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Planning a trip to Sydney? You’re in for a good time!
Sydney is one of those cities that really does have it all, from world-famous landmarks to buzzing nightlife and laid-back beach culture. But with so much to see and do, it can feel intimidating to try and see it all in just three days.
That’s where we come in. We’ve put together the ultimate three-day itinerary to make the most of your time. From exploring iconic sights like the Opera House and the stunning Blue Mountains to enjoying the city’s food and history, we’ll cover it all and include plenty of time to enjoy the beaches and relaxed vibes. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE activity in Sydney was this full-day Blue Mountains tour. It made exploring the area easy and fun, with epic views at Scenic World, a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park, and a relaxing river cruise back to Sydney Harbour!
Itinerary Overview
There is so much to see and do in Sydney. If you’re about to experience it for the first time, then I’m super jealous of you because there’s really nothing like it! And in this itinerary, we’re going to cover everything from the Opera House and the sun-soaked shores of Bondi Beach. Get excited to cruise through Sydney Harbour, wander through the city’s most historic neighborhoods, and even learn to surf – if you’re up for it, of course!
Getting around is easy thanks to Sydney’s excellent public transportation system. Trains are the best way to move between neighborhoods, and once you arrive, most areas are incredibly walkable. So grab an Opal card, lace up your walking shoes, and let’s explore!
Day 1: We’re kicking things off with breakfast near the Opera House, followed by a guided tour and a relaxing stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens. After lunch, hop on a Sydney Harbour cruise, spend the afternoon at Bondi Beach, and walk the famous coastal trail. Then, we’ll wrap up the evening with dinner and drinks by the water!
Day 2: It’s an early start for a full-day adventure in the stunning Blue Mountains. After a day of epic views and outdoor exploration, wind down with dinner and rooftop drinks in Darling Harbour.
Day 3: Begin in The Rocks with pancakes and a walking tour, then head up the Sydney Tower Eye for panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore the city on a guided bike trip before finishing the trip with dinner and nightlife in Kings Cross.
Day 1
Breakfast – Brew Cafe
Brew Cafe is a cozy, modern spot tucked away in Circular Quay. In true Sydney style, the menu leans towards elevated classics, featuring delicious avocado toast, Benedict bacon waffles, and smooth Aussie-style coffee that’ll definitely hit the spot.
It opens at 7 am, and it’s a 17-minute walk or a quick 6-minute drive to the Sydney Opera House from here, which is where your morning tour kicks off. That gives you plenty of time to grab a bite, enjoy the relaxed vibe, and get caffeinated before heading out to explore one of the city’s most iconic landmarks! Please note that it’s closed on Sundays.
Morning – Tour the Sydney Opera House
You’d be hard-pressed to name a building more famous than the Sydney Opera House, so naturally, taking a tour is a must while you’re here! We love this guided walking tour because it offers a rare opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes at areas that are normally closed off to the public!
There are multiple departure times for this tour, but we recommend scheduling the 9:30 am option. Also, book well in advance to ensure that this time slot is still available, as this is a very popular activity.
I was so excited the first time I saw the Sydney Opera House, and I couldn’t wait to get inside! Our guide spilled all of the secrets about what goes on in the world’s most famous Opera House, from scandalous stage stories to fun pre-performance traditions. Can you believe that over 1,500 performances take place here each year?!
This is one of the best Sydney Opera House tours and such a great way to dive deep into the heart of Sydney’s culture and gain a deeper appreciation for the building’s unique architectural style.
A true can’t-miss activity in Sydney, it also has over 2,000 5-star reviews—so clearly I’m not the only one who thinks so!
Book this Opera House tour here before it sells out!
Late Morning – Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Once you’ve explored the beautiful Opera House, it’s time to head to Sydney’s most famous viewpoint: Mrs Macquarie’s Chair! Or, if the 9:30 am time slot isn’t available, you can always head to the viewpoint first and head to the Opera House afterwards.
Either way, you can reach Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair by strolling through the Royal Botanic Gardens, which are free to enter and definitely worth seeing. This is the oldest botanical garden in Australia, and we always enjoy walking through it on a sunny day.
Then, before long, you’ll reach Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. This is an iconic viewpoint with amazing views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and it’s totally free to visit. The chair itself was carved out by convicts for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of the Governor of New South Wales at the time, who used to love coming to this beautiful vantage point. When you see the views from here, you’ll understand why she was so enamored with it!
