The Best 16 Things to See and Do in the Virgin Islands (2019 Edition)

Updated: 1/5/19 | January 5th, 2019

Updated: 1/5/19 | January 5th, 2019

Two of the most-visited destinations in the Caribbean, the US and British Virgin Islands are what I expected them to be: white sand beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling, turquoise crystal-clear water, scenic hiking, lots of boating opportunities, and heavily poured rum drinks.

I spent a month traveling around the islands by boat. There is a fascinating number of things to do on the islands — life here is not all hammocks and piña coladas. From festivals to diving to strenuous hiking trails to hidden tide pools, each of the islands in the area has plenty to offer to keep you busy if a full day at the beach isn’t your thing.

Take a trip to Buck Island

The only marine national park in the United States, Buck Island is a half-day trip from St. Croix (though full-day trips that come with food and booze are also available). While the marine park and coral are slightly dead after years of overfishing and coral bleaching, there’s a fabulous beach on the island that couldn’t be more quintessentially Caribbean: empty, wide, and ringed with palm trees. The half-day trip is the greatest value and one of the best things to do on St. Croix.

The only marine national park in the United States, Buck Island is a half-day trip from St. Croix (though full-day trips that come with food and booze are also available). While the marine park and coral are slightly dead after years of overfishing and coral bleaching, there’s a fabulous beach on the island that couldn’t be more quintessentially Caribbean: empty, wide, and ringed with palm trees. The half-day trip is the greatest value and one of the best things to do on St. Croix.

Recommended Buck Island tour companies:

• Big Beard’s Adventure Tours ($75 for a half day and $105 for a full day)
• Caribbean Sea Adventures ($75 for half day)
• Jolly Roger Charters ($75 for half day and $90 for a full day)

Relax in Jack Bay and Isaac Bay

Located on the easternmost point of the United States, these bays are two empty beaches on St. Croix. Difficult to access, after a steep hike down a very overgrown trail, you’ll come upon Isaac Bay (also home to nesting turtles), where you’ll be able to enjoy a thin slice of white sand, blue water, and snorkeling right from the shore. Jack Bay is connected by a poorly signed trail at the end of Isaac’s. The beaches aren’t maintained, but, while not the prettiest, they are one of the few spots on the island you can have to yourself. Bring your own water and food as there are no facilities in either bay.

Chill out at Cane Bay

Located on the easternmost point of the United States, these bays are two empty beaches on St. Croix. Difficult to access, after a steep hike down a very overgrown trail, you’ll come upon Isaac Bay (also home to nesting turtles), where you’ll be able to enjoy a thin slice of white sand, blue water, and snorkeling right from the shore. Jack Bay is connected by a poorly signed trail at the end of Isaac’s. The beaches aren’t maintained, but, while not the prettiest, they are one of the few spots on the island you can have to yourself. Bring your own water and food as there are no facilities in either bay.

This is my favorite bay on St. Croix, featuring a beautiful beach, a delicious restaurant (Eat @ Cane Bay), and snorkeling within swimming distance of the shore. Though the beach isn’t very wide and it’s located right near a road, the chilled-out atmosphere of the area, good snorkeling (there’s a steep dropoff out from shore, creating a lot of fish-viewing opportunities), and few crowds make it a place worth spending the day (and early evening when the restaurant has happy hour). Cane Bay is located on the north side of St. Croix.

Explore Jost Van Dyke

This is my favorite bay on St. Croix, featuring a beautiful beach, a delicious restaurant (Eat @ Cane Bay), and snorkeling within swimming distance of the shore. Though the beach isn’t very wide and it’s located right near a road, the chilled-out atmosphere of the area, good snorkeling (there’s a steep dropoff out from shore, creating a lot of fish-viewing opportunities), and few crowds make it a place worth spending the day (and early evening when the restaurant has happy hour). Cane Bay is located on the north side of St. Croix.

The party island of the British Virgin Islands, Jost sees a lot of day trippers from St. John and yachties coming into the harbor and making a beeline for the Soggy Dollar Bar to drink Painkillers (rum, pineapple and orange juice, and fresh nutmeg), the bar’s famous drink and one that everyone on the Virgin Islands drinks (the best one I had was at Rudy’s on Jost; Soggy Dollar is overrated). White Bay is where all the action is, but I loved it early in the morning or late at night when all the day trippers (drunks) were gone and the extensive white sand beach was deserted. Be sure to visit the bubbly pools on the other side of the island where the incoming water rushing into this tiny tide pool creates a whirlpool effect.

