Sydney, Australia, is one of the world’s most iconic destinations. Spending 5 days in the city, you will get the chance to not only discover the urban areas, but also the beautiful coastline and hidden gems that Sydney is renowned for. In this itinerary for 5 days in Sydney, Australia, you will find a mix between city exploration and hidden gems, showing you everything you want to see on your first visit and more.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase through the link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only ever promote products and brands I have used and like, and that all links are to trusted websites.

Growing up in Sydney and having family and friends visiting, and now taking frequent trips back myself from Sweden, I have been lucky enough to have the chance to get to know so much of the area. In this itinerary for 5 days in Sydney, I have highlighted the most beautiful and iconic places, and best experiences for first time visitors to help you plan your trip!

Staying for longer? Check out these guides:

The Best 5 Day Sydney, Australia Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Sydney, Australia
Day 2: Visit an Iconic Beach – Manly, Bondi or Watson’s Bay
Day 3: Day Trip to The Blue Mountains
Day 4: A Coastal Walk
Day 5: Exploring Sydney, Australia

Things You Need To Know About Sydney

How to Travel Around Sydney, Australia

Sydney is a very walkable city, with most of the points you will want to see in the city centre all within a short distance to one another. However, the city also has a great public transport system, with a wide range of buses, ferries, trains and trams that take you almost anywhere you will want to go.

Public Transport in Sydney uses the Opal Card, a tap on and tap off card that covers not only the inner city but also the surrounding regions. To use the public transport system, you will either need to get a physical opal card or use your debit or credit card to tap on and off at the various stations.

You can find out more information about Opal on this page.

When to Visit Sydney Australia

The great thing about Sydney is it is a city that is great to visit all year round. The summer months (mostly January to March) can be very warm but are perfect for spending days by the coast. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are slightly cooler but still warm enough to swim. These are the perfect months to visit Sydney if you enjoy hiking and other similar activities. The winter, while cooler, can still bring some unexpected warm days. This is the best season for hiking and taking day trips although it is slightly too cold to spend days at the beach.

Where to Stay for 5 days in Sydney

While you may be tempted to book accommodation in somewhere like Bondi, I recommend finding accommodation as close to the city centre as possible – ideally in an area like Wynyard or Town Hall. This is much more practical when it comes to taking day trips to different areas of the city. While it may seem dreamy, places like Bondi are not very well connected and it means that travel time can take up a lot of your day.

Centrally I can recommend The Four Seasons, located close to the Rocks its perfect for walking around the city, going out for dinner, and visiting the iconic spots such as the Opera House. If you want something a little more affordable, then the Mantra on Kent is a great option. It is very tidy and clean, centrally located, and comfortable. We have stayed here a few times on various visits and think it’s a great, simple spot.

Alternatively, if you want something a little more boutique, then Spicers is a beautiful hotel located in Potts Point. This too is a very well-connected area, only a few minutes walk from the train station with a line that leads from the Central Station to Bondi Junction. There are a lot of great restaurants in the area which makes it perfect for finding somewhere for dinner after a long day out.

Find all the best hotels in Sydney on this page.

5 Day Sydney Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the city

Day 1 of this 5-day Sydney, Australia itinerary begins in the city centre; exploring the harbor side area, visiting the Sydney Opera House, and getting to know your way around.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge

Start your day by visiting the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Built in the 1920’s and nicknamed “The Coat hanger”, the harbor bridge connects the Northern and Southern parts of the city. One of the best ways to visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge is to walk across it – either on a tour over the top of it or along the public footpath.

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

This is a once in a lifetime experience and an activity to consider on your 5 days Sydney trip. Having lived in the city and crossed the bridge every day, I was sceptical at first as to whether it was worth it. However, after doing the climb last year I can say that the experience is so special that it is. From the top of the bridge, you can see the whole city – it gives so much perspective to the harbor and the built environment and the view is just incredible.

You can find more information book it on this page. The Sydney harbour bridge climb is open for sunrise, during the day, and for sunset and evening walks. The timings differ in price and experience with the day walks being the cheapest.

