2 Days in Sydney: Down Under in the Aussie Capital
LAST UPDATED: MARCH 8, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: FEBRUARY 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 17 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Day 1
Day 2
Dreaming of a summer down exploring the top landmarks in Australia’s capital?
A harbor city with the most recognizable skyline in Australia, Sydney embraces theatrics as the exuberant lifeblood blending its storied heritage with a modern pulse. Thespian art is celebrated in iconic Opera House performances and MCA exhibits, while the ornate interior of Victorian arcades and the QVB evoke dramatic architectural influences of centuries past. Culminated by a show-stopping gourmet scene that revels in spectacle and flavor alike, a stop in Sydney feels like a dazzling night under the big top. With 2 days in Sydney, what to do becomes a question of which type of entertainment suits your fancy—will you embrace adrenaline on a bridge climb and nostalgic coaster rides or sit back and watch the stage?
2 Days in Sydney Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed what to do in Sydney for 2 days travel guide you’ll find below:
Day 1
9:00 - 9:30 AM: 🌸 Wander through the Royal Botanic Garden and pass Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair (30 min)
10:00 - 11:00 AM: 🥞 Dig into a sweet stack from Pancakes on the Rocks for breakfast (1 hr)
11:05 - 11:45 AM: 🎨 Pop into the Museum of Contemporary Art to see Aboriginal works (40 min)
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM: 👛 Shop around the Strand Arcade and Queen Victoria Building (2 hr 30 min)
2:45 - 3:30 PM: 🍣 Try upscale sushi small plates at Sake for lunch before checking into the hotel (45 min)
4:00 - 5:30 PM: 💃 Put on your best formal attire for the glamorous night out ahead (1 hr 30 min)
5:45 - 7:30 PM: 🍷 Indulge in the pre-theater dinner at Bennelong while admiring the harbor (1 hr 45 min)
7:30 - 10:00 PM: 🎭 Watch an invigorating performance inside the Sydney Opera House (2 hr 30 min)
Day 2
9:30 - 10:00 AM: 🥯 Try Vegemite on a bagel from Lox in a Box in Coogee (30 min)
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: 🐚 Pass scenic coastal cliffs during the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk (2 hr)
12:00 - 12:30 PM: 🐟 Grab a quick bite to eat from The Bergs cafe for lunch (30 min)
12:30 - 1:30 PM: 🏊🏻♀️ Swim in the infamous Bondi Icebergs pool next to the crashing ocean waves (1 hr)
1:35 - 2:00 PM: 🍨 Taste the unconventional gelato flavors from Mapo (25 min)
2:00 - 3:00 PM: 🛍️ Peruse beach-inspired attire around the boutiques lining Gould Street (1 hr)
3:30 - 5:00 PM: 🛌🏻 Return back to the hotel and get ready for the rest of the evening (1 hr 30 min)
5:00 - 6:30 PM: 🎢 Ride the ferry to Milsons Point to check out Luna Park around sunset (1 hr 30 min)
6:45 - 7:45 PM: 🍸 Sip on artisanal cocktails at Maybe Sammy, one of the World’s Best 50 Bars (1 hr)
8:00 - 9:30 PM: 🥟 Dine in the medieval lair of Mr. Wong full of fine Cantonese cuisine (1 hr 30 min)
How to Get Around Sydney?
WALK: Once you’ve reached your intended Sydney neighborhood, walking around is the preferred approach. The CBD, or Central Business District, is quite compact and easy to traverse on foot, which goes for beachside communities like Bondi as well. Do note that many famous “walks” in Australia are more accurately described as moderate hikes, like the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk which entails a good two hours of trekking.
PUBLIC TRANSIT: Sydney is connected to surrounding suburbs by a robust multi-modal public transit system, including buses, trains, trams, and ferries. Lightweight trams run above ground through the CBD, while ferries are the best way to reach coastal towns while seeing the city from a new perspective—don’t bother with boat tours, just take the ferry!
Each of these options offers con tactless payment, simply tap on and off with a credit card or digital wallet. Since this simple method doesn’t require you to purchase an additional card and charges Opal-equivalent fares, I wouldn’t bother with an Opal card.
