2 Days in Sydney: Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

In this guide, we lay out a 2-day itinerary for visiting Sydney. We cover the best things to do, how to get around, where to stay, and more, to help make your travel planning easier.

Let’s jump right in.

About this Sydney Itinerary

So far, we have visited Sydney twice, first in 2015 as part of our trip around the world, and most recently in 2023. I spent a semester studying at the University of New South Wales, where Sydney became my second-home and a place I will most definitely be returning to.

With two days in Sydney, you’ll get to see all the top sites in town. Both days will be busy since there’s just so many great things to see, but we promise you’ll enjoy your time here. You’ll have plenty of time to thoroughly explore Sydney Harbour, as well as a trip out to some of Sydney’s most iconic beaches.

Best Things to Do with 2 Days in Sydney

Below is a list of the top spots to visit if you only have 2 days in Sydney. For the full list, take a look at our Sydney Bucket List.

• Sydney Opera House
• Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Explore Circular Quay and The Rocks
• Take a cruise or ferry ride of Sydney Harbour
• Bondi Beach
• Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
• Taronga Zoo
• Complete a coastal walk
• Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
• Luna Park
• Darling Harbour

Best Time to Visit Sydney

In general, spring and fall are the best times to visit Sydney. Crowds tend to be lower than in the summer months, while the weather is still solid. Sydney is at a great location where it never gets too hot or cold throughout the year. In the winter months, the low typically averages around 48°F (9°C), and the summer highs average around 80°F (27°C).

Winter (June – August): This time of year is perfect if you’re looking to avoid crowds. Not only is the city less full of tourists, but rates for hotels and airfares are also much cheaper than in the summer months. Plus, the weather can get a bit chilly but rarely drops below freezing.

Spring (September – November): For one of the best times of year to enjoy Sydney’s many outdoor activities, travel here in the spring. The weather warms up with averages around 66°F (19°C), and flowers throughout the city begin to bloom. It’ll be a bit too cold to get in the water without a wetsuit, but crowds will be much lower than in the summer months.

Summer (December – February): The most popular time of the year to visit Sydney, we only recommend traveling in the summer if you’ll be in town for one of the many festivals or spending time at the beaches. Prices for hotels and airfare are at their highest, as well as crowd levels. Temperatures average around 27°C /80°F (although temps can occasionally soar, getting over 40°C/100°F) , making this the perfect time to go swimming, surfing, or sunbathing. Just be warned that UV levels can reach up to 13, so bring lots of sunscreen!

Fall (March – May): In early fall, crowds can still be high but quiet down quickly. The weather is perfect on a sunny day, with temperatures averaging 68°F (20°C), yet the water is still warm enough to enjoy a swim. In fall you can also catch the beginning of Vivid Sydney.

The view from Luna Park, a place you will visit on day 1 of this itinerary.

2 Days in Sydney Itinerary

Sydney Itinerary Day 1

Sydney Harbour

For your first day in Sydney, you’ll enjoy a complete tour of the Sydney Harbour area. You’ll undoubtedly check off most, if not all, of the top attractions on your list, from the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, and much more.

From both the land and the sea, you’ll visit the best sites within Sydney Harbour. Today’s itinerary also works well as a One Day in Sydney Itinerary.

8:00 am: Breakfast
9:00 am: Opera House
9:45 am: Ride the ferry to Taronga Zoo
10:00 am: Taronga Zoo
1:00 pm: The Rocks
2:30 pm: Dawes Point Reserve
3:00 pm: South Pylon Lookout
4:00 pm: Luna Park
5:30 pm: Ferry back to Circular Quay
6:00 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Grab a drink at one of the world’s top bars (optional)

8:00 am: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or one of the many cafés throughout Sydney. We recommend The Rocks Cafe or Four Frogs Crêperie – Circular Quay. These cafés get great reviews and are in the perfect location to start your day. If you have a sweet tooth, consider grabbing a bite at Pancakes on The Rocks.

9:00 am: Opera House

The most famous attraction in Sydney, the Opera House is a must-see. This performance center draws millions of visitors every year and is known for its distinct sail-like structure, which is an incredible feat of architecture and engineering.

To get to the Opera House, walk up the eastern side of the harbour, past the wharf. Take a walk around the Opera House, pose for a photo on the steps, and admire picturesque views of Sydney Harbour. You can even consider taking a backstage tour of the Opera House (but do note that tours run for about 2 hours, so you will need to alter this itinerary). For information regarding tours or shows, look here.