Explore The Baths

The party island of the British Virgin Islands, Jost sees a lot of day trippers from St. John and yachties coming into the harbor and making a beeline for the Soggy Dollar Bar to drink Painkillers (rum, pineapple and orange juice, and fresh nutmeg), the bar’s famous drink and one that everyone on the Virgin Islands drinks (the best one I had was at Rudy’s on Jost; Soggy Dollar is overrated). White Bay is where all the action is, but I loved it early in the morning or late at night when all the day trippers (drunks) were gone and the extensive white sand beach was deserted. Be sure to visit the bubbly pools on the other side of the island where the incoming water rushing into this tiny tide pool creates a whirlpool effect.

At first, I couldn’t figure out why everyone loves this spot on Virgin Gorda. The beach was tiny, the water rough, and the crowds plentiful. Then I followed the sign to the caves, and it became clear why this is the most-visited spot in the Virgin Islands. After crawling through a tiny opening, you are surrounded by gigantic granite boulders nestled on each other with streams of water flowing all around them. It’s beautiful. There are nooks and crannies to explore everywhere. After wading through water and climbing over rocks, you find yourself in tide pools that collect between the boulders on your way to Dead Man’s Beach. It costs $3 USD to enter.

Enjoy paradise on Anegada

At first, I couldn’t figure out why everyone loves this spot on Virgin Gorda. The beach was tiny, the water rough, and the crowds plentiful. Then I followed the sign to the caves, and it became clear why this is the most-visited spot in the Virgin Islands. After crawling through a tiny opening, you are surrounded by gigantic granite boulders nestled on each other with streams of water flowing all around them. It’s beautiful. There are nooks and crannies to explore everywhere. After wading through water and climbing over rocks, you find yourself in tide pools that collect between the boulders on your way to Dead Man’s Beach. It costs $3 USD to enter.

Looking to get away from the crowds? Anegada in the BVIs is a coral atoll with a few hundred people living on it. Few ferries go to the island (only three per week), and most people who get up here tend to come via their own boats. This keeps the crowds down. You can go hours without seeing anyone on the beaches. The island is ringed by a reef, making it perfect for snorkeling right from the shore (you can see a lot of rays here too!) The island is famous for its lobster, and each restaurant has its own signature dish (Neptune’s Treasure and Potters by the Sea were my favorites). If you come in November, be sure to catch the lobster festival that occurs the last weekend of the month. It’s lobster heaven.

Enjoy the food and music of Redhook

Looking to get away from the crowds? Anegada in the BVIs is a coral atoll with a few hundred people living on it. Few ferries go to the island (only three per week), and most people who get up here tend to come via their own boats. This keeps the crowds down. You can go hours without seeing anyone on the beaches. The island is ringed by a reef, making it perfect for snorkeling right from the shore (you can see a lot of rays here too!) The island is famous for its lobster, and each restaurant has its own signature dish (Neptune’s Treasure and Potters by the Sea were my favorites). If you come in November, be sure to catch the lobster festival that occurs the last weekend of the month. It’s lobster heaven.

This port town on St. Thomas has some of the better restaurants and bars on the island. You’ll find lively music, a delicious beer and burger bar called Tap and Still, and energetic clubs. If you’re on the island and looking to have a night out, this is the place to be. You can also get ferry service to/from Cruz Bay on 

Party on St. John

This port town on St. Thomas has some of the better restaurants and bars on the island. You’ll find lively music, a delicious beer and burger bar called Tap and Still, and energetic clubs. If you’re on the island and looking to have a night out, this is the place to be. You can also get ferry service to/from Cruz Bay on St. John and to/from the British Virgin Islands.

Want fun? $1 happy hour specials? Amazing drinks? St. John is for you. With only 2,000 people living on the island, it has a small-town feel, but it heaves with tourists who want to escape the stuffy and expensive prices of St. Thomas. Since the main town of Cruz Bay is so small, bar hopping is really easy, and most bars feature live bands.

Note: Hurricane Irma and Maria really did a number on St. John. While recovery has been strong (most businesses and beaches have reopened), some accommodations are still closed. You can follow the islands’ recovery progress at usviupdate.com.

