With around five million inhabitants,Sydney is the largest and also the oldest city in Australia. The area around Sydney had been inhabited by various Aboriginal tribes for tens of thousands of years before the British established a penal colony there in 1800. In 1842, however, the city no longer served as a prison and Sydney was officially declared a city.
Between 1850 and 1890, the population grew from 60,000 to 400,000, a huge number for the time. Sydney grew into one of the richest cities at the time in forty years due to its successful trade in wool and wheat, and was therefore looking for skilled workers. People from all over the world came to this still relatively unknown continent to stay.
To this day, the multicultural society is well reflected in both Sydney and the rest of Australia. In every city, neighbourhoods are named after countries: over a third are not from the country itself.
Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge
It is Sydney's number one attraction, if not the whole of Australia: the Opera House. Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, the building was opened in 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II, ten years later than planned. The Opera House has many considerable spaces, more than a thousand. The most frequently used halls are the Concert Hall with over 2 600 seats, the Opera Theatre with 1 500 seats and the Drama Theatre with space for 550 visitors.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened in 1932 by the then prime minister of New South Wales, the state in which the city is located. The bridge was there to make the northern part of the city more easily accessible, but it was initially built as part of a work-recovery project. The Sydney Harbour Bridge remains a tourist hotspot to this day. It is free to walk across the bridge, but it costs around 100 euros to climb the bridge and get to the top.
Beaches, hiking and surfing
One of the most famous walks in Sydney is the one from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. This 6-kilometre route takes you to parks, beaches, cliffs and bays. Ideal for getting out of the city for a while and dreaming away at all the beauty. From Bondi Beach, you walk to Tamarama, before heading to Bronte Beach. From there, you head to Clovelly and eventually arrive at Coogee Beach.
Besides walking, there is much more to do, book a surfing lesson or go stand-up paddling, or rent a set to snorkel. The walking tour is fun for children too, almost every beach has playgrounds and there is space to picnic. You're likely to run into many Australians on this stretch, as the locals on this stretch like to run and stop off at one of the many fitness spots on offer. And once the wind is right and the waves are perfect, you can easily see a hundred surfers on Bondi Beach.
Sights in Sydney
One of Sydney's most famous sights is of course the Opera House, but the metropolis has much more to offer. Sydney has other architectural gems like the Harbour Bridge, European historical buildings, outstanding museums and enticing beaches. ► Read more about the sights in Sydney here
Practical information for a holiday in Sydney
Staying in Sydney
Finding a hotel for your holiday in Sydney is pretty easy. It is a big city and so there is an option for every budget. Most hotels are located in the city, but you can also find several hotels, motels and hostels just outside the city centre.
If you want to be close to the most famous attractions, you can look for a hotel in Sydney's Central Business District (CBD). This is the city centre and business district of the city, with many offices, government buildings, shops and theatres. The Sydney Opera House and harbour are within walking distance. It can be very quiet at night and on weekends, though, when the shops are closed and the offices are deserted. In this district you will find relatively many luxury hotels and hotel chains.
Staying in Sydney a bit longer and want to spend the weekend outside the city? Visit the vineyards in Hunter Valley or spend a few days in the Blue Mountains nature reserve, about a two-hour drive from the city.
Crown Towers Sydney Hotel
Should you be able to afford it, book a room at the Crown Towers Sydney Hotel. This is the city's most luxurious hotel that has awarded itself no less than 6 stars. After four years of construction, the hotel opened in December 2020.
The hotel stands out from the Sydney skyline with its unique architecture. It is shaped like a curiously twisted skyscraper. At 75 floors and 275 metres, it is Sydney's tallest building and a glitzy addition to the skyline along the harbour.
If you want to explore other options in New South Wales, you can visit the New South Wales Hotels at newsouthwaleshotels.net.
Consider the variety of options before making a decision. You can conveniently check hotels at tophotels.com. No fewer than 8,000 glass panels give the skyscraper a blue hue, making it a must-visit destination for all tourists.
For those travelling via air and seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Ibis Sydney Airport Hotel is a great choice. Its location near the airport makes it a practical option for those in transit or for a short stay in the city.
Top designers were brought in to design the 349 rooms and public areas. Indulgence awaits guests. These include 14 restaurants and a luxury spa where you can go for baths, yoga, meditation, saunas and a wide range of wellness treatments. A highlight is the infinity pool on the 5th floor with unrivalled views of Sydney Harbour. This is the only hotel in the city with such an infinity pool. ► Book a night at the Crown Towers Sydney Hotel from €540