I returned from my trip to Sydney nearly two months ago, and I’ve just now started to recover from the depression I fell into once I left. The city is full of delectable cuisine, world-class shopping, breathtaking vistas and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
Sydney is so vibrant and beautiful, I promise you’ll never want to leave.
Where to Eat & Drink
Food
- The Australian Hotel: Nestled in the Rocks—the oldest and one of the most lovely neighborhoods of Sydney—the “Oz” offers a delicious selection of gourmet pizza and beer. We sampled chicken pesto, duck and kangaroo pizza, and loved them all!
- Spice I Am: This Thai restaurant offers a divine selection of spicy dishes, including green papaya salad, crispy pork belly and a variety of mouthwatering curries. It’s a locals’ favorite, and it’s definitely worth the wait for a table. You won’t be disappointed.
Drinks
- Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel: Perfect for pre-dinner cocktails, the Shangri-La offers some of the best views of Sydney Harbor, the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House.
- Opera Bar: We spent our first night in Sydney sipping cocktails at this gorgeous outdoor bar, which is snuggled right underneath the famous Opera House. The view is stunning, the drinks are strong and the atmosphere provides a perfect introduction to the vibrant fun of Sydney.
What to Do
- Royal Botanical Gardens: Wander around the gardens for a little while, and you’re sure to feel inspired and rejuvenated. Keep your camera ready for some spectacular photo ops!
- Sydney Opera House: The Opera House tour was delightful, but watching an actual performance in the Opera House is unforgettable. Check the schedule to see what’s playing when you are in town.
- Museum of Contemporary Art: This free museum in the Rocks is home to a variety of cool exhibits that range from fun and quirky to intensely thought-provoking.
- Taronga Zoo: Hop on a ferry (a fun activity in and of itself!) for the chance to get up close and personal with native Australian wildlife. You walk through the kangaroo exhibit like it’s a petting zoo, with no cages or bars to keep the ‘roos from hopping right up next to you.
- Bondi Beach: Stroll along the Bondi to Bronte beach walk, visit the Underwater Bondi Experience and make time to lounge on this extraordinary stretch of the coastline.
Where to Shop
- Gertrude and Alice: Order a pot of chai tea, gather an armful of used books and get cozy—this bookstore is the kind of place you could happily spend hours in.
- Paddington Markets: Visit these Saturday markets to find everything from original artwork to jewelry, chocolates, furniture, clothing and fresh flowers. The Paddington Markets let you do all your souvenir shopping in one place!
- Bondi Street: Venture down Bondi Street for a collection of chic boutiques that are ideal for traveling fashionistas.
Tags: Australian, honeymoon, ideas, Syndey, Trip




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So glad you got to experience one of our beautiful cities!