Exuberant, simple, sexy, surprising Sydney. Perpetual summer seems to have captured this town. The nights are cool and balmy, and the days stay hot and sunny. This is the perfect time to see Sydney in its splendour. Most tourists have left, so you can explore it yourself.
Morning
Start somewhere easy and, pretty, the Harbour foreshore is a great place to take a slow stroll. Make your ice-cream choice at one of Darling Harbour’s many shops, and then start your enjoyable tour. Be sure to stop at the Sydney Convention centre, the flamingo fountain and one of the performing buskers which dot the foreshore. The Harbour centre, also on the boardwalk, is an excellent place to stop to have some sushi or perhaps a sandwich.
Needless to say, you have to shop. Surry Hills is the place for sexy secret clothing stores as well as some higher end labels. The Surry Hills Market on Crown Street is an exciting place to pick up trendy artwork and lovely clothes. Surry Hills hotels are the place to make your overnight arrangements. Here in Surry Hills, you can enjoy the trendy inner-city and avoid the bustling noise of the CBD. The hotel makes a nice midday pit-stop before you continue to hit up the town.
Afternoon
To unwind further, Hyde Park, an oasis of green tranquillity in the heart of Sydney, is the perfect place to stroll through the trees and even take in a picnic. Sydney’s Botanic Gardens, equally picturesque, stun with their huge oaks, sloping green fields and closeness to the Harbour and its iconic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
You’re probably hungry by now. Chinatown is the place to satisfy your cravings. Try Yum Cha at one of the many restaurants beneath the hanging lanterns in this surprising, exotic laneway, which is a short walk from Sydney’s Central station.
Evening
It’s time to take in a movie. The Dendy in Circular Quay, a short train ride from Town Hall station, is a trendy hotspot for smaller, limited release films, while George Street Cinema, a short walk from Town Hall station, is the place for huge Hollywood productions and popcorn.
Circular Quay is the place for dinner, and with its range of restaurants and cafes, is sure to please, in the beautiful shadow of the Sydney Opera House. After dinner and a coffee, the Opera House, or the many theatres close to Circular Quay, are a great place to take in a show.
Happily exhausted, you can enjoy the hospitality here in one of many Sydney hotels. These cater to your sleepy needs and might make a nice place to chill if your preferred kind of exploration is channel surfing.
‘Till tomorrow, when you sample more of this tasty town. Your time in this city is sure to please.
Author Bio: Daniel Nour is a Sydney travel columnist and one of Sydney’s happiest celebrants. He enjoys cooking, silly movies, warm evenings, and checking out the latest Sydney hotels.