Sydney in Under One Day – Best 1-Day Itinerary (2022)

There’s countless reasons why people spend a good part of their savings just to get a glimpse of the ‘neo-urban jungle’ we call Sydney. Often renowned as the unofficial capital of Australia (sorry Melbourne), this absolute metropolis built on a massive harbour is the perfect embodiment of coastal natural beauty entwined with towering skyscrapers. If you think about it, it's not hard to see why people make Sydney their number one travel destination - it has more than enough attractions to keep you busy for months.

But what if time is your enemy? What if you’re in Sydney for a business meeting and had to take the next flight back home? What if you're a budget traveller looking to explore Australia with Sydney as a pitstop or starting point?

Well, no matter what type of traveller you are, we got your back. We have put our heads together to create the ultimate list of must-see or -do areas in Sydney that will help you see the most in the least. Check them out below!

Kick things off with lunch cruises in Sydney

There’s no better way to start your ‘Sydney exploration’ than aboard a harbour cruise. A day cruise on Sydney Harbour will ensure you cover some of the most spectacular attractions of the city – namely the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Kirribilli House and lots more! Since all dining cruises glide along the harbour waterways at a slow pace, you can capture more steady shots of these world-famous attractions. Besides getting a good look at the finest harbour attractions, you can also get a taste of Sydney’s culinary scene with delicious onboard lunch. And with comprehensive beverage packages, you can never really go wrong with a harbour cruise.

Even the Sydney Harbour dinner cruises, for that matter, is a great option if you're looking to end your day with a relaxing ‘wine & dine’ experience.

Take the turn off the luxe

Now that you’ve got the ‘gram worthy shots of the famous harbour icons, let’s catch a train and head to the Inner West, where Sydney’s chic side awaits. This is where you can find Sydney at its cultural peak – get a glimpse of the explosive art and cultural scenes of contemporary life, walk through the sophisticated suburbs of Glebe, Newtown and Surry Hills, run through the historic pubs, and maybe take home a souvenir from its many vintage stores. Not to mention, the food scene here will take you on an ethereal culinary experience.

The eyes of the Indigeneous

Ever since Sydney came to be and before, Europeans have managed to change the facade of Sydney Harbour. The aboriginal heritage of the city, upon which it was originally built on, isn't something you should overlook, especially if you're in the city for the very first time. An interesting way to spend time in the city is to see the city from the perspective of its original inhabitants. The best and easiest way to go about this is to head to the many notable art galleries and museums in and around the city centre. Not only do they showcase the history of Australian Aboriginals, but some of them also have intricate art depictions of the culture, which traces back to the early days of the country.

A mandatory dip

While a visit to the beaches would be out of the question for many, if you have time, and the weather looks promising, then who am I to say otherwise. But before you put on your sunscreen and beach shorts, let me let you in on a lil’ insider knowledge. While the city is star-studded with the likes of Bondi and Manly beaches, if you dig a little deeper you can find some true blue gems, for the absolute local experience. Milk Beach, Store Beach, Chinamans and Gordon’s Bay are just a few among the many hidden paradises you can look out for.