1. Sydney began as a penal colony under British orders. Admiral Arthur Phillip established the first settlement at a cove he named after Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney. That cove — now Circular Quay — remains central to city life. The city expanded quickly with convict labor fueling the economy. British settlers were drawn by offers of free land, free labor, and guaranteed export markets. Fast forward to today, Sydney is a cosmopolitan hub that regularly features on global “best cities” lists and is a major economic player in the region. 

2. Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera house are two landmarks are synonymous with Sydney. The Harbour Bridge, commissioned just before the Great Depression, took eight years to build and opened in 1932. Its massive stone pylons — while visually striking — serve no structural purpose and weren’t in the original plans. The Pylon Lookout and Museum in the southeast pylon offers sweeping views of the harbor and tells the story of the bridge’s creation. For thrill-seekers, climbing the bridge is a splurge-worthy experience. If that’s too intense, walking its length still delivers amazing views. On the far side is Kirribilli, an upscale neighborhood with cozy cafes and one of the best lookouts for a full view of the bridge, Opera House, and CBD skyline.

3. Sydney’s British colonial roots show up in government buildings and historic neighborhoods like The Rocks and Surry Hills. The homes here echo British row houses but are adapted for Australia’s climate — think enclosed patios and cast-iron balconies that blend function with charm.

4. Being a coastal city on an island continent means Sydney has no shortage of beaches. Bondi is the most popular, the Australian equivalent of Miami Beach with its youthful party vibe. Manly is its tamer cousin with similar views and a more family-friendly scene. Both are city beaches easily accessible by public transport. The ferry to Manly especially is a fun ride offering great views of Sydney harbor, but there are better beaches all along the coast.

5. Coastal walks are a Sydney staple. The Bondi to Coogee trail is a scenic clifftop route connecting beaches, parks, and lookout points. It’s best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the water just right. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, and take a break.

6. Located in North Sydney, Taronga Zoo offers a chance to see Australia’s unique animals up close. Koalas are crowd favorites — not just because they’re cute, but because their slow lifestyle (they live off moisture-rich eucalyptus leaves) makes them easy to spot. Wallabies, often mistaken for baby kangaroos, stand out with their multi-toned fur and smaller size.  

7. Sydney’s coffee culture is second to none. The flat white — Australia’s smoother, less foamy answer to the cappuccino — is the go-to. Skittle Lane, Single O, and Toby’s Estate all consistently deliver. Avocado toast is everywhere, but Aussies aren’t precious about it — it might be simply sliced avo on sourdough or a dressed-up version with microgreens. Banana bread is another staple, and most places will toast it for you. Single O’s take, served with espresso butter, is a standout. On the food front, Sydney shines especially when it comes to Asian cuisine. Malaysian and Thai restaurants, particularly Ho-Jiak and Chat Thai in Haymarket, are a cut above. For more upscale or eclectic options, check out Surry Hills or Newtown. Suburban spots like Marrickville and Parramatta are where you’ll find deeply authentic ethnic eats.