24 Hours in Sydney

So, you've got one day to spend in Sydney, and you're looking for the best way to pass the time. Well, it doesn't matter whether you've visited before or if you're getting your first taste of Australia's most famous city. It's safe to say you're bound to have an awesome time.

Unfortunately, however, 24 hours is quite a short period to truly explore a place. With this in mind, having a well-researched itinerary will help you get to see as much as possible without becoming overwhelmed (or exhausted).

Without further ado, the following are how to spend 24 hours in Sydney and experience 5 things to do, see and eat.

Best Way To Spend 24 Hours in Sydney

1. Prepare for Your Arrival

If you're reading this in 2021, there's a strong chance that Australia's international travel ban is still in place. That means that you're unlikely to be granted entry into the country unless you're a citizen, resident, or an immediate family member. However, if you're already in New South Wales, you will be able to travel for both work and holiday, as long as you respect the public health orders.

In addition to minding safety measures, it's also not a bad idea to get all the technical details out of the way so that you have as much time for adventure as possible. Ideally, your hostel in the city will already be booked by the time you arrive. Moreover, you'll have a rough itinerary and a trusty map so that you're not stuck looking for things to do or asking for directions.

Another thing to consider is leaving your luggage in a safe place. This way, you won't be weighed down by a heavy backpack or stuck worrying about your possessions. Remember, you're meant to be enjoying yourself, so make the necessary preparations, and you won't have to worry about a single thing once you arrive. If you're staying at Base Sydney you can store your luggage for free if you're staying there for 24 hours, if not Not a Travel Club suggests leaving your backpack at Stasher, a chain of luggage depots with over ten locations in the city.

2. Start at Bondi Beach

Nothing beats starting your morning basking in the sunshine and enjoying the waves. However, a hearty breakfast and a strong cup of coffee are musts for any serious traveler. After all, how are you supposed to spend the day exploring if you don't take some time for sustenance?

With this in mind, it's not a bad idea to visit one of Sydney's most beloved breakfast spots, Bills Bondi Beach. The home of the original smashed avocado on toast (priced A$15), it's just a two-minute walk from the ocean. It opens at 7a.m., and if you get there early enough, you'll avoid the crowds, which is always a plus for a hungry and thirsty traveler.

Once you're fed and caffeinated, you'll be ready for some serious activity. Whether you decide to book a surfing lesson, have a swim in the dedicated area, or just explore the markets is entirely up to you.

3. Take a Walk

You might be tempted to stay at the beach all day, but there's still a lot of Sydney left to explore. Try to get moving at around 10a.m. at the latest.

If you're a true adventurer, you'll definitely appreciate the city's famous Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk. It's the perfect opportunity to see some of Sydney's best and is full of things to see, so you can expect to spend a minimum of two hours on the trail.

Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to see the sculptures display at the Hunter & Marks Parks. Have a refreshment in Bronte (along with a free electric barbecue area) and go through Clovelly and the 500-meter cliff-top boardwalk.

4. Head to the City

Once you've finished your adventure by the water, you might be ready to take a breather. This is the perfect opportunity to head back to the city and enjoy the city's more famous landmarks. You can get to Circular Quay station by public transport, or, if you're up for it, you might even want to rent a bicycle. Once you're there, you'll be just a few minutes away from Sydney city centre.

Of course, before you get walking again, you might want to stop for refreshments, and there's no better place for that than The Rocks. Home to some of the city's best restaurants, it offers options for every budget, whether you prefer to sit down and have a proper meal or you want to grab a burger to go and take in the surroundings.

Once you're ready to move on, you can head to Harbour Bridge and shoot a few Instagram-worthy shots. If you're ready for the ultimate adventure, you can attempt the Bridge Climb. However, keep in mind that it takes more than three hours and costs a pretty penny. Still, it's one of the incredibly unique experiences you can have in Sydney.

In the afternoon, you can take a ferry ride to enjoy a view of the Sydney Opera House from the water. Afterward, go to the Royal Botanic Garden for some bird-spotting, then head to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for the most breathtaking sunset.

5. End the Day with a Bang

Last but not least, what's a day in Sydney without enjoying the city's vibrant nightlife? Head to the central business district for a late-night drink at some of Sydney's secret bars, or spend the night on the dancefloor at one of Sydney's late night venues.

By the time you're done with all these activities, you'll be more than ready to hit the hay. And, best of all, you'll have gotten a taste of the kind of place Sydney is, so you know what to seek out next time you visit. Or, who knows, you might just decide to ditch the rest of your travel plans and stay put for a few more days? 24 hours in Sydney is not enough to fully experience this amazing city!

If you're heading to Sydney make sure you check out Nomads Backpackers, which is located near all the action in Sydney.

Author: Sarah is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She is passionate about an eco-friendly lifestyle and adores her cats. She is an avid reader who loves to travel when time allows.