It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the Opera House to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, but I recommend giving yourself at least a full hour to stroll through the gardens at your own pace and take in the views. Then, it’s about a 20-minute walk down to Circular Quay where our lunch cruise departs.
Lunch – Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
There’s no better way to see Sydney than from the water, and this Sydney Harbour lunch cruise totally proves that! It departs at 12 pm from Circular Quay, so you’ve got plenty of time to stroll through the Botanic Gardens beforehand and still get back to the meeting point with time to spare. It wraps up at 2:15 pm, so it won’t eat up your whole afternoon, either.
We love this cruise because not only is it a very relaxing way to sightsee, but it’s also very efficient. Once you’re on board, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy front-row views of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Highlights were sailing past the Sydney Opera House, under the Harbour Bridge, and we even discovered tucked-away beaches and sandstone cliffs along the way!
Our guide, Ron, was an absolute gem. His commentary was both informative and full of personality, and he was more than happy to answer questions as we cruised along.
The buffet lunch exceeded our expectations, too. It was fresh, filling, and served with dessert, tea, and coffee. We found a sunny spot on the upper deck, snapped a few great photos, and just soaked up the harbor breeze.
This is a truly memorable way to experience Sydney’s beauty, and we’re not the only ones who love it. Read over 300 5-star reviews here!
Check availability for your travel dates and reserve this lunch cruise here!
Afternoon – Bondi Beach
After your harbour lunch cruise, it’s time to swap city sights for beach vibes! Bondi Beach is one of Sydney’s most iconic spots, so you can’t miss the chance to kick back on its famous sands while you’re here—or even try your hand at surfing!
Bondi Beach is about a 20-minute drive from Circular Quay, or you can hop on a train and bus combo that takes around 45 minutes. Get a train from Circular Quay Station to Bondi Junction, and then it’s a quick bus ride to Campbell Parade.
If you’re up for something active, don’t miss the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk. This scenic clifftop trail is a real favorite of ours. It stretches just under 2.5 km (1.5 miles) each way, and it offers epic ocean views, rock pools, and photo-worthy stops along the way. It’s a fairly easy walk and perfect for a lazy afternoon.
And for those who really want to dive in, Bondi is one of the best places in the world to learn how to surf! This small-group surf lesson is beginner-friendly and includes everything you need: a board, a wetsuit, and a patient instructor to show you the ropes. It’s fun, approachable, and a great way to experience Sydney’s surf culture firsthand. Even if you wipe out (which you will), you’ll have a blast doing it!
Dinner – Bar Patrón Circular Quay
Head back to your hotel to rinse off the sand and sunscreen, and then head to Bar Patrón when you’re ready! It’s a modern Mexican restaurant that sits right on Circular Quay. It’s pretty but unpretentious, and it’s a great spot to wind down your first day in Sydney, especially if you’re after something lively but not too wild. The margaritas are strong, the guac is made to order, and the tacos are legit—don’t miss the soft shell crab!
Drinks – Opera Bar
Opera Bar is a classic Sydney spot, and I can’t think of a better way to wind down your first day here! It’s tucked below the Opera House and it offers unbeatable harbour views, so having a drink here is basically a Sydney rite of passage! It’s got a casual, open-air setup that makes it ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and incredible views with a drink in hand—cheers!
Day 2
Full day – Visit the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is a beautiful UNESCO wilderness area that’s just under an hour’s drive from Sydney. There is so much to do here, and planning a trip can be overwhelming, which is why I think it’s really worth taking this small group guided tour.
It’s the one we did, and it really does have it all! It offers pickup from three convenient locations in central Sydney. You’ll need to be ready to go between 6:45 and 7:05 am, and you’ll get back around 5 or 6 pm. However, we promise the long day is totally worth it to explore this gorgeous mountain region!
First off, we thought the ticket paid for itself just with entry to Scenic World, a tourist park with several rides that have amazing views of the area! As a group, you’ll also enjoy a chef-prepared lunch and a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park, which has one of the largest collections of native Australian wildlife in the world. You can meet kangaroos, koalas, quokkas, penguins, and more!
Then, the day ends with a scenic boat ride along the Parramatta River for yet more amazing views. You’ll get to enjoy views of the countryside and arrive back in Sydney Harbour, which is a pretty cool experience.
We think that the Blue Mountains wilderness area is one of the best day trip destinations from Sydney. It’s perfect for getting out of the city and exploring some of the dramatic natural landscapes that Australia is known for!
Read THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews and book this great value tour here!
