Edge of the world: Sitting on the edge of the world, Sydney is heralded as one of the world's greatest cities for a reason.
Hamilton Lund
Gorgeous harbor: Located in southeastern Australia, the capital of New South Wales plays host to the photogenic Sydney Harbour (the world's largest natural harbor), the iconic Sydney Opera house, sun-soaked beaches, a vibrant art scene and some of the best restaurants on earth.
Destination NSW
Bucket list: Sydney is divided into distinct neighborhoods -- each with its own character. Many of the big-ticket attractions -- like the Sydney Opera House -- can be found in or around the Circular Quay area, right by the harbor, in the city center.
Head to the hills: One of the best culinary destinations in the city is Surry Hills. The village is heaving with restaurants and cafes, such as Argentine hotspot Porteño.
Hollie Adams/Porteno Group
Best brunch: The neighborhood has also become synonymous with long, lingering brunches. Surry Hills is the place to go for amazing coffee and avo toast at institutions like Reuben Hills.
Reuben Hills
Dive in: Everyone knows about Bondi beach and Icebergs pool and restaurants -- after all, the crashing waves are the postcard image of Sydney.
Icebergs
Surfs up: Bondi is a great place to start. But after you've caught some sun or taken a surf lesson with Let's Go Surfing, we'd suggest taking the Coogee Coastal Walk.
Lets go Surfing
Coast to coast: Elsewhere in Sydney, coastal villages like Manly Beach -- about an 18-minute ride on the Fast Ferry from Circular Quay -- provide hipster coffee shops and waterfront bars, plus a pretty stretch of sand.
Destination NSW
Catch a show: Sydney is buzzing with events and performances every night of the week. The first place that jumps to mind is the iconic Sydney Opera House, designed by Jørn Utzon. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this incredible piece of architecture doesn't just do opera. You'll also find stand-up comedy, theater, ballets, indie concerts and more.
Daniel Boud
Hole up: If you like Sydney's food, you'll love the bars. Sydney boasts an eclectic collection of watering holes, from craft beer spots to speakeasies and casual wine bars. For craft cocktails, travelers may want to teeter over to Black Bottle, a French wine shop, restaurant and tapas bars that channels bon vivant vibes.
Alex Doctor
Roar and snore: Just a 12-minute ferry across the harbor from the Central Business District, the Taronga Zoo plays host to more than 4,000 animals, including tigers, giraffes, kangaroos, platypus, koalas, Komodo dragons, elephants, lions, chimps and more. Love it so much you never want to leave? Stay the night in one of its luxury safari tents.
Taronga Zoo
Top of the world: The vertiginous BridgeClimb experience affords views of the Sydney Harbour and beyond from atop the steel archways.
Courtesy of BridgeClimb
Classic luxury: Sydney's hotels are among the best in the world, from downtown designer digs to rustic escapes. The classic Langham Sydney is centrally located along the cobbled streets of The Rocks, just west of Circular Quay.
The Langham
City slicker: For an edgy home base with no shortage of amenities, one of the best options is Ovolo Woolloomooloo, just east of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House.
Ovolo Sydney
Island life: Those seeking a more pared-back experience can go glamping on Cockatoo Island -- just a quick boat ride from Circular Quay. Formerly home to a prison and shipyard, the UNESCO heritage-listed island has a fascinating history and comfortable camp grounds.
