20 free or cheap things to do in Sydney
Australia and especially Sydney it’s not known as a budget friendly destination. But even as a backpacker or one with a small budget, it is possible to travel on the cheap in Sydney. Because in this city there are enough things to do for free or just for a small fee. Of course the below is not a limited list, but just my favorite things to do in Sydney with a smaller budget. Here are some ideas. Or even better these are the 20 free or cheap things to do in Sydney.
- There are many coastal walks to do in or around Sydney. Bondi to Coogee, a 6-kilometer-long walk, with many stops along the way. With many stops, I mean different beaches. It takes you around 2,5 hours, but you can also decide to take a whole day and enjoy the different beaches, pools and stop for some coffee or another drink.
- Maybe the most bohemian neighbourhood is Newtown. The vibe is very good and enough boutiques to have a look and stroll around. Also many vintage shops, if you are in need of anything this is your place to go.
- Watch the sunset from the Observatory Hill.
- Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Enjoy the free festivals. Sydney is an incredible host. Two of my absolute favorites are the Vivid festival and the New Years Eve celebrations. In case of the latter, make sure to arrive very very very early to reserve your spot. Because the free spots are going fast, like insanely fast. If you have a bigger budget, you can buy a ticket. But those are quite expensive.
- Walk through Hyde Park or get lost in the Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Discover the different neighbourhoods. From the Rocks the birthplace of Sydney, to vibrant Surry Hills, the always busy Kings Cross, the cool Darlinghurst, and the busy Circular Quay. Always something to do or see.
- Check out some markets. The following markets are worth your time: Glebe, Bondi, the Rocks and the Paddy’s.
- There are some free museums to visit. My personal favorite is the Museum of Contemporary Art. Come for the sunset or watch the cruise leave.
- Go window shopping in the QVB (Queen Victoria Building). The inside as the outside of the building is amazing, very unique.
- Visit the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Make a pit stop in one of the churches. Especially the St. Mary’s Cathedral is worth a visit.
- Peek around in the many library’s.
- For some Harry Potter vibes, stroll along the Sydney University.
- Hit the beach. Visit one of the beautiful beaches of Sydney. With your Opal card it is not even that expensive to travel throughout NSW. So get yourself an Opal card.
- Take the ferry “to the other side”. Enjoy the view of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from the water. It’s a different world. If you go on Sunday, the ferry is on its cheapest. Then stroll along from Manly to Spit. A 10-kilometer walk.
- If you like to swim – especially during the summer – Sydney has enough outdoor swimming pools. Some are free and some just ask a small fee.
- To learn about the history and the places to go of Sydney, make sure you reserve your spot for the free tour. Because taking the free tour is a must!
- Bring a book and chill out at a local coffee house with a good cup of coffee or tea. Wondering where you can go? I wrote a different post about it.
- Drink a cup of coffee in the Grounds of Alexandria and enjoy its theme. It is a perfect day out! Head to their website to find out what’s special events are on right now or book a table if you would like to spend some.
20 free or cheap things to do in Sydney
Australia and especially Sydney it’s not known as a budget friendly destination. But even as a backpacker or one with a small budget, it Is possible to travel on the cheap in Sydney. Because in this city there are enough things to do for free or just for a small fee. Of course the below is not a limited list, but just my favorite things to do in Sydney with a smaller budget. Here are some ideas. Or even better these are the 20 free or cheap things to do in Sydney.
- There are many coastal walks to do in or around Sydney. Bondi to Coogee, a 6-kilometer-long walk, with many stops along the way. With many stops, I mean different beaches. It takes you around 2,5 hours, but you can also decide to take a whole day and enjoy the different beaches, pools and stop for some coffee or another drink.
- Maybe the most bohemian neighbourhood is Newtown. The vibe is very good and enough boutiques to have a look and stroll around. Also many vintage shops, if you are in need of anything this is your place to go.
- Watch the sunset from the Observatory Hill.
- Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Enjoy the free festivals. Sydney is an incredible host. Two of my absolute favorites are the Vivid festival and the New Years Eve celebrations. In case of the latter, make sure to arrive very very very early to reserve your spot. Because the free spots are going fast, like insanely fast. If you have a bigger budget, you can buy a ticket. But those are quite expensive.
- Walk through Hyde Park or get lost in the Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Discover the different neighbourhoods. From the Rocks the birthplace of Sydney, to vibrant Surry Hills, the always busy Kings Cross, the cool Darlinghurst, and the busy Circular Quay. Always something to do or see.
- Check out some markets. The following markets are worth your time: Glebe, Bondi, the Rocks and the Paddy’s.
- There are some free museums to visit. My personal favorite is the Museum of Contemporary Art. Come for the sunset or watch the cruise leave.
- Go window shopping in the QVB (Queen Victoria Building). The inside as the outside of the building is amazing, very unique.
- Visit the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Make a pit stop in one of the churches. Especially the St. Mary’s Cathedral is worth a visit.
- Peek around in the many library’s.
- For some Harry Potter vibes, stroll along the Sydney University.
- Hit the beach. Visit one of the beautiful beaches of Sydney. With your Opal card it is not even that expensive to travel throughout NSW. So get yourself an Opal card.
- Take the ferry “to the other side”. Enjoy the view of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from the water. It’s a different world. If you go on Sunday, the ferry is on its cheapest. Then stroll along from Manly to Spit. A 10-kilometer walk.
- If you like to swim – especially during the summer – Sydney has enough outdoor swimming pools. Some are free and some just ask a small fee.
- To learn about the history and the places to go of Sydney, make sure you reserve your spot for the free tour. Because taking the free tour is a must!
- Bring a book and chill out at a local coffee house with a good cup of coffee or tea. Wondering where you can go? I wrote a different post about it.
- Drink a cup of coffee in the Grounds of Alexandria and enjoy its theme. It is a perfect day out! Head to their website to find out what’s special events are on right now or book a table if you would like to spend some.