10 things to do in Sydney: Experience the city through a Sofitel lens

Set around a sparkling bay, Sydney is at its most cinematic when experienced from the water. The public ferry is an affordable thing to do in Sydney Harbour, with key routes from Circular Quay offering stunning vistas of iconic landmarks including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Fort Denison, and Darling Point.

For a more exclusive experience, you can explore the bay on a private yacht, a bespoke cruise, or even a guided kayaking tour for an immersive perspective. Enhance your excursion with a gourmet lunch, champagne cocktails, or a private chef on board. Sunset departures are popular, but early-morning cruises provide calm waters and golden light, perfect for photography.

For sweeping views over Sydney, head to the city's highest vantage point: Sydney Tower Eye. Towering above the skyline at 250m, it offers an unrivalled snapshot of the city in one panoramic frame. The Observation Deck provides incredible 360-degree views, perfect for first-time visitors wanting to get their bearings. If you're feeling brave, the Skywalk is an exhilarating open-air experience.

To elevate your aerial perspective, consider booking a private helicopter flight or luxury small-plane tour. Soaring above the city, Pacific Ocean beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

When it comes to things to do in Sydney, the city's famous sights are not to be missed, but they offer much more than photo opportunities. A backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House allows you to explore concert halls and rehearsal spaces, gaining an appreciation of their architectural and cultural significance. You'll finish with an exclusive breakfast in the performers' private Green Room.

For many visitors, the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb is a bucket-list way to experience the vast steel structure, which spans over 500 m long and 134 m high. Specialist photography tours offer the chance to capture stunning sunrise images and watch the city waking up beneath the majestic arches.

A private guide transforms Sydney’s sights into a richer, more intimate experience. Find secret spots within the Royal Botanic Garden, learn about Indigenous history, and finish with a champagne toast or picnic at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Wander The Rocks’ colonial lanes or join an Aboriginal-led walk to gain insight into First Nations culture and hear stories of the land.

For art lovers, private gallery tours, artist meet-and-greets, and curated dining at the Art Gallery of NSW or Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) provide insight into Sydney's creative scene. Meanwhile, Surry Hills, Paddington, and Barangaroo offer boutique shopping, hidden cafés, and modern art along the waterfront, all best discovered with a knowledgeable insider.

Stay anywhere near Sydney city center and you'll have a choice of beaches within easy reach: from the golden sands of Camp Cove, where you can slip into calm seas and watch the bobbing sailboats, to iconic surf spots like Bondi Beach, famous for its pounding waves, legendary Icebergs swimming club, and laid-back beach culture.

Wander the clifftop path from Bondi to Coogee for spectacular ocean views and the chance to spot whales from the shore, or take the ferry to Manly and hike the Spit Bridge coastal walk, stopping off for a swim at secluded Reef Beach. For a more tailored approach, book a private surf lesson or yoga session on the sand - one of the best things to do in Sydney at dawn.

Sydney isn’t just a city you visit - it’s a horizon you step into, where every sunrise over the harbor feels like the beginning of something extraordinary.

As night falls, Sydney’s harbor transforms into a glittering playground. Turn dinner into an event with a private table at exclusive venues like Quay, Aria or Bennelong, or go behind the scenes with a chef’s table or tailored tasting menu. Rooftop bars and secluded waterfront lounges in Barangaroo and Circular Quay offer an intimate, elevated vibe, where curated cocktails meet skyline panoramas.

For a cosmopolitan adventure, Delta Rue celebrates Vietnamese-French cuisine in a chic, intimate setting. The 5-star hotel Champagne Bar in Sydney's Sofitel Darling Harbour invites you to toast the city with the world’s finest bubbles - a perfect prelude or finale to a night out in Sydney.

Sydney’s shopping scene goes far beyond the high street. From high-end designers to independent traders, there's a whole spectrum to explore. Pick up quirky souvenirs from Squidinki Gallery or vintage treasures at The Wilde Merchant in Newtown. Browse artisanal books at Berkelouw in Paddington or visit weekend food markets like Carriageworks or Kirribilli.

For luxury labels, Pitt Street Mall and the Queen Victoria Building showcase international brands, while the Strand Arcade blends heritage with high-end concept stores. Hidden boutiques in Surry Hills, Paddington, and The Rocks reveal Sydney’s creative side, from handmade jewelry to unique homewares, turning shopping into a curated journey through the city’s craftsmanship and style.

Sydney is ideal for families seeking a stylish adventure. Private experiences elevate the city’s iconic attractions: enjoy behind-the-scenes encounters with animals at Taronga Zoo, hop on a gondola ride over the elephants, or join a hands-on wildlife session. Luna Park offers VIP access to rides, while curated harbor cruises or kayaking excursions around Cockatoo Island often include a private guide and refreshments.

Add a ferry trip to the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, or the Australian National Maritime Museum - where kids can explore a real submarine - for a mix of culture and fun, before burning off steam in Tumbalong Park. Tailored itineraries allow children and adults to explore at their own pace, providing a perfect balance of relaxed, educational, and memorable things to do in Sydney.

To make the most of your time in Sydney, balance the city's vibrant energy with moments of restoration. Start the day with a detox juice and an invigorating swim at North Sydney Olympic Pool, right beneath the famous bridge. Seek out quiet moments at Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, where winding paths and hidden benches offer rare harborside solitude.

For deeper restoration, immerse yourself in the hot and cold baths at Nature’s Energy in Balmain, a ritual that awakens the senses and revitalizes the body. Alternatively, retreat to Sofitel Spa, the hotel’s five-star sanctuary where an outdoor infinity pool and sweeping city views create a tranquil backdrop for indulgent French-inspired therapies.

In Sydney, your accommodation is a big part of the experience. Choose a 5-star hotel with an outdoor pool where concierge teams offer private transfers, priority reservations, and tailored itineraries. Exclusive touches, like personalized butler service through La Vie en Grand, elevate every detail. From champagne at sunset to seamless access to the city’s most coveted experiences, your 5-star hotel accommodation in Sydney's CBD becomes more than a luxury stay.

From private yachts and sunrise climbs to secluded coastal walks and curated fine dining, Sydney invites travelers to look beyond the obvious. When you experience the city with Sofitel, you'll discover all the most important things to do in Sydney through a lens of style, comfort, and unforgettable discovery.