Seeing the Sydney Opera House was on my bucket list since I was a child. I don’t know what it was, either the architecture or the thought of it being a far away place. I was finally able to see it last April on a stop over from Auckland to the States. My partner and I stayed two nights and saw a lot so below are my recommendations of must-see things to do in Sydney; even if you only have a few days!
Harbour Bridge Climb: Yes this is a pricey-er activity but it is so worth it. I would advise booking ahead of time so you get a time slot that works for you. We got lucky and got a spot upon walking in as the weather was touch and go. Once we checked in we were fitted for our jumpsuits and headsets. Throughout the tour your guide will give you history and random facts about the bridge and the city; my kind of tour! Before walking on the bridge you have a demo where you practice climbing the steep stairs. I am not one afraid of heights, but the stairs on the bridge were small and very steep so that was the only part that made me nervous. Other than that, they take your photo multiple times (as you cannot bring anything with you) and you have the best views of the whole city! We got lucky where we walked up in the sun, and down at sunset. The colors on the water were out of a masterpiece.
The Rocks Market: Part Farmers Market part boutique shopping, this big outdoor market has something for everyone. Start at the base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge so you can eat from several food stalls and the walk into the covered shops.
Move onto pedestrian only street where there are more formal stores with art galleries, second hand books and cafes along the path.
You could easily spend 2 hours here when they are open on the weekends. Hours are 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday with food stalls open on Friday from 9am-3pm.
Bondi Beach: A Surfer and Swimmers Paradise. Buy a $5 bus ticket and take a 30-40 minute bus ride from the center of town to this glorious beach. On one end you have the famous Iceberg Pools, and on the other you have the beach which is known for its constant waves.
We didn’t have a beach towel so we stopped by the local Bondi Farmers Market to pick one up.
The market has live music, second hand clothes and lots of jewelry. A 10 minute walk back to the beach, we stopped at a grocery store to get drinks and nibbles to eat on the beach.
Walking down to the beach you are inundated with tons of street art. For a moment this seemed very Melbourne, perhaps this is the low-key vibe in this part of town!
For dinner we caught another bus ride to Doyles in Watsons Bay. Opened in 1885, the same year Penn State was founded, this seafood classic is world renowned. As our anniversary dinner, Mark splurged on our meal however you can get better (and more affordable) prices at their Takeaway locations and Fish Markets.
As far as hotel location goes, Mark chose Darling Harbour. It is in the middle of Chinatown and offers great nightlife.
As far as good bars go, check out:
- Fortune of War, Sydney’s Oldest Pub
- The Glenmore Hotel, has an awesome rooftop bar with views of the Opera House
- Any Number of Bars and Restaurants along Circular Quay with views of the Bridge and walking distance to the Opera House
Options #2 
Option #1 
Options #3
Sydney is a huge city, much larger than I expected. Although there are tons of things to do and see, I’ve listed what I was able to do in 2.5 days. What would be on your list?!
TIP: If you travel like me, you will do a lot of walking and be limited on time to do everything you want! Have a Tom & Luke resealable snack balls so you can munch away when you need a quick “healthy pick me up” to keep your energy up (especially if you are jet-lagged).