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Things to Do in Sydney: The Ultimate 4-Day Itinerary
Written by Siri Smith
With its ever-evolving culture, cuisine and coastal beauty, Sydney always feels as new as the first time you visited – inviting you to fall in love with the city all over again.
From the moment you arrive in Sydney, it’s clear that this iconic city never rests. Beyond the postcard-perfect views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, there’s a fresh mix of finds at every corner – whether it’s indulging in a daring dinner by Australia’s best chefs or uncovering ancient wisdom on a bush tucker tour.
If you’re looking for things to do in Sydney, this four-day itinerary will have you living like a local while feeling like an explorer.
Discover Sydney
Day 1
Check-in to your Sydney hotel
Set the tone for your Sydney stay by checking into one of the city’s many stylish hotels. Expect jaw-dropping harbourside views from the heritage-listed Finger Wharf at Ovolo Woolloomooloo, whose playful and ornate atrium, known as ‘The Living Room’, awaits for a welcome drink.
Standing proudly in Darling Harbour is the eye-catching W Sydney, where you can sip cocktails and soak in the city’s iconic skyline from the WET Deck and the two-storey rooftop bar 29/30, or unwind with a treatment at the futuristic AWAY Spa. Or, for a beach escape with a quirky edge, QT Bondi puts you steps from the sand with surfboards and bikes available to explore the area like a local.
If high-end elegance is your style, Capella Sydney – housed in the 1912 Department of Education building – oozes sophistication with its serene wellness centre and classic Brasserie 1930 restaurant. At InterContinental Sydney, the rooftop Aster Bar is a must, with sweeping views of the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour, making it the perfect spot to toast to your arrival.
Evening: Sydney Harbour Harbourfront three-course dinner
Your first taste of Sydney should be nothing short of memorable, so head to Australia’s most iconic harbour for a dining experience that’s nothing short of spectacular. Sit down to your table at Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant, located in The Rocks, for a set menu three-course dinner complete with bottle of wine to share. Menus are seasonal however expect plates along the likes of flash-fried calamari, chargrilled swordfish with olive and fregola, pan-roasted Humpty Doo barramundi, and vanilla panna cotta with almond crumble.
Day 2
Morning: Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise
After a hearty hotel breakfast, it’s time to experience Sydney from its most iconic angle – the water. Departing from Circular Quay, hop aboard a relaxing discovery cruise as the morning light dances on Sydney Harbour. Glide past the city’s most famous landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens and Kirribilli House, all while taking in a fresh perspective of the city skyline in the morning breeze.
Midday: Lunch overlooking the Harbour at Cafe Sydney
Lunch calls for a table at Cafe Sydney, perched above Circular Quay. The menu here is a delectable blend of seafood and modern Australian, but the real star is the location. Snag a spot on the terrace to watch the ferries glide by from its floor-to-ceiling windows, and indulge in a generous seafood platter while you take in the bird’s-eye view – a quintessential Sydney experience.
Evening: Chef-hatted dining at viand
Another night, another one of Sydney’s top-tier dinner experiences. Tonight, make for viand in Woolloomooloo, the recipient of 2023 Good Food Guide Chef of the Year. Opt for a five- or eight-course chef’s tasting menu that celebrates the flavours and nuances of Thai cuisine. Courses may include braised spatchcock with sweet salted radish, coconut and galangal soup with surf clams, red duck curry, and caramelised coconut dumplings in smoked salted coconut cream. A cocktail, beer or glass of wine is the perfect way to toast to the taste sensations that await.
Day 3
Morning: Bush tucker at the Royal Botanic Gardens
Try to save some room at breakfast this morning before heading to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to gain insight into the ancient Australian flavours cultivated by First Nations people on a bush tucker tour. Learn about the traditional use of food found in the Aussie bushland, and how these ingredients have been adapted today. You’ll even have the opportunity to taste the fruits of nature’s pantry, from the bold tang of finger limes to zesty lemon myrtle and smoky wattle seed.
Midday: Arrive in style for a meal at Cottage Point Inn
In stark contrast to the city mere moments away, Cottage Point Inn is set on the banks of the Hawkesbury River in the tranquil wilderness of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Board a seaplane and soar over Sydney, landing right on the water after a 20-minute flight at the restaurant’s private dock. Settle in for an indulgent five-course degustation lunch accompanied by your choice of Australian wine, all with the added bonus of a beautiful river view. Dine on dishes like a house-cured Hawkesbury Valley duck, sake braised beef short rib and a native lemon aspen cheesecake before catching your seaplane back, topped off with a rare view of the Sydney Harbour.
Afternoon: Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales
Back in the city, continue your cultural deep dive with a visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, whose latest exhibition, ‘Magritte: A Life of Surrealism’, will stretch your imagination. Featuring more than 100 works – many never before seen in Australia – the exhibition showcases Belgian artist jaw-dropping harbourside views from the heritage-listed Finger Wharf’s ability to transform everyday objects like clouds, hats, and pipes into profound symbols of mystery. From his early avant-garde experiments in the 1920s to his final, iconic pieces, journey through the Belgian artist’s groundbreaking career, witnessing his subversive humour and deep influence on contemporary visual culture.
Evening: Chef-hatted dinner at Oncore by Clare Smyth
End the day with a culinary masterpiece at Oncore by Clare Smyth, located in the glittering Crown Sydney. Each dish at this four-chef-hatted restaurant is a work of art, designed to elevate Australian produce to an extraordinary level. Expect meticulous attention to detail in every course, from beautifully plated snacks to Smyth’s iconic dishes like the ‘Potato and Roe’ – a homage to humble ingredients transformed into unique flavours.
Day 4
Morning: Manly snorkel & headland walk eco tour
See a different side of Sydney with an excursion through Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Begin with a headland nature walk, led by a local guide, to learn about the area’s vibrant ecosystems and native marine life. Then slip into a wetsuit and strap on a snorkel to wade into the waters of Shelly Beach to discover its aquatic world. All snorkelling equipment is provided on this small-group experience and complimentary tour photos make the perfect souvenir.
Midday: Tour and dine at the Sydney Opera House
Finally, dive into one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, the Sydney Opera House. Opt for a tour and dine experience, where you’ll explore the inner workings of this architectural wonder, followed by a delicious lunch with views that will make it hard to leave. If you’re in town on the weekend and fancy ending your time here on a sweet note, look to an afternoon tea experience. Sip on a bubbling glass of Salatin Prosecco and nibble on sweet and savoury treats, include fresh-baked scones, opera slice, crab salad brioche rolls and prosciutto crisps.
It’s then time to check out and head home, with Sydney’s sights, sounds, and tastes lingering long after your flight departs (you could even treat yourself to the luxury of airport lounge access to make the most of every last moment).
Experience Sydney
