Sydney’s Central Business District: Things to See and Do
Every year, Sydney’s Central Business District, or CBD, is visited by an estimated 17 million visitors. While it might not have the most exciting name, it attracts so many people because it is one of the most iconic, buzzing, and interesting places in the city.
The district is the place to find Australian history, amazing arts and culture, excellent hospitality, renowned retail venues, and much more. The area is a showcase of the best Sydney has to offer, and this is your guide to some of the best things to see and do there.
Where to stay in Sydney CBD
Sydney CBD hotels cater to all budgets. Most of the hostels with the cheapest beds are close to Central Station, which is only seven minutes to the more scenic and bustling Circular Quay on the metro.
The Quay itself is the place to stay for a view. It is also where many of the city’s luxury hotels are based. Meanwhile, the Rocks area nearby is popular with couples because it offers romantic walks down lanes populated by charming old buildings.
Things to do and see
Many of the attractions of Australia’s most popular city are located in the CBD. Here are the ones that most people like to check off of their list:
Sydney Opera House: Undoubtedly one of the world’s most instantly recognizable buildings, the famous sails of Sydney Opera House are found at Bennelong Point in the heart of the CBD. This is also the place to be for a great view of the Harbour Bridge.
While most tourists are happy just snapping selfies with the Opera House, you can go in and get a drink at the Opera Bar or, even better, appreciate the building for the world-class arts venue that it is. It actually contains five separate performance spaces with hundreds of different shows taking place every year.
Queen Victoria Building: This beautiful building was originally built in the 1890s and is still decorated with Victorian splendor and opulence. It is now a shopping mall offering luxury goods as well as chic local accessories and gifts.
There are plenty more places for high-end shops in the CBD, such as Pitt Street Mall and the Westfield Centre. The Strand Arcade is another beautiful old-fashioned building that sells local artisanal and handmade goods, while Market City is good for souvenirs and clothes on a budget.
Fine dining: CBD is one of the best districts in Sydney for foodies. It contains several of the city's most famous and admired restaurants, including Bennelong, which is run by chef Peter Gilmore and is located within the Opera House building. Aria by Matt Moran is another world-renowned restaurant with a view there.
However, fine dining is not all that is on offer. Cheap and delicious dishes from all over the globe can be found there, from falafels and pasta to noodles and burgers.
There is, of course, much more for visitors to see and do in Sydney besides the CBD. However, the CBD does contain much of the best Sydney has to offer within one convenient, well-connected location.
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