How to spend 3 days in Sydney

Your 3 days in Sydney is going to be unforgettable but jam-packed if you follow the below itinerary!

Ah, beautiful Sydney! Have you ever visited somewhere that impressed you so much that now, whenever you think or talk about it, it gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling inside? Sydney is that for me. In fact, I didn’t just vacation in the city, I’ve been living in Sydney for 4 years. And so it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Anyway, you’re reading this because you’re keen to find out what you can do with 3 days in Sydney. And I’m here to tell you – that you can squeeze a hell of a lot into 3 days in Sydney. Walk the Bondi to Coogee walk, take a day trip to the Blue Mountains and, go on a whale-watching cruise. These are all epic things you can add to your three-day Sydney itinerary to ensure it’s one you’ll remember forever.

So, if like me, you love stunning beaches, great food and coffee, and taking lots of photos then this is the perfect itinerary for you. Because it includes Sydney’s best beaches (which to me are Bondi & Manly), iconic, photogenic sights like Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Plus, the best restaurants and coffee shops in Sydney!

Is 3 days in Sydney enough?

Yes, 3 days in Sydney is just enough time to see the best of the city and go on a day trip to the nearby Blue Mountains. With three days in Sydney you’ll get to tick off the city’s most iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour, walk one of the most famous coastal trails in the world, and catch the ferry over to Manly.

This is the exact itinerary I’d follow if I only had 3 days in Sydney. And as someone who’s lived in Sydney for 4 years, I’ve experienced everything on this list (some of them countless times). So, you can trust me (please do!) that this Sydney itinerary will ensure you have the absolute best time in Sydney.

Of course, depending on what’s your priority and where you’re staying in Sydney you may change the order of this itinerary to what suits you best.

Day 1: Opera House, Ferry to Manly, Walk the Harbour Bridge

Morning – Sydney Opera House & Botanic Gardens

On your first morning in Sydney, I recommend getting up early and making a beeline for the iconic Opera House before it gets too busy. Then, take a stroll through the stunning Botanic Gardens next door.

Sydney Opera House

Your first stop on this 3-day Sydney itinerary has to be the Sydney Opera House. One of the coolest buildings in the world. It opened its doors in 1973 and is one of the top event venues in the country. Several superstars have performed here over the years, like Bob Dylan and Sting.

I advise you book a guided tour of the inside of this iconic building.

The tour is only around an hour long and to me it’s well worth doing to see the interior and learn about the history and construction of the opera house. As you can imagine the tour is very popular. You will need to book it in advance, especially if you plan on visiting during the busy summer months. The tour costs $45 AUD per person.

Related Read: If you want to live and work in Sydney like me, then check out my guide to doing a Working Holiday Visa in Australia.

Botanic Gardens

The oldest Botanic Gardens in the country are located right next to the Opera House. So it makes sense to go for a leisurely stroll here after checking out the Opera House. It’s like an oasis in the middle of the city. And the fact that it’s situated right on Sydney harbor makes it even more appealing. It’s free to enter and we recommend spending around an hour here taking in all the native plants and flowers and admiring the views of the harbor.

One of my favorite places to visit in the Botanic Gardens is Mrs Macquaries Chair which is around a 20-minute walk from where you enter the gardens near the Opera House. This spot is known as having one of the best views in Sydney. From here you have the perfect framing for your pictures of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

On your walk back to the Opera House from Mrs Macquaries Chair, I suggest stopping in for a coffee at the Botanic Gardens Cafe.

Afternoon – Catch the ferry to Manly

You can catch the ferry to Manly from Circular Quay (where the Opera House is located) and to me, it’s a must-do if you have longer than one day in Sydney. It’s regarded as one of the most picturesque ferry journeys in the world as it passes the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and several of Sydney’s beaches. The fast ferry ride is only 20 minutes long and the regular ferry is 40 minutes long.

I did the Manly ferry ride most weekends when I lived in The Rocks because I just love Manly Beach, it’s like Bondi but for locals. What I mean by that, is that Manly is like Bondi, a golden sand surf haven but it doesn’t attract the same crowds as Bondi. Which is a good thing.

