Looking for a quick getaway? You really can’t beat Sydney. People travel from all over the world to enjoy its iconic beaches, delicious food and cruisy lifestyle – and for good reason. Here are our top tips for things to do in Sydney.
Where we stayed: Potts Point
While you can’t really go wrong with any of Sydney’s inner-city suburbs, Potts Point is a particularly convenient area to base yourself for a weekend. The Kings Cross train station makes it easy to get to and from the airport, and the abundance of nice restaurants and hole-in-the-wall cafes guarantee you won’t go hungry. It’s close to the water (while you can’t easily swim at Elizabeth Bay, it’s perfect for a waterside picnic) and the busyness and tourist attractions of the CBD. They even do a Saturday morning market (more on that in a moment).
Saturday
AM
Spend the morning exploring Potts Point. We started with an early morning walk to Circular Quay, which took about an hour in total. Early birds will want to note that the Royal Botanic Garden doesn’t open until 7am, so you may walk further to go around – not through – it.
Grab coffee and a quick breakfast overlooking the harbour (including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House) or head back to Potts Point to refuel. We recommend checking out the Kings Cross Markets (8am to 2pm in Fitzroy Gardens) – they’re small, but perfect for picking up staples like fresh fruit and bread to have on hand through your weekend.
After the markets, take a stroll up Macleay Street and Darlinghurst Road to check out the variety of clothing boutiques, vintage shops and novelty stores.
PM
For lunch, we stumbled upon Piña down a little alley (Llankelly Place) and loved it. The corn ribs – sprinkled with the softest manchego cheese – and crispy sweet potato salad were particularly good, though the fries were the standout after a big morning of walking.
Refuelled and ready to go, we hit the streets again – this time, set for Paddington. It was about a 30-minute walk to Oxford Street (factoring in some misdirection by our navigator) and its many shops. Among our favourites: Cleveland on Oxford (a treasure trove of nostalgia and designer items), Vinnies (expect designer labels, but above-average-Vinnies price tags) and Collector Store (unique clothing and accessories for guys and girls, plus luxe homewares).
Night
When you’re back at Potts Point (and thoroughly shopped out), grab a bite at Vico Pizza Bar. Their woodfire pizzas are as good as they get, and the service is fast and friendly. You can tell by the crowd there that it’s a local favourite.
Sunday
AM
Kick off your second and final day in Sydney with another walk – this time, from Coogee to Bondi. It’s one simple (and totally free) way to squeeze in a lot of sightseeing, from the communal baths of Coogee to the clifftop Waverley Cemetery (it may sound weird, but it’s a must-see) and eventually the world-famous beachfront of Bondi. It’s about a 40-minute bus ride from Potts Point to Coogee, or a 20-minute drive. Don’t forget to pack your market purchases from the day before to keep you going on your trek.
No coastal walk in Sydney is complete without a game of ‘Judge the Multi-Million-Dollar Mansions’. Speaking of games, if you have time, we suggest stopping at the Clovelly Bowls Club for the most scenic game of bowls you’ll probably ever play.
PM
While it may be tempting to grab a bite in Bondi, it’s best to avoid the ‘Bondi Tax’ and get out of the area all together. Head back to your hotel to shower and change, then enjoy a last hurrah at one of our favourite Sydney restaurants: Nomad. You’ll probably want to book before you arrive in Sydney, because this restaurant is pretty popular – after eating there, you’ll see why. The cuisine is inspired by Spain, Morocco, and the Middle East (think char-grilled bread and smoky meats and vegetables) and is better shared. The burrata with fennel jam is *chef’s kiss* paired with the wood fired flatbread.
The perfect note on which to end your Sydney getaway.