Perfect 4 Day Sydney Itinerary

If you’re looking to spend four days in Sydney, then in this post I’m going to share the perfect itinerary to hit the highlights. Much of this itinerary was built by a friend who grew up in Sydney, and then I followed it step by step on a recent visit to this magnificent city. This plan expands on the classic 3-day route by giving you extra time to explore Sydney’s neighborhoods and cultural side.

Where to Stay in Sydney

Choose Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, or Paddington for a balance of charm and convenience, and to stay further out from the tourist hustle and bustle, appreciating the local experience. Here are my top tips for each hotel category (I personally stayed at the Ibis – it was no frills but centrally located!).

• Budget: Ibis Budget Sydney East
• Midrange: Crystalbrook Albion
• Luxury: The Langham Sydney
• Apartments: VRBO Sydney rentals

Day 1 – City Walking Tour

Explore Hyde Park and the Anzac Memorial, then head through the Royal Botanic Gardens to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for iconic Sydney Harbour views. Walk along the seawall to the Opera House, then into Circular Quay (where most of the harbour ferries depart from) to visit Customs House (primarily a historic building with cool architecture) and the Fortune of War pub on the edge of the Rocks neighborhood, the oldest part of Sydney. If you are eager to spend a bit more time at the Opera House, I recommend doing a guided architecture tour.

After lunch, explore the Rocks Discovery Museum, which will help orient you to the first Europeans who came to live in the city and the struggles they endured (there is also some pre-European exhibits). In the afternoon, walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge (if you are feeling spendy, consider paying for the harbour bridge walk experience). End in the Queen Victoria Building (the QVC) which is in the downtown shopping district. The QVC has some beautiful shops and a few restaurants as well. Being in this area which is quite bustling will give you an appreciation for why I recommend staying in one of the Sydney local neighborhoods listed above.

Day 2 – Taronga Zoo and Manly

Take the ferry from Circular Quay in downtown to Taronga Zoo for close-up encounters with koalas, kangaroos, and exotic animals. You can see most of the highlights of the zoo within 3-4 hours. Something I really appreciated about this zoo was how close and personal you can get with the animals. The exhibits are well done and in particular, the native species exhibit where there isn’t even a fence between you and the kangaroos! Buying tickets online in advance is recommended and try to go when they open to reduce exposure to the crowds.

When you complete your time at the zoo, head to Manly, which is about a 30 minutes uber ride from the zoo. From here, grab lunch at Phuket Charm Thai, Rice & Nori, or Hugo’s, then grab dessert at Anita Gelato. Walk the Corso (Manly’s main drag), visit Manly Beach (so many surfers!), and check out the Manly Wormhole (at the far end of the Manly beach heading north – it’s a cliffside attraction only accessible at low tide). If time allows, continue walking North to Freshwater Beach. End with a drink at 4 Pines Brewery before ferrying back to downtown Circular Quay.

Day 3 – Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk

This was my FAVORITE activity in Sydney, so much so that I actually walked it twice (once in each direction). I do recommend if you are short on time to start on the southern end and walk north, which would have you starting in Coogee. From there, grab a coffee, and set off on the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk. Stop at Bronte Beach, admire the waves, and look for whales in season (I spotted a bunch of humpbacks from there!). One of the coolest things about Sydney’s coast is the proliferation of ocean pools. There are 5 or so along the trail, and you will spot locals enjoying the brisk water year round. Nothing comes between an Aussie and the ocean! Do be mindful of the risk of shark attack. In the summer months, the lifeguards will place shark walls that are electrified to reduce interaction.

Finish at the Bondi Icebergs Swim Club for a swim, then enjoy Bondi Beach. Most people just take a photo of the Icebergs for Instagram, but I recommend bringing your swimsuit with you on the walk and actually jumping in to appreciate it like a local. I was able to rent a towel and locker, and found a spare pair of swim goggles in the lost and found. If you don’t want to swim, you can also eat at the clubhouse. Some other great food options in Bondi include Lox Stock & Barrel, Sushi Meow, or Lox in a Box.

The seaside walk takes 3-4 hours depending on your speed, so you may be done after a late lunch. If you’re looking for more though, check out the Bondi Junction area for some shopping in the later afternoon.

Day 4 – Neighborhoods or Museums

I’ve designed the fourth day of the itinerary for you to just have a wander, which is something I think is super important when visiting a new city. I recommend for wandering to make your way to Oxford Street in Paddington, where you can stop by Paddington Reservoir Gardens, and grab a coffee at Ampersand Café & Bookstore and have a perusal of their many floors of books. Or, head into Surry Hills neighborhood for food at Bar Conte or Gelato Messina, or go to Darlinghurst for eats at Madam Ji, Eat Thai, or Bill’s. In each neighborhood, take in the unique architecture of the townhomes, enjoy strolling the parks and seeing all the dogs out on their walks. Get a real sense for where the locals live!

If you want to do more touristing instead, some other great options for the day include the Australian Museum which is free, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, or the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Final Thoughts

Four days in Sydney gives you the best of both worlds: iconic sights, beach time, and neighborhood charm. It’s the perfect length of stay before adding on a trip to the Blue Mountains or flying to another city like Melbourne.