RIDE SHARE: Multiple ride-sharing services operate in Sydney suited to varying budgets and preferences. Uber functions as expected here while Lyft does not operate in Australia, although it’s priced as a more premium offering than cheaper Didi—which generally gets you better service for things like loading luggage into the trunk. Shebah is a female-only app if you’d prefer to have a woman as your driver—which can be reassuring when traveling late at night.
DRIVE: I wouldn’t bother with a rental car in Sydney, especially since vehicles drive on the left side of the road in Australia! The central CBD becomes quite congested during rush hour, making public transit typically the cheaper and faster option. A few drivers noted how driving can be quite challenging in Sydney due to aggressive drivers and complicated merges, so I’d avoid the headache and simply use the three other transportation methods described above.
Taking an Australian road trip isn’t an efficient idea either unless you have significant time to spare, as the gigantic country (and continent!) typically requires 10-20 hours on the road to travel between major cities—and that’s without accounting for breaks!
How to Get from the Airport to Sydney?
FROM: Sydney Airport (Mascot NSW 2020, Australia)
TO: QT Sydney (49 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia)
TRANSPORTATION: Sydney International Airport Station → St James via Train 8 towards City Circle via Museum (16 min, 5 stops, A$20.99)
Traveling into the center of the city from the Sydney Airport, simply take the escalators down following signage pointing towards “Trains” and then hop on the T8 line from Platform 1. All riders coming to and from the airport incur a A$15 station access fee on top of the regular route fare, so traveling via car is typically cheaper when splitting this expense between a group.
Otherwise, hop in a taxi or hail a car via a ride-share app to take the 20 minute drive into the CBD. The Uber section is separated and further away from the general pick-up area, so account for a bit more walking if you use this app.
Where to Stay in Sydney?
CBD BOUTIQUE HOTEL: QT Sydney (QT king room, $493.72 for 2 nights split among 2 people)
A 5-star swanky circus-themed stay in the center of the city, the QT Sydney delights as soon as you walk in and are greeted by a doorman wearing an extravagent conductors uniform! Part art deco masterpiece, part theatre, the QT offers a decidedly decadent experience with touches of drama, texture, and curious quirks.
Dine at Gowings inspired by New York’s Little Italy and steakhouse scene, Parlour for a pinch of Paris in the heart of the Emerald city, or embrace high tea traditions with the QTea soirée. A 24-hour reception, mouth-watering room service menu, and spaQ theraputic services are the indulgent cherries on top.
The grand QT king features a luxurious king bed and bathroom with a walk-in rainwater shower perfect for regal lazing. This wasn’t the only Aussie stay I encountered with a doorless shower, so while this setup may get water all over the floor it seems to be all the rage down under!
What to Do in Sydney?
Day 1
Royal Botanic Garden
After touching down on the morning of your first day, begin this what to do in Sydney 2 days itinerary with a leisurely stroll through the capital’s largest greenspace. The Royal Botanic Garden is Australia's oldest botanic garden with views of the Sydney Harbour, a natural oasis in the heart of the city. Open daily at 7:00 AM with differing closing times from 5:00 PM onwards depending on the time of year, these free public grounds showcase various themed plant areas—including the Australian Native Rockery entailing a uniquely Australian flora selection and an Oriental Garden with more than 2,000 wild and cultivated Asiatic plants.
At the end of the peninsula is Mrs Macquarie's Chair, a historic sandstone bench carved in 1810 by convicts for Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s wife. Legend has it that Mrs. Macquarie enjoyed looking out at the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from this vantage point—which coincidentally makes it a popular spot from which to photograph these same architectural features today.
Breakfast - Pancakes on the Rocks
Continue around the Circular Quay ferry depot during a leisurely 30 minute walk to reach Pancakes on the Rocks. This rustic diner serves up gourmet stacks catered to every kind of sweet tooth—from fruity lemon meringue cakes to the decadent devil’s delight, or try the best of both world’s with the black forest cherry that marries chocolate with tart toppings!