Related Read: If the tour above it sold out, don’t worry! We wrote a post about the 5 best Blue Mountain tours available from Sydney here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Evening – Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is one of Sydney’s most vibrant waterfront districts, so we think it’s perfect for a relaxed (but fun) night out after your Blue Mountains adventure. As you stroll along its waterfront promenades, you’ll see tons of street performers doing their thing and a solid lineup of bars and restaurants to check out. Whether you want to unwind with a nice meal or keep the night going with a drink and a view, this is the place to do it.
We suggest starting your evening with a harbourside dinner at Alegre Bar and Dining, which serves modern Mexican cuisine and fresh seafood—be sure to try the Sydney Rock oysters! But whatever you order, the food is fresh and full of flavor, so it’s perfect for refueling after a day of sightseeing.
Then, after dinner, head over to Untied – Rooftop Sydney, which is just a short walk away. This tropical-themed rooftop bar is known for its colorful drinks and panoramic views over the harbour. It has a fun, upbeat vibe, so grab a beverage, enjoy the music, and enjoy a warm Sydney evening!
Related Read: For help choosing the best area to base yourself, check out our complete guide on where to stay in Sydney here. It breaks down the top neighborhoods and hotels for every budget.
Day 3
Breakfast – Pancakes On The Rocks
Start your final day in Sydney with a hearty breakfast at The Rocks Cafe, a longtime local favorite. It’s a laidback spot with an old-school facade, and it’s known for its huge pancake stacks. They offer sweet and savory options, so there’s something for everyone here!
Best of all, it’s just across the street from where your morning walking tour kicks off, so you won’t have to rush. The tour starts at 10:30 am, so get here between 9 and 9:30 am so that you have time to fuel up with a coffee and your breakfast of choice. Then, you’ll be all set for a day of exploring The Rocks and beyond.
Morning – The Rocks Walking Tour
Kick off your last day in Sydney with a deep dive into the city’s colonial past on this guided walking tour through The Rocks, running from 10:30 am to 12 pm. This is Sydney’s oldest neighborhood, and walking through it feels like stepping back in time. You’ll wander cobbled laneways and quiet courtyards while your guide brings the area’s rich (and often wild) history to life.
We loved how this tour went beyond the surface. It wasn’t just a list of old buildings, but real stories of convict labor, early settlers, and the foundations of modern-day Sydney. It really allowed us to do a deep dive and gain a much more thorough understanding of the city’s history. It was fascinating!
We can’t say enough good things about our guide, Anne, either. She was super knowledgeable and full of quirky facts, not to mention great at answering questions. She pointed out places we would’ve walked right past, including Cadman’s Cottage (built in 1816!) and the Garrison Church, which is one of the city’s oldest places of worship.
And as if that weren’t enough to convince you, you’ll enjoy incredible photo ops for the Opera House and Harbour Bridge along the way. Oh, and it has well over a thousand glowing reviews, so we’re clearly not the ones who love it!
Book this tour here with free 24-hour cancellation!
Early afternoon – Go up the Sydney Tower Eye
You’ll have some time to kill after your walking tour of the Rocks, so have a quick lunch and then head up the Sydney Tower Eye. It’s a 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk to the Tower Eye, so you can grab a bite en route, or there are tons of cafes near the tower itself.
We suggest booking your tickets in advance so that you’re able to breeze past the queues. This is a popular attraction, so purchasing admission in advance can save you a lot of time! I must say, we felt pretty smug as we skipped past the long ticket lines.
Then, once we were up there, we enjoyed fantastic 360° views of Sydney. We could see the city’s skyscrapers, coastline, the Harbour Bridge, and even the Blue Mountains in the distance!
Grab your tickets for the Sydney Tower Eye here and enjoy free cancellation!
Mid-afternoon – Explore Sydney on a bicycle
Sydney is a pretty big city, so exploring on a bicycle tour is the perfect way to check out areas you haven’t seen yet before you depart. The tour is a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute drive from the Sydney Tower Eye, so it’s an easy next stop after your visit to the top.
There are two afternoon options to choose from here: the Sydney Highlights Tour (2.5 hours) or the Manly Beach Sunset Tour (4 hours). Both depart at 2:30 pm in winter and 3:30 pm the rest of the year, so be sure to double-check your departure time when booking.
The Highlights tour visits a lot of places we’ve already been to, like Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, so we recommend opting for the Manly Beach Sunset option if you’ve got the energy for a 4-hour tour!
