Is Sydney worth visiting? Is Sydney expensive? Is Sydney safe? All your Important questions answered

Are you planning a trip to Australia and wondering is Sydney worth visiting? In this guide we answer all the important questions like is Sydney safe, is Sydney expensive, and what is there to do in Sydney. And hopefully by the end you will know once and for all if Sydney is worth visiting.

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Some Background

Before we answer the question is Sydney worth visiting, here is a little bit of background.

Sydney despite what many commonly believe, is not the capital of Australia, but the capital of the south eastern Australian state of New South Wales. It’s known as the financial and entertainment capital of the country however.

Sydney is home to over 5 million people, and there are over 250 different languages spoken in the city.

It is also one of the first major cities to ring in the New Year, and its spectacular fireworks show is famous around the world.

Is Sydney expensive?

A question we hear a lot tends to be is Sydney expensive? And simply put yes it is! For starters Sydney is the 12th most expensive city in the world when it comes to property prices, and if you spend more than 5 minutes strolling around Circular Quay, with views like that it is not hard to see why.

But it’s not just the property that is expensive. Australia as a whole can be pricey, but as Sydney is one of the biggest cities, it’s also pretty expensive. It often makes in into those ‘top 10 most expensive cities in the world’ lists.

For a trip to Sydney we would recommend budgeting about $300 per person, per day. This will include things like tours, transport, food and drink. Of course you can bring costs down by eating at smaller low key places, and visiting some of the free attractions in the city, like the parks or museums.

Accommodation in Sydney can be quite expensive, so make sure you book well in advance to secure the best rate. It’s also best to avoid peak season like summer holidays which fall around December- January.

It’s also worth noting accommodation in places like Circular Quay is pretty costly. Try to stay further in the CBD for cheaper rates.

Do I need cash in Sydney?

You don’t really need a huge amount of cash when visiting Sydney. The vast majority of places will accept credit card. The only reason you may need cash is if you are buying smaller items, as sometimes there is a minimum card payment.

What language do they speak in Sydney?

English is the language most commonly spoken in Sydney. Australia is pretty multicultural and there are over 250 languages spoken in the city, but generally you will need basic English to get by.

Is Sydney easy to get to?

Considering the size of Australia, and the fact it is a very large island, chances are you will be flying into Sydney. Sydney Airport is an incredibly busy airport with several flights connecting you to other parts of the country or the world.

Sydney is one of the busier airports in the country, and you get a lot more choice when it comes to international airlines arriving into the airport than you would in Brisbane for example.

The simplest, way to get to the CBD is to get a taxi or Uber. It’s only a 20 minute drive and will set you back somewhere around $45-$60.

There is also the option to get a train, which will get you to the city in about 13 minutes. This should take you to all the main stations like Circular Quay. If you are venturing out into the suburbs you may need to change trains along the way.

How long should I spend in Sydney?

Sydney isn’t huge in the scheme of things, and a lot of the main attractions are pretty close together. We think that 3 days in Sydney is a good amount of time to spend in the city. This will give you a good amount of time to get to grips with the city, see the main attractions, and enjoy some world class food and drink. If you want to do some day trips for example from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, then we recommend adding an extra day or two.

Is Sydney safe?

As someone who has spent a lot of time in Sydney, I can honestly say I have never felt unsafe in the city. And overall according to the ‘Safe Cities Index’ Sydney is one of the safest cities in the world. That isn’t to say that you don’t get issues in Sydney. You do. But like any city in the world you just need to take precautions.

Always keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid walking home late at night. There are some neighbourhoods in Sydney that you should avoid, so if you are venturing out of the CBD make sure you do your research. Overall though as a tourist in Sydney you should generally be ok.

Is Sydney worth visiting compared to other Australian cities?

If you are tossing up between visiting Sydney vs other Australian cities, we definitely recommend you visit. Sydney is very different to other Aussie state capitals. It’s one of the busiest cities in the country, and the attractions like the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are obviously world famous.