Walking Across the Sydney Harbour Bridge

If you are after a more budget friendly experience, then you can cross the harbour bridge on the public footpath. The best way to do this is to head to Circular Quay and take the ferry over to Milsons Point Wharf. Here you will find Luna Park, the city’s amusement park, the the picturesque swimming pool with views out over the harbour. If you follow the road towards the bridge will find the beginning of the walk, with steps up to the public footpath (map). Walking over the harbour bridge is completely free and still gives amazing views over the harbour, the opera house and the city. The walk takes around 20 to 25 minutes.

Touring Sydney Harbour

Another amazing way to see the Sydney Harbour is to take a boat tour. There are a few different options for this, however, my two favourites are this kayaking tour which takes you out into the harbour at sunset. It is so special looking up at the bridge and the opera house from inside a kayak, floating in the harbour and watching the sun set over the harbour bridge. Truly one of those moments that makes you so grateful to be alive.

The other great option is a sightseeing cruise through the Sydney Harbour. This one is great as it includes a guided commentary about the different areas of the city and the history of the area. Alternatively, this unique tall ship cruise is a beautiful way to travel around the harbour and is one of my favourite boat trips I have taken in Sydney.

Lunch in The Rocks

After walking across the bridge, head down to The Rocks. This area is one of the oldest in Sydney and today is home to some cosy boutiques, restaurants and pubs. It is a great place for a stroll – especially if you are visiting during the weekend when the Rocks Markets really bring the area to life. The Rocks Markets are one of the best outdoor markets in Sydney, where you can find handmade and locally designed items perfect as a more meaningful souvenir.

One of the best ways to get to know the Rocks and learn about this area is to a guided tour. There are a few options, but this walking tour is a great 90 minute option that takes you past some of the best sights in the area.

Visit the Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is probably at the top of your Sydney Itinerary – and theres noo better time than day 1 to take a visit. The Sydney Opera House is sort of the “centre” of Sydney, located right in the harbour. Not only is the building itself a beautiful piece of architecture, but the walkways surrounding it give amazing views over the city skyline. Visiting the Opera House, you can either choose to walk around the outside and visit the gift shop or take a guided tour of the space. The guided tour is definitely worth it if you have the time and are interested in the Opera House.

Here you can find more information on the guided tour, or the guided tour with a dining experience.

Drinks at Opera Bar

Opera Bar (map) is one of the best bars in Sydney due to its incredible location just below the opera house. In the afternoon, stop here for a drink and a snack and modems some time enjoying the views. It can get busy here, especially on warm summer days, so if you are a larger group, it can be difficult to find a seat.

If you want something a little less crowded but still with great views then try Hacienda (map), the tropical bar located just above the Pullman Quay Hotel.

Walk around the Botanical Gardens

From the Opera House, you can head into the Sydney Botanical Gardens for a stroll. This is Australia’s largest botanical garden, with so many beautiful plans and areas to explore. The botanical gardens are a popular picnic spot for Sydney locals (and one of the best places to be for the NYE fireworks if you’re visiting around that time of year). The best route is to follow the sea wall from the Opera House towards Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. This is one of the best, and underrated, viewpoints in the city.

Dinner at The Butler

Round off the day at one of the restaurants with the best views in Sydney – The Butler. This restaurant is a personal favourite and somewhere I have visited too many times to count. The food is delicious, and you can’t beat the view! I recommend booking in advance no matter what day of the week you plan to visit, especially if you want a table outside on the terrace.

Day 2: Visit an Iconic Beach – Manly, Bondi or Watson’s Bay

Day 2 is a beach day. Instead of suggesting one place to visit I have outlined a few different itinerary alternatives for day 2 so you can pick what suits your travel style best. Hopefully this way you can tailor this trip to get the best out of your 5 days in Sydney, Australia!

Bondi Beach

Bondi is the iconic beach of Sydney – known for its long pristine sand and beautiful blue waters. On one end of the beach, you will find Icebergs, the private pool and restaurant area that sits picturesquely looking over Bondi. Passing icebergs is the start of the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, a beautiful path that passes quite a few smaller inlets along the way (don’t miss Tamarama and Gordon’s Bay).

Bondi as a suburb is also lovely – with lots of different restaurants and boutique shops to explore. It’s easy to spend a whole day here browsing the stores, taking a surf lesson, walking along the beach and stopping somewhere for a good lunch.

I recommend this day trip if you want a good, slow paced beach day, or simply to visit the iconic Bondi. The only negative to visiting Bondi is that getting there can be quite a long journey from the city. To get to Bondi, you first need to take the train to Bondi Junction. From here, you can catch the bus to Bondi Beach. Keep in mind that this is a very popular route so it can be busy.

