong

Sydney stands as a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that captivates visitors with its iconic landmarks, breathtaking natural beauty, and a wealth of cultural experiences. From the iconic Sydney Opera House that graces the harbor to the beaches that line the coastline, Sydney offers an array of unmissable sights and unforgettable experiences. Join us to explore amazing sights of the city, where urban sophistication goes in harmony with natural wonders, creating a destination that is both breathtaking and culturally rich.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

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Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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There’s a reason why Sydney is one of the most liveable and most visited cities in the world. Sitting on the coast, it is undeniably beautiful, with a picture-postcard harbour serving as a backdrop experience to some of the city’s most popular landmarks, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, pristine beaches, breathtaking views and incredible cultural heritage.

Get a backstage pass to the Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House opened its doors to the public for the Sydney Opera House’s 10th Open Day.

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most unique architectural landmarks on the planet and has played host to some of the most famous people in the world, including Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela and Oprah Winfrey. And while it’s easy to admire the UNESCO World Heritage-listed building from the outside, backstage tours give an all-access pass to explore what’s happening beneath the sails. Discover the rehearsal spaces otherwise not open to the public, take a peek inside the orchestra pit, and enjoy talks on what it takes to pull performances together.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Locally known as the ‘Coat Hanger’, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is among the largest steel arch bridges in the world

Affectionately nicknamed the ‘Coat Hanger’ by residents, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is among the largest steel arch bridges in the world. You can admire it in a few ways. You can take a ferry across the harbour to appreciate its architectural intricacies from below or walk across it and stop at the Pylon Lookout for uninterrupted views of the harbour and to learn about the bridge’s history and construction. However, the most unforgettable experience would have to be climbing to the summit of the bridge, with a guide, harness and access to 360-degree panoramic views of the city.

Take in the views from the Sydney Tower Eye

The Sydney Tower Centrepoint

As the tallest structure in Sydney, the Sydney Tower has stood out in the city’s famous skyline since its completion in 1981. At one of the highest points in the tower is an indoor observation deck, Sydney Tower Eye, that provides unrivalled views of not only the central business district (CBD) but also the outskirts, including the Blue Mountains, which are approximately 80 kilometres (49.7 miles) away. There is also the SkyWalk, an outdoor observation deck that features two glass-floor viewing platforms.

Hop on a ferry ride to Manly

The yellow-and-green ferries are very popular with Sydneysiders and connect the city to the beachside suburb of Manly

Hopping on one of the city’s famous green-and-yellow ferries is the best way to admire the harbour in all its glory. Take a ride to the popular northern beachside suburb of Manly where there are plenty of waterfront bars, restaurants and shops to explore, plus a pretty stretch of sand. For keen walkers, the 10km (6.2mi) Spit Bridge to Manly Walk can be started in reserve from Manly Beach and is a great way to take in the rugged coastline.

Learn to surf at Bondi

Learning to Surf at Bondi Beach

One of the quintessential ways to spend a day in Sydney is to go to the beach and surf, so why not take that opportunity to be able to do both while visiting Australia’s most famous strip of sand, Bondi Beach? Surf lessons are the way to go for first-timers so they can learn how to look for a break, ride the waves, stand up on the board and, most importantly, avoid and get out of a rip.

Enjoy the Bondi to Coogee Walk

Bondi Beach is also the starting point for a popular coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee that stretches 6km (3.7 miles). The medium grade urban walk offers plenty of opportunities to rest, take in the views of the ocean, enjoy a picnic and even go for a dip. And, depending on the season, it’s an ideal spotting point for whales and dolphins.

Discover the history behind Cockatoo Island

Just a short ferry ride away from Sydney CBD is Cockatoo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once a place where convicts were exiled before it became a reformatory school and a naval ship dockyard. Today, it’s a waterfront glamping ground for those up for an overnight stay, but it is also a picnic spot with unspoiled views of Sydney.

Bike ride around Centennial Parklands

Early morning in Centennial Park

Known as the ‘lungs of the city’, Centennial Parklands attracts more than 30 million visitors a year. It serves as a popular stomping ground among Sydneysiders for barbecues and picnics. Given the size of the park, it’s best explored on bike, which is available for hire on site. It’s also home to the Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre, which offers the chance to go horse riding.

Walk through the Royal Botanic Garden

Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney

The Royal Botanic Garden is an oasis in the middle of Sydney and is the oldest botanic garden in Australia. You can also learn about the Gadigal people who once resided on the land while walking by some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. There’s also a chance to read up about the flora that is native to Australia and a beautiful walk up to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a bench cut out of sandstone that makes for a popular rest point to take in the views of the peninsula.

Meet adorable animals at Taronga Zoo

Giraffe at Taronga Zoo

Seeing adorable animals is one thing, but being able to score ace views of the city at the same time is not only a huge bonus but also what Taronga Zoo is all about. The zoo cares for more than 4,000 animals, many of which are endangered species, including some of Australia’s native animals, such as the koala and southern corroboree frogs. There’s a whole section in the zoo dedicated to the country’s unique wildlife, as well as other unmissable animals, including gorillas, elephants and giraffes.

Take a dip in Bondi Icebergs

Aside from Sydney’s beaches, about 35 ocean pools dot the city’s coastline. Beachgoers often favour ocean pools – built to prevent shark attacks – because they offer the best of two worlds: the salty water from the ocean but the comforts of a swimming pool. Bondi Icebergs is undoubtedly the most popular; however, other favourite ocean pools include Bronte Baths, Wylie’s Baths and MacCallum Pool.

Watch a match at the Sydney Cricket Ground

Sydney Cricket Ground Members Pavilion

Australians love sports. Whether it is cricket, rugby union, rugby league, football or Australian Football League, the home base for all the sports is the Sydney Cricket Ground. And there’s nothing quite like watching a game live at one of the country’s most prized sporting grounds. But even if there isn’t a match on, a behind-the-scenes tour of the cricket ground will give exclusive access to the museum and a chance to relive some of Australia’s most famous sporting conquests.

Eat your way through the Chinatown Friday Night Market, Haymarket

Every Friday from 4pm, the pedestrian-only Dixon Street in Chinatown transforms into a hawker-style night market, selling various Asian food, desserts and gifts – the delightful aromas that exude from each stall will easily entice you. Food selections range from pad thai to moreish Japanese pancakes known as okonomiyaki, fluffy Malaysian rotis and Chinese dim sums. Alongside these stalls, expect to see stands selling clothes, jewellery, and souvenirs.

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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