The Ultimate Sydney Itinerary: 3 Day Guide

Welcome to Sydney – where big city vibes meet beaches, bars, brunch and one very iconic bridge. If you and your significant other only have a weekend to spend in Sydney it can be hard to narrow down exactly what to do.

Our ultimate 3-day itinerary in Sydney guide will help you make the most of your time in this action-packed city, blending the perfect mix of must-see attractions, must-eat restaurants and a little romance on the side. Here’s how to spend 2-3 days in Sydney, Australia.

Friday Afternoon   

Touch down at Sydney Airport, just 20 minutes from the city’s CBD. Conveniently for you, Oaks have three hotels located right in the heart of the city – Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites in Darling Harbour, Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites in Haymarket, or Oaks Sydney Hyde Park Suites overlooking leafy Hyde Park. Check in, drop your bags and let’s get this weekend in Sydney kick started.

Head straight to Circular Quay. Sydney's central waterfront hub. Ideal for happy hour with waterfront views at the luxe Opera Bar. Sitting here by the bay with the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge as your backdrop is a real “pinch me” moment. Enjoy the beer garden atmosphere and your front row seats to the action.

Friday Night   

Feeling peckish? Time to feast your eyes on Sydney’s smorgasbord of restaurants. Fortunately, you won’t need to venture too far for a great meal. Simply pop over to Darling Harbour and check out The Port for fresh seafood, Hello Auntie for Vietnamese, Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium for casual Japanese, or the family-friendly Betty’s Burgers.

If you’re keen to kick on after dinner, head to Frankie’s Pizza for a lively nightcap (or two), The Baxter Inn for creative cocktails, The Swinging Cat for an underground New Orleans-inspired bar or try your luck at finding the hidden Ramblin Rascal Tavern.

It's the perfect start to your 3-day itinerary in Sydney. If you're staying at one of the Oaks Hotels in Sydney's CBD, you can easily walk back to your accommodation on foot. You might encounter some hidden gems along the way. 

Saturday Morning

Weather (and sore heads) permitting, get up nice and early for a brisk 3.5-kilometre stroll along the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, taking you past some of Sydney’s most popular beaches and breathtaking ocean cliffs. It's the perfect activity for a 2-3 day stay in Sydney, as the beaches are among the city's most famous spots in the city. Be sure to bring your bathers during the warmer months so you can stop in for dip at Tamarama. If you’re visiting around the end of October to the start of November, you might be lucky enough to catch the free Sculpture by the Sea exhibition along the way.

If you find yourself famished by the time you reach Bronte, there are plenty of cute cafes opposite Bronte Beach Park to refuel and caffeinate before making the trek back to Bondi for brekkie at Bill’s or Porch and Parlour. Alternatively, you can continue on the coastal walk all the way to Coogee and treat yourself to a delicious big brunch at Coogee Pavilion or The Little Kitchen.

Saturday Afternoon

What better way to see our stunning Sydney Harbour than from above – 440 feet above, to be exact – by scaling the famous bridge itself? Bridge Climb Sydney offers three fully guided climbs, ranging from 1.5 hours to 3.5 hours. It's the perfect addition to your Sydney itinerary. The spectacular view from the summit is bound to take your breath away and get the adrenaline pumping.

Once you’re back on solid ground, take a short 5-minute walk to The Rocks district, one of Sydney’s most historic areas. Wander the laneways, shops and galleries or simply roam the open-air markets and dig into some gourmet street food.

Saturday Night

For dinner, if you’re feeling fancy, plan ahead and make a reservation for Quay or Bennelong, two of Australia’s top restaurants with water views. It’s a surefire way to impress your date during your weekend stay in Sydney. For something more casual, try the spicy curries and hoppers at Lankan Filling Station, go for modern Chinese at Mr Wong, or enter Restaurant Hubert, a hidden underground French parlour. 

After fueling up, kick on to Darlinghurst's Oxford Street, famous for hosting the annual Mardi Gras pride parade each February. On a regular evening it’s a nightlife hub loaded with fun bars, clubs and live music. 

Sunday Morning

The best thing about Sunday morning is brunch and one of Sydney’s best brunch spots has to be The Grounds of Alexandria. This innovative and totally Instagrammable space sprawls across a heritage-listed warehouse, courtyard and organic garden, boasting a café, cute little coffee and juice carts, pastry stalls, BBQs, flower stands and even an animal farm. The Grounds is extremely popular, especially on weekend mornings, so be sure to get in early if you want to eat at the café.