Visit Cinnamon Bay

This bay on St. John is home to the only campground on the USVIs. It’s a wide bay that stays pretty empty and calm, making it one of my favorite beaches on the island.

This bay on St. John is home to the only campground on the USVIs. It’s a wide bay that stays pretty empty and calm, making it one of my favorite beaches on the island.

Note: Hurricane Irma and Maria really did a number on St. John and much of the island is still recovering. At the time of writing, this bay is still closed to visitors.

Hike the Reef Bay Trail

Cutting through St. John, this trail begins in the center of the island and takes you through the forest featuring old sugar plantations, stone ruins, ancient petroglyphs, and a deserted sugar factory by the water. It’s beautiful, easy, and the beach at the end is a perfect place for a dip (you’re going to work up a sweat!). Combine it with Cinnamon Trail that begins at Cinnamon Bay on the top of the island, and you can cut across the entire width of the island in about four hours.

Get away from the crowd at Brewer’s Bay

Cutting through St. John, this trail begins in the center of the island and takes you through the forest featuring old sugar plantations, stone ruins, ancient petroglyphs, and a deserted sugar factory by the water. It’s beautiful, easy, and the beach at the end is a perfect place for a dip (you’re going to work up a sweat!). Combine it with Cinnamon Trail that begins at Cinnamon Bay on the top of the island, and you can cut across the entire width of the island in about four hours.

Located near the airport on St. Thomas, this beach is near the USVI university and a locals-only beach — for the sole reason tourists just don’t seem to ever make it here. You’ll see local families BBQing, people exercising their dogs, and planes coming to and going from the airport.

Wander the empty Salt Island

This tiny, deserted, out-of-the-way island is filled with once-important salt ponds. There’s snorkeling around the island, and you can take a dinghy to visit the deserted town near the salt pools. The island is owned by a family that pays an annual rent to the Queen of England of a single one-pound bag of salt. You’ll need to get here with your own boat; there are no ferries.

Dive/snorkel the RMS Rhone

This tiny, deserted, out-of-the-way island is filled with once-important salt ponds. There’s snorkeling around the island, and you can take a dinghy to visit the deserted town near the salt pools. The island is owned by a family that pays an annual rent to the Queen of England of a single one-pound bag of salt. You’ll need to get here with your own boat; there are no ferries.

Considered one of the most impressive dive and snorkel sites in the world, the RMS Rhone was a mail ship that crashed in the nearby reef and is now its own artificial reef, home to thousands of different fish and coral. It’s a must for every diver. Most dive trips leave from Tortola. You’ll be able to enter the wreck too.

Drink at Willy T’s

Considered one of the most impressive dive and snorkel sites in the world, the RMS Rhone was a mail ship that crashed in the nearby reef and is now its own artificial reef, home to thousands of different fish and coral. It’s a must for every diver. Most dive trips leave from Tortola. You’ll be able to enter the wreck too.

Located at its new home on Peter Island, this old boat turned floating bar is where everyone goes wild in the British Virgin Islands. I’ve seen old ladies doing body shots here, while young guys chug beer and jump off the boat naked. It’s always a wild day on Willy T’s. But if the water is calm on weekends, the place gets very busy as locals take boats over for some Sunday Funday. There is no ferry service to this party barge. You’ll either need your own boat or pay to go with the Dolphin Water Taxi.

Hob nob on Necker Island

Located at its new home on Peter Island, this old boat turned floating bar is where everyone goes wild in the British Virgin Islands. I’ve seen old ladies doing body shots here, while young guys chug beer and jump off the boat naked. It’s always a wild day on Willy T’s. But if the water is calm on weekends, the place gets very busy as locals take boats over for some Sunday Funday. There is no ferry service to this party barge. You’ll either need your own boat or pay to go with the Dolphin Water Taxi.

Famously home to Sir Richard Branson, you can stay on this island for a cool $50,000 a night. Don’t have that much money? No problem. You can take a day trip with Gumption on the

Sail around the islands!

Famously home to Sir Richard Branson, you can stay on this island for a cool $50,000 a night. Don’t have that much money? No problem. You can take a day trip with Gumption on the Sea It Clear Glass Bottom Boat Tour . Tours leave from several locations on the northern Virgin Gorda (including Gun Creek, Bitter End Yacht Club, Leverick Bay, Fat Virgin, and Saba Rock) and feature fish spotting and a walk around the island. Branson has been known to say hello.

