Sydney is a lively city that perfectly blends friendly locals, delicious food, lush green spaces, and a picturesque waterfront. As the most popular city in Australia with over 5 million residents from diverse backgrounds, Sydney has a lot to offer. If you have only three days to explore, Sanne Grothe, who lived in Sydney for two years, has crafted a perfect itinerary for you.

Start your adventure at Darling Harbour, a bustling pedestrian area with stunning waterfront views. Walk across the Pyrmont Bridge and discover attractions like The Sydney Aquarium, the Australian Maritime Museum, and the Darling Harbour Ferris wheel. When you need a break, enjoy brunch at Wild Sage Barangaroo, where you’ll find modern Australian breakfasts with a creative twist.

Next, head to Barangaroo, a lesser-known but beautiful inner-city suburb. Although it’s under construction until 2024, you can still enjoy its waterfront charm. At Walsh Bay, take a coffee break at Zupano Espresso Bar, known for its excellent coffee and fresh juices. Here, you can admire the impressive boats and catamarans.

Your next stop is the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Built between 1923 and 1932, this heritage-listed bridge is free for pedestrians and cyclists. A 15-20 minute walk across the bridge offers extraordinary city views. At the south entrance of the bridge, you’ll find The Rocks, Sydney’s most historic neighborhood. Explore on your own or join a guided tour, and enjoy the wide selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants. End your day with dinner at The Glenmore Hotel, where you can dine on the rooftop with a 180-degree view of Sydney Harbour.

On your second day, start with the Bondi to Bronte walk, one of Sydney’s most scenic trails. This 2.5 km walk takes about an hour and offers stunning coastal views. Finish your walk at Bondi Beach, famous for its white sand and great waves. You can even book a surf lesson. Have a late brunch at The Bucket List, which offers fantastic food and panoramic beach views.

Head back to the city center and visit the Royal Botanical Garden, a 30-hectare green oasis. Explore exotic plants, colorful birds, and blooming flowers. Take a coffee break at Botanic House Sydney for great garden views. Then, visit the famous Sydney Opera House, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. Take a guided tour and, if you have time, attend a show for an unforgettable experience. For dinner, the Sydney Opera Bar offers amazing views of the Opera House and waterfront, but be sure to book in advance.

On your third day, enjoy breakfast at The Rocks Cafe, which serves both European and modern Australian cuisine. Then, catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo on the north shore of Sydney Harbour. The 12-minute ferry ride takes you to a zoo with over 250 species and 4,000 animals, including gorillas, koalas, and kangaroos.

After the zoo, return to the city center and stroll down shopping streets like Pitt Street and George Street. For a coffee break, visit Mecca Coffee on King Street, known for its El Salvador roasted beans. End your day with dinner at GPO Cheese and Wine Room, offering cheese fondue, antipasti, and custom cheese plates.

Sydney welcomes tourists with a wide range of accommodation options. The Langham Sydney offers luxurious stays with panoramic city views, just a five-minute walk from Darling Harbour. The Kimpton Margot Sydney, located in the heart of the city, is a 5-star hotel with a restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.

For more information on planning your visit, check out the official Sydney Tourism and Australia Tourism websites. If you need a guidebook, the DK Top 10 Sydney Eyewitness Travel Guide is recommended.

Sanne Grothe, the author of this itinerary, is a Danish citizen currently living in Spain after two years in Australia. She loves traveling and recently started her lifestyle blog, The San Sanity, focusing on travel, outdoor activities, fitness & health, and everyday life inspiration.