I recommend having lunch here in Manly, I like The Pantry Manly which is known for its fresh fish dishes. After lunch, walk to Shelly Beach – it’s a scenic 15-minute stroll from Manly Beach and if you fancy going for a swim I recommend doing so here as the water here is much calmer than in Manly. Shelly Beach is one of my favorite beaches in Sydney, in fact, it’s more of a cove with bright blue water. I actually celebrated two of my birthdays here at Shelly Beach – a picnic with friends and some wine. Bliss!

If like me, you have a couple of coffees a day then, you’re probably in need of another caffeine hit at this stage of the day. So, swing by Showbox Coffee on Whistler St, to me, it’s the best coffee in Manly.

If you follow my above schedule you should be able to catch a ferry back to Circular Quay at around 3 pm.

Late Afternoon – Walk across the Harbour Bridge

When you hop off the ferry in Circular Quay, head for the access stairs to walk over the Harbour Bridge, which is located in The Rocks nearby.

This is one of my favorite things to do in Sydney and it will take around 30 minutes to walk across the bridge each way. Be sure to take your time as you stroll across, as you’ll have an awesome view of the Sydney Opera House and the harbor as you go! If you wish, you can climb up the Pylon for uninterrupted views of the city below, this costs around $25 USD per person. And no need to book, just rock up and wait your turn. However, beware it’s a climb of 200 steps to the lookout!

Travel tip if you have more time: Do the Sydney BridgeClimb, this bucket-list-worthy experience has you climbing on top of the Harbour Bridge. Yes, you will literally climb on the bridge, attached by a harness! It’s a nerve-wracking but rewarding experience and you’ll feel on top of the world after accomplishing it. It takes 3 hours, including safety talk and costs from $289 AUD.

When you climb down the steps from the bridge into Kirribilli I recommend walking down to Lavender Bay which is a short 15-minute walk away. Along the walk, you’ll pass Luna Park, a quirky theme park. Be sure to snap some photos of the funny face at the entrance.

When you’re done exploring the Kirribilli and Milson’s Point neighborhoods, walk back across the bridge or you can catch a train from Milson’s Point station or a ferry from Lavender Bay back into the city.

Have dinner in The Rocks

If you walk back across the bridge, you’ll get to The Rocks – the oldest part of the city. Most of the buildings here are made of sandstone and they’re perfectly restored. The oldest building here was constructed way back in 1816. You’ll find it next to the Museum of Contemporary Art (it’s called Cadman’s Cottage).

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander the streets here – my favorite streets to photograph here are Nurse’s Walk and Argyle Street.

For dinner tonight, I love Luna Lu in Campbell’s Cove in The Rocks – a modern Asian restaurant with picture-perfect views of the harbor. When we dined here, I especially loved their dumplings and dim sum.

Sydney’s oldest bar is also located in The Rocks – The Fortune of War, which was founded back in 1828. It’s a cozy spot that often has live music and I spent many a great night here when I lived in Sydney.

Drinks at The Opera Bar

Arguably one of the most famous bars in all of Sydney – The Opera Bar is exactly as the name suggests located right next to the Opera House. It’s the spot I always took friends and family when they visited me and it always impressed them! It truly is wow-worthy and even though it’s very popular, it’s huge so you’ll likely always grab a table here.

Day 2: Day trip to the Blue Mountains

It’s a full 10-hour tour day today as on your second top my recommendation is to head for the Blue Mountains. One of the prettiest natural attractions in Australia!

Morning & Afternoon – Blue Mountains

Today, we recommend getting out of the city and exploring the incredible Blue Mountains on a guided tour. I know, what you’re likely thinking “I only have 3 days in Sydney, why am I leaving the city to go on a day trip?!” But, hear me out – the Blue Mountains are one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been to.

The Blue Mountains are made up of a series of giant sandstone ridges that are covered with native bush. And interestingly, these ridges are approximately 10 times older than the Grand Canyon! Yep, the Blue Mountains were believed to have been formed 470 million years ago. As you can see from the photo above, the mountains aren’t blue in fact they got their name because of the blue rays of light that appear above the mountains. This phenomenon occurs when eucalyptus oil from the nearby forests mixes with dust and water in the air to create a blue haze above the mountains.

