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Sydney Opera House on Sydney Harbour

No. 28 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Sydney

Australia

The Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and golden beaches in Australia's largest city.

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Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Sydney is No. 28 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. Australia's largest city surrounds one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours. The Sydney Opera House, opened in 1973, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.

The city has more than 100 beaches, from Bondi to Manly, plus harbour-side parks, a lively food scene and easy day trips to the Blue Mountains.

Bondi Beach, Sydney
Bondi Beach, Sydney. Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to go

Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are warm and pleasant. Summer (December to February) is beach season and can be hot; New Year's Eve fireworks over the harbour are world-famous.

Winter (June to August) is mild and sunny, with cool nights.

Top sights

  • 1

    Sydney Opera House

    Jørn Utzon's sail-roofed masterpiece. Take a guided tour or see a performance.

  • 2

    Sydney Harbour Bridge

    The steel arch bridge, opened in 1932, can be walked across or climbed with BridgeClimb.

  • 3

    The Rocks and Circular Quay

    Sydney's oldest district has historic pubs, laneways and weekend markets, beside the ferry hub.

  • 4

    Royal Botanic Garden

    Harbour-side gardens leading to Mrs Macquarie's Chair, a classic viewpoint of the Opera House and bridge.

  • 5

    Art Gallery of New South Wales In our Top 100 Museums

    Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, European and Asian art, with free entry to the collection.

  • 6

    Bondi to Coogee walk

    A clifftop coastal path of about 6 km linking beaches, rock pools and cafés.

  • 7

    Manly ferry

    The ferry from Circular Quay to Manly crosses the harbour, with great views of the city.

Getting there

Sydney Airport (SYD) is about 8 km south of the city centre. Airport Link trains reach Central station in about 15 minutes.

Getting around

Trains, metro, buses, light rail and ferries are integrated. Tap on and off with an Opal card or a contactless card or phone.

Trains run to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in about two hours.

Practical tips

Currency
Australian dollar (AUD). Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is not expected.
Language
English.
Beach safety
Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches, and use strong sun protection.
Safety
Sydney is generally safe. The emergency number is 000.
Visa & entry
Everyone except New Zealand citizens needs a visa or an electronic travel authority before travelling. Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Japan and several other countries can apply for an ETA through the official AustralianETA app; EU citizens can apply online for a free eVisitor. Apply only through official Australian government channels (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).
Power
230 V, 50 Hz; plug type I.

Official information: Sydney.com (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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