Sydney will always have a special place in my heart. From its architecture to its laid back vibes, Sydney is a special city that has a lot to offer. If traveling to Australia, I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in the city. Here are some ideas of how to spend that time:

Take a Tour of the Opera House

You can choose to explore the Opera House either via a tour or an event. Construction of the Opera House began in 1959 and took 14 years to finish building! The original cost estimate to build Sydney Opera House was $7 million. The final cost was $102 million and it was largely paid for by a State Lottery. During the VIVID Sydney festival, the sails of the Opera House light up at night, as well as welcomes ambitious and innovative local and international artists for the 23-day takeover.

Go on a free walking tour of the city

One of the best ways to get to know a city is to join a free walking tour, led by a local! Free Tours Sydney offers both a free walking tour of Sydney and The Rocks, as well as a sightseeing bus tour of Kings Cross, Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, and Bondi Beach. The walking tour is led by a local who provides historical facts and insights within the city as well as provides recommendations on things to do and places to eat. The walking tour lasts 2.5 hours and while it’s free, tips are definitely appreciated from these tour guides.

Visit Bondi Beach

I actually took the city bus, courtesy of Free Tours Sydney (mentioned above) to go to Bondi Beach. Its sweeping white sands and turquoise blue water makes it one of Australia’s iconic beaches. The waves provide quality surf, the neighborhood includes trendy cafes and restaurants, and the area offers coastal walks along the coast and to Watson Bay. And of course, there’s the iceberg pool on the ocean, available year round for a chilly dip!

Take a Ferry out to the Zoo and Manly Island

Taking the ferry throughout Sydney Harbor is a must for anyone exploring the city. The Taronga Zoo is one of the first stops and offers both visiting exotic animals and great views of the city. While I have mixed feelings about zoos, the Taronga Zoo focuses on education, conservation and sustainability. Another great stop on the ferry is Manly Beach, which includes plenty of outdoor activities, such as surfing, cycling, and snorkeling. The beach also offers plenty of shops and restaurants to dine at with a spectacular view.,

Climb the Harbor Bridge

Climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge is probably one of the most known and popular activities to do in the city. And personally for me, I felt the adventure was well-worth the hype (especially during VIVID Sydney). BridgeClimb Sydney offers both daytime and evening tours, lasts about 3 hours, a historical overview, and photography option. Inside their office, you can even see photos of famous celebrities who’ve also made the bridge climb!