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Sydney Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Sydney

Sydney guide

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While it isn't the capital, Sydney is by far the largest and most extravagant of all of Australia's cities. It has a population of four million people, busy streets, and imposing skyscrapers. It also has one of the most spectacular harbours in the world where you will find two of Australia's most instantly recognisable landmarks. Just to make things even sweeter, within 20 minutes from the city centre you can sunbathe on one of the world's most famous beaches. And while it has all the characteristics of a brash American city such as busy streets and imposing skyscrapers, there is something very homely about Australia's largest city.

Latest reviews of Sydney

What was originally booked as a 10 day stay to find my feet in australia, has now turned out to be a 5 weeks and running stay.... Due to a number of things, but mainly because of the atmosphere thats been created here, hard to believe it feels like a 2nd home already, location great, bbqs awesome...more What was originally booked as a 10 day stay to find my feet in australia, has now turned out to be a 5 weeks and running stay.... Due to a number of things, but mainly because of the atmosphere thats been created here, hard to believe it feels like a 2nd home already, location great, bbqs awesome and nights out like going to hooters, everyones happy!close

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by leee19898960 – posted on Apr 18, 2008

leee19898960, from England, has 2 reviews 2

Pay attention to other reviews that mention skimpy breakfast, poor internet access, not very clean, bad neighborhood, and NOISE. All rooms face a courtyard and anyone returning from a drunk lets everyone know they\'re back. Sheets seemed very old & worn. Good security, but...more Pay attention to other reviews that mention skimpy breakfast, poor internet access, not very clean, bad neighborhood, and NOISE. All rooms face a courtyard and anyone returning from a drunk lets everyone know they\'re back. Sheets seemed very old & worn. Good security, but that\'s the only positive I have to add.close

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by dragonish6053 – posted on Oct 4, 2007

dragonish6053, from USA, has 2 reviews 2

Sydney is a great city with plenty to do and see. The atmosphere is pretty good and the people are nice. There is something for everyone there, from surfing to opera. Blue Mountains are good, there is a revolving All You Can Eat Buffet and the harbour jet boat is good craic. We lived on George...more Sydney is a great city with plenty to do and see. The atmosphere is pretty good and the people are nice. There is something for everyone there, from surfing to opera. Blue Mountains are good, there is a revolving All You Can Eat Buffet and the harbour jet boat is good craic. We lived on George St. the main street in Sydney, which can be a bit loud, so don't do that ;-) It was quality waking and joggin to the Opera house but to be honest... it's too similar to other large cities - if you're lookin for something different - don't spend too long there. Oh, and God damn cockroaches!close

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by paul – posted on May 17, 2007

paul, from Ireland, has 13 reviews 13

One of the nicest cities I have been to, Sydney offers so much for everyone. As a tourist there is so much to do and see from the Sydney opera house to bondi and coogee beach. The weather is great pretty much year round. There are also lots of things to do around Sydney like a trip to the Blue...more One of the nicest cities I have been to, Sydney offers so much for everyone. As a tourist there is so much to do and see from the Sydney opera house to bondi and coogee beach. The weather is great pretty much year round. There are also lots of things to do around Sydney like a trip to the Blue Mountains.close

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by yvonne – posted on May 14, 2007

yvonne, from Ireland, has 139 reviews 139

I found Sydney fanastic ... it open my eyes to a mixed cultures. good food, and enjoyment for the great outdoors. One of my favourite places was Watson's Bay Doyles seafood restaurant was fab especially on a Sunday with a live Jazz band and some good wine also lovely walk way went to see the...more I found Sydney fanastic ... it open my eyes to a mixed cultures. good food, and enjoyment for the great outdoors. One of my favourite places was Watson's Bay Doyles seafood restaurant was fab especially on a Sunday with a live Jazz band and some good wine also lovely walk way went to see the Sydney to Hobart New Years Day Boat Race. The Sydney bridge climb was very enjoyable but totally overpriced... Oxford Street clubs are out there and definately worth a visit it will open ur eyes. Bondi Beach is like a Beverly hills movie, Cooggee is much nicer as a beach and much more relaxed. The Randwick races are also a must do....close