If you arrive later, you can always pop your name down on the waiting list and explore the bustling grounds – there are plenty of grab-and-go baked goods to keep grumbling tummies at bay while you wait for your table. Alternatively, you can take a stroll through Sydney Park, a peaceful and family-friendly park where you can wander among the diverse native vegetations, relax by the lake, and enjoy stunning views of Sydney's skyline, while you wait for your turn at The Grounds of Alexandria. 

Sunday Afternoon

If you’re visiting Sydney as a family (and don’t mind missing a long lazy brunch at The Grounds), a trip to Taronga Zoo is always a great way to spend the day together. Taronga Zoo is Australia’s largest zoo, home to over 4,000 animals from over 350 species. If you’re feeling game, you can even take your zoo adventure to new heights and see the animals from above on the Wild Ropes exhilarating high ropes course. If you’re looking for a unique experience and an immersive Australian Habitat, Nura Diya offers the opportunity to stroll among kangaroos, observe koalas and encounter some of Australia's most iconic wildlife like never before

Sunday Night

After spend a weekend in Sydney, there’s no better way to end your trip than grabbing some fish and chips, rolling out the picnic blanket and watching the sunset over the water. Fortunately, finding a picturesque sunset spot in Sydney is easy! Stroll down to Bangaroo Reserve or McKell Park to watch the sunset over the harbour, claim prime position on the grassy hills above Coogee Beach to watch the sunset over the ocean, or head out to the beautiful local favourite Neilsen Park.

Following the local recommendations in our 3 Day Sydney Itinerary can be the perfect getaway to unwind, enjoy and explore everything this stunning city has to offer. Whether you are after a romantic escape, a trip with friends, or a family weekend getaway, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in the city.

Sydney Weekend FAQs

What is the best way to get around Sydney during a weekend visit? 

The best way to get around the city is by using Sydney’s public transport, especially if you’re only in Sydney for a weekend! You’ll avoid getting stuck in traffic and looking for a parking space. The city’s landmarks and main areas of the city are well connected with trains, buses, ferries and light rail services. If possible, we recommend also getting lost on foot to discover hidden spots you might otherwise miss.

How can I get from Sydney Airport to the city centre?

Sydney Airport is very close to the city centre, just a 20-minute drive. By train, you can be at Sydney’s Central Station in less than 15 minutes, as the Airport Link train runs every 10 minutes. There are also buses, such as the Route 402, which connects the airport to Burwood via Mascot, but it is slightly slower. 

Do any important landmarks close on the weekend?

Most of Sydney’s famous landmarks remain open on weekends, including Sydney Harbour Bridge (and the Bridge Climb), Bondi Beach & Coastal Walk and The Rocks & Circular Quay. However, some may vary or reduce their opening hours or require advance booking, such as the Opera House, The Botanic Gardens, Taronga Zoo, and the Art Gallery of NSW & Museums. Besides, some government buildings, like Parliament House, typically don’t offer tours on the weekends. 

Check the opening times to plan the perfect 3-day itinerary in Sydney and make the most of your time in the city! 

Is the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk suitable for beginners?

Yes, even if you are new to hiking or long walks, the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk is suitable for beginners and children. It’s a 2.5km (~1.5 miles) route that takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you stop to take photos or to catch your breath as you observe the breathtaking ocean views along the way, it might take a little bit longer, but you’ll certainly enjoy the journey. Just be sure to bring comfortable shoes, water, and a camera or a phone to capture lasting memories.

Is 2 days enough in Sydney?

Even though Sydney is truly a large city, its city centre, where most landmarks are located, is walkable and well-connected. Many major attractions are next to each other and are easily accessible thanks to Sydney’s efficient public transport system. So yes, with a well-packed itinerary, 2 days in Sydney are enough to get a fantastic first impression of the city.

What are the best areas to stay in Sydney for a weekend trip?

Being centrally located is key to making the most of your trip to Sydney. Our Oaks Hotels are right in the heart of the city, making them the perfect base for your getaway. 

You’ll save time and will be able to walk to most of Sydney’s landmarks. Oaks Sydney Goldsbourgh Suites places you steps away from Darling Harbour, Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites is nestled between Haymarket and Chinatown, while Oaks Sydney Hyde Park Suites will offer peaceful views of the city’s tranquil park.

What's the best time of the year to visit Sydney for a weekend getaway?

The best time to visit Sydney for a weekend depends on what experiences you are after. If you want your Sydney weekender to be all about beaches, surfing, and outdoor activities, you’ll prefer Sydney’s summer, full of sunny days and blue skies. 

However, if you want to explore all the landmarks you can fit into your 2-3 days Sydney itinerary, autumn or spring are great options. With warm and mild temperatures, you can enjoy a walk along the beach while also avoiding long queues at the main attractions!