How to make the most of your visit to Sydney
Discovering a new city is a personal journey, and there's no right or wrong way to do it. Be flexible with your plans, take your time, and enjoy the process of exploring and immersing yourself in the new environment.
What are your interests? Make a list of the things you would like to do and the places you would like to visit.
Do some research into what local events, festivals, concerts, art exhibitions and theatre performances are happening. Find out about the city's attractions, culture, history and local customs and gain a greater sense of the city’s artistic scene and community.
Sydney’s public transport system is super-efficient. You can easily access all four modes by using your credit card. You simply tap on it when jumping on the ferry, bus, train or light rail. WARNING-don’t forget to tap off at the end of your trip. You will only be charged in accordance with the duration of your journey.
Get yourself a good map that gives a detailed layout of the streets and parks. Most hotel concierge and information centres will have one. Sydney’s harbour foreshore is one of the most beautiful in the world and one that will lead you from the fish market to Woolloomooloo. Take leisurely walks, enjoy a picnic or simply relax and take in the surroundings of Sydney’s Botanical Garden. It’s a magical way to escape the urban bustle and connect with nature.
Starting downtown, take a walk and take note of the historical sites, museums and iconic landmarks to get an overview of the city’s heritage and for terrific photo opportunities.
Grab a coffee from a busy hole in the wall. This usually means it’s good. Spark up a conversation with someone and let them know you’re visiting and enjoying their city so far. Given Sydneysiders are very friendly you will most likely get valuable insider tips of popular restaurants and bars in the area.
Take a train to a trendy suburb out of the city, like Newtown. Each neighbourhood in Sydney has its own unique character. Explore the parks, quirky streets, residential areas, alfresco eateries and people-watch to get a sense of the city’s everyday life.
Indulge in the local cuisine. In Sydney that might sound like a trick question being a multicultural society, we have restaurants offering food from all over the world. The humble meat pie with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy is very Aussie and beautifully paired with an ice-cold beer. OR vegemite on toast. Now, for a fully grown adult with mature taste buds, there is a way to try this for the first time. Toast a piece of sourdough or Turkish bread. While it is still piping hot, spread a good layer of butter and patch a ‘very fine’ layer of vegemite across the melted butter. Pair this fine delicacy with a glass of chilled, freshly squeezed orange juice. ENJOY.
Don’t be afraid to ask a local about their favourite dish and try something new and authentic. Stay curious, embrace the unfamiliar and be open to new experiences. Allow yourself to get lost in the city streets, stumble upon unexpected discoveries, and embrace the local way of life.
IF YOU’RE SHORT OF TIME and would like someone to show and tell you all the above, then Ultimately Sydney has made it super easy for you with 4 fabulous half-day experiences.
The Story of Sydney – The Taste of Sydney – The Art of Sydney – The Rags to Riches
You will learn all about the history, eat the local food and be immersed in the local culture. So, what are you waiting for? You are only one click away from enjoying The Best of Sydney
