Sydney is a city of ten thousand faces – an intricate cobweb of streets, glass and concrete that embraces the twirling banks of enormous, dazzling bay. Along with New York City and Hong Kong, it makes up the trifecta of modern cosmopolitan metropolises that can hardly be matched by the gargantuan collection of cultural categories they boast. If you are one of the people who are captivated by this city, here are the most popular tourist attractions in Sydney.
Sydney Opera House
The name says it all – Sydney Opera House is not only one of the greatest highlights of New South Wales, it is also one of the most iconic buildings in the world. This icon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true architectural feat. Made to look like a fantastic collection of giant shells stranded on the coral reef, the opera house is a work of Jørn Utzon, a Danish architect, who has completed it (surprisingly) as soon as 1973. It is a hotpot of theatres, concert halls, exhibition rooms and cinema. It also boasts a café and restaurant arrangement, so you can truly savor its magnificence as you enjoy a delicious meal.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Before the Opera House was built, the Sydney Harbour Bridge (also known as the “Coathanger” among the locals) was the symbol of this city for half a century. Still, this impressive feat of engineering manages to look as imposing as ever and it is a rite of passage among many new arrivals to go on a “dangerous” climb to the top of one of its arches. This is actually a very safe and controlled tour, and you have an option to purchase an audio book that tells you interesting history of the monument while you find your way to the top to enjoy the picturesque sunset and a beautiful view of the cityscape.
Sydney Tower Eye
Now that we’ve mentioned beautiful views of the cityscape, Sydney Tower Eye is a perfect spot for all newcomers, too. The 308 meters tall structure gives them a chance to fully savor the panoramic view of the enormous city and truly enjoy its beauties. It is a perfect spot to get your bearings and decide on where to go next. Since it is such a tall building, it can also serve as an orientation anchor while you are in the central business district. Don’t worry – there is an elevator that will take you up and bring you back down. You definitely don’t have to climb any steep stairs.
The Snowies
Of course, maybe you just want to get away from all the city verve and enjoy a mini-adventure in the expansive region of the surrounding mountainscapes. Sydney is also renowned for its incredible surrounding nature and topography, and going on a snow tour from Sydney to enjoy the splendor of Snowy Mountains can be exactly what the doctor ordered if you’ve visited the city during the right time of the year.
Manly Beach
Still, maybe you are in the mood for a bit of casual tropicana instead of snowy hiking. If you are, take a ferry ride to Manly and head straight to Manly Peninsula, the renowned suburb that boasts one of the most popular beaches in the Sydney area as well as the assortment of restaurants, cocktail bars and cafes that will leave you drooling over a delicious diversity of beverages.
It can be quite easy to become entranced with architectural marvel of Sydney. The city is a testament to the perseverance of hard-working people who were faced with the untamed wilderness and a shiny beacon of multiculturality. Every modern globe-trotter should have this city on the bucket list and visit it at least once in their lifetime. Actually, most newcomers tend to return to this city due to the sheer amount of content it offers. If you are a Sydney cynic, why not pay it a visit? It is guaranteed to change your mind.