Sydney – Vibrant city, beautiful beaches, great lunch spots, trendy bars and scenic walks. Here is our perfect itinerary on how to spend 48 hours in Sydney.
Saturday morning
Arrive into your accommodation, refresh and get ready to explore. Ask your receptionist for some local guides and brochures. Make your way over to Circular Quay and grab a 48-hour hop on hop off ferry ticket.
Take a 30-minute ferry ride over to Manly and grab a seat outside to enjoy the seabreeze. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour, The Opera House, several bays like Double Bay and Natural Bay.
Arrive into Manly and check out some of the local cafes and shops. Enjoy a coffee at Barefoot Coffee Traders or Hemingway’s Manly. (our favourite’s) Relax down at the beach or go for a stroll along the beach. Take in the local life.
Afternoon
Enjoy a short walk over to Shelley Beach and enjoy one of the many lunch spots in the area with a breathtaking view. After lunch make your way back to the ferry and enjoy a short ride over to Watson’s Bay. If you feel like more walking, enjoy a short walk from Watson’s Bay to Hornby Lighthouse. You’ll see small secluded beaches, lookouts, lightkeepers cottage and the lighthouse.
Make your way back to Watson’s Bay Hotel for sunset and enjoy some cocktails! Either stay at the hotel for dinner or make your way back to the city for plenty of options like Mr Wong, The Bridge Room, The Meat and Wine Co, Est or Bentley Restaurant and Bar. If you’re up to it carry onto some bars, there is plenty of options!
Sunday Morning
A trip to Sydney wouldn’t be completed without a visit to Bondi Beach. Get in early and catch the pink and golden tones of a Sydney sunrise from the edge of the Bronte Baths, a peaceful dip with a view.
Do the walk from Bronte to Bondi! (backwards) It will work out better as less people will be going this way as well, a way to avoid the crowds. Enjoy photo opportunities of the seaside views. You’re probably hungry by now – enjoy a popular breakfast stop for the locals at Porch and Parlour. This little café is delicious and always has friendly service. Even Will Smith has been to this café!
Return back to the city and enjoy a walk around the Royal Botanic Garden, start at the Macquarie’s Chair and work your way towards The Opera House. Enjoy the Opera House from the inside and join a one hour guided tour and get to know the history about the iconic building.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at one of the many locations in the city and then head to The Rocks district for a bit of pub crawl through some of the oldest pubs in Sydney. Grab a beer or two at some of these locations – The Observer Hotel, The Glenmore, Australian Heritage, Harts Pub, The Mercantile, Lord Nelson and The Argyle.
Enjoy sunset drinks at the Opera Bar and maybe an early dinner after walking around for 2 days straight before making your way back to your accommodation.