Manly Beach is one of our favorite parts of the city, and exploring by bike is a stunning way to end your afternoon. You’ll ferry over to Manly and cycle along the coast with sweeping views from North Head. Don’t just take our word for it either—you can read over a thousand 5-star reviews right here!
Book this top-rated cycling tour here and enjoy free 24-hour cancellation!
Dinner – The Butler
After your afternoon bike ride, head back to your hotel for a quick rest and refresh, then make your way to The Butler in the Kings Cross area for dinner. This spot is a local favorite and not just for the food, either. This place has a stylish terrace that offers stunning views of the Sydney skyline, so it’s our favorite place to eat in this part of the city!
The menu is Latin American-inspired, with dishes meant for sharing. We loved the charred corn with chipotle mayo and the grilled flank steak. The drinks are just as good, and the jungle-inspired decor was just made for Instagram. It’s the kind of place that feels special but still relaxed, and it will start your final night in Sydney on just the right note.
Evening – Enjoy the nightlife in Kings Cross
It’s your last night in Sydney, and you don’t need to be up early for a sightseeing tour tomorrow, so why not hit the town and enjoy the city’s famous nightlife?
Kings Cross is an area that’s known for its upbeat nightlife, so after dinner here, head out to go dancing and let loose!
Jangling Jack’s is one of our favorite spots to enjoy the buzz of Kings Cross. It’s a super fun jazz bar that serves reasonably priced drinks (by Sydney standards, anyway). The staff here always makes us feel right at home, and they have a real talent for helping patrons find their perfect beverage!
Or if you’re looking for something a bit more chilled out, head to Dulcie’s. It’s one of the most popular bars in Kings Cross. It only serves Australian-made drinks, and they put such a fun twist on classics. It’s also a good place to go if you still want to be able to hold a conversation over the music!
But wherever you end up, you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a blast in Kings Cross. Cheers to your last night in Sydney!
Related Read: Don’t miss our guide to the 10 best things to do in Sydney here for even more incredible experiences to add to your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Sydney
Now that you’ve got the perfect Sydney itinerary planned, you just need a great place to stay! Luckily Sydney has a huge variety of accommodations to fit every budget. If you’re overwhelmed with where to start, check out our top picks for places to stay from luxury rooms to budget-friendly hostels. We’ve got you covered!
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney – $$$
For stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the iconic Opera House, book a room at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. You’ll have unobstructed views of the city from the comfort of your room. The hotel is located in the city center within the historic Rocks neighborhood – nice and close to lots of activities and restaurants.
Rooms here start at around $300 AUD per night and can be reserved with Booking.com.
Meriton Suites Kent Street Sydney – $$
Stay right in the heart of Sydney in a modern luxury apartment at Meriton Suites Kent Street. The suites are air-conditioned and have laundry facilities and either a kitchenette or full kitchen to make longer stays more comfortable. You’ll also have access to an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and hot tub.
These full apartments start from around $250 AUD nightly when booked in advance with Booking.com.
Sydney Harbour YHA – $
For a hostel with a view, head to the rooftop terrace at the Sydney Harbour YHA. Located in the historic Rocks district, you’ll have amazing views of the harbor and be within walking distance of all the major sights. You can opt for a shared dorm room or a private room here. There’s a communal kitchen, TV lounge, billiards, and a 24/7 reception desk.
Dorm rooms are around $80 AUD nightly, and private rooms are more around the $240 AUD mark. You can check for the best rates and book on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is driving yourself!
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time. Plus, we love the freedom to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
You have three options: a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A rental car is the most affordable option – especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. It gets you to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels along the way (no camping). The easiest place to rent a car in Australia is on DiscoverCars.com where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van with a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what many budget travelers use to get around Australia since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting Australia. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in Australia!
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Thanks for reading!
There’s so much to do in Sydney, but we hope this three-day itinerary will help you make the most of your trip! This is exactly how we spent our time in the city, and we felt it struck a great balance between iconic landmarks, local flavor, and some seriously fun day trips.
If this is just the start of your Australia adventure (lucky you!), take a look through our other Australia blogs here for more personal tips, favorite tours, and easy ways to make the most of your time. Or check out a few of our favorites below for even more inspiration!
5 BEST Blue Mountains Tours from Sydney: Which One to Book
Where to Stay in Melbourne, Australia: 7 Best Areas & Hotels
How to Spend THREE Days in Cairns, Australia – The Best 3-Day Itinerary