Sydney Opera House

9:45 am: Ride the Ferry to Taronga Zoo

The ferry ride to the Taronga Zoo is iconic and offers one of the best views of Sydney. On your way out to the zoo, you’ll cruise right past the Opera House and Fort Denison.

The views are unforgettable, with an incredible look out at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the Sydney skyline. Enjoy this 15-minute ride past some of Sydney’s most iconic attractions.

Ride the ferry from Circular Quay to F2 (Taronga Zoo). Tickets can be purchased at the wharf. For information on ferry tickets and timetables, refer to the official website.

10:00 am: Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Australia, home to over 4000 animals. From a great range of local Australian wildlife as well as giraffes, elephants, and komodo dragons, there is an exhibit for everyone to enjoy. You’ll also be treated to more wonderful views of the Sydney skyline.

Taronga Zoo | 2 Days in Sydney Itinerary

You have a little over 2 hours to fully explore Taronga Zoo. To return to downtown Sydney, simply take the ferry back to Circular Quay, in the opposite direction as earlier in the morning.

Hours: Open every day from 9:30am – 4:30pm
Cost (gate price): AUD $51 (adult) | $30 (4-15 years) | free for children under 4. When booking online, you can save AUD $5.
Website: taronga.org.au

1:00 pm: Explore the Rocks

The Rocks is the perfect place in Sydney to spend an afternoon. This colonial neighborhood of pubs and shops is situated right between Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. On the weekends you’ll find a colorful open-air market where vendors sell homemade crafts and street food.

This is the perfect area to grab a bite for lunch. Consider enjoying a meal at The Glenmore Hotel, a historic rooftop bar and pub. If you’re looking for a taste of history, try the Fortune of War, Sydney’s oldest pub. If you want to dine with a view, visit the MCA Cafe in the Museum of Contemporary Art. From here you will have a view of Circular Quay and the Opera House.

The Rocks

2:30 pm: Dawes Point Reserve

The Dawes Point Reserve is a small park that sits just north of The Rocks, and directly underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s South Pylon. You’ll find several notable viewpoints here as well as the remains of an old artillery fort.

On the east side of this small peninsula, next to the Park Hyatt Sydney, you can look across the harbor to the Opera House.

Dawes Point Reserve | 2 Days in Sydney Itinerary

On the opposite side of the reserve, at Ives Steps Wharf, you can look up at the Harbour Bridge and across the harbor to Luna Park.

Photo taken near the Ives Steps Wharf

Dawes Point Reserve is open 24 hours a day and free to visit.

3:00 pm: South Pylon Lookout

The South Pylon Lookout offers an elevated view from the Sydney Harbour Bridge without the time and money spent doing the Bridge Climb. This lookout is also one of the most iconic views of Sydney.

From the South Pylon Lookout, you get a breathtaking view of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. There’s a good chance you will also see climbers on the bridge.

The Opera House from the South Pylon Lookout

To get here from Dawes Point Reserve, you’ll walk back through The Rocks neighborhood to the Glenmore Hotel. There is an elevator across the street from the Glenmore Hotel that will take you up to Sydney Harbour Bridge’s pedestrian walkway. There are also steps a short way beyond the elevator if you’d prefer to take them up.

Once on the pedestrian walkway, it’s a 5-minute walk to the South Pylon Lookout entrance. You’ll climb 68 steps to get to the ticket office. From here, purchase your ticket and it’s 132 steps to the top, for a grand total of 200 steps. There is no elevator to the top.

You can purchase your ticket in advance or at the door. We purchased ours at the door and there was no line (midday in May). Get hours and pricing on the official website.

If you’re traveling on a budget, we recommend skipping the South Pylon Lookout. Instead, enjoy the views from the Sydney Harbour Bridge for free as you walk out to Luna Park. The pedestrian walkway offers similar views, is open 24 hours a day, and you don’t have to spend a dime.

4:00 pm: Luna Park

Luna Park is a colorful amusement park located across the harbour from Circular Quay. Featured are thrilling attractions, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and arcade games.

The park is famous for the giant smiling face that acts as the entrance to the amusement park. The face is almost unsettling, especially at night when illuminated. It’s been rebuilt 7 times and the history behind the faces is interesting, where some of the past iterations are downright terrifying.

