# SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE 9 
Designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the majestic sailboat-inspired Sydney Opera House opened in 1973. It is widely considered one of the most distinctive buildings of the twentieth century.
With a $102-million final cost (instead of the projected cost of $7 million) the project was 1,357% over budget in real terms.
Opera House | Modern Architecture World Heritage: since 2007 | Completed: 1973 | Architect: Jørn Utzon | Total Cost: $102 million) | Capacity: 5,738 visitors
by Anthony Winning / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Harbour Bridge 7 
Completed in 1932 and affectionately nicknamed the "coat hanger" this famous steel-arch bridge carries rail, vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business district and the residential North Shore.
Take a 30-minute stroll across the pedestrian path on the east side of the bridge and go up two hundred steps to the top of the Southeastern Pylon or — for even more spectacular views — book the (expensive) "BridgeClimb" walking tour to the top of the arch.
Bridge Completed: 1932 | Length: 1,149 m / 3,770 ft Reserve weeks in advance for "BridgeClimb"
by 4wallz / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Sydney Harbour 7
Surrounded by hundreds of kilometers of shoreline, national parks, and famed landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, Sydney's idyllic harbor is regarded by many as the most beautiful natural harbor in the world.
Catch a ferry or a cruise from Circular Quay to enjoy magnificent harbor views.
by Peter from Riyadh / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Royal Botanic Gardens 6
Established in 1816, the Royal Botanic Gardens occupies one of Sydney's most spectacular locations along the shores of Sydney Harbour and are home to 9,000 plant species and over 67,000 plant specimens.
Highlights of the 30 hectares (75 acres) park include the Sydney Tropical Centre, the Rose Garden, and the Palm Grove.
Botanical Garden FREE Land Area: 75 acres / 30 hectares | Opened: 1816
by Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Art Gallery of New South Wales 6
Housed in an attractive neoclassical building with modern additions the vast Art Gallery of New South Wales presents Australian art from settlement to contemporary (including a remarkable section dedicated to Aboriginal art), as well as European and Asian art.
Admission to the exhibition space is free, except for temporary exhibits or events.
Art Gallery Gallery Space: 11,000 m2 [120,000 ft2] | Opened: 1874 | Visitors [2017]: 1,349,000 Mostly FREE
by Bidgee / CC BY-SA 2.5
# The Rocks 6 
Named after its rocky shore, the Rocks is Sydney's most historic area, situated next to Sydney's most famous sights like the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Its charming streets are packed with art galleries, museums, chic boutiques, trendy restaurants, and souvenir shops.
by Cookaa/ CC BY-SA 3.0
# Sydney Tower 5.5 
Enjoy stunning 360-degree views from the observation deck of Sydney's tallest freestanding structure.
Observation Tower Total Height: 309 m | Observation Deck: 268 m | View Type: Glass Windows and Outdoor "Skywalk" | Completed: 1981
by Greg O’Beirne / CC BY-SA 2.5
# Darling Harbour 5.5 
This modern city district at the waterfront is packed with shops, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions.
by Adam.J.W.C. / CC BY-SA 2.5
# Queen Victoria Building 5.5
This spectacular Romanesque revival building from 1898 today houses a modern shopping center.
Historic Shopping Centre Completed: 1898
by BenAveling / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Bondi Beach 5.5
Sydney's most famous golden sand beach is located just minutes away from Sydney’s Central Business District.
City Beach Water Temperature: Nov-May over 20-23°
by Pavel Ĺ pindler / CC BY-SA 3.0