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by jody – posted on May 8, 2007

jody, from Ireland, has 4 reviews 4

Top marks, beautiful city, very clean, good parks and great sights. Sydney Bay is spectacular and Sydneysiders are laid-back and friendly. I was there in October, the weather was great, not too hot, sunny and dry. Definitely recommended. Don’t miss: Darling Harbour, a very popular area with...more Top marks, beautiful city, very clean, good parks and great sights. Sydney Bay is spectacular and Sydneysiders are laid-back and friendly. I was there in October, the weather was great, not too hot, sunny and dry. Definitely recommended. Don’t miss: Darling Harbour, a very popular area with shops and restaurants with a good view on Downtown Sydney’s skyline; Harbour Bridge, walk across if you get a chance, it’s worth it; The Rocks, where British settlement of Australia started; Sydney Tower, amazing views of the city from the observation deck; The Opera House, the Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park.close

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by Antonio3 – posted on May 4, 2007

Antonio3, from Italy, has 38 reviews 38

I loved Sydney! The night life was fantastic especially out by Bondi beach which is known as Co. Bondi. There is so much to do and see in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach, Manly beach, Sydney Tower, Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Just walking down beside the...more I loved Sydney! The night life was fantastic especially out by Bondi beach which is known as Co. Bondi. There is so much to do and see in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach, Manly beach, Sydney Tower, Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Just walking down beside the Harbour is gorgeous! I would definitely recommend the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb to all ages. It was brilliant! Sydney has everything; I can’t wait to go back!close

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by aislinnmurphy – posted on May 3, 2007

aislinnmurphy, from Northern Ireland, has 33 reviews 33

Sydney will be everything you imagine it to be and more. I guess the weather is a major plus but the one thing you will notice the moment that you step of the plane is how laid back it is. It has it all, fantastic sites, great nightlife, beautiful beaches and good shopping! You will never have...more Sydney will be everything you imagine it to be and more. I guess the weather is a major plus but the one thing you will notice the moment that you step of the plane is how laid back it is. It has it all, fantastic sites, great nightlife, beautiful beaches and good shopping! You will never have enough time in this city!close

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by SallyAnn – posted on May 2, 2007

SallyAnn, from Ireland, has 66 reviews 66

One of my favourite cities in the world. Sydney has everything you could want in a city and more! Didnt have enought time to see it all! Highlights included the obvious: Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and shopping! A trip out to Bondi Beach is just so worthwhile. Also highly...more One of my favourite cities in the world. Sydney has everything you could want in a city and more! Didnt have enought time to see it all! Highlights included the obvious: Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and shopping! A trip out to Bondi Beach is just so worthwhile. Also highly recommended is a harbour cruise at sunset with great views of the Opera House, the bridge and the suburbs further down the river, plus the food is to die for! Also a walking tour around the city is the best way to get a feel of the place when you first arrive. Also a trip out to Macquarie's chair is great as the view from here is great. For food I'd recommend going to Chinatown, great choice of restaurants, also the food in one of the food courts there is fun and great for a large group as each person can just order where they want and you can still share a table.close

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by orla – posted on May 1, 2007

orla, from Ireland, has 78 reviews 78

What can i say, so much to do so little time! This I think has to be my favourite city in the world. From the amazing beaches - Manly, Bondi, Coogee (the list goes on) to the nightlife - Darling Harbour, Paddington, Bondi, Coogee (good old CBH!) to everything else there is to do such as the...more What can i say, so much to do so little time! This I think has to be my favourite city in the world. From the amazing beaches - Manly, Bondi, Coogee (the list goes on) to the nightlife - Darling Harbour, Paddington, Bondi, Coogee (good old CBH!) to everything else there is to do such as the bridge climb, dinner in the revolving restaurant or a trip to the aquarium to have some sharks swim above your head, as i said the list goes on! The weather ain't half bad either! If you ever get a chance to take a long haul trip, Sydney is not to be missed!close

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by aisling – posted on May 1, 2007

aisling, from Ireland, has 71 reviews 71

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Top Rated Sydney Places to Stay

  1. Vulcan Hotel86%

    Would definately recommend as an alternative to a big hotel or hostel for a couple. In a great location. Walking distance to George St & Glebe.

