Sydney is known for its magical atmosphere and for being a favorite amongst travelers all around the world.
For many, reaching the distant country of Australia is an experience in itself, but once they reach this city and their flight hovers over the harbor, one cannot help but be amazed at this remote dream city.
From its world-known beaches, a paradise for surfers, to its characteristic neighborhoods, incredible food scene, and iconic harbor area, the city simply oozes personality and attractiveness.
The mere act of being in Sydney feels special in itself, and that is even before having explored any of the many things it has to offer. This cosmopolitan metropolis almost feels like it wants to reward its visitors with a breathtaking destination after a long journey.
Contents
Bucket List
3-day itinerary
What to expect
Australia Info & Stats
- Language: English is the official language.
- Ethnic Make-up: Caucasian 90%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 3%
- Timezone: [UTC +8, UTC + 10]
- Religions: Protestant 23%, Roman Catholic 22%, other Christian 24%, non-Christian 11%, Muslim 3%, Buddhist 2% Other 15%
- Political System: Democratic, federal-state system recognizing the British monarch as sovereign
- Electricity: Socket Type I, 240 volt / 50 hertz
- Haggling Culture: Not common
Weather
The weather in Sydney is always mostly mild. In the cold winter months from June to August, the average temperature is 13°C, while in the summer between November and February, it averages 23°C, but with pleasant, constantly sunny days.
During my visit in May, the city had a wonderful temperature, with a constant autumn wind blowing leaves everywhere but allowing me to walk around comfortably and explore the city.
Money
The currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD, $).
The exchange rate from US dollars is 1 USD = 2 AUD.
Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere. ATMs are widely distributed around the city.
Prices: Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia (after Byron Bay, which recently slightly surpassed it). Be prepared to spend some money in Sydney if you want to enjoy its restaurants and activities. According to the Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking (updated 2024), Sydney ranks 58th worldwide in terms of most expensive cities to live in (in 2023, it ranked 56th)
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory and many people don’t tip. It is, however, appreciated. Because of its tourist aspect and Western and US influences, tipping is also done frequently by visitors. As such, it is somewhere in between and when tips are given, they are usually 10%.
Trivia pill
In 1932 Australia declared war! On Emus. In an attempt to curtail the large bird population, the army started an organized campaign to limit their numbers.
Fun fact: they “lost” as the effort and ammunition used were economically disadvantageous and sending large regiments to gun down individual Emus was not cost-effective. There were multiple attempts but all failed. A different strategy of placing bounties on Emus was more successful and more than 57,000 bounties were collected.
Entry Requirements
All visitors – apart from citizens of New Zealand – require a visa in advance of travel
Click the map to see details on the visa requirements of the Schengen Zone for each country.
Alternatively, input your passport citizenship and quickly see the requirements that apply to you:
Getting around
Sydney has an extensive public transport system and the Opal card can be used for all of them.
The public transport system is perfect, although not cheap. Trains and metros allow easy travel between the neighborhoods, as well as buses and the Light Rail.
Uber cars also operate quite extensively and taxis are easy to find.
Driving around is also quite manageable thanks to the significant streets and pretty fluent traffic (although personally, I had some difficulties with a big campervan in the narrower and inclined streets of Surry Hills)
That being said, walking around neighborhoods such as the CBD is a delight
Safety
Safety: Australia is considered one of the safest countries in the world, and Sydney is also extremely safe. Although the number of pickpockets and scams is low, it is a large city, and the usual attention to petty crime should be taken into consideration.
Natural risks: Sydney can have some extreme weather. Sunburns are common and if planning to go to the beach, like in all of Australia, careful attention to signs of dangerous marine fauna should be looked out for.
Emergencies number: 000
Tips & Impressions
- Because of the cool weather, walking around is entirely possible and very pleasant, although the distances in this large metropolis do pose a challenge.
- Don’t drink in public
- Wear sunscreen, as the sun’s rays will cook you
- Darling Harbour is a tourist trap and although easy to reach, there isn’t much to see and there is nothing the locals would do there.
- Do not mention the rival city of Melbourne.