Tips for visiting Bondi Beach:

The Coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte or Coogee
Take a surf lesson
Restaurants in Bondi: Totti’s, North Bondi Fish, China Diner.
Ice cream from Messina
Take a dip in Bondi Icebergs Pool
Marvel at Sculpture by the Sea (October to November)
Stroll around Bondi Markets (Sundays from 10-16)

Manly and Shelly Beach

Manly is the second option for the beach day in this 5-day Sydney itinerary. Manly is another popular beach town, with a nice big sandy beach and a lovely town centre. The best part of visiting Manly is that to get there, you will want to catch the ferry from Circular Quay. The ferry journey takes you out through the harbor, around North Head and to Manly and is an experience.

In Manly there’s a lot more to do than just visit the beach. You can walk towards Shelly Beach where you will find great snorkelling, or up to North Head and the old quarantine station.

Tips for visiting Manly:

The short coastal walk to Shelly Beach
Snorkel at Shelly beach (or take a guided snorkelling tour)
Coastal walk from North Head
Take a tour of the old Quarantine station
Kayak around Manly and North Head
Make sure to take the ferry to Manly
Hire a stand up paddle board and explore the harbour

Watson’s Bay

The final option is a trip to Watson’s Bay, a very picturesque area out in the peninsula. Watson’s Bay is known for the coastline, with a few smaller less crowded beaches and a walk up to the lighthouse. To get here, you can either catch the bus , or take the ferry from Circular Quay. The ferry journey is the best alternative as there are some amazing views along the way.

Watson’s Bay is the perfect day trip for anyone wanting to see a quieter but just as picturesque part of the Sydney coastline.

Tips for visiting Watson’s Bay

Watsons Bay Beach
Lady Bay Beach
The Gap
Hornby Lighthouse
Lunch at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Watsons Bay Baths
The Federation Cliff Walk from Dover Heights to Watsons Bay (8km)

Day 3: Day Trip to The Blue Mountains

On Day 3 we leave Sydney and head out on a day trip. Now you have got your head around the city centre and the coastline, it’s time to see a different side of Australia and head out into the mountains. Again, I have outlined a few different options for this day trip depending on what methods of transport you have access to, and how much walking you want to do.

Day Trip from Sydney to The Blue Mountains

If you enjoy hiking and really want to see a different side of Sydney, then there is truly no better day trip than a visit to the Blue Mountains. This mountain range gets its name from the blue hues of the eucalyptus trees that cover the area, visible in the distance from most areas of Northern Sydney. This World Heritage Area has hundreds of hiking trails, viewpoints, and unique towns to explore.

How to Get to The Blue Mountains

While the best way to get to the blue mountains is by driving (you can hire a car here), you can also take a trip using public transport. The route is relatively simple if you have a plan of where you want to visit.

Guided Tour of the Blue Mountains

Alternatively, you can take a guided tour of the blue mountains. The best thing about the guided tours is that they are simple and easy – they include hotel pick up in Sydney and take you to a vast variety of different places. A few that follow good routes and are worth looking into are:

Hop-on-hop-off Bus

The last option for getting around the Blue Mountains is to catch the train up to Katoomba Station and from here buy a Hop-on-Hop-off Bus ticket. There are two different buses; the Katoomba: Lyrebird Hop-On Hop-Off and Scenic World Pass, and the Katoomba: Blue Mountains Full-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. The main difference is the stops that they make and that the first bus includes entry to Scenic World where you can take a gondola ride over the mountains, or head down to the valley on the funicular railway.

The hop-on-hop-off buses stop at all the best viewpoints (Echo Point, Cahill’s Lookout) and the beautiful town of Leura.

Things To Do in The Blue Mountains

If you enjoy hiking, then I recommend doing one of the many hiking trails in the Blue Mountains. Depending on what length and difficulty you are comfortable with will help you decide on a route! My personal favourite is the Grand Canyon hiking trail. I think that it is by far one of the best hiking routes in the Blue Mountains, with waterfalls and tropical fauna lining the valley. You can find more information on the Grand Canyon Hike.

Stop by the town of Leura for a walk around. This is my favourite of the towns in the Blue Mountains and a great stop for lunch in one of the little cafes. Don’t miss walking down Leura Mall, the main street, where you will find lots of nice shops to look around.