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    by fordjessica – posted on Dec 2006

    fordjessica, from Australia, has 5 reviews 5

    WONDERFUL! Perfect for couples travelling the world! Great value for money for a double with ensuite. Room made up daily and cleaned. Only 10 mins walk and you're in Darling Harbour! Can't recommend it enough if you're staying in Central Sydney.

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    by philh74a – posted on Jun 2008

    philh74a, from England, has 10 reviews 10
  2. Morgans Boutique Hotel84%

    Excellent location if you want to check out Oxford Street with it's many bars and restaurants. Great double room with kitchen area which was useful.

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    by lainey720002612 – posted on Apr 2007

    lainey720002612, from Scotland, has 1 reviews 1

    class

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    by slangr4374 – posted on Jan 2006

    slangr4374, from Ireland, has 1 reviews 1
  3. Mariners Court Hotel81%

    The Ottingnons made us very welcome on arrival with complimentary breakfast. They gave us useful info on getting about and helped with organising transfer back to airport. The hotel was in a quiet, handy location 15mins shortcut walk through botanic gardens to Sydney Opera House. It was a...

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    by itsandreasmail3580 – posted on Jan 2008

    itsandreasmail3580, from Ireland, has 1 reviews 1

    A lovely clean well situated hotel. Near enough to Kings Cross for transport and night life but in a queit location. Staff very friendly and helpfull. Amazing value for money.

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    by mandierrey1075 – posted on May 2008

    mandierrey1075, from England, has 3 reviews 3
  4. Crowne Plaza Hotel DARLING HARBOUR-SYDNE80%

    Great hotel, our room didn’t have the best of views (the back of other buildings) but the hotel was lovely. The staff were really nice, room was always so clean (well when we got back to it) and brilliant location, all you have to do is cross a small bridge and you are right on Darling Harbour,...

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    by aisling – posted on Dec 2006

    aisling, from Ireland, has 71 reviews 71

Top Rated Sydney Restaurants

  1. Bangkok Spice100%

    Great little local Thai that we got back to again and again. The staff are super friendly, the food is great and you can bring your own wine which is always a plus. Really good value too.

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    by catherinegilvarry – posted on Mar 2007

    catherinegilvarry, from Ireland, has 70 reviews 70
  2. Nicks restaurant100%

    The best seafood restaurant I have ever eaten in. There are 2 of them (as far as I’m aware) one on Darling Harbour the other on Cockle Bay Wharf (which are just an extension of each other really). The best john dory I have ever eaten and the steak looked pretty good if your not into seafood. Not to be missed if you are ever in Sydney.

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    by aisling – posted on Dec 2006

    aisling, from Ireland, has 71 reviews 71
  3. La Bettola100%

    Visited this restaurant last night for the first time and it was so good I have to tell everyone about it right now. While Italian restaurants are not scarce in Sydney, good ones are not that plentiful which is why La Bettola is a must. Amazing food, excellent service and BYO...what more could you ask for. Bellissimo

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    by catherinegilvarry – posted on Jul 2007

    catherinegilvarry, from Ireland, has 70 reviews 70
  4. Slip Inn100%

    The home of the $5 steak or at least one of them, there are many places in Sydney that do a $5 steak or pasta but The Slip inn was one of the first and one of the best. The pub is right in the heart of the CBD on Sussex St and has a great Beer Garden out the back. For all you Danish people out there, it's also where Priness Mary met Prince Frederik

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    by Lorraineoreilly – posted on Dec 2006

    Lorraineoreilly, from Australia, has 51 reviews 51
  5. Myer Food Court100%

    If you are in the Sydney CBD and want a cheap lunch , there are so many food courts to choose from. One of the better known and biggest in Myer Food court on the groud level on the corner of George and Market. You can get a Thai, Malyasian, Indian, Italian, Fast Food or just a Sandwich for a little at $5. They also stay open late on Thursdays

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    by Lorraineoreilly – posted on Dec 2006

    Lorraineoreilly, from Australia, has 51 reviews 51

Top Rated Sydney Attractions

  1. Blue Mountains100%

    Just a two hour drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are well worth the trip if you have a day to spare. There are heaps of tour companies running day trips to the mountains but you can also drive yourself there as it's an easy drive. It can get very hot in summer so spring and autumn are probably best times to go there. Oh and they also host Christmas in...

