How to Spend 1 Day in Sydney

Sydney, one of Australia’s most visually spectacular cities (though perhaps surprisingly, not its capital) is blessed by a dazzling harbor, icons such as the Sydney Opera House, and a close proximity to beautiful beaches. With only one day you’ll want to see as much as possible, so here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Sydney.

Morning: See the Sights

Traveling by bus is one of the best ways to see a lot of Sydney in a short time. Start your day with a guided bus tour, which typically visits the historic Rocks neighborhood and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for all-encompassing views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Some tours offer optional upgrades to include an opera house tour, lunch cruise, or seaplane harbor tour. To see top landmarks in less time with more ambience, choose a Sydney sightseeing cruise.

Afternoon: Visit Bondi Beach

No visit to Sydney is complete without soaking up some sun on Bondi Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. It’s just five miles (eight kilometers) from the city center and boasts warm waters and consistently nice waves. Many Sydney sightseeing tours include time at Bondi for the chance to take a stroll along the beach or pop into a local café. Alternatively, Sydney and Bondi hop-on hop-off bus tours and bus-and-boat combo tours allow you to set your own schedule and spend as long as you like at the beach before continuing on to other stops along the sightseeing route.

Night: Cruise the Harbor at Sunset

Sydney Harbour’s landmarks are perhaps at their most captivating when the setting sun casts them in a warm glow. Early evening harbor cruises typically pass close by the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and other top sights while including dinner and drinks. Another opportunity for a meal with a view can be found at the revolving restaurant atop Sydney Tower, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama and watch the city lights sparkle from the comfort of an elegant restaurant.