Published: February 1st 2009September 30th 2008
Sydney is the city I hold close to my heart, not only because I’ve lived there for almost two years, but also because it is such an amazing place! Sydney is charming, cosmopolitan and astonishing! You realise it's beauty as soon as you arrive at the Circular Quay, overlooking the Sydney Harbour, with the Opera House at one side, the Harbour Bridge at the other side and the city skyline behind. Not even mentioning the exceptional turquoise ocean color. This unique combination makes you realise you are really in Australia! And to get even better, you must drink an Australian sparkling wine at the Opera Bar!
Along with dazzling natural assets, Sydney boasts an impressive list of urban attractions, including world-class shopping locations, restaurants, nightclubs and an enviable events calendar. I would say that tourists need at least 5 days to feel a little bit of the taste and I'm sure that just one day is enough to fall in love with this place!
City Centre
The CBD is relatively small considering that Sydney is the largest and most important city in Australia. Therefore, it is easy to find yourself in the city centre. It lies between the Circular Quay, Woolloomooloo and Darling Harbour.
- Circular Quay: Where the Sydney Opera House is. The whole tourist activity happens here… Harbour Bridge, street performers, cafes, restaurants, bars.
- The Rocks: Contains some of the city’s most important historic sites. Great restaurants and pleasant atmosphere. Street market on weekends.
- Martin Place: Buildings in high Victorian and Art Deco styles. It holds some main events throughout the year: Anzac Day, Christmas tree and Carols.
- Pitt Street Mall: The main shopping precinct in the CBD area. Department stores (the two big aussie ones: David Jones and Myers), stylish boutiques, arcades, restaurants. It is close to the Queen Victoria Building, which Pierre Cardin has considered it as the most beautiful shopping centre in the world.
- Hyde Park: The green oasis of the CBD, place of sunny lawns, great for a lunch break. St Mary’s Cathedral, in Gothic Revival Style in the middle of the park makes a beautiful combination along with the wide avenues shaded by spreading trees.
- Gardens: Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain - Wonderful place to stroll or relax with a picnic, with great views of the harbour.
- Darling Harbour: is the city’s most high up leisure centre, culture and entertainment. Great restaurants and cafes at the King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay Wharf; Imax 3D Theatre, Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World, Sydney Convention Centre, bars and night clubs.
- Places of Interest within the CBD: Sydney Tower, State Theatre, Sydney Town Hall, Australian Museum, The Mint, Sydney Hospital (historic building, beautiful façade), Parliament of New South Wales, State Library of NSW, Government House, Sydney Opera House, Museum of Sydney, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chinatown and Haymarket.
If you have time, I recommend visiting nearby suburbs, home to some very trendy cafes and restaurants.
- Kings Cross: all about nightclubs and where the Sydney-siders go wild. In my opinion is a pretty trash place, the only things that can be called “beautiful” there are: the El Alamein Fountain (but still nothing overwhelming) and the tree-lined streets.
- Woolloomooloo - What a funny name, easily misspelled! It is worth visiting the Finger Wharf, with hotel, restaurant and bar - great for a happy hour. And one mandatory stop at the Harry’s Café de Wheels - a pie-wagon that became a Sydney icon.
- Other places of interest: Centennial Park, Surry Hills, Paddington (Also known as Paddo - Oxford Street shopping strip - Cafes, boutiques - chic and cool - and galleries), Leichhardt (Little Italy), Newtown (night clubs and funky atmosphere), Sydney Olympic Park (kinda boring in my opinion, unless you’re a sports enthusiastic), Taronga Zoo (great for kids!).
My fave places…
- Best place to hang with friends and dine: Darling Harbour! Try Adrian Rybar and Grill, good dishes, Adriatic style. However if you want something more sophisticated try Aria, Tetsuya’s. Or if you prefer beach-style, try North Bondi Italian Food, Bondi Tratoria or Icebergs.
- Best bar in town: Opera Bar! No doubts about that! Amazing views of the harbour. I believe it is the best place to watch the NYE fireworks. It's amazing!
- Best place for a brekkie: Speedos Café - Bondi Beach - if you’re lucky enough you might see Hugh Jackman there. Apparently he goes there on Sunday mornings. I wasn’t lucky… and I’ve tried hard!
- Best café in town: I just love Max Brenner! Everything there is so yummy, specially the brownie with choc syrup and the mint-hot choc. Lindt cafe is also a good call (Cockle Bay Wharf)
- Best place for an enjoyable lunch: Watsons Bay Hotel. Great for pub-style food, try the beer-battered fish and chips, with amazing views of the city. At the Doyles, you will have great seafood dishes.
- Best street Market: Paddington Saturday's street market. More than 200 stalls selling everything you could possibly imagine, from fashion, jewellery, art, craft to furniture. There are also stalls selling coffees and finger foods. It is situated at the grounds of the Paddington heritage-listed sandstone Uniting Church, and happens every saturday from 10am to 4pm.
- Best place to buy cheap souvenir: If you want to buy heaps of Australia tees, keyrings, stuffed koalas and kangaroos you must go to the Paddy's Market, Chinatown. Everything there is so cheap!Shop till you drop. Opens from Thursday to Sunday, from 10am til 5pm.
- Best Hotel: I would say Four Seasons if you want views (Opera House and Harbour Bridge); Sheraton on the Park if you want shopping at your door steps and Meriton Apartments Bondi Junction if you want beach + convenience. However if you want beach views, I would say Ravesis - Bondi Beach boutique hotel.
- Best time of the year to visit: Hard question. Sydney's weather is a bit trick. Summer is great, high temps and beaches at its bestest. Winter is bloody cold, specialy for a Brazilian! Yeah, I would recommend summer or spring, for sure!
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SydneyTravel
AloneInSydney
oooooh sydney
Your post reminds me my stay in Sydney. I visited all the places above during my weekends. Great city and I wish to return someday!!!
From Blog: Sydney CBD & Surrounds