It may be expensive, but you can’t visit these islands and not sail around them. It would be a sin. Whether for one day or multiple days, be sure to jet around the islands. It’s the only way to see the more remote islands that ferries don’t visit, get away from the crowds, and discover your own hidden snorkeling spots. Here’s

It may be expensive, but you can’t visit these islands and not sail around them. It would be a sin. Whether for one day or multiple days, be sure to jet around the islands. It’s the only way to see the more remote islands that ferries don’t visit, get away from the crowds, and discover your own hidden snorkeling spots. Here’s how you can sail around the islands on the cheap (or for free!)

****When I visited the islands, I imagined myself wasting away the days on beaches and reading and writing at night. It turned out there was simply too much to do on this area to “waste a day.” No matter what island you end up on, there will be dozens of options to choose from. This list of amazing things to do in the Virgin Islands can help guide you, but don’t think for a second that these islands are boring. Even non–beach bums will fill their days.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to The Virgin Islands!

When I visited the islands, I imagined myself wasting away the days on beaches and reading and writing at night. It turned out there was simply too much to do on this area to “waste a day.” No matter what island you end up on, there will be dozens of options to choose from. This list of amazing things to do in the Virgin Islands can help guide you, but don’t think for a second that these islands are boring. Even non–beach bums will fill their days.

My detailed, 60+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while in the Virgin Islands, a country I enjoyed traveling through so much. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more!! Click here to learn more and get started.

Book Your Trip to the Virgin Islands: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight to the Virgin Islands by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines. Start with Momondo.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel in the Virgin Islands with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates. (Here’s the proof.)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never ever go on a trip without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. You should too.

Need Some Gear?
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use!

Want More Information on the Virgin Islands?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on the British Virgin Islands for even more planning tips!

Best Things to Do in Sydney: My 15 Favorite Activities for Any Trip

Updated: 10/28/2018 | October 28th, 2018

10/28/2018 | October 28th, 2018

The first time I went to Sydney (all the way back in 2007), I spent most of my days sitting in the botanical gardens, reading a book, and looking at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It was the of my trip and all I wanted to do was relax.

Growing up, I had heard always heard about how wonderful and beautiful Sydney was.

And it was true. Sydney was beautiful. I rarely ever got to my book. I was too enamored watching the harbor, relaxing in the gardens, and wandering the city’s walking trails and beaches.

Over the years, I’ve visited Sydney a handful of times, exploring it more and more with each visit. I’ve developed local friends who have opened up their city to me. I’ve seen all the major attractions, the smaller attractions, and everything in between. I can rattle off restaurants, bars, and hidden markets and trails with the best of them.

Sydney is like no other city in the world.

If you’re planning your trip and are wondering what the best things to do and see in Sydney are, wonder no more!

Today, I’m going to share my favorite attractions in Sydney – from fun things to unusual thing to not so touristy things, you’ll see the best of Sydney with this list!

The Best Things to See in Sydney

1. Explore The Rocks

The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney. With its narrow lanes, fine colonial buildings, sandstone churches, and Australia’s oldest pubs, this was the first neighborhood to be settled when the British first landed in Australia in 1788. It used to be a lot bigger but, sadly, it was almost all torn down in the 1970s for modern high rises and ugly buildings. Luckily, citizen action got most of it preserved instead – and these old buildings have been turned into modern businesses, homes, and tourist attractions.

The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney. With its narrow lanes, fine colonial buildings, sandstone churches, and Australia’s oldest pubs, this was the first neighborhood to be settled when the British first landed in Australia in 1788. It used to be a lot bigger but, sadly, it was almost all torn down in the 1970s for modern high rises and ugly buildings. Luckily, citizen action got most of it preserved instead – and these old buildings have been turned into modern businesses, homes, and tourist attractions.

The Rocks’ weekend markets, art museums, street entertainment, delicious (and sometimes overpriced) restaurants, and beautiful views of the harbor, Opera House, and bridge make it one of the coolest areas in the city.

Don’t miss: Sydney Observatory Hill Park for a good view of the city, wandering the harbor promenade, and hitting the bars at night.

