Can life be more idyllic than a quaint summer’s day in Sydney? Put your answers on postcards, please. This upscale city has quite the cocktail of indulgent experiences, with exclusive restaurants around every corner, contemporary boutique hotels, splendid spas, and some of the finest single malts – thanks to its burgeoning spirit industry. There are drinks and decadent experiences all around you, just waiting to be discovered. We create a must-visit list for you to make the most of this effervescent city if you have just two days.
Surfing at Bondi Beach
A seemingly endless stretch of beautiful coastline, the world-famous Bondi Beach is located just a few kilometres to the east of Sydney. Beaches are an integral part of Australia’s cultural landscape, attracting more than 80 million visitors every year. The beach and surfing as a sport has profoundly influenced their way of life, leisure and their sense of national identity. As if the primal view of sculpt-y surfers and infinity dippers is not enough, the sea is magnificently blue, crystal clear and perfectly picturesque. It is, undoubtedly, one of the best places to sunbathe, surf and enjoy the ocean’s calming effects.
The Gelato Messina at Bondi Beach is a must-go destination as well. Adorned with eclectic street art, it serves some of the best ice cream and sorbet in Sydney, case in point, their unique house-made flavours like salted caramel and Aperol with pink grapefruit.
Retail Therapy
The main shopping centre in Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) is the expansive Westfield on Pitt Street. If you are looking for designer boutiques, then head to the charming inner city haven of Paddington where you will find a host of international luxury as well as local designer brands including the world famous Zimmerman store. Paddington is centrally located and relatively easy to get to from anywhere in the city since it is positioned right around the bustling Oxford street, sharing a boundary with its French inspired neighbour of Woollahra.
From Scotch to bourbon, Japanese to Australia’s very own – the range of options and bars for whisky lovers at CBD has seasoned to the point of perfection. A world famous bar – The Baxter Inn – should be an integral part of every Whiskey enthusiast’s itinerary. Hidden down a dark and dingy staircase off a covert little alley in the heart of the CBD, this whisky mecca is usually the first port of call for any serious Scotch fan in the Harbour City.
Circular Quay
If you have a short stay in Sydney and limited time for sight-seeing, Circular Quay is the perfect destination for you. The Quay is the main transport centre of Sydney Harbour and it’s here that three of Australia’s most famous landmarks reside; the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Opera House, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, a World Heritage Listed building, resembles a yacht’s sails and has a powerfully soaring and imposing presence. The Rocks is a charming neighbourhood of historic pathways in the shadow of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Locals and tourists mingle at the open-air Rocks Markets, purchasing street food, and local artisanal and handmade fashion. This area has some of Sydney’s oldest pubs and many of the upscale restaurants have harbour views. The Harbour Bridge Climb is a memorable experience taking you all the way up to the top of the bridge (134m) with a stunning view of the city and the harbour. Not to mention the view of the bridge itself is so amazing and, well, free!
Watsons Bay
Splendid Watsons Bay, situated at the east of the city centre, was once a tiny fishing village over-looking the cliff, with lovely heritage cottages peppered around the suburb’s narrow streets. It makes for a great day trip by ferry for an adventure to South Head and a relaxed lunch. It’s a local custom to sit at the pub’s beer garden at sunset and watch the sun dissolve into the disembodied Harbour Bridge.
When you visit Sydney, there are several first-rate accommodations to chose from, with classics like the Shangri-La, Park Hyatt, to modern chic hotels like the Old Clare Hotel, and newer properties like the artsy Chippendale. The city’s hoteliers are constantly upgrading to match higher international standards and opening stylish properties suited to every requirement.
Best Time To Go
To avoid peak holiday season (around Christmas, New Year, and early January), visit from late September to early December or February to April. You’ll still enjoy sublime weather, but with fewer crowd.
