Overlooking the south-eastern coast of Australia, Sydney is the most populous and important city in the country, despite not being its capital. All Australians want to live in Sydney. And not just the locals. Expat Worldwide they chose to move here because it's really good. There is a nice climate all year round, there is work, there are lots of entertainment and cultural events, but public transport also works well and there is little crime: in short, it is the best city to live in, they say also all the world rankings. Especially in the open air.
As traveling to Australia is a small investment, better if when you arrive there are free attractions or activities to do. The first thing to do in Sydney (and which costs nothing) is go to the beach. In addition to being beautiful, it is the locals' meeting place and is the best way to immerse yourself in Australian culture.
Bondi Beach it is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in the world and is a must see. Less known (to us Europeans) but equally beautiful Manly Beach. Two rightly celebrated beaches, each with its own magic, both worthy of a visit. Walk from Spit Bridge to Manly among hidden rocky ravines and stunning views or simply enjoy Manly beach with its fine sand and bars and restaurants, arriving by ferry from Circular Quay: at night, then, the nightlife is particularly frenetic. If instead you want to observe the evolutions of surfers, Bondi Beach is the right place: a kilometer of crowded beach for a good part of the year, with the characteristic baywatches to monitor the swimmers.
The botanical gardens are also free. The reason why you need to go there, however, is not so much linked to the flora, but rather to the fact that they allow access to a truly extraordinary observation point: the Mrs. Macquarie Chair. This is a rock outcrop from where you can get a glance over the whole of Sydney Harbour, which is one of the most beautiful and photographed in the world, including the spectacular Opera House. With its structure the theater resembles the sails of a vessel and is one of the symbolic buildings of Australia. A selfie in front of her is another must on any trip to Sydney.
If you don't suffer from heights, you have to climb one of the other symbols of Sydney: theHarbour Bridge (friendlyly called “Coat Hanger”). The steel bridge that connects the port to the north coast of the city is an important sign of recognition, inevitable in every photograph. The “BridgeClimb” allows you to climb to the top of the arch and admire the city from above.
There are four liveliest neighborhoods in the city. The Rocks it is the place where prisoners from the Old Continent were disembarked and sent away from home instead of ending their days in their homeland's prisons. This neighborhood is considered a bit il Sydney's historic centre, if I may say so, given that it is only about 200 years old, where the streets are narrow and cobbled and the houses and cottages that overlook them are made of stone. Here are some of the oldest pubs, such as the Lord Nelson who brews his own beer and the Fortune of War. If you happen to be there on the weekend you will definitely find some street markets.
Darling Harbor is the pedestrian area along the bay of Port Jackson created at the end of the 80s by stealing land from the port. It pulsates with activity night and day. It has developed into a major shopping, restaurant and leisure area. Not far away is the area of Sydney Cove, known as 'The Cove', halfway between the port and the Opera House and for this reason the place where the major city events take place, including the New Year's Eve celebrations. Finally, King's Cross is the area dedicated to entertainment and nightlife. Here is also the Red light district which attracts many curious tourists.
Walking around the city you immediately realize how much Sydney is a cosmopolitan and multiracial city, where various immigrant communities have integrated seamlessly over the years.
There is no better time to go to Sydney, as it enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate all year round, with over 340 days of sunshine. The summers (our winters) are very hot and the winters (our summers) mild, the greatest rainfall is recorded between March and June.
Flying to Sydney is not cheap. Airline ticket prices almost never drop below 800 euros. After all, we are talking about a flight of at least 23 hours... Precisely because of the costs, it is recommended to combine Sydney with a tour of Australia, but of course you can also take a trip just to Sydney. Between flight duration and jet lag, don't count on being away for less than a week. The cost of living is also not very low. Prices are very similar to Italy, if not a little more.