2. Hang out at the beach

Sydney is synonymous with its beaches and world-class surfing. Since it’s warm and sunny most of the year, the city has a strong beach culture, and on the weekends (and many weekdays for that matter), locals flock to the sea to surf, swim, and crack open a beer. There are over 100 beaches in Sydney.

Sydney is synonymous with its beaches and world-class surfing. Since it’s warm and sunny most of the year, the city has a strong beach culture, and on the weekends (and many weekdays for that matter), locals flock to the sea to surf, swim, and crack open a beer. There are over 100 beaches in Sydney.

From Palm Beach and Manly in the north to the famous Bondi and Coogee in the south, Sydney has a beach for everyone. All the beaches are easy to get to via public transportation or car and there are tons of restaurants and surf shops lining them all. There’s also a coastal walk connecting the beaches together. Keep in mind that the beaches, especially the more famous ones, get really crowded and should be avoided on the weekends.

Don’t miss: Manly (wide and beautiful), Bronte (small and quiet), Coogee (fun), Bondi (the most popular), Palm (chill), and Dee Why.

3. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair

You’ll find Australia’s first vegetable garden and a treasure trove of trees, ferns, flowers, and gardens at the Royal Botanic Gardens. The gardens were opened in 1816, and on a sunny day, you’ll see plenty of locals sprawled out all over the lawns soaking up the sun. Home to the oldest scientific institution in the country, the gardens are one of the most visited areas in all of Australia. Here you can also see Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a seat carved into a stone cliff, where you can sit and gaze out at the harbor. Up until 2010, there was actually a large colony of flying foxes living in the gardens, but since they were causing too much damage they were removed. The gardens are open daily and admission is free

You’ll find Australia’s first vegetable garden and a treasure trove of trees, ferns, flowers, and gardens at the Royal Botanic Gardens. The gardens were opened in 1816, and on a sunny day, you’ll see plenty of locals sprawled out all over the lawns soaking up the sun. Home to the oldest scientific institution in the country, the gardens are one of the most visited areas in all of Australia. Here you can also see Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a seat carved into a stone cliff, where you can sit and gaze out at the harbor. Up until 2010, there was actually a large colony of flying foxes living in the gardens, but since they were causing too much damage they were removed. The gardens are open daily and admission is free

Don’t miss: The free one-hour volunteer-guided tours of the garden.

4. Take the ferry to Manly Beach

The ferry ride to Manly ($12.40 AUD round-trip, $2.50 AUD on Sundays) offers sweeping views of the harbor, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the world-famous Opera House. It’s a picturesque 30-minute ride will give you some of the best views of the harbor and surrounding area for the cheapest price. Manly, a suburb in the northern part of the city, is famous for its wide beach, giant waves, surfing, and kick-ass nightlife. The area has a completely different vibe to it than the central city and it’s a part of town a lot of tourists miss. It’s one of my favorite areas of Sydney. There are some incredible coastal walking trails on this side of the harbor too.

5. Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The ferry ride to Manly ($12.40 AUD round-trip, $2.50 AUD on Sundays) offers sweeping views of the harbor, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the world-famous Opera House. It’s a picturesque 30-minute ride will give you some of the best views of the harbor and surrounding area for the cheapest price. Manly, a suburb in the northern part of the city, is famous for its wide beach, giant waves, surfing, and kick-ass nightlife. The area has a completely different vibe to it than the central city and it’s a part of town a lot of tourists miss. It’s one of my favorite areas of Sydney. There are some incredible coastal walking trails on this side of the harbor too.

Almost as iconic as the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was built in 1932 as a government employment project during the Great Depression. The project took almost 10 years to complete, and at the time it was the world’s largest steel arch bridge. These days, it’s considered the 6th longest spanning-arch bridge in the world. Stretching 1,149m over the water, it’s also the world’s tallest steel arch bridge and the widest, making it an impressive architectural accomplishment. To quote the famous travel writer Bill Bryson, “This is a great bridge.”

Almost as iconic as the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was built in 1932 as a government employment project during the Great Depression. The project took almost 10 years to complete, and at the time it was the world’s largest steel arch bridge. These days, it’s considered the 6th longest spanning-arch bridge in the world. Stretching 1,149m over the water, it’s also the world’s tallest steel arch bridge and the widest, making it an impressive architectural accomplishment. To quote the famous travel writer Bill Bryson, “This is a great bridge.”