Museum of Contemporary Art
After breakfast, admire Aboriginal masterpieces inside the Museum of Contemporary Art. Australia’s leading venue for cutting-edge artistic expression, the gallery features a rotating collection of modern exhibits highlighting local artists, both those related to the indigenous peoples of the continent and more recent immigrants.
Closed on Tuesdays, the museum is otherwise open daily from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM with the base general admission costing A$20 and all access entry offered for A$36. Guided tours are conducted for free when accompanied with an entry ticket, or embrace your own artistic sensibilities at the complimentary drop-in drawing stations scattered throughout the building. On the rooftop, a glass sculpture garden adds further charm to the harbor backdrop.
Strand Arcade
Continue 15 minutes back through the CBD to the Strand Arcade, a 1891 covered shopping gallery inspired by Victorian-era style. A long, enclosed passageway lined with shops, the word “arcade” comes from the arched architecture. This refined shopping experience in a sheltered yet airy environment is elevated further by ornate details like cast-iron balustrades, tessellated tile flooring, and large skylights atop high ceilings, giving it an overall theatrical feel transporting visitors back to the European elegance of the late 19th century.
The Strand notable for specifically housing high-end dress boutiques, specialty jewelry shops, and bespoke tuxedo tailors. Dinosaur Designs is one such colorful retailer selling chunky resin jewelry and homeware, while Maison Balzac offers playful hand-blown glassware.
Queen Victoria Building
Just down the street is the QVB, or Queen Victoria Building. Another, although much larger arcade in a Romanesque Revival style features stained-glass windows atop vaulted ceilings and a grand clock centerpiece. A stylish shopping outing in Sydney wouldn’t be complete without a stop here, which features more commonly known global fashion houses.
If nothing else, be sure to check out UGG Australia—not to be confused with the copycat UGG brand licensed in the United States. These original suede and fur articles are manufactured in the last sheepskin tannery in Australia, making them the only place to purchase the real deal if you’re seeking authentic ugg sheepskin boots.
The QVB is conveniently connected to the Town Hall train station via an underground pedestrian tunnel, plus the building has a lower-ground level food court. On rainy days, head down the escalators and continue on to Westfield Sydney and The Galleries malls.
Pro Tip:
Lunch - Sake
Circle back to The Rocks to dine at upscale Saké for lunch, specializing in modern Japanese cuisine. The iconic flagship location is housed in a split-level heritage building with authentic design elements like the wall of bright sake barrels reminiscent of Meiji Jingu in Tokyo. Open daily for lunch from 12:00 - 3:00 PM, opt for kaunta seki, or counter seating, overlooking the sushi bar to watch your à la carte order or a meticulously crafted set menu be prepared.
If you follow this itinerary to a tee, I recommend ordering a few small plates like the tuna carpaccio and popcorn shrimp to hold yourself over, since a multi-course meal awaits at Bennelong!
Dinner - Bennelong
Round out your first day in Sydney with dinner inside the city’s most iconic attraction, the Sydney Opera House. Bennelong is a Michelin-level gourmet venue offering pre-theater dinners from 5:30 - 6:15 PM which allow you to indulge in fine dining before catching a premier performance! Housed directly within one of the waterfront structure’s notorious sail-shaped roofs, gaze out over the harbor as the sun sets through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Australian produce and wine take center stage in the A$210 three-course choice menu with sides, with each innovative plate reimagining traditional flavor profiles and textures. Consider ordering different items from your travel companions to taste as many divine dishes as possible. Arrive promptly on time, or even before your reservation slot, to ensure you have sufficient time to enjoy each course before the show begins.
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I was absolutely blown away by Bennelong, the culinary prowess demonstrated here was among the top I’ve enjoyed around the world. Even though we arrived a bit late after mistakenly taking the steps up rather than the underground entryway, the diligent staff was still able to time our meal to include all three courses before getting us to the show on time!