Luna Park

At the entrance to Luna Park, you also can enjoy an incredible view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the Sydney skyline.

The view at sunset

To get to Luna Park from the South Pylon Lookout, continue across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll find an elevator down to the road below, and from there it’s a 5-minute walk to the park’s entrance.

Website: Hours are subject to change due to events held in the park. Get hours and pricing on the official website.

6:30 pm: Ride the Ferry Back to Circular Quay

There is a small wharf at the entrance to Luna Park (Milsons Point Wharf). To return for dinner, take the ferry directly to Circular Quay. You also have the option to walk back across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

7:00 pm: Dinner at Café Sydney

For spectacular, sunset views of Sydney Harbour, as well as delicious cuisine, we recommend enjoying dinner at Café Sydney, located within Circular Quay.

The view from Cafe Sydney

The menu has a little bit of everything, with salads, oysters, seafood and meat dishes, small plates, and vegan options. They also have a long list of Australian wines that can be purchased by the bottle or by the glass. Do expect a pricey meal, but what you’re paying for is absolutely worth it, with spectacular food and an even better view. We also highly recommend making reservations in advance, as this can be a very crowded spot for a meal.

If you’d like our full list of dinner recommendations, read our Best Restaurants and Bars in Sydney guide.

8:00 pm: Enjoy a Drink at One of the World’s Top Bars (Optional)

Maybe Sammy is one of Australia’s most famous cocktail bars. In 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, this bar made the World’s 50 Best Bars list. With décor inspired by the 1950’s, creative cocktails, and bartenders who put on a show, put Maybe Sammy at the top of your list. Note that they do not accept reservations, so there is a chance you may not be able to grab a table. They are also closed on Sunday and Monday.

Alternative options include Grain, The Glenmore, and The Doss House, all of which are located within The Rocks. You can find our full list of recommendations here.

Cocktails at Grain

Sydney Itinerary Day 2

Bondi and Darling Harbour

For your second day in Sydney, we’ll be keeping it coastal. Starting off with breakfast in Coogee, you’ll walk along the coast to Bondi Beach, enjoy lunch at one of the world’s most famous beaches, before returning downtown to visit Sydney’s twin harbors. Get ready to get your steps in today.

8:00 am: Breakfast in Coogee
9:00 am: Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk
11:30 am: Bondi Beach
12:00 pm: Lunch at Bondi Icebergs
2:30 pm: QVB (Queen Victoria Building)
3:45 pm: Darling Harbour or Sydney Tower Eye
5:00 pm: Royal Botanic Gardens & Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
6:00 pm: Opera Bar
7:00 pm: Dinner

8:00 am: Breakfast in Coogee

Today you’ll be starting at Coogee Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Sydney. Coogee is surrounded by a quaint suburb full of great cafés and restaurants, as well as plenty of open park space for picnics.

For breakfast today, we recommend either Coogee Courtyard or Little Jack Horner. Both offer delicious breakfasts for a cheap price, and are found on the main road that runs along the beach.

9:00 am: Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk

Let’s start the day off on a high note. The Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk is a 4 mile (6.4 km) walk along Sydney’s eastern shores. You’ll pass some of the most iconic beaches in Sydney as well as a collection of more local bays, beaches, and parks.

This relaxing coastal walk is a great way to start a morning. You’ll be open to enjoy the ocean breeze, grab some sun, and relish in the views along the way. Plus, the weather tends to be much more comfortable, and crowds are lower.

Get the full details on how to get here and what to do along the walk in our guide to the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk.

Coogee Beach | 2 Days in Sydney Itinerary

Bronte Beach

Bondi Beach | 2 Days in Sydney Itinerary

11:30 am: Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is world famous. This beach is consistently rated as one of the most popular beaches in the world due to both its natural beauty and collection of restaurants.

The wide crescent-shaped stretch of white sand and fantastic surf make Bondi a beach-lovers paradise. The show Bondi Rescue has been filmed here for the past 17 years, where viewers are offered an inside-look into the lives of Bondi’s lifeguards. Due to the popularity of the beach, you may also find a celebrity enjoying Bondi’s beauty, if you’re lucky.

Take a walk along the beach and dip your toes into the ocean. Be warned that, especially in the summer, the UV index can reach values of up to 13. Be mindful of your sun exposure, and sunscreen is a must here.