Don’t miss: While tours that climb the bridge are expensive ($158 AUD), it is free to walk or bike across it for panoramic views of the harbor and Opera House.

6. Marvel at the Sydney Opera House

This has become perhaps the most iconic site in Sydney, if not Australia. The Opera House is famous for its white-shelled roof, an impressive feat of engineering (getting the roof to stay up took the creation of a complex support system). The building took almost 15 years to complete, opening to the public in 1973. Today, more than 8 million people visit the Opera House annually, with almost half a million taking a guided tour. Daily guided tours are available for 40 AUD and give you a whole new appreciation for just how challenging the building was to design and erect. Tickets for a show in the Opera House vary depending on the performance but expect to pay at least 50 AUD.

This has become perhaps the most iconic site in Sydney, if not Australia. The Opera House is famous for its white-shelled roof, an impressive feat of engineering (getting the roof to stay up took the creation of a complex support system). The building took almost 15 years to complete, opening to the public in 1973. Today, more than 8 million people visit the Opera House annually, with almost half a million taking a guided tour. Daily guided tours are available for 40 AUD and give you a whole new appreciation for just how challenging the building was to design and erect. Tickets for a show in the Opera House vary depending on the performance but expect to pay at least 50 AUD.

Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on the guided tour. It may be expensive but it’s worth every penny.

7. Visit the Blue Mountains

Over the millennia, the ancient sandstone of this national park has been weathered into gorges lined by steep cliffs and separated by narrow ridges. Some activities in Blue Mountains National Park include seeing the magnificent rock formation of the Three Sisters (particularly stunning at sunset and under evening floodlights) or hiking along the paths that offer excellent views of the valley, sheer rock walls, tumbling waterfalls, and magnificent forests. The park is free to visit and you can get there by train from Sydney, which takes 90 minutes. If you want to hike further afield, it’s best to stay overnight! Here are some other hikes you might want to check out if you’re looking to stretch your legs:

• Grand Canyon Walk: A 6km trail that takes you through the most impressive areas of the park. The hike is a bit challenging and takes 2.5 hours but is definitely worth the effort!
• Katoomba Falls: This 4km circuit is an easy walk that takes a couple hours, leading you to the waterfall as well as some great viewpoints.
• Six Foot Track: This 44km hike a challenging endeavor that takes a few days to complete. But if you’re looking to get off the grid and spend a few nights under the stars, this is the hike for you!

Over the millennia, the ancient sandstone of this national park has been weathered into gorges lined by steep cliffs and separated by narrow ridges. Some activities in Blue Mountains National Park include seeing the magnificent rock formation of the Three Sisters (particularly stunning at sunset and under evening floodlights) or hiking along the paths that offer excellent views of the valley, sheer rock walls, tumbling waterfalls, and magnificent forests. The park is free to visit and you can get there by train from Sydney, which takes 90 minutes. If you want to hike further afield, it’s best to stay overnight! Here are some other hikes you might want to check out if you’re looking to stretch your legs:

Don’t miss: The Three Sisters at sunset.

8. See all the museums

Like most major cities, Sydney has a wide variety of museums. You’ll find art museums, history museums, galleries, museums of the weird, and everything in between. And, luckily, thanks to Australia’s Commonwealth past, all the public museums in the city are free, making it a great and inexpensive activity in an otherwise expensive city. My favorite museum in Sydney is the Hyde Park Barracks. Set in the old convict barracks from the 18th century, it does an amazing and detailed job of chronicling colonial life in Sydney, using the stories of the early settlers, historical information, artifacts, and historical recreations! It’s well worth the $10 AUD entrance fee. It’s always the highlight of my trip. Few people visit, making it one of the best non-touristy things to do in the city!

Like most major cities, Sydney has a wide variety of museums. You’ll find art museums, history museums, galleries, museums of the weird, and everything in between. And, luckily, thanks to Australia’s Commonwealth past, all the public museums in the city are free, making it a great and inexpensive activity in an otherwise expensive city. My favorite museum in Sydney is the Hyde Park Barracks. Set in the old convict barracks from the 18th century, it does an amazing and detailed job of chronicling colonial life in Sydney, using the stories of the early settlers, historical information, artifacts, and historical recreations! It’s well worth the $10 AUD entrance fee. It’s always the highlight of my trip. Few people visit, making it one of the best non-touristy things to do in the city!