Sharing each dish with my travel companion we began with the Western Australian marron topped with finger lime, cultured cream ume, and buckwheat pikelets. This dainty seafood appetizer wasn’t exactly filling, so for our second side we opted for the smoked pig belly house-made koji noodles prepared with shiitake, sesame, and black garlic. Both dishes were utterly divine and I can wholeheartedly recommend each.
For our mains, I ordered the wild caught fish covered in Florence fennel, kai-lan whole lemon purée, and oyster jus. Disappointingly, this was our least favorite dish overall, as the fish was a bit bland and overpowered by the taste of greens. The grass fed Angus beef black pearl with oyster mushrooms, truffle purée, and Madeira on the other hand was extraordinary, sliced into the perfect size while still being richly filling.
Dessert was our favorite course by far, with the crunchy cold fig granita pairing perfectly with the pistachio
plum sherbet. This fruity treat complemented the more traditional chocolate velvet sorbet with prunes, hazelnuts, and zabaione we enjoyed as well.All in all, while Bennelong may have been the most expensive meal I ate during my entire time in Australia, the once-in-a-lifetime setting and equally outrageous cuisine made it well worth the splurge.
Sydney Opera House
The world-class Sydney Opera House hosts a diverse array of performances and events—from opera and ballet to contemporary music and theater—making it a centerpiece of Australia’s performing arts scene. Following dinner, enjoy one more artistic experience for the day by catching a show inside one of the six venues inside. If you’re ever going to attend an opera, you might as well watch one from inside the most famous opera house of them all!
I caught a showing of Candide, a satirical musical poking fun at the optimistic lead’s series of spectacularly unfortunate events around the world. The outlandish costumes and elaborate set changes kept the performance incredibly fast-paced and engaging while reinforcing the professional expertise of Opera Australia.
Day 2
Breakfast - Lox in a Box
Head to Coogee in the morning to begin day 2 in Sydney, grabbing breakfast from Lox in a Box. Toasting fresh bagel sandwiches with schmear inside a nautical deli, this is the perfect place to try one of Australia’s most controversial delicacies—Vegemite. The thick, dark brown spread is made from leftover brewers' yeast extract with vegetable and spice additives, so only a thin layer is needed to achieve the desired effect.
For a lighter meal, Cali Press across the street serves up tasty açaí bowls, veggie juices, and fruit smoothies made 100% from scratch. Their nutrient dense dishes are a deliciously healthy way to jumpstart the day and feature unconventional ingredients like pistachio granola and sea moss compote.
Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk
Lace up your walking shoes, it’s time to stroll from Coogee all the way to Bondi following the rugged coastline along the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk. The 3.5 mile paved panoramic path curls around the clifftops of peninsulas and wraps back within the rock pool bays, passing Gordon’s Bay, Clovelly Beach, the Waverley Cemetery, Bronte Baths, and Tamarama Beach before curling around Mackenzie’s Point to end in Bondi.
Expect the leisurely route to take 2 hours, especially if you stop for a swim along any of the beaches and baths linked by this coastal walk. The journey is well-maintained with supportive handrails and staircases built throughout the trail, making it suitable for most travelers.
Lunch - The Berg
At the end of your scenic jaunt, reward yourself with hearty bistro fare from The Berg cafe located inside Bondi Icebergs. You’ll need to enter the clubhouse to access the restaurant, paying the A$10 entry fee before sitting down for lunch—if you plan to swim afterwards, consider a locker and towel rental as well for A$5 each!
If dressed appropriately, consider elevating your afternoon with a visit to Icebergs instead, located on the top level of the same building! Marrying sunny Australian vistas with classic Italian luxury, unwind with views of the North Bondi headland while munching on elevated bites of artisanal seafood like coral trout crudo or a whole local lobster. The more casual bar operates on a walk-in basis, while the formal dining room accepts reservations for their ever evolving prix free choice and tasting menus celebrating seasonal produce.
Bondi Icebergs
After lunch, dive into the sparkling blue waters of Bondi Icebergs—Australia’s most iconic swimming club. There’s a good chance you’ve seen photos of this site before, with the crashing waves directly next to the striking pool creating an undeniably aesthetic shot. The famous baths have been a historical landmark of Bondi Beach for over 100 years and are open year round from 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM.
