Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and is a popular tourist destination for Australians and overseas visitors alike. Whether you’ve been to Sydney before or you’re visiting for the first time, there’s a whole lot to see and do in this busy city.

If you’re struggling with knowing just where to start, here’s 10 ten places you should make sure you visit while you’re in Sydney:

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is a famous icon and a must-see sight if you’re heading to Sydney. If you don’t have the time or the budget to take in a show, why not head along for a meal with an exceptional view? Or, if you don’t have time for that, simply have a wander around the Opera House steps and take some photos. Maybe you could even stop in for a drink at the Opera Bar while you’re there.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Obviously, you can’t go to Sydney without checking out the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can climb the iconic bridge if you’re feeling brave, or just marvel at its wonder from a spot a little further away. The best vantage point is a Circular Quay but you can also get a great view of the bridge from The Rocks or from Observatory Hill or Milsons Point. Don’t forget to check it out at night when it’s all lit up too.

Sydney Harbour

Sydney is well known for its beautiful harbour and there’s plenty to see and do in this area of the city. Private tour operators offer adventures out on the harbour, or you can head to Circular Quay and catch a ferry instead. There’s plenty of places to eat and drink around the harbour area so if you’d rather stay on dry land you can always admire the view from a restaurant or bar instead.

Bondi Beach

Beautiful Bondi Beach is located just 8km from the city centre and is well worth a visit if you have the time. Once you’re there you can roll out a beach towel and soak up some sun or choose from one of the many cafes and eateries located in the area. It’s a popular and busy location so you can expect to find a lot of other tourists and locals here enjoying the beach lifestyle as well.

Taronga Zoo

Sydney’s Taronga Zoo is a great place to visit for families and animal lovers. It’s just 12 minutes from the CBD by ferry and you’ll find a range of animals including tigers, elephants, giraffes, gorillas and sun bears as well as a host of Australian animals as well. If you’re feeling like a bigger adventure you can even sleep at the zoo on one of their Roar and Snore nights, an experience that’s sure to delight the whole family.

The Rocks

The Rocks is an iconic neighbourhood located underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There’s plenty to see and do here including shopping and eating, with many options available to suit every taste and budget. Or you could spend your time just wandering around the laneways and taking in the view. Markets also run here every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm if you fancy picking up a souvenir or crafty item.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is Australia’s oldest park located right in the city centre. There’s over 16 hectares of space to explore here including plenty of luscious green grass that’s simply perfect for a picnic or a rest in between sightseeing stops. There’s also a range of statues and monuments to view including the Anzac Memorial and the Pool of Reflection.

The Art Gallery of NSW

Take in some art and culture at The Art Gallery of NSW located on the eastern side of Sydney’s CBD, next to the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain. Exhibits and shows are constantly changing here so head to the website to find out what’s on before you visit. General entry to the gallery is free but tickets need to be purchased for special exhibitions.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens offers a range of activities including tours, space to exercise and picnic, cafes and shops and a changing line-up of special activities and events.  Of course there’s beautiful gardens to explore too, with guided tours on offer so you’ll be sure not to miss a thing.

Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

The Queen Victoria Building is a heritage-listed late-nineteenth-century building located on George Street in Sydney’s CBD. This historic building is now home to a range of shopping and dining experiences which takes up an entire city block with four main shopping floors. QVB is well worth a wander around even if you don’t plan on hitting the shops though. Go along to see the two mechanical clocks or to visit the many memorials and historical displays in the centre.

Sydney is a popular tourist destination and it’s no wonder – there’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city. If you’ve only got a short time in Sydney, start with these 10 sights to be sure you don’t miss any of the highlights.

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This article was written in conjunction with Finesse Remodeling and Consulting Inc.