Other museums in Sydney:

1. Art Gallery of New South Wales (modern art)
2. Museum of Contemporary Art Australia at The Rocks
3. Nicholson Museum (antiquities)
4. Australian National Maritime Museum
5. White Rabbit Gallery (contemporary Chinese art; it also has a teahouse)
6. The Rocks Discovery Museum (local history)
7. Hyde Park Barracks Museum (local, criminal, and judicial history)
8. Australian Museum (natural history)
9. Justice and Police Museum (criminal museum in an old court house)
10. Museum of Sydney (local history)
11. Sydney Jewish Museum

9. Learn to surf

Sydney is often the place travelers bite the bullet and learn the art of Australia’s famous national pastime. There are many companies throughout the city that offer lessons (they can be found on every beach so you don’t need to look hard). While Bondi is the most popular beach in the city, Manly on the north shore of Sydney is considered to have the best waves (though you can find good waves up and down the coast!). Some other great beaches for beginners are:

• Umina Beach
• Collaroy Beach
• Corrimal Beach
• Freshwater Beach
• Palm Beach

10. Wine Tasting in the Hunter Valley

Sydney is often the place travelers bite the bullet and learn the art of Australia’s famous national pastime. There are many companies throughout the city that offer lessons (they can be found on every beach so you don’t need to look hard). While Bondi is the most popular beach in the city, Manly on the north shore of Sydney is considered to have the best waves (though you can find good waves up and down the coast!). Some other great beaches for beginners are:

North of Sydney is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. The Hunter Valley is home to incredible wineries that produce some of the world’s best red wine. While visiting is not easy on the budget, it is an excuse to get out of the city, see the countryside, and do something other than sitting on the beach. Day tours are offered from Sydney but they are expensive ($150-200 AUD) and you’ll spend a lot of time on a bus. It’s best to stay for at least a night out in the valley to get the full experience. This is also a perfect activity for couples or families!

North of Sydney is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. The Hunter Valley is home to incredible wineries that produce some of the world’s best red wine. While visiting is not easy on the budget, it is an excuse to get out of the city, see the countryside, and do something other than sitting on the beach. Day tours are offered from Sydney but they are expensive ($150-200 AUD) and you’ll spend a lot of time on a bus. It’s best to stay for at least a night out in the valley to get the full experience. This is also a perfect activity for couples or families!

If you have a car, you can base yourself in Newcastle or Cessnock, but you’d have a more unique experience if you booked a secluded cabin or home on Airbnb as there are plenty in the area, including some that are also vineyards.

Don’t miss: Want even more fun? Try a bike tour. Grapemobile and Hunter Valley Cycling offer one-day bicycle rentals starting at $35 AUD.

11. Take the Sydney Tower Skywalk

As tall as the Eiffel Tower and twice as high as the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Tower offers amazing panoramic views of the city from its Skywalk at the top. At $50 AUD, it’s cheaper and easier than climbing the bridge itself, and the views are actually far better. Also included with your purchase of a Skywalk ticket is access to the “4-D” cinema experience, which includes in-theatre effects like wind and fire.

12. Walk one of the coastal walks

As tall as the Eiffel Tower and twice as high as the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Tower offers amazing panoramic views of the city from its Skywalk at the top. At $50 AUD, it’s cheaper and easier than climbing the bridge itself, and the views are actually far better. Also included with your purchase of a Skywalk ticket is access to the “4-D” cinema experience, which includes in-theatre effects like wind and fire.

There are a number of stunning coastal walks that allow you to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Sydney Harbor. While tons of people follow the two-hour Coogee-to-Bondi walk (skip the weekends when it’s overly crowded), I found both the shorter walk in Watson’s Bay and the Split-to-Manly walk quieter and more breathtaking. Some coastal walks worth checking out are:

• Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay
• Watson’s Bay to Dover Heights
• Chowder Bay to Balmoral Beach
• Jibbon Beach Loop Track

There are a number of stunning coastal walks that allow you to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Sydney Harbor. While tons of people follow the two-hour Coogee-to-Bondi walk (skip the weekends when it’s overly crowded), I found both the shorter walk in Watson’s Bay and the Split-to-Manly walk quieter and more breathtaking. Some coastal walks worth checking out are:

