![Pic: @kathryndenny via Instagram](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/1XOzQ0uBWJAcsNOr57x6xV/caec2b9fbd7561cb67a277a4cfd2301b/kathryndenny-IG.jpg)

## Ride the ferris wheel at Luna Park

The city skyline may have changed since the first ferris wheel ride at [Luna Park Sydney](http://www.lunaparksydney.com/) in 1935, but it's still such a spectacular sight. Luna Park is bursting with old-world carnival charm, from fairy floss as big as your head (or bigger!) to the beautifully restored rides. You owe it to yourself to grab a bunch of friends or that special someone and make a day of it.


![Pic: Sydney Tower Eye](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/7GNLfCH8O7OBCWdics8REA/34018f45820c418106695e3a8f9f27e0/The-Sydney-Tower-Eye.jpg)


## Dine in Sydney’s tallest building

Revolving restaurant. Need we say more? [Sydney Tower Eye](https://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/) is the city’s tallest building and offers a 360 degree view of Sydney. You can head up to the observation deck and look around, or try Sydney’s highest outdoor adventure on a guided [Skywalk](https://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/tickets/skywalk-tickets/) around the outside of the building. If you need a drink to recover, [360 Bar and Dining](https://www.360dining.com.au/) offers a fine dining menu and award-winning wines, served with an unforgettable view (on rotation).


![Pack a picnic and head to Royal Botanic Gardens. Pic: @tessa_fontaine via Instagram](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/1j7OF3ICfWFj6YASZZiy1L/e7c221cf2c06ef8ad6efac86e3b19735/tessa_fontaine.jpg)

## Enjoy a picnic in the Royal Botanic Garden

Your challenge, should you choose to accept it: stop taking our green spaces for granted. Think about it - the [Royal Botanic Garden](https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/venues/royal-botanic-garden) boasts arguably the best views of Sydney Harbour as well as 30 hectares of diverse plants and birdlife. And it's close enough to the city that you can visit on your [lunch break](https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/posts/what-to-do-on-your-lunch-break-in-sydney). Enjoy a picnic, join a [free guided walk](https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/free-guided-walks) or book an [Aboriginal heritage tour](https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/aboriginal-heritage-tours) led by an experienced guide. 


![The AWO in the Concert Hall in the Sydney Opera House. Pic: Prudence Upton](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/4oYzMnyTdyPRG2Edot2471/c3ec06de95b9b86a9a17f63a6da08cb2/AWO_credit-Prudence-Upton_SOH-architecture_extreme-wide-shot_052_700X480.jpg)

## See a show at the Sydney Opera House

You can’t live in Sydney and not take a peek beneath the sails of the [Sydney Opera House](https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/venues/sydney-opera-house) at least once. There are a huge range of performances each year, from opera and dance to theatre and concerts. See a show, take a backstage tour of the rehearsal spaces or wine and dine your way around the many restaurants and bars. 

![The Manly Ferry. Pic: iStock](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/2L5VX4TObLlfEpnMT6icWJ/68de2edfe07286fb324995afb3f5eab5/iStock-459227435.jpg)

## Catch a ferry to Manly

The 30-minute ferry trip to Manly has been a must-do since 1855 and it’s still the best way to get to Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches. Hop on the historic ferry at Circular Quay and travel across the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour, past historic landmarks like Government House at Kirribilli, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and Fort Denison. Bonus points if you run into that famous big swell.

## Ride a horse in Centennial Park

Choose a sunny day and head to [Centennial Park](https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/) for a horseriding lesson. Back it up with a picnic near one of the park’s many ponds, take a walk in the meditative labyrinth or take a self-guided walk around the park.


![Australian National Maritime Museum at Sydney, Darling Harbour](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/OQZQ6kW7UPVeCubEewmn1/180686c8661567f1ad2ec4a2f2b02346/iStock-458072119.jpg)

## Board a submarine at the Maritime Museum

Go under the sea… without the hassle of getting wet. At [The Australian National Maritime Museum](http://www.anmm.gov.au/) you can climb on board a former Navy submarine, or wander through a fully restored 19th century ship in Sydney Harbour, all a stone’s throw from the city centre.


