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I recently made the trek from New York City to Sydney and let me tell you, the several million hours of travel was absolutely worth it — I instantly fell in love with the coffee culture, the great food, and the amazing art that Sydney has to offer.
"But AnaMaria, what did you do whilst there?!" Simply scroll down and I'll tell you all about it: I've compiled all the things you *need* to check off your bucket list — a mix of suggestions from Oz locals and the touristy things that I deem worth it.
1. See a show at the Sydney Opera House or at the very least, have a drink at Opera Bar. Imagine sipping an Aperol spritz with unobstructed views of both the Harbour Bridge *and* those iconic white shells? Bliss.
2. Step back in time at the iconic Luna Park Sydney. This heritage-listed site features all the kitschy carnival treats your heart can handle: Ferris wheel, mirror maze, and fairy floss included.
3. Retro lemonade stands! Floral arrangements! Eateries galore! That's what you'll see at The Grounds of Alexandria, a former pie factory transformed into a bustling garden ideal for a stroll, a coffee, a quick treat, or a delicious sit-down meal.
5. Get ready to 👏 drink 👏 some 👏 beer 👏. Sydney = home to many a brewery, which means that the time to sample several flights of alcohol has arrived.
6. Take a day trip out to Port Stephens. This particular package is great because it includes admission to the Australian Reptile Park, a sandboarding activity (*cue photo opp below*), and a dolphin watch cruise.
7. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for unparalleled views of the entire city. If you’re a bit squeamish when it comes to heights, don’t panic: you’re basically tethered to the side of the Bridge.
8. Roam the food stalls of Spice Alley for cheap but delicious Asian eats. From pho and prawn dumplings to kimchi fries you can wash down with lychee soda, you'll be tempted to come back here at least once a day for the remaining amount of time you have in Sydney.
9. Take a ghost tour of The Rocks for some history and haunts, where you'll walk through narrow alleyways and hear some extremely creepy stories. Don't be fooled by the adorable pink wall and bike below, for example, because it was definitely the scene of something mysterious. Evil laughter, commence.
10. Prioritize the most important meal of the day: brunch. Walk into any Sydney eatery and expect quality avocado toast and quality coffee to match. (My favorite place was Three Williams, where I found love in a fried chicken narnie.)
11. Night at the museum < night at the zoo. Book an overnight stay at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga and sleep in the middle of a sanctuary that koalas, wallabies, echidnas, and more call home. You’ll get exclusive guided tours throughout the zoo and sanctuary to learn more about these wonderful creatures and how we can help with their conservation.
12. If live music and botanical-inspired cocktails call your name, then have a drink (or book a stay at) the West Hotel Sydney bar. Thanks to a sprawling open-air atrium garden, you'll feel tranquility as soon as you pass through the automatic doors of this fab hotel and lounge.
13. Head to White Rabbit Gallery and get your fill of thought-provoking Chinese contemporary art. The ground level also houses a tea shop, where you'll be able to sit down for fresh scones and a cup of oolong.
14. Stroll through Inner West Sydney using this self-guided walking tour as your lead and prepare to see amazing, innovative street art on pretty much every corner.
15. Bite into decadence at Black Star Pastry, a bakery catapulted into Instagram fame with their iconic Strawberry Watermelon Cake: a combination of almond dacquoise, rose-scented cream, watermelon, strawberries, pistachios, and dried rose petals.
16. Slather on some SPF and ready yourself for sun and salty air. Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for calmer waves, or head on over to Bondi where you can take a coastal walk that will lead you to Bronte or Coogee Beach.
17. Get pizza and a limoncello spritz at Bella Brutta if you want to experience heaven on earth. (Pretty much everyone in the BuzzFeed Australia office raved about this place and I understood why after my first bite.)
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