24 hours in Sydney – The Ultimate One Day Guide

How to spend 24 hours in Sydney

You must be wondering how to spend 24 hours in Sydney? We gurantee that you’ll love the New South Wales’ Capital – that’s for sure. There are many rightful reasons why this is the most visited and largest city in Australia. It is a bucket list city that is home to year round sunshine and over 100 beaches. So slap on some sunscreen and get ready for the time of your life. 

Although it’s usually recommended that you spend more than 24 hours in Sydney, sometimes that’s all the time you have. We understand. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see everything in 24 hours, but don’t worry, you can still see and do a lot. Just make sure you get up early and maybe grab a coffee on the go… 

Use our handy list below to create your custom itinerary for 24 hours in Sydney. Pick and choose from what you enjoy doing to make the most out of your one day in Sydney trip or follow our recommended route!

How to get to Sydney

From both the domestic and international terminals in Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, you can catch the T8 Airport and South line. This line is fast, convenient, frequent and only takes between 10 and 15 minutes. 

Alternatively, if you prefer you could get a taxi or an Uber from the airport into the city centre, with a journey time of 20-minutes. There are clear directions at the airport depending on what method of transport you choose, so you don’t need to worry about this part of your 24 hours in Sydney.

When is the best time to visit Sydney

If you are able to, visit in Sydney’s shoulder season, which runs from September to November and then March to May. There will be less crowds and good temperatures for exploring everything the city has to offer.

There area number of famous events and celebrations that take place in Sydney, some of the best are the following:

• The Mardi Gra in March. An annual parade for a celebration of LGTBQI culture.You will witness how diversity is welcomed in the city through a colourful display and march.

• Vivid Sydney in May or June. The largest vivid event in the world. Watch the city transform into a light show. Be sure to check out the Opera House turned into a canvas of light.

• New Year’s Eve in Sydney on December 31^st. One of the largest fireworks shows in the world. Remember, you will have to pay to access some of the best spots!

How to get around Sydney

What’s great is that it is really easy to get around Sydney using public transport and by walking to some of the sights.  However, it is a good idea to get an Opal Card (like the London Oyster Card) and tap on and tap off on all public transport. You can use it on trains, buses and ferries. You can use your bankcard BUT they will not be accepted on buses and you won’t receive any daily discounts…

We enjoyed using it on the ferry, as we were on a budget and it is an affordable way to see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water. 

The Top 6 things to do for 24 hours in Sydney

To optimise your time, if you only have 24 hours in Sydney, we recommend the following route:

Begin in the Botanical Gardens towards Circular Quay – to see the Opera House, the Pylon Lookout or to take on the Bridge Climb.

Visit Bondi Beach, Manly Beach or Centennial Park – you have an important decision to make: the beach or park? Unfortunately, 24 Hours in Sydney is not enough time to see all three of these Sydney attractions. If it helps you decide, most tourists will head to Bondi.

Return to Circular Quay – for a drink in the Opera Bar.

Take a stroll around Darling Harbour.

End your wonderful 24 hours in Sydney up Westfield Tower – for panoramic views over the city.

The Main Sydney Sights

Stroll through enchanting Botanical Gardens and the Sydney Domain. This leafy park will allow you to take memorable photographs as the Opera House and Harbour will come into view. This tranquil oasis is one of the most visited attractions in Sydney. It is the perfect place to start your journey through this great city, as you will end up in the most visited place in Circular Quay.

Explore the Circular Quay area and really take in the sights of the epic white sails. It doesn’t matter if you can only see it from the outside, you can take amazing pictures from all angles. It’s easy to see why the landmark is so distinct.

Stroll over the world-famous, heritage listed, Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you have the cash, you could always do the Bridge Climb, but let’s face it, Australia is expensive and this is not an option for everyone. If you still want great views, then why not go up the Pylon Lookout? This is great because it allows you to learn about how the steel bridge was built in 1932, whilst experiencing unforgettable views over the city. All for $19!

