DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Sydney

Clockwise from top: Bondi Beach; Royal Botanic Garden and city skyline; Dr Chau Chak Wing Building; Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge at sunset; a koala; outdoor diners at Bodhi restaurant, near Hyde Park; the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

A glistening harbour, golden sandy beaches and glorious green spaces. Historic cobbled streets and heritage buildings hewn from local sandstone. Iconic architecture and soaring skyscrapers. Sydney effortlessly combines a relaxed outdoor lifestyle with the energy and buzz of a modern global city. With DK Eyewitness Top 10 Sydney, its yours to explore.

Comprising a series of distinct urban villages, this multicultural capital is both cosmopolitan and historic. Nowhere is this better illustrated than the Rocks, where traces of the citys past lie sandwiched between the modern icons that are the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. A vibrant mood abounds throughout the city, whether youre exploring the traditional flavours of bustling Chinatown, the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene of Darlinghurst or the glitzy boutiques of Paddington.

At the citys heart lies the ever-beautiful Sydney Harbour, forming a spectacular backdrop for countless outdoor activities. Locals spend much of their free time enjoying green harbourside oases such as Barangaroo Reserve and the Royal Botanic Garden, or relaxing on golden beaches at laid-back spots like Bondi Beach. Beyond the centre lie even more opportunities to connect with nature, from the soaring peaks of the Blue Mountains to the lush vineyards of the Hunter Valley.

Whether youre coming for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything Sydney can offer, from the bustle of the City Centre to the tranquillity of the Eastern Suburbs. The guide gives you tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to places off the beaten track, plus 10 easy-to-follow itineraries around selections of the best sights. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Sydney.

To see Sydneys top sights, stick to the sea; most of the citys attractions can be found in and around the harbour. Whether you have a couple of days in the city or are staying for longer, here are some ideas for two and four days of sightseeing in Sydney.

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Two Days in Sydney

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Day 1

Morning

Wander the backstreets of .

Afternoon

Follow the .

Day 2

Morning

Feel the sand between your toes at to the beach at Bronte before heading back to the city.

Afternoon

Stroll through .

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is an oasis of calm at the heart of the city.

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Four Days in Sydney

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Day 1

Morning

Peruse the works at the for a one-hour tour. Break the day with lunch at Portside.

Afternoon

Take a ferry to .

Day 2

Morning

Explore for stunning city views.

Afternoon

Take a scenic ferry to and visit the native animals in the Australian Walkabout exhibit.

Day 3

Morning

Explore the works in the .

Afternoon

Admire the historic buildings along .

Day 4

Morning

Hit the sand at .

Afternoon

Take the exhilarating clifftop light projection.

Beautiful Tamarama Beach forms part of the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.

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Top 10 Sydney Highlights

The distinctive sails of Sydney Opera House

Top 10 Sydney Highlights

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SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

The Opera Houses magnificent harbourside location, stunning architecture and excellent programme of events make it Sydneys number one destination. This modern masterpiece reflects the genius of its architect, Jrn Utzon his design triumphed over 232 others submitted for the Opera House international design competition. The site now welcomes 11 million visitors every year.

NEED TO KNOW

Bennelong Point www.sydneyoperahouse.com Open for performances and tours (10:30am, noon and 2pm daily; adm)

Badu Gili: four screenings from sunset daily

Backstage Tour: 7am daily; adm

• Theres a variety of places to eat and drink at the Opera House. Book an outdoor table at Portside, enjoy fine dining at or choose from an array of options at the Opera Kitchen, a food hall that has a bakery and a pasta bar.

Sydney Opera House

Forecourt and Monumental Steps

Framed by the Royal Botanic Garden and Government House, the Forecourt and the wide Monumental Steps are the perfect setting for outdoor events and form the Opera Houses largest performance space. Events held here include concerts by international artists.