Top 25 Attractions in Sydney

Modern and prosperous Sydney, spread out on the shores of the picturesque bay of the Tasman Sea, used to be a city of convicts and daring adventurers exiled to the ends of the world. And now it has turned into a corner of the well-fed Western world on the farthest inhabited continent of the planet.

Sydney is the business districts of the City of London and the magnificent beaches of Rio de Janeiro, it's cosmopolitanism and a trendy mix of cultures. City streets, parks and promenades attract tourists from all over the world. Here you can visit the best aquariums in the world, take a cruise and admire the rugged shores of Port Jackson or sunbathe on the city's beautifully equipped beaches. In the evenings, the city comes alive and opens its doors to nightlife. Hundreds of bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs are waiting for visitors and offer the most varied menu and show programs.

What to see and where to go in Sydney?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Port Jackson

The very first European colony on the Australian continent was founded on the shores of Port Jackson Bay. The bay consists of three bays: Middle Harbor, North Harbor and Sydney Harbor. The coastline is intricately indented, which is very convenient for navigation. Since the emergence of the first port, Port Jackson Bay has played a key role for Sydney. Today, a national park is organized on part of the natural territory of the bay.

Sydney Opera House

An outstanding example of modern architecture and one of the symbols of Australia. The roof of the building resembles flying sails or giant sea shells. The architects wanted to convey the image of a frozen melody through these unusual forms. The opera house was built in the middle of the water on piles, the roof is supported by powerful metal cables. The building was included in the UNESCO heritage list during the lifetime of its creator J. Watson.

Harbor Bridge

The construction is considered one of the largest arch bridges not only on the continent, but also in the world. It was built in the 30s. XX century in order to connect the northern districts of Sydney with the central ones. The bridge has an observation deck that offers views of the picturesque Sydney Harbor and the city skyline. Designed for vehicular, pedestrian and rail traffic, the Harbor Bridge was tested for strength with heavy trains before opening.

Rocks area

The oldest district of Sydney, the former haven of adventurers and desperate adventurers. At the beginning of the 20th century, this place had a rather bad reputation, today The Rocks is a prestigious area with fabulous real estate prices. It is home to many galleries, museums, historic residential areas, pubs and restaurants. The area is quite popular with tourists.

Area Darling Harbor

One of the central districts of Sydney, here are the best restaurants, luxury hotels and modern skyscrapers. Darling Harbor has many offices, so it is considered the business center of Sydney. However, the area is also perfect for recreation, as there are many city attractions on its territory.

sydney aquarium

The best aquariums are usually located in coastal cities. So the Sydney Aquarium can boast of its size, variety of marine life and the incredible scale of the exposition. It seems that all the inhabitants of the oceans are represented here. A huge number of fish of unimaginable color, reptiles, sharks, seals, octopuses, rays, sea urchins, crabs and many others.

Australian National Maritime Museum

The museum exposition tells about the history of the Australian Navy. Here you can see the ships of local aborigines, modern warships, weapons, as well as surfing equipment. Ships and a submarine are moored near the building. One of these ships is a copy of J. Cook's ship, on which the discoverer sailed to the Australian continent.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Museum opened at the end of the 19th century. It exhibits examples of European, Asian and Australian art. The collection is housed in a building of classical architecture built at the beginning of the 20th century. In the Gallery you can see the works of Australian painters of the last two centuries, as well as works of art created by Monet, Rodin, Picasso, Rubens and other masters.

australian museum

The oldest museum in Australia, which is active in research and scientific activities. One of the priority areas is the study of the culture and history of the indigenous peoples of the continent. Also at the museum there are scientific institutes that study evolutionary processes, environmental protection, a variety of biological and geological species.

Queen Victoria Building

Former market rows, and now a modern shopping center. The building was built at the very end of the 19th century in the classic "Victorian" style, popular at that time in the metropolis. The structure is crowned with a large patterned dome, the walls and facade are decorated with arched spans, stained-glass windows, the floor is lined with mosaic tiles. There is a monument in honor of Queen Victoria in front of the building.

Sydney Town Hall

The building of the Sydney City Hall in the "Victorian" style, built of sandstone. Here is the city administration. This is the only historical civil building that has completely preserved its appearance from the 19th century. Before the advent of the Sydney Opera House, the City Hall housed the city's concert hall. The building is listed as a National Monument in Australia.

sydney observatory

The observatory of the middle of the XIX century, where the oldest telescope in the country (made in 1874) is located. In the 80s. In the 20th century, the observatory turned into a museum where the latest instruments for studying the starry sky are exhibited. Also on the territory of the observatory there is a 3D cinema and a lecture hall. The building of the observatory itself is of historical value and is considered a national monument.

sydney fish market

The marketplace was founded in 1945. In terms of size and variety of seafood, it is second only to the fish market in Tokyo. Here you can taste products in a cafe or immediately buy something for yourself at home. Delicious meals are prepared right in front of customers. In addition to fish and marine reptiles, you can buy wine, cheese and various sauces in the market stalls.

