How Many Days In Sydney Is Enough?

If you’re thinking about visiting Sydney one of the first things you will need to figure out is just how many days in Sydney you will need.

Australia’s largest and oldest city, Sydney is a vibrant destination with a multicultural vibe and fabulous weather all year round! There are plenty of attractions for every kind of traveler, from scenic views and glorious beaches to superb food and iconic landmarks.

So how many days do you need in Sydney to soak up a little of its laid-back atmosphere, see the city’s highlights, and experience some of the many adventures it offers?

To answer this question, first, ask yourself what type of break you are looking for. 

If you want to see the city at a fairly slow pace with enough free time for some relaxation, plan for a break of around 3 to 4 days. 

But if you like a high-adrenaline vacation where you take in as many attractions as possible in the shortest amount of time, then it would be possible to see many of Sydney’s main sights in a 2-day visit.

There are a few other factors you might also want to take into consideration when deciding how many days for Sydney you will need.

How To Choose How Long To Stay In Sydney

Designed to help you work out just how much time you’ll need in Sydney, this guide looks at all the things you need to think about when planning your first visit to the city. 

I’ve also included some of the area’s top attractions and roughly how much time you’ll need to set aside for each one.

To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Sydney, make a list of the things you want to do in Sydney, and consider the time of arrival and departure. Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Sydney you’ll need.

Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time, And Time Of Departure

First, take a look at your arrival time in Sydney and the time at which you depart on the last day. Will you be able to do any sightseeing or activities on those days?

If not, then you might want to consider adding an extra night to your stay to make up for this. 

To save time on arrival, you could book a private transfer to your hotel.

Your check-in and check-out times are important, too. If they don’t match your arrival and departure times, you may find yourself stuck with your luggage.

This, of course, can seriously hamper how much you can see or do!

Before you travel, contact your hotel or accommodation provider to see if they’ll be happy to store your bags. Most will do this, although some might charge a fee. 

If this isn’t an option at your accommodation, you might want to consider arranging storage through a private company. There are lots in Sydney offering this service and you can both book and pay online. 

A more expensive option is to use the luggage storage services at either Sydney Domestic or Sydney International Airport. Bag storage is also available at the city’s Central Train Station.

Activities In Sydney

When deciding how many days in Sydney is enough, one of your priorities will be making sure you can see all the attractions you’ve been dying to visit! 

Before planning your itinerary, make a list of all your ‘must sees’ and find out how long you will need for each. You’ll also need to figure in time for traveling from one activity to another.

And don’t forget to account for the time you’ll spend queuing at some attractions, especially if you’re visiting during Sydney’s high season. This runs from December to February.

Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.

Browse Tours In Sydney

Pace Of Activities

Think carefully about how much you can realistically fit into each day when planning your itinerary. 

Although it’s important to experience as much of the city as you can, you may want to avoid filling every minute with activities unless you’re sure you want to be constantly on the go.

Sometimes a little downtime is key to really soaking up the atmosphere of a new destination. It’s also nice to have a little flexibility in your schedule to allow for people-watching – one of the best ways to learn more about a new culture! 

Transportation

Getting around Sydney is a breeze and you have lots of different options for travel! 

The public transport system is extensive and reliable, with a network of buses, ferries, trains, and light rail. You can buy an Opal Card to ride on any of these, or use a credit card to ‘tap and go’. 

The best way to travel around the city center is by using the City Circle – a train that travels in a loop around Sydney, stopping at multiple locations. Just be aware that you can’t travel by train to any of the beaches.

The comprehensive and air-conditioned bus network is convenient, too, extending beyond the city to the suburbs and beaches. You can also use the regional bus services to visit the Blue Mountains and other Australian cities and towns along the coast.

Sydney’s light rail network has 3 main lines, whilst its ferries operate around the harbor from Circular Quay to 8 different destinations. Alternatively, you could opt for a water taxi, which is one of the quickest ways to get around the harbor.

What To Do In Sydney

Here are some of the very best activities to enjoy in Sydney and my suggestions for how much time to set aside for each.

Tour The Opera House

Considered one of the greatest buildings of all time, Sydney’s Opera House is also one of the world’s busiest centers for performing arts. 

This Opera House tour gives you the chance to step beneath the sails with a knowledgeable guide and learn more about its incredible history. 

You’ll see for yourself the theaters where over 1800 performances are held each year and get access to some great vantage points that are closed off to the general public. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see the cast rehearsing for their next production.

Suggested time: 1 hour

Speed Through Sydney Harbour On A Jet Boat

If you’re looking for a little adventure whilst in Sydney, then hop on board one of its state-of-the-art jet boats for the ride of your life! 

Racing up to speeds of an eye-watering 47 miles (75 kilometers) per hour, the Thunder Thrill ride includes a mixture of gentle maneuvers and high-octane spins and breaks to get your adrenaline pumping! 

More than just exhilarating, this is also a fantastic way to see Sydney Harbour’s iconic sights!

Suggested time: Choose between a 30 or 45-minute ride

Meet Native Australian Animals In The Blue Mountains

Escape the crowds in this small group tour and skip the line to some of the area’s top attractions! 

Your adventure begins at Scenic World where you’ll get to ride the Scenic Railway, Skyway, and Cableway – all in the company of your knowledgeable guide.

Next, you’ll be taken on a boarded rainforest walk to learn more about this natural ecosystem, before heading to the Three Sister’s lookout to admire the scenery and snap some memorable photos. 

After lunch at a historic hotel, you’ll visit Featherdale Wildlife Park where you can feed a kangaroo and meet more of Australia’s native animals. 

Finally, you’ll take a ferry back to Sydney along the Parramatta River, lined with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Suggested time: 11 hours

Get A Bird’s Eye View Of The City

One of the best ways to see as much as possible in the shortest amount of time is to view Sydney from the air! 

Flying over landmarks like Taronga Zoo and the city’s bridge and Opera House, this exciting helicopter trip also gives you panoramic views of the eastern suburbs’ beaches.

Passing Coogee, Clovelly, and the aquamarine waters of Bondi Beach, you’ll receive a running commentary from your licensed pilot. 

You’ll even get a chance to pose with the pilot and aircraft at the end of the tour for some great photos of an unforgettable experience.

Suggested time: 20 minutes

Enjoy Wine Tasting In The Hunter Valley

The ultimate experience for connoisseurs of wine and food alike, this wine tasting tour takes you to one of Australia’s most famous wine-growing regions. 

Traveling through Kuring-gai National Park and the Hawkesbury River, you’ll arrive at the beautiful Hunter Valley and sample wine at 3 boutique wineries, along with some delicious locally made cheese. 

The experience includes an excellent cafe lunch at the Hunter Valley Gardens Village and you’ll be accompanied throughout the day by a local guide who will share stories with you about the history of the area.

Suggested time: 2 days

Final Thoughts On Sydney Getaways

I hope that this guide has been helpful and you’ve been able to plan how many days in Sydney you’ll need for an enjoyable visit. Have a wonderful vacation.

Visiting Australia soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• How to travel around Australia on a budget
• Cheap things to do in Sydney
• Romantic things to do in Sydney