Sydney is Australia's largest city and the capital of New South Wales. Sydney is an unusual metropolis in which the tallest skyscrapers look harmoniously with small Mediterranean-style houses, pristine beaches and parks. This city will appeal to everyone: young people will be able to plunge into the fun and active nightlife of the city, more mature people will be happy to visit theaters and operas, lovers of silence will easily find a secluded place for themselves, and active tourists will be delighted with extreme walks. Life is raging in this city and to be here means to be in the center of all modernity. Many people think that Sydney is a very expensive city, but contrary to this opinion, our life hack will tell you how you can relax and what to see without spending a cent.
Sydney Opera House
The main attraction of the city is the Sydney Opera House, outwardly everyone knows it, even those who have never been to Sydney. The Sydney Opera House is not only a visiting card of the city, but of the whole of Australia. Of course, to get to the opera it is worth buying a ticket, but many are ready to spend. Inside, the opera looks much more restrained and more modest than outside, so tourists and guests of the city often enjoy its romantic view from the side and take pictures against its background.
Harbor Bridge
The next most famous is the Steel Harbor Bridge, Sydney's imposing bridge and one of the largest arched bridges in the world. The length of the bridge is 1,149 m, width - 49 m, and the weight of the bridge is 52,800 tons. Having looked into these figures, it may seem ridiculous and unfair that the locals jokingly called this bridge "hanger". The Harbor Bridge connects the city's downtown and downtown. It is open to traffic for cars and trains, but very often you can find residents walking. On New Year's Eve, the bridge is the main pyrotechnic element, it is decorated with fireworks, and people begin to gather at lunchtime so as not to miss this fantastic show. In total, about 70 thousand people can gather on the bridge.
Also in January, Sydney hosts street parades under the open sky, carnivals, military marches. Anyone can take part in such a cultural program, thereby getting acquainted with Australian traditions. Such events are always fun, incendiary and unforgettable.
Sydney Tower
In the center of Sydney stands the Sydney Tower, the tower is the second highest in Australia - 305 m. Gradually climbing the tower, the attention of tourists will be presented with souvenir shops, an observation deck and a restaurant. To get inside the tower, you should sign up for a special excursion, but everyone can see it from the side.
The most favorite vacation spot not only for tourists, but also for Sydney residents is the free movie screenings of Movies by the Boulevard in nature, in the open air in Sydney Olympic Park. Those wishing to watch a movie come here like on a picnic, armed with pillows, blankets, baskets with sandwiches and, of course, popcorn. This luxury is available throughout January, because in Austria this is the middle of summer. Well, if you didn't get here in January, do not despair, because there is a Selinas bar in Sydney, where free film screenings are also available on Thursdays.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is considered to be a large park in Sydney; it is located on as much as 16 hectares. There are about 580 trees in this park, including palms, figs and fig trees. The park is divided by alleys, along which locals and guests of the city walk with pleasure, here you can also have a snack on the grass and get aesthetic pleasure from the numerous monuments located in the park.
Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
All year round, the Royal Botanic Gardens welcomes visitors absolutely free of charge. It is located in the very center of Sydney opposite the Opera House. The first zoo in Sydney was opened here and about 4,770 trees grow, herbarium collections number 1.2 million plants and, of course, a huge number of animals and birds live, such as, for example, yellow-crested cockatoos, fox-like possums and white Australian ibises. The entire park area is free for walking and exploring.
Absolutely free admission to the Government House, oddly enough. It maintains the interior and atmosphere of bygone years, massive paintings and antique furniture. From 10:00 to 15:00 the Government House can be visited and enjoyed a magnificent collection of paintings, and the rest of the time it is the governor's residence.
Cathedral of the Virgin Mary (St. Mary's Cathedral)
To travel back to the medieval Gothic world, just look at the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, which is located in the central part of the business center of Sydney. The construction of the cathedral began in 1821, and the last spiers were erected in our time in 2000. The main attraction of the cathedral is its stained glass windows. Every Saturday and Sunday you can attend a solemn Mass (in the morning at 10:30, in the evening at 18:00).
Interesting areas
The oldest area of Sydney is the Rocks District, having been here, everyone can easily be transferred to the time when Sydney was just expanding as a city. Now it is a very expensive area, real estate here is available only to very wealthy people.
The most famous area of Sydney is Darling Harbor. Despite the fact that there are literally on top of each other offices and various offices, it is here that residents tend to spend the weekend to relax. In general, this is due to the beautiful views and the opportunity to observe the mooring or departing ships in the bay.
SS Ayrfield
Off the coast of the Olympic Village in Sydney, you can see the SS Ayrfield - this is a real ship that has served faithfully since 1911, but in 1972 it was sent to eternal dock. Over the years, the ship has become covered in rust, moss and trees. That is why residents often call it the "Floating Forest".
Another unusual monument is the chair of Mrs. Macquarie, which is a historical landmark of the city. This bench was made of rock by order of Elizabeth Macquarie, who was the wife of Major General Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of NSW. Today it is a popular place for recreation, picnics and a place of unity with nature.
Sydney beaches
The cleanest beaches of Sydney are very popular, these are: Palm Beach, Marubra Beach, Manly Beach. But the most popular is Bondai Beach, which is 1 kilometer long. On the beach, you can not only relax and enjoy the sea air, but also admire the many ferries.
For hikers and lovers of new acquaintances, Sydney provides Peek Tours and I’m Free Tours, unpaid daily excursions. They are held by the Sydney people themselves, who love their city and know all the sights. I’m Free Tours conduct 2 walks per day: a 3-hour tour of the city's main attractions and a leisurely evening stroll through the old English settlement of the Rocks. And Peek Tours takes a 3-hour walk around the city. Do not think that these excursions are just a boring narration of the history of the city, they are not. Tour guides conduct excursions to unusual places of entertainment and recreation.
For young people, Sydney has a couple of great bars, nightclubs and concert halls where you can enjoy live music and go to them absolutely free. So, for example, in The World Bar you can enjoy jazz every Monday evening, on other days of the week beginners but very talented music bands and DJs perform here. You can also call the Rock Lily bar, there is always free live music on weekdays. And those who like to dance will like the GoodGod club, at night the entrance is free.
Sydney is a modern city, but at the same time it remembers and preserves its history. But do not forget that in order to enter, you need to apply for an Australian visa. Read how to do it yourself in our life hack.
