City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours 5.0 (33)

Kickstart your trip to Sydney

The perfect 3-hour experience for your first day in Sydney. Get oriented and gain tips from your host to make the most of the rest of your visit.

Taking a ferry is one of the best ways to see Sydney. Ferries depart regularly from Circular Quay to places like Manly and Cockatoo Island

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Familiarize yourself with the best ways to navigate Sydney – by bus, train, and ferry – with help from a local insider
  • See the city center’s popular tourist sights, and explore the lesser-known parts that only locals know about
  • Try delicious local food, and let your host point out more restaurants to try on your vacation
  • Explore the city’s historic side in Newtown, and the ultra-modern Darling Harbor area
  • Have a helpful host on hand to share tips and recommendations for the rest of your trip

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

100% private & personalized experience
3 hours with a host
Walking experience
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

Food and drink
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

Armed with your golden ticket (the Opal card, which allows you to catch a train, bus, or ferry) and your own personal GPS and guidebook (your local host), you’ll be ready for a crash course in Sydney.

From figuring out the transport systems to getting schooled on the city’s best beaches (Manly Beach for sunbathing and surfing; Bondi for beachside bar-hopping with beautiful people), your host will be an invaluable tool for getting you relaxed and comfortable in one of the world’s sunniest cities.

Along the way, you’ll also get a lesson in hunting down the best food - the historic inner west suburbs are a great place to start - and learn the secrets only Sydneysiders know, like which ferry to take for the best sunset harbor views.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

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What travelers think of this experience

Yanick, Feb 2025

le guide étati très sympathique, nos client ont passé une très bonne journée

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Dawn, Feb 2025

John was great , we told him what we had done in Sydney and he accommodated by walking over Sydney bridge and going around botanic gardens 3 hours was a good amount time so things we would not have seen many thanks John for a wonderful morning great to meet you The Martins

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Edward, Jan 2025

Peter was great ... informative, helpful and all around good guide ! What a trouper, we had one of the hottest days in Sydney and combined with my jet lag felt I was in very good hands

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Edward, Jan 2025

Nice selection of sites and helpful on showing me public transportation

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Sarah, Jan 2025

Ross was very friendly and knowledgeable. He gave us a great overview of Sydney with a mix of history and current culture. This tour was the perfect way to spend our first afternoon in Sydney. Highly recommend!

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Swati, Dec 2024

Peter gave a fantastic customized tour. We used the ferry and tram to move around which helped us feel as confident as locals. He also gave us tips on places to see and eating recommendations. We had a great time!

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