Lifeguards patrol both the larger lap pool and smaller kid’s pool. To warm up after your swim, a complimentary sauna is located on the pool deck level along with hot showers.
Dessert - Mapo
After the swim, head into town starting with Mapo, a zany little laboratory where gelato is made fresh daily from raw organic ingredients. Their quality concoction gets its taste and color exclusively from the raw materials used. With classic flavors like fior di latte and stracciatella to more outlandish seasonal specialities like ricotta and habanero honey or fig and balsamic mascarpone, there’s a fresh flavor suited for every palate.
Gould Street
After a blissful day in Bondi, head back to your CBD hotel for a final night in Sydney.
Luna Park
FROM: Circular Quay (Sydney NSW 2000, Australia)
TO: Luna Park (1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia)
TRANSPORTATION: Circular Quay Wharf 5 → Milsons Point Wharf via Ferry 4 towards Pyrmont Bay (7 min, direct, A$7.13)
Before dinner, take the ferry from Circular Quay to Milsons Point to catch the sunset from Luna Park, a 1935 heritage-listed amusement park on the northern shore of the harbor. Admission to walk around the seaside location, enjoy the whimsical atmosphere, and grab a carnival snack is free. However, a rides pass is necessary to enjoy the retro coaster attractions in addition to the family-friendly carnival rides, sideshow games, and modern amusements.
Even if you don’t go inside the park, this charming ferry route is a quick and cheap way to get on the water and see iconic harbor attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from a new vantage point!
For an even more outlandish viewpoint, consider scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a 2.5 - 3.5 hour adrenaline-racing adventure, with four varieties of bridge climbs offered to suit your budget and preferences.
Pro Tip:
Drinks - Maybe Sammy
Continue to Maybe Sammy for a pre-dinner cocktail, an innovative hotel bar-inspired drinkery with a place on The World’s 50 Best Bars list year after year. A 1950s Hollywood glamour interior is complimented by elegant drinks served in a smartly packaged combination of theatrics and attentive, fun service. Maybe Sammy is open for walk-ins, so there’s no need to book a reservation.
The current Grand Maybe Sammy Hotel menu is served Wednesday through Saturday from 4:30 PM - 1:00 AM on a foldable game board. While any drink is sure to delight, the lychee martini was particularly fun in that it’s prepared table-side with a giant liquid nitrogen bubble on top. The cold plunge involves similar theatrics, with an ice cap covering the haku vodka and absinthe inside until it’s broken with a mallet to reveal smoking menthol distillate.
Dinner - Mr. Wong
Round out your last night in Sydney by heading to medieval Mr. Wong’s, who does Cantonese-cuisine in a larger than life way. Serving over 80 dishes across two intimate levels, it's a boisterous affair softened with cozy nooks for date nights, dim lighting, and moody jazz.
Barbecue ducks—whether ordered as Peking duck pancakes or a whole Chinese roast duck—are a crowd favorite alongside the fried and steamed dim sum platters. With a thick bound menu and wine list that could be novels themselves, be prepared to make some tough choices, although your server can always offer some help! Mr. Wong is open daily from 12:00 - 3:00 PM for lunch and from 5:30 - 10:30 PM for dinner; as quite a popular establishment it’s wise to make a reservation to avoid a long wait.
How Much Do Two Days in Sydney Cost?