In short, the Blue Mountains are one of the country’s most famous wilderness areas. It really is worth seeing. Not just for its beauty but to see a different side to Sydney.

The guided tour we recommend doing to the Blue Mountains is this small group tour which limits the group size to just 14 people. It’s a 10-hour tour and stops at the highlights of the area – Echo Point (the best view of the mountains), Wentworth Falls, and the Jamison Valley. You’ll also get to pay a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can get up close to native animals like kangaroos and koalas. Lunch in one of the mountainside villages is also included in the price.

This tour will pick you up from your accommodation in Sydney city center between 7 am and 7:45 am and the price is $175 AUD per person. Which I think is great value, considering it includes lunch and entry to the wildlife park.

BOOK the same Blue Mountains tour we did and recommend here!

Evening – Casual dinner & drinks at a hidden bar

You’ll likely arrive back in Sydney from your Blue Mountain tour at around 6 pm. This means you’ll have time to freshen up in your hotel and have a late dinner. Because it’s been such a busy day, I recommend a casual dinner.

I love Italian food and a great casual Italian in the city is Primi Italian on Clarence Street. It’s won lots of awards and my go-to order here is their Wagyu Bolognaise. As well as pasta, they serve salads and pizza.

Of all the amazing bars in Sydney, my favorite is and always will be The Baxter Inn which is hidden down an alleyway off Clarence Street. It would be hard to miss if it wasn’t for the queue of people snaking out onto the street. Entry is via a fire escape and they limit how many people they allow in. Meaning it’s quite a peaceful bar by Sydney standards.

If you love whiskey, this is the bar for you as the Baxter Inn boasts over a hundred whiskeys which the bar staff reach via a sliding ladder. But if you don’t love whiskey, fear not as there are plenty of other drinks on offer here. FYI, I always order a Margarita.

Day 3: Bondi to Coogee Walk, Whale watching, Dinner cruise on Darling Harbor

Morning – Walk the Bondi to Coogee Walk

Start your final morning with breakfast in Bondi. I like Makaveli on Glenayr Ave. This cool spot opens early (at 6 am), which is perfect because we actually recommend tackling the Bondi to Coogee Walk super-early to beat the crowds. Anyway, Makaveli serves up yummy banana bread, pastries, and granola when it first opens at 6 am. And from 8 am a wider range of dishes are available like their famed focaccia slices.

After breakfast, it’s time to stretch your legs on the iconic Bondi to Coogee Walk – arguably one of the most scenic and most popular coastal walks in Australia (if not the world). This 6 km easy, paved trail starts in Bondi and ends in Coogee. Along the way, you’ll pass some of Sydney’s best beaches like Bronte, Tamarama, and Clovelly.

I’ve done this walk countless times as I actually lived in Bondi for a few years. And I honestly never tired of the views, you can stop off for a dip in the sea along the way or at the Clovelly Ocean Pool. And there are several Cafes along your route too, so you can grab a coffee for some extra energy. We like Jenny’s Cafe on Bronte Road in Bronte.

Allow around 3 hours for this walk, as you’ll inevitably want to check out the beaches and cafes along the way.

Before heading back into the city, the 373 bus will take you back to the city center, grab a quick lunch in Coogee. I’ve been to Beach Burrito on Coogee Bay Rd countless times. As my favorite cuisine is Mexican. And this casual spot serves up excellent tacos and burritos.

Afternoon – Whale-watching cruise

If you’re a wildlife lover (like me) and you plan to be in Sydney between May and November then you must go on a whale-watching cruise. During whale season in Sydney, you’ll be treated to humpback whales breaching and playing in Sydney harbor. Would you believe that around 20,000 humpback whales make their way to Sydney from the Antarctic every year in May?

The best month to go whale watching here is in August when the young males are known to show off. We did our whale-watching tour in August and honestly, the whales really put on a show for us. July, September, and October are other great months to do a tour.

This 2.5-hour cruise from Circular Quay is the tour we did and we really enjoyed it. It costs $95 AUD per person.

If you’re not in Sydney for the six months of the whale-watching season, then, I recommend heading back into the city from Coogee and exploring areas like leafy Hyde Park and maybe a museum or two. I really like the Museum of Modern Art down in The Rocks and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, not too far from the Botanic Gardens.