Don’t miss: Coogee-to-Bondi walk and Split-to-Manly

13. Explore the markets

Sydney has many amazing markets to walk through. At Paddington Markets (Oxford Street; open Saturdays after 10am), the fish market (Bank Street and Pyrmont Bridge Road), Bondi Farmers Market (Campbell Parade on Bondi Beach), the flower market (Parramatta Road), and a whole lot more seasonal markets, it’s really easy to spend a lot of time wandering and shopping. I love Paddington Markets and the farmers market the best — they draw an eclectic crowd, and the farmers market makes me want to cook nonstop. Some other markets worth checking out are:

• Glebe Market: Vintage clothes and eclectic local handicrafts, as well as delicious food stalls. Open Saturdays from November-February.
• Rozelle Collectors Market: Home to antiques, clothings, DVDs and everything in between. If you like to dig and hunt for awesome finds, this is the market for you! Open weekends from November-February.
• Orange Grove Organic Market: Not only will you find great produce here but there are some incredible food stalls. Definitely come with an appetite! Open Saturdays from November-February.

Sydney has many amazing markets to walk through. At Paddington Markets (Oxford Street; open Saturdays after 10am), the fish market (Bank Street and Pyrmont Bridge Road), Bondi Farmers Market (Campbell Parade on Bondi Beach), the flower market (Parramatta Road), and a whole lot more seasonal markets, it’s really easy to spend a lot of time wandering and shopping. I love Paddington Markets and the farmers market the best — they draw an eclectic crowd, and the farmers market makes me want to cook nonstop. Some other markets worth checking out are:

Don’t miss: Paddington Markets

14. Attend a cultural event

Since Sydney has a complex about Melbourne being called the cultural capital of Australia, it tries to outdo its rival by hosting over 30 official festivals and events each year. It offers art gallery nights, concerts, festivals, and much more. It wants to be seen as more of a beach destination. No matter what time of the year you visit, you will find something going on in the city!

Since Sydney has a complex about Melbourne being called the cultural capital of Australia, it tries to outdo its rival by hosting over 30 official festivals and events each year. It offers art gallery nights, concerts, festivals, and much more. It wants to be seen as more of a beach destination. No matter what time of the year you visit, you will find something going on in the city!

Most of the events are free and a list of what’s going on soon can be found on the Sydney tourism website. It will give you dates, prices, times, and everything in between!

15. Party in King’s Cross

If you’re looking to go out and get wild on the cheap, then go to King’s Cross. This is where the beer is inexpensive and the backpackers (and locals) party late. The famous World Bar is where most of the action happens (cheap drinks and a large dance floor). In this part of town, you’ll find all the backpackers and young students drinking, dancing, and getting crazy. If you’re looking to get wild, then drink here. For a less touristy night life scene, head to Manly, The Rocks, or the CBD (central business district) where there are more locals, fewer travelers, and chiller bars and lounges (but more expensive cocktails and beers).

If you’re looking to go out and get wild on the cheap, then go to King’s Cross. This is where the beer is inexpensive and the backpackers (and locals) party late. The famous World Bar is where most of the action happens (cheap drinks and a large dance floor). In this part of town, you’ll find all the backpackers and young students drinking, dancing, and getting crazy. If you’re looking to get wild, then drink here. For a less touristy night life scene, head to Manly, The Rocks, or the CBD (central business district) where there are more locals, fewer travelers, and chiller bars and lounges (but more expensive cocktails and beers).

****

Sydney is a remarkable city. While some cities scream “run around and see stuff” (cough, NYC, Paris, London, cough), Sydney’s message to visitors is always “relax, go outside, and enjoy the beautiful weather.” Sydney is a destination that wants you to go for a walk, sit by the beach, picnic in the park, and drink wine by the bridge. Sure, there’s plenty to unique things to do here and museums to keep you busy, but I find the best way to enjoy a visit to Sydney is to take it slow, see a few attractions, and, mostly, just lay outside on the beach, sit in a park and at a bar with a glass of wine!

That’s the local Sydney. That’s the best way to visit.

Book Your Trip to Sydney: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. My favorite places to stay in Sydney are:

• Wake Up! – This is my favorite hostel to meet people in. They have comfy beds, a lively bar, friendly staff, and great desk to work from!
• YHA Rocks – With their rooftop and views of the harbor as well as quiet rooms and comfy beds, this location can’t be beat. Book in advance as it fills up quickly.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Photo credit: 2, 5, 8, 9, 10,
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