How to Spend 48 Hours in Sydney
Sydney is a sprawling city, but it doesn’t mean you need a week or an entire month to experience the best of it. If you only have two days or 48 hours in Sydney and want to explore more places other than the popular spots like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Royal Botanic Gardens, we’ve got your back! We’ve drawn up an itinerary that covers top-notch beach time, delicious dining, fun shopping and more cultural highlights in Australia’s largest city.
Day 1: Beaches, Art, and Sky-High Thrills
Morning: Ride a Ferry to Manly and Walk to Shelly Beach
Kick off your Sydney adventure with a scenic ferry ride to Manly. As you cruise across the harbour, soak in those postcard-perfect views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Once you hit Manly, take a stroll to Shelly Beach. This Manly-to-Shelly-Beach walk may take 15 to 20 minutes, but you’re in for a treat because it offers unbeatable views and takes you past the historic Fairy Bower Rockpool. If you get tired, pop into The Boathouse for a coffee and banana loaf with whipped maple butter—and get a taste of Sydney’s laid-back beach culture.
Afternoon: Visit the Art Gallery of NSW
Next, it’s time to experience Sydney’s art scene at the Art Gallery of NSW. From Aboriginal masterpieces to contemporary showstoppers, this place is a feast for the eyes. Admission to the Art of Gallery of NSW is free, leaving you with more cash for your evening cocktail! However, some exhibitions & events may require tickets, so keep that in mind if you’re eyeing to experience a specific exhibition or book a guided tour around the art gallery.
Want to grab a bite before or after your visit to the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney? The gallery offers a range of options, including Art Gallery Restaurant by Matt Moran and MOD Dining by Clayton Wells. Plus, the gallery is a mere ten-minute walk from some of the best Sydney restaurants, bakeries and cafes.
Evening: End Your Day in Sky Deck at Crown Sydney
As the day winds down, make your way to the Sky Deck at Crown Sydney. With panoramic views of the city skyline, it’s the perfect spot to toast your first day in Sydney. Free Sky Deck tours are available to everyone, but you must make online reservations in advance (book the sunset viewing!). During the tour, you’ll be taken on a 30-minute guided experience with access to the expansive open-air balcony and inside viewing area. Afterwards, enjoy a post-tour meal at the Waiting Room or head to CIRQ Bar & Lounge for a nightcap, both conveniently located in Crown Sydney.
Day 2: Coastal Walks, Markets, and Melodies
Morning: Go on a Bondi-to-Bronte Coastal Walk
Rise and shine, early birds! It’s time to welcome your second day in Sydney with the iconic Bondi to Bronte coastal walk. Strap on your comfiest shoes (the walk will take about an hour and a half!) and prepare for jaw-dropping ocean views and dramatic cliffs. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit—you might want to take a dip along the way. If you need a pit stop, there are several cafes in Tamarama and Bronte where you can enjoy a coffee, snack, or light bite.
Midday: Explore Sydney Markets
Spending just 48 hours in Sydney? Don’t miss the city’s vibrant market scene. Visit the Flower Market and Farmers Markets in Sydney. See what’s on offer and buy the freshest blooms and produce of the day. Does your two-day trip in Sydney fall on a weekend? Then, drop by the Rocks Market. This much-loved weekend market proudly showcases local makers, delectable food and a great time!
If you feel that a midday visit to the markets isn’t enough, make sure to come back for Sydney night markets before your trip ends! Enjoy night-market delights, from Chinatown favourites to food trucks offering bites from all over the world.
Afternoon: Go on a CBD Shopping Spree
Before your shopping spree, you may want to refuel. Grab a delicious bite at Bar Woolloomooloo – offering bar-style bites paired with top-notch cocktails and Australian wines, on Sydney’s iconic Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo.
Shopping in Sydney offers a different experience. So, if you’re looking to fill your two-day itinerary in Sydney, feel free to add a CBD shopping spree! Start at the grand Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, where Victorian architecture meets modern boutiques. Then, strut down to Pitt Street Mall, Sydney’s busiest shopping precinct. For a dash of old-world charm, pop into The Strand Arcade—it’s like stepping back in time but with better fashion.
Evening: Enjoy a Live Music Crawl
As night falls, it’s time to experience Sydney’s pumping live music scene. From the quirky, underground Caterpillar Club to the laid-back vibes of The Golden Sheaf, there’s a tune for every taste. If you want a touch of glamour, swing by the Marble Bar or The Trocadero Room. From Surry Hills to the CBD, discover the city’s best live music bars and end your 48 hours in Sydney on a high note.
Looking for more night-time activities? Check out our guide on the Best Things to do in Sydney at Night.
Where to Stay: Ovolo Hotel Woolloomooloo
You need a comfy base for two days of non-stop Sydney action. At Ovolo Hotel Woolloomooloo, you can enjoy a unique stay nestled in a peaceful wharf location close to the heart of Sydney’s CBD. This 5-star boutique accommodation offers beautifully designed private rooms and luxurious loft suites. It boasts fantastic facilities, including an indoor pool, restaurant & bar, and fitness centre.
Plus, it provides a prime location to explore all the must-visit spots in Sydney. Ovolo Hotel Woolloomooloo is the best boutique hotel for your next Sydney trip.
Wrapping Up
There you have it—48 hours of Sydney magic wrapped up in a neat little itinerary. We’ve covered all the bases, from beach walks and markets to masterpieces and bar hops. Book your stay at Ovolo and get ready for a two-day trip to remember!