Cathedral of the Virgin Mary

Sydney Catholic Cathedral, which has the status of a "minor basilica". The construction of the temple began in the first half of the 19th century, and was completed only in the 2000s. The cathedral is a typical English church in the Gothic style. Until 1820, Catholics were forbidden to practice their religion, but after the declaration of freedom of religion, the first stone was laid in the foundation of the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary through the efforts of the local community.

Cathedral of Saint Andrew

Anglican temple built in 1868. The architectural style of the building imitates the medieval English style. The cathedral really looks against the background of modern buildings as if it was erected several centuries ago. The temple is the oldest in Australia. Inside there is a huge organ, which is considered one of the largest in the world.

sydney tower

Tallest building in Sydney (309 meters high). The structure is not a broadcast tower, it is just a popular tourist attraction. There are two viewing platforms here - stationary at a height of 250 meters, and retractable at a height of 268 meters. Also for the convenience of tourists inside the tower there are restaurants, cafes, shops, comfortable places to relax.

Fort Denison

Former prison where dangerous criminals were kept on death row. Later, in the 19th century, defensive structures were erected here to protect against a possible attack from the sea (they feared mainly the American and Russian fleets). Nowadays, the fort is included in the territory of the National Park, museum expositions are located inside.

Ms. Macquarie's armchair

A bench in a rock on the shore of the bay, where the wife of the local governor, Elizabeth Macquarie, loved to relax at the beginning of the 19th century. This location offers the best views of Sydney Harbour, the city's inner city and suspension bridges. On the one hand, the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge appear to the eye, on the other hand, the picturesque mountains and the quaint coastline of the bay.

Taronga Zoo

The zoo is located in the suburb of Mosman in the north of Sydney Harbour. It originated in 1908 on an area of ​​17 hectares. Now the zoo is home to 2.6 thousand animals, which makes it one of the largest zoos in the world. The rich fauna of the Australian continent and the southern seas is represented here: emu, kangaroo, platypus, wombat, wallaby, koala, sea leopard, sea lion, penguins and other animals.

Royal Botanic Garden

Garden and city park, located near the business center of Sydney. It is surrounded by attractions: the Sydney Opera House, the National Library, the Houses of Parliament. The history of the park began with a small agricultural farm, organized in 1788 under the Governor of New South Wales, A. Philip. For several decades, gardeners were engaged in arranging the territory, after which the Botanical Garden appeared.

Hyde Park

City Park, appeared in 1810 under Governor L. Macquarie. It has a rectangular shape and covers an area of ​​16 hectares. Several hundred trees grow in the park, gardens, flower beds and walking alleys are laid out. The place was named by analogy with London's Hyde Park, apparently to remind the colonists of their distant homeland, which remained far beyond the ocean.

Chinese Garden of Friendship

A picturesque city park, opened on the day of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of Australia. The Garden of Friendship is a classic example of the imperial landscape design of the Celestial Empire. According to the same plan, gardens for the rulers of China were created in the past. There are no flower beds, flowerbeds and even lawns, but real corners of wildlife have been created, harmoniously diluted with bridges, gazebos and stone statues.

Sydney Harbor National Park

A nature reserve located on as yet unoccupied parts of Sydney Harbor (Port Jackson). It includes the coastline, small islets and rocky peninsulas, which generously strewn the coast. In the park, you can take a tour with an aboriginal guide, enjoy water sports, view ancient indigenous rock art, or enjoy relaxing on beautiful beaches.

Manly beach

The beach is located in the North East of Sydney. It is a wide strip of golden purest sand and azure water. Manly is very popular with surfers, athletes and boarders from all over the world come here. A strip of hotels has been built along the coast, restaurants, bars and cafes serve guests. The beach is municipal, so admission is free for everyone.

Bondi beach

The most popular urban beach located in the suburbs. After the end of the Second World War, emigrants from Eastern Europe settled in this place, therefore, throughout the 20th century, Bondi was considered a working area. Not all areas of the beach are safe for swimming, some parts are only open for surfing. In summer, sharks often hunt in coastal waters.