Bondi Icebergs

12:00 pm: Lunch at Bondi Icebergs

For an iconic lunch overlooking Bondi Beach, we recommend the Bondi Icebergs. Not only is Icebergs an iconic swimming pool, but it’s also a high-end restaurant and bar that overlooks Bondi Beach. Come here for a delicious meal, enjoy a cocktail in the sun, and watch the surfers.

A cheaper, but still moderately pricey alternative is Bondi Trattoria. This Italian restaurant is located at the southern corner of Bondi Beach, and offers a lovely setting, beach views, and even better food. There are also plenty of cafes that line the beach that make a perfect spot for a quick meal.

2:30 pm: QVB (Queen Victoria Building) & the Strand Arcade

The QVB is a historic building and one of the best places to go shopping in Sydney. It is located in the Central Business District. To get here from Bondi, take the 333 bus (a direct line to the QVB) or use Uber. It will take 45 minutes to reach the QVB from Bondi Beach via public transit.

The Queen Victoria Building dates back to 1898. It was named to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. This beautiful Victorian building contains three stories of retail shops and small restaurants. Two mechanical clocks form focal points from the arcades.

Queen Victoria Building

Shops range from popular chain stores, such as Coach, Pandora, and Country Road, as well as art galleries and boutique shops. Our favorite shop in the QVB is the Aboriginal Art Galleries, where you can shop for Aboriginal artifacts and artworks, including didgeridoos, ceramics, and paintings.

The Strand is a smaller version of the QVB. This Victorian building is filled with small boutique shops. It’s a delight to stroll through and go window shopping. It’s a short walk from the QVB.

The Strand

3:45 pm: Darling Harbour or Sydney Tower Eye

At this point, you have a choice to make: spend more time in the CBD and visit the Sydney Tower Eye or walk over to Darling Harbour and spend some time here.

Darling Harbour is full of waterfront fine-dining, culture, beauty, and entertainment. Here you’ll find the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Sydney Aquarium & Zoo, and several large venues dedicated for concerts. From the QVB, it’s a 5-minute walk out to Darling Harbour.

Darling Harbour | 2 Days in Sydney Itinerary

As it’s less popular with first-time tourists, you’ll find fewer crowds in Darling Harbour than at Sydney Harbour. While here, make sure to cross over the Pyrmont Bridge and enjoy views of the Sydney skyline. There are plenty of places to sit and grab a snack or a drink.

The Sydney Tower Eye is also a very short walk from the QVB and the Strand. On a quick visit, ride the elevator to the top of the eye for 360° views of Sydney. Those feeling more adventurous can do the Skywalk, a walk around the outside walkways of the tower. Get hours and pricing on the official website. If you want to do the Skywalk, make your reservation in advance.

On the Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk

5:00 pm: Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair

The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney is a beautiful park found at the eastern edge of Circular Quay. The gardens make a perfect spot for views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, especially at sunset.

For one of the best views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. This viewpoint is located in the Royal Botanic Garden, on a peninsula that juts out into the harbour. The viewpoint is only a 10-minute walk from the center of the gardens. The views from this spot are spectacular all day long.

The view from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair at sunset

To get to the Royal Botanic Gardens from Darling Harbour, you have several options. The most scenic option is to ride the ferry from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay and then it is a short walk to the gardens. Alternatively, you can walk back to the QVB and take the light rail to Circular Quay. If you walk the entire distance, it takes about 30 minutes. From the Sydney Tower Eye, walk or talk the light rail to Circular Quay.

6:00 pm: The Opera Bar

We’re back again at Sydney’s most recognizable landmark. This time, we’ll be grabbing a drink at the Opera Bar, an outdoor bar located just below the Opera House. This is a great spot to get a table, a glass of wine or a cocktail, and enjoy sunset views of Sydney. From here, you get up close views of the Opera House and a stunning view of the Harbour Bridge.

We have dinner planned at 7:00pm today. If you find that you’re loving the Opera Bar, you can stay here for dinner. Their menu includes a mix of sides, seafood, and meat dishes.

7:30 pm: Dinner

For your last night in Sydney, we recommend eating in The Rocks or near Circular Quay. With plenty of restaurants and pubs that offer different cuisines, there’s something for everyone.

Quay Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Opera House. Bennelong is a fine dining restaurant inside of the Opera House (it looks amazing but be aware that it is very expensive).

