How to Spend a Weekend in Sydney Like a Local

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There is no shortage of sights and activities for visitors to Sydney to choose from. As tourist destinations go, Sydney is one of the top places in the world to visit with fantastic beaches, gorgeous architecture, enchanting bushland and a food culture that is one of the most multi-ethnic and diverse on the planet.

But what if you want to spend a weekend seeing Sydney like the locals do? Well, that's a whole other sort of experience altogether. Here's your guide for making your next trip to Sydney the more memorable ever.

Get Manly
At Circular Quay, you'll find the Manly Ferry which will take you on a 30-minute journey with views of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, Kirribilli House (where the Prime Minister lives), the Sydney Opera House, North Head and then finally the Manly esplanade. The Manly Wharf Bar is a locals' favorite and a popular spot to enjoy a drink while taking in the incredible views.

Picnic at Barangaroo
This spectacular harbourside park has come a long way since its days as a container wharf. Locals come here to walk, jog, cycle, and enjoy a picnic. Once you see the 360-degree views of the harbour, the Harbour Bridge, the ANZAC Bridge, the Rocks and the suburbs, you'll understand why.

The fireworks at Darling Harbour
Saturday night is the time to head to Darling Harbour, on the western edge of the central business district (CBD). You'll find it loaded with locals enjoying an evening meal or drink at one of the many restaurants and bars. Then around 8:30 or 9:00pm, you can step outside and revel in the fireworks show. You may want to plan on staying nearby, for the convenience. Check Gumtree for the best prices on accommodations.

Bondi Beach

Tourists love to swarm Bondi during the day. But if you want to enjoy Bondi like a local, plan to get there early in the day and then leave by 10:00am. You can come back later to enjoy the sunset from Icebergs, a fun restaurant and bar where the locals love to go for nibbles and drinks.

Centennial Park

If you enjoy getting out and enjoying a little sport like horseback riding, walking or running, a fun place to go is Centennial Park. It's only 15 minutes away from the city centre, but feels like another world. There's a cafe for catching up with friends as well as plenty of space for picnicking. You can rent a bike for around $15 an hour and tour around the pathways.

Blue Bar 36

Grab a drink and marvel at the views from the 36th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel in The Rocks. That's where you'll find Blue Bar 36 and the finest view in Sydney. From up here, you'll take in views of the Opera House, Darling Harbour and the Harbour Bridge without missing a beat.

Cockatoo Island

From Circular Quay, you can head out to Cockatoo Island, which is only 20 minutes away. You might never guess, but this UNESCO World Heritage Site used to be the site of one of the largest shipyards in Sydney. Explore the tunnels or revel at one of the many festivals held on the island throughout the year. If camping is your thing, you should rent one of the 'glam tents' that overlook Sydney Harbour. For pizza and cocktails, there is an Island Bar.

Watch a movie at St George OpenAir Cinema

Truly a local tradition. On summer evenings you can join the locals for a film on a screen setup overlooking the water, with Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in the background.

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