Finally, there’s no better place to be than the Opera Bar for sunset. Make a toast to a great day in the city and enjoy the lively, laidback Sydney vibes.

Enjoy Bondi – Swim, Walk and Relax

There’s nothing better to do in Bondi than having a dip in the famous Iceberg’s pool. They have been welcoming everyone for over 100 years and you don’t have to be a member to join in the fun. It’s usually open from 7am and only costs $9, which includes use of the sauna looking over the magnificent Bondi Beach.

Ensure you leave enough time to feel the golden sand in your toes in one of the world’s most famous beaches. Of course, it will be busy and full of tourists, but you can’t blame them, the charm of Bondi is contagious. The sand is fine, the water pristine and it has consistently good waves. 

Take in some of Australian’s best beaches on the Bondi to Bronte (4km) or Bondi to Coogee (6km) coastal walks. Of course, this is another famous Sydney experience but for a very good reason. The picturesque trail follows an easy, fairly flat (with some stairs) coastal path with plenty of places to stop and admire on the way. Including many of Sydney’s free ocean pools, so if you didn’t manage the early morning swim then don’t worry – now is your chance. Remember your Opal Card to get on the bus back if you don’t want to make a round trip!

Centennial Park

If you fancy a change from the beach, head to Centennial Park and join the other 31 million people that visit annually. This striking park was once a swamp, but was restored to parklands in 1888 to provide Sydney with a park for its people. Many people pack a picnic and spend some quality time with friends, but there are BBQ facilities and many activities throughout the year. You can grab your morning coffee fix too and you might be lucky and visit when the markets are on to peruse the local produce.

Manly Beach 

You can take a ferry to Manly from Sydney Harbour, located just 30 minutes away. It’s the cheapest way to be on the water with legendary views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Once you arrive, you’ll be welcomed to one of the most iconic spots in Sydney. Take a dip in Manly Cove, relax with an ice cream on Manly Beach or enjoy a drink in Manly Wharf. It’s amazing to think you’ve gone from the CBD to a seaside haven so quickly.

Darling Harbour:

Wander down to Darling Harbour, which is an area of urban renewal and find a range of restaurants and bars to enjoy. This place comes to life at night. If you happen to be there on a Saturday then make sure you watch the iconic, free firework display at 9pm, proving that you can still say you’ve watched the fireworks in Sydney even if you’re not there for New Year’s Eve.

If you want to enjoy the nightlife, remember that the centre of Sydney has ‘lockout laws’ at 1:30am with the party ending at 3am… so factor this into planning a big night out. Check out Frankie’s Pizza Bar, for an underground pizza party or Since I left you for a smaller, courtyard feel. Sydney has some amazing bars, so we are confident you’ll find the right one for you.

Westfield Tower

Finally, to end your Sydney adventure on a high (quite literally), go up  Westfield Tower, 250 metres above the streets.  The bar and restaurant offer 360 degree views of the city. We did not eat here, as it can be expensive but we did go for drinks. It’s worth it. You can book in advance on their website.

Have you got more time in Sydney?

Why not fit these activities into your Sydney itinerary?

• Luna Park for some old school family fun on the rides.
• Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay walk for an alternative coastal walk and epic views of the city from the lighthouse.
• The Spit to Manly walk, a 10km coastal delight. 
• Milk Beach: a smaller beach still with iconic views.
• Surry Hills, Wander down Crown Street and have coffee at Cuckoo Callay. 
• Day Trip to the Blue Mountains to see the three sisters.
• Newtown, for food, bars and a quirky side of Sydney.
• Wander through Hyde Park and discover the city’s museums.

Let us know your recommendations in the comments. Did we miss anything important for 24 hours in Sydney? Also, if you are on a budget and are looking for free things to do in Sydney, we have you covered. Click here. On the other hand, read a story about what it’s like to live and work in Sydney – if you’ve been persuaded to stick around.

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Photo Credit: averagelives.com and unslplash

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