A favorable exchange rate, Australia’s no-tipping culture, and many free activities open the door to affordable ways to see Sydney. Many of these take advantage of Sydney’s fabulous year-round weather, so bring your walking shoes.
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Markets
Take advantage of the sunshine and landmark backdrops at Sydney's countless markets. My favorites are Bondi (food on Saturdays, clothing on Sundays), Paddington (Saturdays), and the Rocks (Saturday and Sunday). There are dozens more in the surrounding suburbs. There's no cost to enter, and most goods are locally made, inexpensive, and make great authentic souvenirs.
Markets
Take advantage of the sunshine and landmark backdrops at Sydney's countless markets. My favorites are Bondi (food on Saturdays, clothing on Sundays), Paddington (Saturdays), and the Rocks (Saturday and Sunday). There are dozens more in the surrounding suburbs. There's no cost to enter, and most goods are locally made, inexpensive, and make great authentic souvenirs.
Royal National Park
The expansive Royal National Park (the second oldest national park in the world) is about an hour south of Sydney. While there is a parking fee at some beach entrances, it's free on foot, and it's home to more than 60 miles of walking trails. If you don't have access to a car, you can take the train to Cronulla and then take a ferry; or take the train to Waterfall station.
Ocean-Fed Pools
There are dozens of free ocean-fed pools in the Sydney area that are a perfect way to escape the summer heat without going in the open ocean. From Clovelly's concrete baths to the Karloo Pools in the Royal National Park, there's an endless amount to discover. Also check out the Murray Rose Pool in Rose Bay and Cronulla's Beach Rock Pools. For a full list of ocean baths and rock pools surrounding Sydney, check out this guide.
RELATED: 10 Naturally Refreshing Ocean-Fed Pools Around the World
Sydney Harbor Bridge
Don't bother spending hundreds on the Sydney Bridge Climb when you can get the same views just by walking (or running) across the bridge for free. You may not experience the same adrenaline-pumping thrill, but you will get breathtaking views (and even some vertigo) that cost nothing.
Museums
The Art Gallery of NSW and the permanent collection at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia both offer free admission and prestigious exhibits. Wednesday nights at the Art Gallery of NSW also include free talks and films, and the rooftop cafe at the Museum of Contemporary Art offers some of the best views of the city.
Opera Bar and Royal Botanic Garden
There's no better way to enjoy the Opera House (without going inside it) than at the Opera Bar or with a walk through the Royal Botanic Garden. Opera Bar has an infinity view of Sydney Harbor set against the Opera House, and offers live music on weekend afternoons. Or, opt to stroll through the tropical Royal Botanic Garden on a free tour, where you'll end up on a path towards the Opera House.
Bondi To Coogee Beach Coastal Walk
The three-mile walk along Sydney's beaches and coastline is perhaps one of the most picturesque in the world. It is immaculately clean and offers dozens of spots to stop at along the way. Start in Coogee with a snack (or drink) on the rooftop at the Coogee Pavilion and make your way towards Bondi Beach, stopping at Clovelly, Tamarama, and Gordon's Bay—a secret snorkeling spot—along the way.
RELATED: 10 Best Places to Go in Australia
Festivals and Pop-Ups
From the Magnum Pop-Up Ice Cream bar in 2015 at Sydney's Westfields mall to Vivid, where the city's landmarks are decorated in elaborate light shows, to the Night Street Noodle Market where Hyde Park turns into an Asian night food market, Sydney certainly knows how to show off. With decent weather year round, the city takes advantage of its outdoor spaces to provide free cultural events in every season. A can't-miss event if you're visiting October or November is Sculpture by the Sea, the largest free public sculpture exhibition set along the Bondi to Tamarama Beach section of the coastal walk.
For pop-up restaurants and festival guides, check out Broadsheet, Urban List, and TimeOut.
Manly
The suburb of Manly is a 30-minute ferry ride away (go on a Sunday when the price cap on public transportation is $2.50 AUD with an Opal card), but once you're there you can do almost everything for free. From sunbathing on the famous Shelly Beach to the breathtaking views on the North Head hike in Sydney Harbour National Park, you'll find a full-day's worth of free activities.
More from SmarterTravel:
- 11 Things You Should Never Do in Australia
- 11 Things Locals Want You to Know About Australia
- The Ultimate Guide to Australia's East Coast
Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for more advice on travel hacks and destination ideas.
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