Perhaps you’re visiting from interstate for the weekend, or you’re on a layover in Sydney, or you simply just booked a one day visit, don’t worry though it’s still possible to see the best of what Sydney has to offer in a measly 24 hours.
MORNING
Start your morning off by catching a train to the Sydney CBD. I know it’s a bit of an odd spot to get breakfast but it’s where you’re going to find some really great coffee and breakfast! For this morning, you’re headed to The Grounds City. This cafe is popular with everyone and is a sure fire hit with the classic breakfast menus with a few items that have a twist on the original recipe. Because The Grounds City is located in the city, it can get very hectic around peak hours of 8-9am. To complete the Aussie experience – order the Aussie classic a flat white coffee.
After you’ve had your coffee and energy intake for the morning, take a leisurely stroll down to Circular Quay. You would think as someone who has been living in Sydney for two years I would be sick of the views of Circular Quay – but I simply can’t get over it! The view is truly postcard-worthy.
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Museum_of_Contemporary_Art,_Sydney.jpg
Take a walk around Circular Quay, the Rocks, and the Opera House. You’re going to see Sydney’s convict history. Another site worth checking out is the Museum of Contemporary art which features the best of contemporary art has to offer and stunning international exhibitions!
AFTERNOON
When it hits the afternoon, take a short walk around the Opera House and you’ll get to the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens of Sydney. These gardens sit harbourside featuring a stunning collection of native flora! With beautiful views of the city and harbour, the botanical gardens is the perfect place to stop for lunch. So grab lunch from the cafe, or plan ahead and pack a picnic basket!
If you’re not a fan of art museums spend the rest of the afternoon lazing around the botanical gardens. For art enthusiasts, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is only a 15 minute walk from the botanical garden. The AGNSW is one of Australia’s oldest and largest galleries, featuring everything from Aboriginal art, Colonial Australian, Renaissance, to contemporary! There really is so much to see! Not only that, the stunning architecture and placement of the gallery in the tree lined streets is enough to entice anyone to enter!
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kayhadrin/963125083/
EVENING
If you’re visiting on a Friday night, take a walk down the streets of Chinatown. Every Friday night Dixon Street transforms to the Chinatown Night Markets where you’ll find stalls slinging cuisines from all around Asia. From Japanese takoyaki, to Indonesian roti, to Taiwanese bubble tea, they have it all! For more ideas on where to eat Spice Alley also features a line up of Asian foods,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_New_Year_Parade_in_Chinatown_Sydney.jpg
As for what to do post dinner, why not go out for a few bevs. Being in Chinatown puts you right in the middle of CBD you’re going to be within walking distance of Sydney’s best drinking holes! Or if you’re a songbird, there are a few karaoke places around Chinatown with K1 being on of the more popular spots.
I’m sure that after the whirlwind 24 hours you’ve just had in Sydney, you’re going to want at least a sleep in. So rest up before going out to enjoy the next day. If you’re planning on staying in Sydney for a few days my personal recommendation is to hire a car and get out of the city! There is so much more to New South Wales than just Sydney!
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