24 hours in Sydney

Whether you’ve been to Sydney before or you’re a first-time traveller, it won't come as a surprise to you that it's one of the most popular holiday destinations. It's easy to see why, too: from the lush beaches to the unique wildlife and everything in between, Sydney offers a unique experience that will make a lasting impression on you.

However, just like any amazing vacation destination, you might not have enough time to fully appreciate all Sydney has to offer, so you need a push in the right direction. That's where this article comes in to save your day! Below are some great tips on how to spend the perfect 24 hours on Australia's beautiful east coast.

The morning

9AM – Breakfast

You have to seize the day to get the most out of your 24 hours – that means waking up as soon as possible to get some delicious breakfast. At 9 AM, venture down to the Playfair Café, which is one of the highest rated cafés on TripAdvisor. It also has a certificate of excellence and gluten free options, making it the perfect place to stock up on fuel for the day.

11 AM – See the city

Post-breakfast is the perfect time to walk off that bacon and see the city. Sydney is beautiful at night, but to truly appreciate the architecture and landscape make sure you have a good look around the city during the day. Be sure to visit some of the city's highlights, such as the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens, and pop into some of the galleries too.

The afternoon

12PM – Meet the animals

You can't visit Sydney without visiting some of the wonderful animals the city has to offer. Both SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo have so much to offer, so remember to bring your camera. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, catch a ferry and visit the world-famous Taronga Zoo, which has over 3000 animals for you to feast your eyes on!

2 PM – Relax on the beach/Lunch

At this point, you’re going to need to take a little break for an hour before you find some more delicious food. So before heading to Chiswick for a spot of lunch, why not go to Bondi Beach for some sun? But remember to take a hat and lots of sunscreen so you can enjoy the rest of the day burn-free.

The evening

5PM – Catch the sunset

A must-see in Sydney is the beautiful sunset. Ask anyone who has been to Sydney before and they will confirm that there's not anything quite like it. If you want a picture-perfect moment before dinner, head to the harbour to get the best of view of the magnificent sunset.

6PM – Dinner

It's going to be your last meal of the day, so you want to make it special – and more importantly, tasty. Head to est. on George Street for some upscale French-fusion cuisine. The renowned Peter Doyle is the head chef, so you know you won't be disappointed.

Night time

8 PM – Catch a show

The arts scene in Sydney is second to none, so make sure you catch a show. On top of your list should be the world-famous Sydney Opera House, which, depending on what time of year you visit, will always have something spectacular on offer. Also, don't be afraid to branch out: visit the Comedy Store for some laughs or the Lazy Bones Lounge for some music.

10 PM – Cocktails

You’ve made the most out of your day, and the only way to end it is with cocktails. Sydney's nightlife is full of hidden treasures, so be sure to walk around or ask the locals and you’ll find something fun. However, if you want a sure bet, go to Grandma's Bar on Clarence Street for some tasty cocktails.

Onward travel

If you're curious to see other Australian cities, you can catch a cruise, which allows a view beyond Sydney's stunning harbour and into other beautiful cities.

This is the perfect way to spend 24 hours in Sydney, so the next time you visit, be sure to follow these tips if you want to have the time of your life.