Want to know the BEST free or cheap things to do in Sydney? These are the top 10 things to do in this famous Australian city for travellers on a budget!
Having spend two months in Australia saving every penny I could, I have curated the best things to do on a budget to make sure every traveller can see Sydney in its entirety!
These are the 10 BEST Free or Cheap Things to do in Sydney, Australia
1. Visit the Botanical Gardens
Cost: $0
The Botanical Gardens are one of the best free things to do in Sydney, and are easily accessible for every traveller! With 72 acres of luscious landscapes, you can wander around these free gardens all day to take in all they have to offer.
Want to know my SECRET SPOT in Sydney’s Botanical Gardens? Head to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair where you will are guaranteed to find the best view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and escape the crowds.
This is also one of the best places to observe a Sydney sunset as you watch the sky become gold over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
2. Spend Sunset at the Sydney Opera House
Cost: $0
If you’re wanting a great place to watch a spectacular Sydney sunset, head to the top of the stairs outside Sydney Opera House as you watch the city glow in front of the golden sky.
As the sun sets, slowly walk around the Opera House to watch the incredible tiled architecture glow against the sun. There really isn’t a better place to be at this time of day.
After the sun has set, wander over to Sydney Harbour and glance at the harbour side restaurants. They are reasonably priced and make for a tasty meal with an unforgettable view! If you’re in the mood for a cocktail overlooking the water, why not head to the waterside bar of Sydney to grab a drink with a view. The bar is bustling in the evening, you might even be lucky enough to catch some live music when you’re there!
3. Take the Ferry to Manly Beach
Cost: $8 AUD
Wanting to venture out of the city centre to have a beach day? Manly has you covered!
Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly (they run around twice an hour) for an unforgettably cheap day! With the boat costing you around $8, you get an unbelievable cheap tour around the Sydney Harbour that would otherwise cost you over $40 AUD!
This is one of my favourite cheap things to do in Sydney!
Once you’re at Manly, take a short walk to the beach, explore the local shops and pop into Butterboy for the BEST cookie you will ever eat! I still dream about this delicious sweet treat!
The beach has a great vibe, the shops have some amazing finds, and the ferry ride is beautiful. This cheap day really is a NO BRAINER!
4. Wander Through Chinatown
Cost: $0
For those wanting to explore more of Sydney’s city areas, why not head to the bustling streets of Chinatown!
With an abundance of authentic restaurants, shops, and longstanding Paddy Market’s, you are sure to get lost within the streets of this area of Sydney.
If you are wanting to spend some money in Sydney, this is the place to do it. Being the largest Chinatown in Australia, the prices are all reasonable and you can explore some tasty cuisine in small restaurants or food stalls in the streets.
The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a gorgeous place to unwind in Darling Harbour, where you can wander around the greenery for only $4 AUD per person!
5. Get the Best View from the Sydney Observatory
Cost: $0
After a short walk from the city centre, you can find yourself up Sydney’s observatory! With panoramic views over this amazing Australian city, you could spend hours gazing over the intricate architecture and flowing waters of Sydney.
If you want to avoid the crowds and have a peaceful overlook of Sydney, I would recommend visiting at sunrise or late at night. I visited in the evening (at around 10pm) and it was incredible. I was able to watch Sydney’s city bustling in the distance with nobody else around. This was one of the most peaceful experiences of my time in Sydney.
6. Take the Train to Bondi
Cost: under $5 AUD
Costing you under $5 AUD, take the train from Circular Quay to Bondi to explore one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches!
You can explore the beautiful area of Bondi all day. From swimming in the iconic swimming pool to wandering along the beach, there is so much to see and do in Bondi.
Looking to try the BEST BURGER IN SYDNEY? Head to Bondi Tony’s for a meal. I PROMISE you won’t regret it! If you’re looking for an incredible snack to cool you off after a day at the beach, take a walk to Gelato Messina Bondi for the BEST ICE CREAM you can find!
Watch day turn to night on the beach as you finish a gorgeous and incredibly cheap day in Bondi!
7. Wander Along the Beautiful Bondi to Coogee Walk
Cost: $0
Looking for the best coastal walks in Sydney? Take the coastal path from Bondi to Coogee for a stunningly scenic walk along Sydney’s sea. This path will take you through tiny towns and luscious landscapes, but be sure to take a water bottle with you if its hot! There are water refill stations on the way so you can feel refreshed for free on this slow and wanderous walk!
8. Experience a Boat Ride Around Sydney Harbour
Cost: prices vary starting from around $35 AUD
If the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly isn’t giving you the full Sydney Harbour experience, take a boat trip along the water to extensively explore the heart of the harbour.
A $35 tour will take you around the harbour in a large boat to see Sydney’s best sights in a crowd. If you are wanting a more intimate cruise along the waters, a higher priced tour will give you a more luxurious boat, fewer people, and a more private view of this stunning city.
9. Have a Gander at Glebe Market
Cost: $0
Looking for unique fashion, individual accessories, and delicious food, why not head to Glebe Market for a morning of shopping. Located in Glebe and running every Saturday morning, this market is the coolest place to shop in Sydney!
Whether you’re looking for accessories, bags, shoes, clothes, or good food, Glebe Market has it all! With people selling items, vintage and new, for a range of prices, you’re sure to find something here.
If you have a very tight budget, I would still recommend wandering around this bustling market to look at all of the unique items being sold. If it’s sunny, take a seat on the central grass square and people watch! Located near the food trucks, there is often live music so you can sit and sunbathe with a snack in incredible atmosphere.
10. Explore the Beautiful Blue Mountains
Cost: around $30 AUD
If you have time in your Sydney itinerary, I would highly recommend visiting the beautiful blue mountains.
With over 600,000 acres to explore, the Blue Mountains are the perfect place to get lost in nature as you spend the day hiking through waterfalls, climbing up cliffs, and visiting viewing platforms for a day of adventure.
You can take the train from Sydney and explore the mountains yourself, or with a group of friends. If you’re wanting a more structured day to visit the most popular views of the mountains, you can book a tour for a higher price.
If you feel comfortable, I would recommend exploring the park without a tour, as you can escape the tourist crowds and venture into the mountains on your own time. Bring lunch with you as you’ll work up an appetite, but make sure to take all your litter away!
These were the best free and cheap things to do in Sydney! If you liked this post, be sure to pin it to save it for later!