Things to Do in CBD, Sydney
The CBD is packed with attractions like the Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and the Royal Botanic Garden, all within easy reach.
Plan CBDPlan your CBD tripFree · and No sign-up By TripSapien · Updated September 3, 2026
Top things to do in CBD
Sydney Opera House
★ 4.8 · 92.4kTheater★
Landmark, skyline-dominating arts centre for opera, theatre, music & dance, plus guided tours.
St. Mary's Cathedral
★ 4.8 · 9.2kCathedral★
Gothic-style Catholic cathedral built of local sandstone from 1868-1928, offering mass & exhibits.
- Mon–Fri
- 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sat
- 6:30 AM – 7 PM
- Sun
- 6:30 AM – 7 PM
Queen Victoria Building
★ 4.6 · 21.1kShopping Mall★
George McRae-designed building in a Romanesque style and now housing a varied collection of stores.
- Mon–Wed
- 9 AM – 6 PM
- Thu
- 9 AM – 9 PM
- Fri
- 9 AM – 6 PM
- Sat
- 9 AM – 6 PM
- Sun
- 11 AM – 5 PM
Art Gallery of New South Wales
★ 4.7 · 15.6kArt Gallery· $★
Contemporary, modern & indigenous art displayed in a classical-style building, founded in 1871.
- Mon–Tue
- 10 AM – 5 PM
- Wed
- 10 AM – 10 PM
- Thu–Fri
- 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sat
- 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sun
- 10 AM – 5 PM
Darling Harbour
★ 4.7 · 65.0kPlaza★
Waterfront destination housing many of Sydney's major attractions & hosting large-scale events.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
★ 4.7 · 25.4kBotanical Garden★
Harbourside haven for city wildlife with a rose garden, fernery and 'Jurassic Jungle' for kids.
- Every day
- 7 AM – 5 PM
Sydney Tower
★ 4.4 · 16.2kObservation Deck★
tall architectural structure in Sydney, Australia
- Every day
- 11 AM – 7 PM
Circular Quay
Plaza★
locality in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
★ 4.3 · 23.0kZoo & Aquarium★
Glass viewing tunnels allow patrons to observe Australia's freshwater & marine aquatic environments.
- Mon–Fri
- 10 AM – 4 PM
- Sat
- 9:30 AM – 4 PM
- Sun
- 9:30 AM – 4 PM
Hyde Park
★ 4.6 · 18.2kCity Park★
Large city park bordered by many significant buildings and containing statues of famous Australians.
- Every day
- 12 AM – 12 AM
Australian National Maritime Museum
★ 4.6 · 6.3kHistory Museum
Harbourside attraction with naval vessels, a replica of Cook's Endeavor and temporary exhibitions.
- Every day
- 10 AM – 4 PM
Where to eat & drink in CBD
Cocktail Bar· $20-40
Compact, rustic-chic bar specialising in margaritas & cocktails with handmade agave spirits.
- Mon–Tue
- 4 PM – 12 AM
- Wed–Fri
- 4 PM – 2 AM
- Sat
- 4 PM – 2 AM
- Sun
- 4 PM – 12 AM
Old Mate's Place
Top 500 barBar· $20-40
Elevated saloon providing drinks & light fare in a woodsy space with leather booths & a terrace.
- Mon
- Closed
- Tue–Thu
- 4 PM – 2 AM
- Fri
- 3 PM – 2 AM
- Sat
- 3 PM – 2 AM
- Sun
- 3 PM – 2 AM
Dean & Nancy on 22
Top 500 barCocktail Bar· A$20–120
Cool, mid-century–inspired spot offering classic cocktails, creative food & sweeping city views.
- Mon–Tue
- 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM, 5 PM – 10 PM
- Wed–Thu
- 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM, 5 PM – 11 PM
- Fri
- 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM, 5 PM – 12 AM
- Sat
- 7 AM – 11 AM, 5 PM – 12 AM
- Sun
- 7 AM – 11 AM, 5 PM – 10 PM
Cargo Bar & Lounge
★ 4.3 · 5.3kLounge· A$20–60
Pizza & schnitzels in a vast bar with a leafy beer garden & a lively vibe at night.
- Mon–Wed
- 11 AM – 11 PM
- Thu
- 11 AM – 12 AM
- Fri
- 11 AM – 3 AM
- Sat
- 11 AM – 3 AM
- Sun
- 11 AM – 11 PM
Restaurant Hubert
★ 4.6 · 5.1kFrench· $$$
Classic French dishes showcased in a sophisticated venue featuring a lively bar & vintage decor.
- Every day
- 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 12 AM
Planning time in CBD?
Add your dates and we'll check every place for closures, limited hours, and booking needs before you go.
CBD map
Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
- 1Sydney Opera House
- 2St. Mary's Cathedral
- 3Queen Victoria Building
- 4Art Gallery of New South Wales
- 5Darling Harbour
- 6Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
- 7Sydney Tower
- 8Circular Quay
- 9Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
- 10Hyde Park
Ready to plan CBD?
Turn these CBD picks into a day-by-day Sydney plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.
Sydney Opera HouseTheater
St. Mary's CathedralCathedral
Queen Victoria BuildingShopping Mall