Following the above what to do in Sydney in 2 days itinerary totaled $929.25, costing me $464.63 per day as a 20-something on a girls trip:
Transportation
$35.85 - Didi rides around Sydney split amongst two people
$12.69 - Uber rides around Sydney split amongst two people
$4.56 - Circular Quay to Luna Park ferry fare
Food and Drink
$46.35 - popcorn shrimp, hamachi crudo, and sushi roll from Sake
$158.35 - 3-course pre-theater dinner and wine from Bennelong
$6.41 - Vegemite bagel from Lox in a Box
$44.30 - two artisan cocktails and truffle grilled cheese from Maybe Sammy
$67.54 - peking duck, fried dumplings, and cocktail from Mr. Wong
Activities
$76.79 - Candide stalls ticket inside the Sydney Opera House
$9.74 - entry fee and towel rental from Bondi Icebergs
Souvenirs
$78.20 - quilted black leather fur gloves from UGG Australia inside the QVB
$141.61 - white counter stitch shorts from Kivari on Gould Street
Lodging
$246.86 - two nights in the QT Sydney, split amongst two people
The 2 days I spent in Sydney were at the very beginning of an 11-day first visit to Australia, meaning I was quite eager to be there and ready to shop and eat to my heart’s content. While a trip to Sydney could certainly be done on a budget, I went the other route—indulging in fine gourmet dining and luxury boutiques before behaving with more restraint in later locations. That said, I feel all of these splurges were well worth the investment, and a dinner or drink at any of the above recommendations won’t disappoint.
To spend less in Sydney, consider eating at The Potting Sheds inside the lush Grounds of Alexandria instead of Bennelong—and be sure to get a Nutella donut there for only A$4! Artisanal drinks and boutique buys could be cut out as well, plus leveraging public transit is more affordable than booking ride-sharing services.
What to Wear in Sydney?
As a major financial hub, Sydney blends laid-back Aussie ideals with a more elevated style profile appropriate for professional outings. Set along the harbor, this airy sea breeze is embodied in the local aesthetic full of practical fabrics perfect for hot, humid summers.
As dramatic as it sounds—and Sydney is known for it’s theatrical ambiance—you can’t overdo linen looks. The subtropical climate necessitates breathable attire, so consider packing every linen piece you own and calling it a day. Articles in natural neutral colors are well-suited for the urban environment, with locals on their way to work typically dressed in these muted earthy tones. To add visual interest with a dash of playful summer fun, incorporate linens with light, thin stripes and seaside statement necklaces exuding coastal charm. Thongs (the shoes, that is) aren’t necessarily appropriate for the city streets; instead pack breathable flats that will keep your feet cool during long days strutting around the CBD.
Limitless Linen
the limit does not exist for how much linen you should pack, genuinely put every linen piece in your bag
Natural Neutrals
layer earthy neutral tones for looks that seamlessly transition from the business CBD to beachy burbs like Bondi
Light Stripes
incorporate sunny visual interest with breezy striped patterns brightening refined summer linen looks
Boxy Basics
blend in with the angular architecture wearing boxy basic tops elevated by unusual asymmetric elements
Breathable Flats
closed toed flats are common on the city streets; mesh structures and open sling backs keep them breathable
Seaside Statements
carry coastal charm into the bustling city streets with statement necklaces featuring seaside elements
Is 2 Days in Sydney Enough?
When considering what to see in Sydney in 2 days, it’s essential to prioritize the most quintessential, outlandish capital experiences—you only have 2 days to spare for Pete’s sake! Exploring the CBD will certainly take at least one day, while your second outing should be reserved for one of the many coastal communities dotting the charming wharfs.
I opted to explore Bondi, as this is arguably the most famous beach cove in Sydney home to the sparkling Bondi Icebergs that have been patiently waiting on my travel bucket list for quite some time. However, without additional time to spare this means you’ll have to skip other popular spots like Manly Beach, Darling Harbour, Watsons Bay, and many more.
I felt this was a fair tradeoff to make in exchange for visiting more Australian points of interest—especially since true beach towns like Byron Bay and Airlie Beach lack the urban infrastructure of cities like Sydney and Melbourne. That being said, you can’t go wrong with more days in Sydney, but you also may miss out on better, unobstructed stretches of sand found elsewhere. If you’re taking a longer vacation than the 11 days I spent in Australia and have more time to spare, then you can do both and get the best of both worlds!
Assuming you have more Aussie destinations on your itinerary, 2 days in Sydney is enough time to sufficiently explore the central city district housing the capital’s most notorious landmarks, plus have a day to lounge on one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. This was a sufficient amount of time for a first visit, and I departed satisfied that I experienced the best of Sydney!
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