Evening – Darling Harbour

One of the most lively and fun parts of Sydney city is Darling Harbour. It’s nicknamed Sydney’s harbourside playground as it’s home to lotsof restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. There are also often lots of free events on here, like beer festivals and cultural festivals.

Have a drink here (I like Cargo Bar or Bungalow 8) before boarding your sunset dinner cruise. Yep, my suggestion for dinner tonight is totally unique.

On your sunset and dinner cruise from Darling Harbour, you’ll enjoy a 3-course meal while taking in the city’s top sights. Your boat is the luxurious MV Sydney 2000 – a super cruiser. And you’ll also get to listen to live performances while you dine. The cruise costs just $115 AUD a head, which is great value considering it includes a 3-course meal!

Where to stay in Sydney

I’ve tried to include something for everyone in the list below from a self-catering apartment in Bondi to a hostel in The Rocks to a luxury 4.5-star hotel in Darling Harbour.

• Novotel on Darling Harbour – Conveniently located in buzzing Darling Harbour, this huge hotel features an outdoor pool, gym and tennis court. And the rooms are spacious and comfortable and many offer a view of Darling Harbour. A room here costs around $250 AUD per night.

• Sydney Potts Point Central Hotel – This boutique, art-deco aparthotel is located in leafy Potts Point and you can walk into the city (around 30 minutes) or catch the train from King’s Cross. There’s a lovely rooftop terrace here with city views. Rooms are reasonably priced at under $200 AUD per night.

• Pullman Sydney Hyde Park – Located in a quieter part of the city, next door to leafy Hyde Park this hotel is still within walking distance to all of Sydney’s top attractions. It boasts a rooftop pool with epic city views, a gym, and stylish rooms (many with city views). Expect to pay approx. $250 AUD per night here.

• Miss Baker’s Boutique Accommodation Bondi Beach – Located a couple of blocks back from the world-famous Bondi Beach, this studio apartment with a balcony is a brilliant option. The studio comes with a kitchenette, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and access to a communal garden. Rates average $260 AUD per night.

• YHA Sydney Harbour (The Rocks) – This hostel was actually around the corner from my house in The Rocks and it’s a large, luxurious hostel (as hostels go). It’s got quite a bohemian clientele and it boasts a fabulous rooftop pool. Rooms here range from ensuite doubles to an 8-bed dorm.

Getting to Sydney

Most tourists arrive in to Sydney by plane, as the airport here (Sydney Airport) is well-serviced by flights from Europe, Asia, and elsewhere in Australia.

Sydney Airport is just 8 km from Sydney and without traffic, the ride will take around 20 minutes in a cab. That will set you back between $45 – 55 AUD. However, we find, the train is the easiest way to get into the city with the Airport Link operating about every 10 minutes into downtown and the suburbs.

Many tourists also arrive in to Sydney via cruise ship, as the harbour here is one of the world’s major cruise ship ports. The cruise ships dock in Circular Quay which I’ve mentioned heaps already and it’s very central for exploring all the activities I’ve suggested above.

When is the best time to visit Sydney?

That answer depends on what you’re after. If you want sunshine then it’s best to visit during Sydney’s summer which runs from December to February. The hottest month is January when average temperatures sit at 82 Fahrenheit (28 Celsius). But, the summer is also the busiest time to visit (especially over the Christmas/New Year period) so prices for hotels will be higher and tours may be sold out.

Personally, my favorite time to visit Sydney is June, which is the start of the winter season and so much quieter. But the weather is still warm at 63 Fahrenheit (17 Celsius) on average.

I love Sydney!

If you didn’t already guess, I absolutely adore Sydney. The city was the first country I moved to after graduating and it’s where me and my husband met. So, it holds lots of great memories for me. I’m currently writing this article on a snowy day in Ireland, and that has me missing sunny Sydney even more than I already do.

I’d love to hear what you thought of my guide to 3 days in Sydney in the comment section below! Did I miss anywhere really cool?

You may also enjoy reading –

The Perfect Queenstown New Zealand Itinerary

Living in Queenstown New Zealand

How to have the BEST 24 hours in Queenstown New Zealand

Moving to New Zealand

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Last Updated on November 21, 2024 by snaphappytravel