If you want to make your trip to the Blue Mountains a little bit special, then make sure to stop by the Hydro Majestic Hotel for a high Tea. This is an incredible experience, sitting in the dining room looking out over the luscious mountains and nibbling on delicious sandwiches.

You can’t visit the Blue Mountains without stopping at least a few different viewpoints. The Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point (map) is probably the most popular of these – and for good reason. Alternatively, you can head to Wentworth Falls Lookout (map), or somewhere quieter like Cahills Lookout (map).

Another option is to take a visit to Scenic World. This is a “theme park” of sorts – based around the nature of the Blue Mountains. If you are not so much of a hiker but still want to explore the mountains, then this is probably your best bet. In Scenic World you can ride several glass bottom gondolas that take you out across the mountain range, or head down into the valley on the funicular railway.

Day 4: Take a Coastal Walk

Day 4 of this Sydney Australia itinerary will be a day of beautiful coastal views from one of Sydney’s many coastal paths. If you chose not to visit Bondi on day 2, then this is the perfect opportunity to head back and walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, stopping off at beautiful Gordon’s Bay or Clovelly.

Alternatively, you could head to my personal favourite coastal walk which runs from Chowder Bay to Bradleys Head. Not only does this walk pass some stunning beaches, but there are also some great city views. In Chowder Bay, you will find the restaurants Ripples which offers a beautiful dining experience looking out over the water. If you fancy a longer walk, you can always begin at Balmoral.

Other coastal walks to consider are:

Palm Beach Lighthouse Walk
Botany Bay Coastal Walk
Coogee to Maroubra
Federation Cliff Walk
Dee Why to Manly
South Head Heritage trail
Manly Lagoon to North Head

Day 5: Explore the city

Day 5 and the final day of your time in Sydney. To round out this itinerary, spend the day exploring the city and filling in all the parts you haven’t yet seen.

Barangaroo

Start the day in Barangaroo. This is one of Sydney city’s newest developments – an old dockside area transformed into a beautiful open parkland with restaurants and gardens. To get to Barangaroo Reserve you will want to walk down from Wynyard station, either entering the park from the Northern end by Hotel Palisade or following the walk up from Waterman’s Cove. I recommend doing a look of the park and then heading into Barangaroo for a morning coffee or spot of lunch at one of the many great restaurants.

Darling Harbour

From Barangaroo you can follow the harbour round to Darling Harbour, the older entertainment area of Sydney. Here there are more restaurants and a big kids play area. If you are interested in visiting a museum, then this is the perfect time for it. On the other side of the harbour, you will find the Maritime Museum and the Powerhouse Museum, both with very interesting and well put together exhibits. Alternatively, you can visit the Wild Life Sydney Zoo, the aquarium, or the beautiful Chinese Garden of Friendship.

Sydney CBD

Now head into the Central Business District (CBD). Here you will find the bustling centre of Sydney. Don’t miss:

The Queen Victoria Building
George Street
Martin Place
Hyde Park and the Anzac Memorial Centre
St Mary’s Cathedral
Angel Place
Terraced houses of Surrey Hills

Dinner at Mr Wong

After a long day of strolling around the city, head to Mr Wong for some of Sydney’s best Cantonese Food. This restaurant is known to be one of the best in Sydney, to make sure to book a table in advance! Here you should expect delicious food, a beautiful interior, and great service.

Exploring Sydney’s Secret Bars

If there’s something that Sydney does well, it’s the thriving culture of “hidden” or “secret” bars that are dotted around the city. Not all so busy, in most of these bars you will find a very relaxed vibe, great cocktails and a very special way to finish off your visit. Don’t miss The Baxter Inn (map), The Lobo (map), Uncle Ming’s (map), Palmer and Co. (map), and The Barber Shop (map).

Overview: The Best 5 Day Sydney, Australia Itinerary

While 5 days will never be enough time to see everything that Sydney has to offer, this itinerary will give you a taste of the city, its beaches, day trips and the food culture! If you’re travelling in Australia for longer, don’t miss these guides that will help you plan your ultimate trip itinerary:

Explore

Connect

The Best 5 Day Sydney, Australia Itinerary for First Timers

The Best 5 Day Sydney, Australia Itinerary