El Camino Cantina in the Rocks is a good place to get good, inexpensive Mexican food. Also in the Rocks is the Glenmore Hotel, a bar and restaurant with a rooftop terrace with views of the Opera House.

You can also take a twilight dinner cruise of the harbour on a tall ship.

How to Get Around Sydney

There’s a great variety of public transit options for you to utilize on your one day in Sydney. Whether it’s by land or by sea, the city has you covered.

To get to sites such as Luna Park or Taronga Zoo, take the ferry. They run consistently throughout the day, and you’re treated to some fantastic views on your journey. For information on ferry tickets and timetables, refer to the official website.

Sydney’s light rail is great for transportation within the downtown area. Arriving every 5-10 minutes throughout the day (and offering delayed hours at night), this is a perfect option for those traveling within the city but preferring to save their steps. To board you’ll either need to purchase an Opal Card or use a credit/debit card capable of “tap-to-pay”.

Sydney also has a wide-ranging bus system capable of taking you to sites a bit further away from the downtown area, such as Bondi Beach. Just hop on, tap your Opal Card or credit/debit card (same as with the light rail system), and enjoy the ride. You can find timetables on their website, as well as at all bus stops throughout the city.

Finally, you can also use Uber to get around Sydney. We don’t recommend driving, as traffic can be a nightmare and finding parking is challenging.

Sydney is also a very walkable city. All of the downtown sites can be easily accessed just by walking no more than 20 to 30 minutes. Even at night, we all felt safe walking the city streets.

Where to Eat/Drink in Sydney

With so many options for fine dining, rooftop cafes, hidden bars, and waterfront restaurants that boast incredible views of Sydney’s harbors and beaches, your choices may seem overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve prepared an article featuring the 20 best bars and restaurants in Sydney to help complement your trip. Cheers!

Where to Stay in Sydney

The CBD (Central Business District) is the best place to stay for this itinerary, followed by Bondi, if you don’t mind a small commute back and forth to the city center.

We have a list of recommended hotels in Sydney in our Sydney Hotel Guide.

Tours of Sydney

Joining a tour can help save you time waiting in line, get tickets to a site that may have sold out in advance, or allow you to experience Sydney in a unique way. Here are some of the best tours in Sydney. With a few tweaks, these can be added to your itinerary.

Taking a guided tour of the Opera House is one of the most popular tours in Sydney.

Visit the Sydney Tower Eye for a bird’s eye view of Sydney (this can be added on before or after you visit the QVB).

Take a morning or afternoon sightseeing cruise of Sydney Harbour.

In the evening, take a tall ship cruise of the harbour which includes dinner.

Go whale watching (this is best May to November).

More Information for Your Trip to Sydney

THINGS TO DO: For a full list of things to do in Sydney, check out our Sydney Bucket List.

RESTAURANTS & BARS: In this guide, we list 20 of our favorite restaurants and bars in Sydney.

SYDNEY ITINERARIES: Learn how to plan your time with our One Day in Sydney itinerary, 3 Days in Sydney Itinerary, and our 4 Days in Sydney Itinerary.

BRIDGE CLIMB: In our guide to the Sydney Bridge Climb, we list your tour options and whether or not it is worth the big price tag.

BEST VIEWS: Here are 20 amazing views of Sydney.

BEST BEACHES: Here are 10 stunning beaches to visit in Sydney.

SCENIC WALKS: The Coogee to Bondi Walk is Sydney’s most famous coastal walk but walking from Spit to Manly is also very scenic.

BLUE MOUNTAINS: Get started with our article Best Things to Do in the Blue Mountains. We also have a guide on how to visit Scenic World, how to hike the Wentworth Falls Track Loop, and a detailed trail guide for the Grand Canyon Track.

If you have any questions about this 2 days in Sydney itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Australia

PLACES TO GO IN AUSTRALIA: Spend some time in Melbourne, go wine tasting in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, explore Uluru and the Red Centre of Australia, go scuba diving or snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, and don’t miss Tasmania, one of our favorite places in Australia.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: One of the best things to do in South Australia is to visit the wine regions near Adelaide. Plan your visit with our Guide to McLaren Vale, our Guide to Barossa Valley, and our Guide to Clare Valley.

MELBOURNE: Melbourne is one of our favorite cities in Australia. Learn about the Best Things to Do in Melbourne and get a recap of our experiences here.

ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. We also have information on a great hike in Kings Canyon and a recap of our experience in the Red Centre of Australia.

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