Things to do in Sydney this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Sydney this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Sydney
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
OutdoorsEastern Suburbs
6 km cliff-edge path past Tamarama and Bronte — best at sunrise.
Sydney Opera House
CultureBennelong Point
Take the backstage tour or just watch the sails change colour at dusk.
Royal Botanic Garden
OutdoorsCBD
Harbour-side park with Mrs Macquarie's Chair — the postcard angle.
Surry Hills
Food & DrinkSurry Hills
Crown Street brunch, Crown Street dinner, tiny bars in between.
Manly Ferry & Beach
FamilyManly
30-minute ferry from Circular Quay — beach, surf school, fish & chips.
Newtown
NightlifeInner West
King Street — live music, late-night Thai, vintage shops and the Enmore Theatre.
Where to eat
Quay
$$$$Contemporary Australian · The Rocks
Peter Gilmore's tasting menu with Opera House and Harbour Bridge views.
Tetsuya's
$$$$Japanese-French tasting · CBD
Tetsuya Wakuda's restored federation home — confit ocean trout is legend.
Chin Chin
$$$South-East Asian · Surry Hills
Loud, large and very good — book a couple of weeks ahead.
Bourke Street Bakery
$Bakery · Surry Hills
Sausage rolls, ginger brulée tarts and queue out the door.
Spice I Am
$$Thai · Surry Hills
Properly spicy Bangkok-style — get the jungle curry.
Live & on stage
Sydney Festival
Citywide · Jan 7–26 · Mixed
Vivid Sydney
Harbour & CBD · May 22 – Jun 13 · Light & music
Splendour in the Grass
Byron Bay · Jul 24–26 · Festival
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Garden. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.