The cosmopolitan city of Sydney is equal parts world class and down to earth…

It’s perfectly safe for solo travel, easy to navigate, and incredibly clean. Whether you visit Sydney for food, architecture, or arts, only a miser would refuse to be charmed. I’ve never met a traveler who gave Sydney a bad review.

That being said, if you are American, check the exchange rate because Australia ain’t cheap. During my trip in February 2016, the U.S. dollar was stronger, but I still wouldn’t call this a budget destination. Not to worry, there are plenty of free sights and you probably won’t be thinking about that extra $20 you spent on dinner when you’re staring dreamily at the night lights bouncing off the harbour.

What to Do

Bondi to Coogee Walk

Take a leisurely walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. I only made it to Tamarama Beach, 15 minutes from Bondi, because I was spellbound by the views. This free path is popular with runners, photographers, and dog walkers for good reason. Every turn is more beautiful than the last with intricate rock formations, technicolor waters, and fresh sea air. You will be compelled to hang out on precipitous cliffs and simply take it all in — that is when you’re not admiring surfers riding the pounding waves below. See more photos…

Live Music at State Theatre

I’m one of those die-hard indie fans devoted enough to travel for a concert. In this case, Sufjan Stevens was touring Australia, the closest option (from Guam) to see him live for the first time. But first, let’s talk about the stunning art deco State Theatre. Just wow. Even the bathrooms are a page out of “The Great Gatsby.” The acoustics could not have more perfectly highlighted Sufjan’s angelic voice. Full review and video to come…

What to See

Fishermen on Darling Harbour

I stumbled upon Darling Harbour at dusk and was rewarded with the opportunity to see Chinese fishermen (and women!) cast their lines off the pier. This vantage point affords excellent night views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for long exposure photography.

Sydney Harbour Bridge & Opera House

Some tourist cliches live up to the hype. You can count these two architectural icons among them. The Opera House and Bridge are adjacent, so you can take in both at the same time. Sydney is a very safe walking city, so don’t hesitate to explore the area both day and night. Head to the Wharf just before Golden Hour to grab a bite at a harbour-side cafe. Watch the Opera House turn from white to gold as the sun goes down. Everything is lit up at night for excellent long-exposure photography (just bring a tripod!). Lovers can’t resist strolling Circular Quay and sneaking kisses in the moonlight. An international gaggle of tourists mills the streets, while locals duck into their favorite bars a few streets from the action.

Where to Stay

Finger Wharf Woolloomooloo

I started my Sydney trip by staying in a centrally located Airbnb. Lei, my host, was very sweet and even went with me to the Sufjan Stevens concert. Her loft is located in the ultra chic Ovolo Hotel, which has unlimited WIFI and an excellent breakfast buffet. Equipped with a kitchen and washer/dryer, the loft was the perfect jumping off point for me to explore Sydney on foot. The heart of Sydney is only minutes away by taxi and 15 minutes by foot. I took a lovely walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens during the day and Uber’d it back to the loft at night. Full review to come…

Click here to get a $20 Airbnb credit!

Adina Apartment Hotel Bondi

I wanted to shoot Bondi Beach at sunrise so I booked a night at Adina Apartment Hotel. I was minutes away from the beach at this clean, modern hotel.

Photo via Adina

57 Hotel in Surry Hills

This darkly romantic hotel has tiny, clean rooms and is centrally located. You’ll get Art Deco vibes and free coffee and pastries in the morning.

Photo via 57 Hotel

What to Eat

Lobster at Bondi Surf Seafood – $

Unlike its posh neighbors, Bondi Surf Seafood is a deli as authentic as they come. You’ll be greeted loudly and expected to order quickly and I promise you won’t mind the lack of proper tables when you’re scarfing down a buttery lobster and hot chips.

Mushroom Gnocchi at A Tavola – $$

Too busy savoring every creamy bite to check my camera settings, I cannot produce evidence of said gnocchi. Nevertheless, Lonely Planet was right to describe this Bondi restaurant as a haunt with sexy waiters and trendiness to spare. Bonus, the food is incredible too. I don’t like mushrooms, but with a tiny menu, I took my chances and now I highly recommend it!

Photo via atavola.com.au

Mango Pash at Aki’s Indian Restaurant – $$

Dine Woolloomooloo Wharf-side at this upscale eatery, but make reservations if you’re planning a special night out. Aki’s Indian Restaurant is all-class and the prices are reflective. Start your meal with the Mango Pash, a cocktail with vanilla vodka, mango, passionfruit and blueberries. For dinner, go all in with the classics — saag paneer, saffron basmati rice, and garlic naan.

Photos of me by Mike Selva

What’s your favorite part of Sydney?