Without a doubt, Sydney is the city that I recommend to anyone who is visiting Australia for the first time or is only on the continent for a few weeks. Indeed, it is the city with the most tourist attractions, including the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the historic buildings found in The Rocks. Above all, Sydney's position at the heart of a magnificent bay means that sublime beaches and inlets abound.
However, after having spent a bit of time between Melbourne and Sydney, I must admit that I liked the atmosphere of Sydney less than that of Melbourne. The city is very business-oriented and seemed more superficial than Melbourne: more attached to work and obsessed with appearance. I did not find the same alternative and environmental spirit there that I found in Melbourne.
All in all, Sydney is a must-see place for any stay in Australia, but perhaps I wouldn't like to stay there long term.
During my trip to Australia, I chose Sydney as my starting point. Sydney is the economic capital of the country and even of Oceania. I have some incredible memories from my time there. First of all, because the city itself is great, but also due to the incredible energy I sensed there.
As with the other large cities in this country, I loved the number of large green spaces right in the heart of the city. The greenery contrasts sharply with the buildings in the background. Sydney also has the most beautiful bay in the world. I recommend taking a ferry and discovering monuments like the Sydney Opera House or Harbour Bridge from the water.
There's so much to see in Sydney; the city is so captivating and so full of interesting things that I could't possibly mention all of them. I particularly loved the beaches at Bondi and Manly, the area of The Rocks, the view from the Sydney Tower, the botanic gardens, the constant stream of things to do, the gourmet cuisine from every continent, the general atmosphere, and so many other things! However long your stay in Sydney, you'd never run out of activities. You could spend your whole life here, and there'd still be things to discover.
Sydney is a very diverse city whether you are talking about its architecture, its culture or its population. During your holiday in Australia, Sydney and its legendary attractions are obviously a must see. You can stop outside the opera house to admire its sails, and, if you are lucky, go to a concert there. I went to one, in one of the big theatres and it was really worth it - you have an incredible view over the the bay! To get to the opera house you have to go through the botanical garden, where there are hundreds of bats flying around in the daylight - it's very impressive!
"The Rocks" is the oldest area of Sydney, where the first colonists lived, so definitely a must see.
Don't forget to go to the beach during your visit, especially the legendary beaches of Bondi or Manly, where you realise that Sydney is a city where life is good.