If you are tossing up between Brisbane or Sydney here is a handy guide.

Can I use public transport in Sydney?

Public transport is incredibly easy to use in Sydney. It’s also one of the best ways to get around. For a short trip to Sydney you are probably only really going to need to use the ferry and train.

Both services are easy to use. You can either get an Opal Card, which you can buy at selected newsagents across Sydney. You will need to top it up as you go. Alternatively you can just scan your credit card as you hop on and off the transport.

What is there to do in Sydney

Here are the must do things when visiting Sydney.

See the Opera House

One of the most recognisable buildings in Sydney has to be the Opera House. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Opera House is a must. You can attend a show, or even do a tour of the Opera House to delve deeper into the buildings interior.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The other iconic Sydney structure aside from the Opera House is of course the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Construction began in 1923, and was designed to connect the northern and southern shores of Sydney’s harbour.

Get the Ferry from Circular Quay

If you want to see likes of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or the Opera House from a different perspective we highly recommend getting a ferry from Circular Quay and checking out the sights.

The best ferry route is to Manly. Along the way you get excellent views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Alternatively if you want to get a bit closer to the Bridge you need to go in the opposite direction and get the ferry to Milson’s Point.

Manly

Manly is a suburb North East of the Sydney CBD. The ferry route from Circular Quay has been named the world’s most scenic commute, and honestly it isn’t hard to see why. So even if you don’t spend a heap of time in Manly it is definitely worth a visit.

There are several beaches and coastal walks that you can do here, and it is very different in atmosphere to the tourist centric Circular Quay. There are also some fantastic restaurants, bars, and cafes to enjoy during your time here.

Visit Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is arguably one of the most famous beaches in the world, and certainly the most iconic in Australia. The golden sand, and ultra trendy setting makes it a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. It is hugely popular with surfers, and you can even take a lesson if you want to tick surfing at Bondi off your Sydney bucket list.

Relax in the Royal Botanical Gardens

Located just next to Circular Quay are the Sydney Botanical Gardens. It’s a 30 hectare site, that is also heritage listed. Entry to the gardens is completely free.

Visit Luna Park

Luna Park is located just across from Circular Quay. It’s a heritage listed amusement park with some pretty amazing views.

Even if you aren’t into theme parks we recommend getting a ferry out here. The views are stunning, and you get to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge from a completely different perspective.

Experience the views from the Sydney Tower

For a birds eye view of the city head to Sydney Tower. It’s the tallest structure in Sydney but also the second tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. From the viewing platform you get a 360 degree view of Sydney which is really beautiful.

Is Sydney worth visiting for solo travellers?

Sydney is incredibly safe, and therefore a fantastic place to visit for solo travellers. There is also a lot to do so you won’t be bored travelling alone. On top of that there are several group tours you can book onto if you are wanting to meet other travellers.

Is Sydney worth visiting for couples?

Sydney is a great option for couples. There are so many incredible experiences that you can share like climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or cruising around Circular Quay.

It’s also full of world class restaurants and bars, which are perfect for date night. Here are some great ideas for couples activities in Sydney.

• Picnic at the Botanic Gardens
• Cosy up in a cocktail bar in the CBD
• Have a romantic meal at Sydney Tower
• Do a harbour cruise
• Have a romantic picnic for 2 on a secret beach.

Is Sydney worth visiting for families?

If you are wondering is Sydney worth visiting for families, then the answer is yes. There are so many amazing things to do in Sydney as a family. From spending time at one of the beaches, to checking out the rides at Luna Park.

You also have a lot of family friendly attractions around Darling Harbour such as the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the Maritime Museum, and even Madame Tussauds.

Is Sydney worth visiting for foodies?

Sydney has fast become a foodie favourite. It might not be as popular as Melbourne when it comes to culinary delights, but there is a lot of choice.

