Welcome to the land down under, where you can cuddle with koalas, feed kangaroos (or eat them, gasp!), and throw some shrimp on the barbie. One of our favorite cities in the world, Sydney is a beautiful coastal city that has it all. From wine tasting to bridge climbing, paradise beaches to blue mountains, Sydney is a city you’ll never get bored in. WARNING: You may fall in love with this city. When we were boarding the plane to head back to the States, we had to hold back the tears because we had such an amazing time and never wanted to leave.

Where to Stay

Park Hyatt Sydney – By far, the best hotel on Sydney Harbor. With views of the Opera House, you won’t want to miss staying at this ultra-luxury hotel.

Ravesi’s Bondi – If you’re more of a beach bunny, stay in the heart of Bondi Beach at Ravesi’s. This hotel is right in the thick of things so you can walk to restaurants, bars, and the beach.

For the budget traveler, try The Mercantile Hotel, situated in the historic Rocks district. You’ll be close to the action…and I mean, very close. There’s a pub downstairs, also named The Mercantile, which is Australia’s longest running Irish pub.

Where to Eat

Icebergs in Bondi Beach – See and be seen at this Sydney staple. Overlooking beautiful Bondi Beach, nosh on fresh seafood, sip on rosé, and people watch at this glitterati hotspot.

Mr. Wong – Sink your teeth into the delectable food at Mr. Wong, a favorite of locals and foreigners. The Cantonese-style menu features over 60 dishes of deliciousness including a personal favorite, dim sum!

Yellow – Boasting both the 2015 Chef of the Year and 2015 Sommelier of the Year, Yellow packs a one-two punch of delicious food and exceptional wines. Try the slow-cooked goat shoulder and pair it with a delicious red wine.

Overall, food is expensive in Australia. If you want cheap eats, try a meat pie or some sushi!

Where to Tour

Sydney Opera House – A MUST see in Sydney! Head over the Opera House and walk around its beautiful exterior. Then, take a trip inside and get a guided tour of the royal rooms.

Bondi Beach – The mecca of all beaches. Bondi Beach is one of the surfing capitals of the world. The waves are big, the bodies are tight, and people are playing all day and all night. Choose from one of the hip bars on the Bondi Beach strip or just bask in the sun.

Manly Beach – Manly Beach is one of the northern beaches in Sydney where you can partake in tons of water sports. Try surfing, parasailing, kitesurfing, or even scuba. A perfect spot for families, pack a picnic and enjoy the all that Manly has to offer.

Sydney Aquarium – The perfect family attraction! Bring the kids or your honey and head to the Sydney Aquarium where you can walk down a water tunnel, surrounded by sharks and manta rays. The Sydney Aquarium has it all – jellyfish (the only place you want to see these guys!), platypus, and even penguins!

Where to Adventure

Biking Sydney – Grab a bike or head on a tour with Bonza Bike Tours! Ride over the Sydney Harbor Bridge, visit the oldest pub in Sydney, and take in the sites.

Hug a Koala & Feed a Kangaroo – You can’t head to the land down under and not cuddle with a cute koala! Head over to the Featherdale Wildlife Park to enjoy a day with the local animals.

Blue Mountains – A vast landscape of devastatingly beautiful mountains lie about an hour west of Sydney. Escape the city and take in the outdoors at these beautiful Australian mountains.

Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge with Bridge Climb – Not for the faint of heart! Trek up the famed Sydney Harbor Bridge and enjoy sweeping views of Sydney.

Where to Drink

Wine taste in Hunter Valley – Winos rejoice!!! Just a short drive away from Sydney and you are smack dab in the middle of Aussie wine country.

Lorn Nelson Brewery – Located in the historic Rocks district, this is the oldest pub in all of Sydney. Swing by and grab a pint and a meat pie with your mates.

Marquee – Marquee Sydney brings the party with notable DJs spinning almost every night. Marquee has outposts in NYC and Las Vegas and the party continues down under.

Pool Club @ The Ivy – Join the young and the beautiful at this rooftop daytime fiesta (that goes well into the night).

Pacha Sydney – The global mega club comes to Sydney where DJs spin the hottest beats. If you’re a fan of the fist pump, this is your place.

Opera Bar – Have a glass of vino or sip a cocktail at the waters edge. Take in the beautiful view (and people) at this Sydney Staple.