![The view from Sydney Harbour Bridge. Pic: BridgeClimb Sydney](//images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/2qjSY7lpxjs1K74TO1WeOH/d6455d3870a70fcc8422798f7664543c/IMG_0352-1024x683.jpg)

## Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

At 134 metres, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world’s tallest steel arch bridge and one of Australia’s most treasured landmarks. There are a number of ways to enjoy this engineering marvel: join a paid [BridgeClimb](http://www.bridgeclimb.com/) and scale your way to its dazzling heights, or walk to Pylon Lookout for a panoramic view of the city. Walking across the bridge at street level is one of the best [free things to do in Sydney](https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/posts/free-things-to-do-in-sydney) and will only take you about 15 minutes.



Centennial Park Horse Riding

Things you should do in Sydney at least once

Audio description

Mobility access

Closed captions

Braille

National Relay Service

Blind and low vision assistance

Sign language

Hearing loop

Talks, courses & workshops

Community & causes

Exhibitions

Nightlife

Food & drink

Sport & fitness

Shopping, markets & fairs

Theatre, dance & film

Music

Children & family

Tours & experiences

The trusted guide to tours and experiences in Sydney. Discover fun, exciting and unique experiences throughout Sydney, including free activities and things to do in the city centre.

Tours and experiences in Sydney | City of Sydney - What's On

Tours and experiences in Sydney

The trusted guide to free events in Sydney. Free activities and things to do in Sydney, including in the city centre, Inner West, Lower North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, South Sydney and online.

Free events in Sydney | City of Sydney - What's On

Free events in Sydney 

The trusted guide to what's on in Sydney this weekend. Major events, free things to do in Sydney, and activities in the city centre.

Things to do in Sydney this weekend | City of Sydney - What's On

Events in Sydney this weekend

The trusted guide to what's on in Sydney this month. Major events, free things to do in Sydney, and activities in the city centre.

Things to do in Sydney this month | City of Sydney - What's On

Events in Sydney this month

The trusted guide to what's on in Sydney today. Major events, free things to do in Sydney, and activities in the city centre.

Things to do in Sydney today | City of Sydney - What's On

Events in Sydney today

The trusted guide to what's on in Sydney this week. Major events, free things to do in Sydney, and activities in the city centre.

Things to do in Sydney this week | City of Sydney - What's On

Events in Sydney this week

The trusted guide to music events in Sydney. Discover the best music events in the city centre, Inner West, Lower North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, South Sydney and online.

Music events in Sydney | City of Sydney - What's On

Music events in Sydney

South Sydney

Sydney Inner West

Sydney Inner East

Upper North Shore 

City centre

Western Sydney

Online

Lower North Shore

Sydney West

Sydney East

Whats On-logo fb Share1200 630-darkbackground-whitelogo-greenanchor

Footer menu

Upcoming events

Our picks

Take a dip in the city centre, catch short films under the stars and experience an exhibition that’s out of this world. Here are 9 events to savour.

What to do in Sydney this January

29 January - 16 February 2025

Sydney Lunar Festival

Streets across Sydney are transforming into spaces for walking, shopping and dining

Sydney Streets

Be a part of our events, hands-on volunteer programs, workshops and talks at our urban farm.

Things you should do in Sydney at least once

You may also like

20 unique tours for a day out in Sydney

5 ways to rediscover the city centre

7 ways to have a fun day out in Pyrmont

9 city adventures to get excited about this November

9 Instagram-worthy places in Sydney

9 reasons to love Customs House

Best vantage points for Sydney New Year’s Eve

Free February: 28 ideas for free things to do this month

Sydney’s best Christmas lights and decorations

Visitor's guide to Sydney: 13 things you should know

What to do in Sydney this April

What to do in Sydney this summer

What to do on your lunch break in Sydney