Welcome to Sydney
Often cited as one of the world's most livable cities, Sydney offers its visitors plenty to see and do, without their having to spend large sums of money. Here are some smart ways to enjoy this beautiful, dynamic city without blowing your budget.
When to Visit
Sydneysiders, as the residents are called, spend a lot of their time outdoors, and no wonder: The city enjoys a pleasant, sunny climate year-round. In winter, thermometers rarely dip below 50 degrees, and although summers (November through February) can get very hot and humid, the average high is in the mid-70s. Summer is peak tourist season, so you can save on flights to Sydney and hotel rates if you travel any other time of the year. Weather-wise, spring and autumn are ideal.
Where to Eat
Sydney has become one of the world's great culinary centers. The cultural diversity that defines the city has translated into a thrilling melting pot of cuisines, fed by a wealth of natural resources offering fresh seafood and a never-ending stream of seasonal produce. The influences of the city's large Asian population are evident in the numerous Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai restaurants. These disparate parts are being fused together by innovative local chefs into a culinary strain known as Modern Australian - "Mod Oz" for short.
Don't worry: You can dine very well here without having to pay big-city (à la New York or London) prices; by and large, restaurants are reasonably priced. If you're looking for fresh seafood, both sushi-style and cooked, head to the Sydney Fish Market, a wholesale/retail market on Darling Harbor that sells more species of seafood than any other market in the world, except in Japan. A number of informal eateries here sell fresh-off-the-boat seafood at good prices.
Where to Stay
The city has a wide range of accommodations, from luxury to backpacker, and plenty of affordable options in between. Budget travelers should look into "serviced apartments," many of which have more than one bedroom and fully equipped kitchens. Check out MoveAndStay.com, which has a variety of options, from apartment hotels to townhouses. It's also a good idea to troll the Internet for low rates on mid-range accommodations. In addition, the city has a number of reliable hostels; Hostels.com provides listings and consumer ratings.
Getting Around
Sydney Metro Transit offers two fast, fun and comfortable ways to get around: monorail and light rail (tram). Both run 24 hours a day, every day. A monorail day pass is $9.50 AUD for adults ($9 USD) and $23 AUD per family ($21.85 USD) or monorail/light-rail day pass $15 AUD adult ($14.25 USD) or $37.50 AUD family ($35.50 USD) gives you 24 hours of unlimited rides plus $100 worth of coupons good for discounts at museums, attractions and restaurants. Both lines offer only limited stops, however, largely at the big tourist destinations. Taxis (metered) are easy to find or have dispatched, and are relatively reasonable in price.
To many visitors, the best way to see the city is from the water, and the ferries that ply Sydney Harbor are an inexpensive way to go. Sydney Ferries leave from Circular Quay and cost around $8 AUD adults ($7.50 USD) round-trip. A particularly good deal is a DayTripper ticket (adults $16 AUD, kids $8 AUD), which gives you unlimited 24-hour travel on Sydney's ferries, buses and some suburban CityRail trains. Even better: On a DayTripper family ticket, only the adults and first child are charged; the rest of the family rides for free. Similar weekly TravelPasses are also available.
Sydney Sights and Attractions
The iconic Sydney Opera House on the waterfront is a magnificent sight, day or night. The 1973 architectural wonder is the home of the Australian Ballet, the Sydney Symphony and the Opera Australia, among other performing-arts troupes. You can take a tour of the building (buy tickets online for considerable savings), which was designed in the manner of a clipper ship in full sail. Also be sure to take a stroll on the pedestrian walkways across the 1930s-era Harbour Bridge (known as the "Coat Hanger") and soak in the sumptuous harbor views.
More Sydney Tips
- Gratuities etiquette. Tipping is not mandatory in restaurants, but in most places a 10% tip for good service is recommended. Note that on Sundays and holidays, some restaurants tack a service charge onto the bill.
- Speaking the language. English, of course, is the official language in Australia (or "Oz," as you'll come to know it), but that doesn't mean you won't have to translate a few choice phrases and colloquialisms. This is Australian English, after all. Greet everyone with a cheery "G'day, mate," and if you think something or someone is "fair dinkum," then it's good, honest and devoid of malarkey.
- You say entrée, I say main course. In Australia, the entrée refers to the first course.
