Sydney Travel Guide: Tips for a First-timer
A holiday in Sydney could be one for the bucket-list for many tourists out there. I too was once a traveller in Sydney, but decided to come back to make a home of it. Today marks the 5th year since I moved into this paradisiacal city and I’ve never been happier. This is a travel guide, carefully tailored for those who’ve been making plans to travel down to Sydney for the first time. Discover important details you need including the best places to visit, the best time to visit, money-saving tips, expenses etc. (P.S. This is a very basic list for a first-timer that may not work for a regular visitor)
Top three places in Sydney
I remember the first time I visited the city, there was one destination I was most excited about. It was none other than Sydney Harbour, home to the world-famous Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Of course, they may be the most clichéd names you find on a Sydney itinerary, but it never loses its charm. If you’re short on time, one of the best ways to see these attractions from up close is to get aboard a Sydney lunch cruise. There are all kinds of water transport in the area, that allow visitors and locals to enjoy the grandeur of the harbour from a different perspective. Compared to the ferries and other water transport in the area, a Sydney Harbour lunch cruise is an ultimate leisure activity, which combines sightseeing and dining. My next top pick for you is Madame Tussauds Sydney, the renowned wax museum located on the Aquarium Wharf in Darling Harbour. It won’t take you more than two hours to complete a visit here and you can get on with other things on your itinerary.
Best Time to Visit
Sydney, with its tropical coordinates, has a pleasant climate all year round. However, the best time to visit the city is during summer. When half of the world is rigged out in winter vibes, Sydney welcomes summer and with it, a slew of celebrations and festivals including Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Travel down to this amazing coastal city next summer for the best experience.
Travel costs in Sydney
For any traveller, managing expenses are one of the biggest concerns. And that’s why I have put together a list of things to keep in mind while in the city.
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Hostels in Sydney can be pricier than you expect. Look for cheaper hostels in the King’s Cross area, where you can find cheap yet comfortable dorm rooms starting from 26 AUD. If you aren’t comfortable with dorms, you may also look for budget hotels.
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When it comes to finding your comfort food, Sydney won’t fail you! From burgers and sandwiches to rotis and sushi and everything in-between, the city offers numerous food choices, that too at affordable rates. However, my suggestion for you is to opt for family-style dishes at hostels, which won’t cost you more than 8 AUD.
Here are some more quick tips to keep your expenses within budget:
1. Sydney has many low-cost events that are totally worth it. So, keep an eye out for such events.
2. Get yourself an Opal card, a free metro card that can be loaded with money. You can use these cards to avail special fares and discounted offers on Sundays.
3. Instead of waiting for buses and trains, opt for shared rides in Uber to save money.
4. Try to use free Wi-Fi available in libraries and McDonalds as Internet in Australia is expensive.
I hope this Sydney travel guide helps you in making a fabulous vacation. So, get ready and plan your trip to the city right away!