These days the food scene in Sydney has come along in leaps and bounds. What’s great about Sydney is that you can get some great food, at decent prices. And no matter what kind of you food you are into you will find something to enjoy in Sydney.

Is Sydney worth visiting for the nightlife?

Sydney has an incredible nightlife scene, particularly if you are into nightclubs. Some of the best clubbing spots are in places like King’s Cross, Oxford Street, and Darling Harbour.

If you prefer cocktails, we recommend visiting one of the amazing bars in Sydney’s CBD. Some of our favourites are the award winning Maybe Sammy near the Rocks, and Cantina OK in the city centre.

Basically whatever you are into when it comes to nightlife Sydney will have something for you.

Is Sydney worth visiting for nature lovers?

Sydney itself doesn’t have a whole lot going for it in terms of nature. I mean don’t get me wrong there are some lovely beaches like Bondi, and Manly. But if you really want to experience nature you do need to get out of Sydney.

The good news though is that nature isn’t that far away. For instance you have the Blue Mountains which are a stunning bit of natural beauty over an hours drive from the city.

Is Sydney worth visiting for culture lovers?

Sydney is a great place for culture. For starters, it’s very culturally diverse with people from all over the world now calling the city home.

It also has a very vibrant arts scene, which probably doesn’t come as a big surprise considering it is home to a world heritage listed opera house.

Another big part of the culture in Sydney is based around beach and surf. There are many beaches in Sydney which means that locals are used to visiting and spending a lot of time outdoors.

Is Sydney worth visiting in the summer

Sydney is a great place to visit in the summer months. Despite the humidity this is when the city really comes alive.

Temperatures range from 19-30°C, and it can get quite humid. Summer is perfect if you are wanting to visit the beaches in the city, and make the most of an Australian Summer.

The downside of visiting in summer is that this is peak travel season. Kids are off school in December and January, and this also coincides with Christmas and New Years holidays. For this reason hotels can be quite expensive, and tourist attractions can be busy. When we visited in December we had to line up for ages to get on the ferry to Manly as it was just so busy.

Is Sydney worth visiting in the winter

Don’t let winter put you off from visiting Sydney. It’s actually a really lovely time to go. For starters it’s a lot quieter especially around the beaches. Because there are less people around hotel prices tend to be a bit cheaper too.

Winter in Sydney is June – August, and temperatures are actually pretty mild. It ranges from 9-20°C which is light jacket weather really.

What to pack when visiting Sydney?

Here are some must haves on your trip to Sydney.

• Sun protection – hats, sun cream, sunglasses – this includes the winter months
• Layers – particularly in the winter months the evenings can get quite cool
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Reusable water bottle – there are plenty of places to fill up water for free in Sydney
• A few dressier items for dinner and cocktails
• An umbrella – it’s not always sunny in Sydney

What should I know before visiting Sydney?

Here are some final tips for planning your trip to Sydney.

• If you are only in Sydney for a short time stay near Circular Quay
• Utilise public transport
• Check to see what events are happening in Sydney before you go as these can make your trip and accommodation more expensive
• Try and explore some of the suburbs like Manly or Bondi
• Restaurants tend to close early in Sydney with some places closing at around 9 or 9.30 pm – if you are coming from Europe you might not be used to this
• It’s the same with the shops particularly in the CBD they don’t stay open late every night.

So Is Sydney worth visiting?

We think Sydney is very much worth visiting. It’s one of the biggest, and most exciting cities in Australia. Whilst it may be expensive, and at times overcrowded, it’s worth enduring because where else are you going to see beaches, a world class opera house, and that famous bridge?

You don’t really need long in Sydney to make the most of your time there, and it’s the perfect weekend destination. There is no where else in the world like Sydney. It’s bustling and hectic, but also laid back and friendly. It’s got some of the coolest beaches in the world, top class bars and restaurants, and so much more.

So in answer to the question is Sydney worth visiting, we say YES!

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Happy Travels!