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    by catherinegilvarry – posted on Dec 2006

    catherinegilvarry, from Ireland, has 70 reviews 70
  2. The Bay Run100%

    This is a 7 km walk / run around the Bay in Drummoyne. Perfect to do anytime and it's well lit up at night. Just cross Iron Cove Bridge, start the walk outside Drummoyne Swimming Pool. Have a beer in the Drummoyne Rowers when you are done..

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    by Lorraineoreilly – posted on Dec 2006

    Lorraineoreilly, from Australia, has 51 reviews 51
  3. Sydney Harbour Bridge100%

    I love the Sydney Harbour Bridge , you can see it from almost anyhwere in the City. To see the fireworks on Sydney Harbour Bridge on News Years Eve is such a treat. This picture is Sydney Harbour Bridge on Boxing Day during the Sydney to Hobart Race.

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    by Lorraineoreilly – posted on Nov 2006

    Lorraineoreilly, from Australia, has 51 reviews 51
  4. Harbour Cruise100%

    I think one of the best ways to see Sydney is on a harbour cruise and there are heaps of different ones to choose from - lunchtime cruises, sunset dinner cruises, party cruises...the list goes on. They vary in price and in duration but they're all superb.

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    by catherinegilvarry – posted on Apr 2007

    catherinegilvarry, from Ireland, has 70 reviews 70
  5. Bridge Climb100%

    I had spent a year in Oz and never got to do the bridge climb so when i went back on holidays 4 years later it was a must do! I wasn't disappointed! I decided to to the sunset one (which was typically the most expensive as the prices vary on the time of day) but luckily we had picked one of the best days. When we headed out it was daylight and by the time we...

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    by aisling – posted on Dec 2006

    aisling, from Ireland, has 71 reviews 71

Top Rated Sydney Bars

  1. Opera Bar100%

    I love the Opera Bar for lots of different reasons but the view is what impresses people most about it. It's better in summer than winter as it's almost all outdoors and prices do go up as the night goes on but it's still well worth a visit.

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    by catherinegilvarry – posted on Feb 2007

    catherinegilvarry, from Ireland, has 70 reviews 70
  2. Drummoyne Rowers Club100%

    Overlooking Iron Cove Bay, this is a really popular spot. Good bar food and cheap drinks. Also has a really fancy restaurant if you feel like a treat. Great spot to go after finishing the 7k walking or running track which goes right by the club. I love this place.

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    by catherinegilvarry – posted on Dec 2006

    catherinegilvarry, from Ireland, has 70 reviews 70
  3. The Hero of Waterloo100%

    The oldest bar in Sydney and still one of the best. Situated in an old sandstone building in the area under the arch of Sydney Harbour Bridge in the Rocks. Great music sessions and a lovely atmosphere.

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    by niamh – posted on Nov 2005

    niamh, from Ireland, has 73 reviews 73
  4. The Lord Dudley80%

    This is the very first pub I was in when I first came to Sydney. It's a real pub and and always has a really nice local crowd. They have a restaurant downstairs too and they food is really good. Go to the Lord Dudley on a saturday night....

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    by Lorraineoreilly – posted on Jan 2007

    Lorraineoreilly, from Australia, has 51 reviews 51
  5. Cargo Bar80%

    This is not my most favourite bar in Sydney but it is a great bar for Friday night drinks after work and they also do great pizza. The drinks are a bit on the pricey side

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    by Lorraineoreilly – posted on Feb 2007

    Lorraineoreilly, from Australia, has 51 reviews 51

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