is Chloe and I live in Sydney CBD
Getting Around
One of the best things about Sydney is the public transport, it is so incredibly affordable and easy to use once you get the gist of things, so here's what you need to know.
Opal Cards - on all public transport you can tap on/off using your credit card. Although while travelling most times you will get a surcharge of at least $1 and could possibly endure conversion fees. My advice is to purchase an Opal Card, you can get these from most convenience stores and train stations. When you buy an Opal card the money you paid for it goes straight onto the card so there is no extra cost for the card itself. Download the Opal app and you can check how much is left on your card, you can top up or set up automatic top up and you can also plan your trips using the trip planner which is essentially Google maps for the public transport.
Make sure you do tap on/off every time to get on a bus, train, tram or ferry because they do often check and can issue heafty fines if you didn't tap on.
Walking Tour
The best way to see the city is to walk so here is my best path to take to see everything you need to see.
Starting from Central Station make your way down to Paddy's Market which is a massive underground market full of fun souvenirs and cheap stalls selling everything from watches to fruit and veg. Upstairs is a shopping centre of factory outlets where you can really snag a bargain and also find an amazing Asian foodcourt and supermarket.
After Paddy's walk through the red arches of China Town. Make sure to stop to the little yellow window to your left to pick up the famous Emperor's Cream Puffs. They are about 15c each and you can't miss it because I guarantee there will be a line up.
Walk to the end of China Town where you will find a bridge to your left that will take you to Darling Quarter. I recommended visiting the Chinese Garden Of Friendship for only a few dollars you can escape the city life and be surrounded for nature and fish ponds while eating dumplings in serenity.
After Darling Quarter walk straight through to Darling Harbour, self explanatory as the harbour is beautiful and full of things to do either side, so walk around and explore.
Head up onto Pyrmont Bridge for an ideal picture opportunity and from there you can walk straight through the city.
Walking past Geroge Street Queen Victoria Building which is definitely worth a visit inside and then walk past the famous Pitt Street shopping capital of Sydney.
The Sydney Tower is about $30 to go up and have a look but I honestly recommend you skip it because there are so many rooftop bars and parks with better views for free.
Next up, Hyde Park. The lunch time break for all the suits but still a beautiful small park to relax in and enjoy the sights of the War Memorial and St Mary's Cathedral.
If you then walk between the old court house and the cathedral you will be making your way to the Botanic Gardens (best spot to be). Walking past the Domain and the Art Gallery you'll find the oldest gate in the city on your left as your entrance to the gardens.
The Botanic Gardens are massive and worth the exploring, especially to sit on Mrs Macquaries Chair to get the absolute best view on the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Once you've finished in the gardens you can walk to the Opera House and have a sneaky drink in Opera Bar to get an iconic Instagram shot. You'll then we in Circular Quay which is a hub for public transport to get to back to anywhere in the city, although I do recommend checking out The Rocks area before you go, especially for a cheeky jumbo frozen margarita at El Camino a happy hour.
Things To Do
• Watch sunset at Mrs Macquaries Chair
• Day trip to the Hunter Valley for a wine tour
• Sydney National Park
• Taronga Zoo
• Catch a ferry to Manly
• Visit the Grounds of Alexandria (make sure you book if you want to eat there)
• Blue Mountains trip
Where to Eat
• Don't tell Aunty
• Cucina Romania
The home for unique & authentic travel
