Places worth discovering

Things to Do

Find attractions, experiences and places to visit. Events remain the best way to see what is happening on a particular date.

Looking for a dated event? Explore Events

1639 places

Explore local places

City Recital Hall

Landmarks and Buildings

City Recital Hall

Tucked into Angel Place in the heart of Sydney's CBD, City Recital Hall is a must-stop for music lovers. This purpose-built venue is renowned for its world-class acoustics, making it one of Australia's most exceptional live performance spaces. Its curated program spans contemporary music from jazz, rock, and indie, to cabaret, electronic, dance and world music, alongside Australia's premiere classical music presenters including Australian Chamber Orchestra, Musica Viva Australia, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Pinchgut Opera and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Step outside to discover Forgotten Songs, a striking installation of suspended birdcages that plays the calls of 50 species once heard in central Sydney. As day turns to night, the soundscape shifts, creating a unique sensory experience in the laneway. Whether you're catching a show or simply exploring the city, the Hall is a cultural highlight, surrounded by some of Sydney's best bars and restaurants - perfect for a pre-show drink or post-show meal.

Sydney NSW

0.1 km away

MLC Centre — Image credit: MLC Centre

Landmarks and Buildings

25 Martin Place

25 Martin Place (formerly the MLC Centre) is an iconic architectural masterpiece created by visionary architect, Harry Seidler and gifted to Sydney in 1978. Today, lovers of leading international and Australian fashion brands still know where to head for the best range of designer labels in Sydney. If you can pull yourself away from the sumptuous fabrics and wonderful designs, you´ll discover the perfect café for a coffee with friends, alfresco dining for a leisurely lunch and bars where you can soak up the city atmosphere over a cocktail. Or if you´re in a rush there is a range of eateries in the food court. You'll also discover a range of jewellery, giftware, beauty products and everyday services. More than an exclusive fashion destination, 25 Martin Place is your complete city shopping experience. This landmark piece of architecture is something to behold. One of Harry Seidler's definitive works, its modernist curves are a feature on the Sydney Skyline.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

Hyde Park Barracks

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Hyde Park Barracks

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks is a must-visit destination for all ages. A site of exceptional significance, this fascinating building holds the key to understanding Australia's convict foundations and its impact on Aboriginal Australia, and early contribution to immigration and institutional care. Today, the barracks provide an extraordinary new way to experience history. Years in the making, this is history, but not as you know it. Layered with cutting-edge innovation throughout, the museum redefines the heritage experience, bringing Sydney's past to life more authentically than ever before. Led by groundbreaking audio technology, you'll follow in the footsteps of real people touched by this place. Stand where they stood. Listen to their stories. With immersive installations, this is not simply a walk through history. It's living it. It's also the chance to discover one of Australia's most important archaeological collections. Displaying over 4,000 original artefacts, the barracks is a direct link to items worn, touched and treasured by past residents – including an intact convict shirt and leather shoe. A rare opportunity to get up close and personal with Australia's past.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

Theatre Royal Sydney — Image credit: Theatre Royal Sydney

Entertainment Venues

Theatre Royal Sydney

Set in the heart of Sydney's CBD, Theatre Royal Sydney is one of Australia's most loved cultural institutions and architectural masterpieces, which was designed by Harry Seidler. Reopening in December 2021 after an extensive refurbishment, Theatre Royal Sydney has been transformed to house world-class productions from Australia and around the world from major musicals, plays, ballet and live music. Connecting people through creative and innovative experiences both onstage and in the foyers. Operated by leading global live entertainment company Trafalgar Entertainment, Theatre Royal Sydney is collaborating with unrivalled producers and promoters across the industry networks worldwide to establish a diverse programme of first-class theatre productions.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

Descendance

Entertainment Venues

Descendance

Descendance preserves and promotes Aboriginal culture. They represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers from many diverse tribes. Descendance has both traditional and contemporary performances. Descendance creates employment opportunities and develops careers in music, dance and song. Descendance has shows running nationally and internationally all year round and travels to your venue. The Descendance contemporary section encourages cultural exchanges and works closely with other traditional art forms including Flamenco, Indian, Asian, Native American, Middle Eastern, Gypsy, Classical and African. Descendance was born from the mighty Ngaru Aboriginal Dance Company which was Sydney's first independent traditional indigenous troupe.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

Andrew McDonald Shoemaker — Image credit: Andrew McDonald Shoemaker

Shopping and Markets

Andrew McDonald Shoemaker

A. McDonald shoemakers make ready to wear and custom footwear, bags and accessories. Their team of skilled craftsmen, located in The Strand Arcade Sydney, make shoes for design-aware individuals who appreciate sustainably made, unique, handcrafted products that transcend the vicissitudes of time. The A.McDonald collection is inspired by the dynamic, evolving relationship found between a craftsman’s product and the owner. The shoe characterises you the more you wear it.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

The Strand Arcade inside view of the atrium — Image credit: Vicinity Centres

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

The Strand Arcade

Established in 1891, the Strand Arcade is a premium retail destination located in the heart of Sydney's CBD between Pitt Street Mall and George Street. It is an important heritage landmark within Sydney and the only Victorian shopping arcade remaining in its original form today. The Strand Arcade remains a majestic beauty in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, bringing together a curation of designers and makers for shoppers with an eye for detail. Sydney's home of craftsmanship and Australian designers, the Strand Arcade features more than 65 specialty stores including well-known designer labels, jewellers, cafes and unique gift shops. Some of the retailers are well known Sydney institutions, with many having traded in the Arcade for decades, including The Nut Shop, Strand Hatters, Raphael Jewellers and Victoria & Albert Antiques.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

Cartmer & Co Strand Arcade Boutique — Image credit: www.cartmer.com

Shopping and Markets

Cartmer & Co – The Strand Arcade Sydney

Cartmer & Co is a boutique studio in Sydney's Strand Arcade, specialising in custom engagement rings, lab-grown and GIA-certified diamonds, jewellery remodelling, and expert repairs. Their services include rhodium plating, resizing, polishing, and bespoke designs, all crafted in-house with exceptional attention to detail. Whether you're creating a new piece or restoring a treasured heirloom, their team offers personalised consultations and expert craftsmanship to bring your vision to life. Book your appointment online or contact Cartmer & Co today to start your custom design or repair.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

The Dymocks Building Foyer — Image credit: The Dymocks Building

Shopping and Markets

The Dymocks Building

The Dymocks Building is the premium shopping destination for Sydney CBD, home to over 120 specialty retail stores and businesses under the roof of one of the city's most stunning heritage buildings. Since 1922, 'The Dymocks Building' has been home to the unexpected and unique. Today is no different, offering its visitors over 120 stores and businesses specialising in fashion, weddings, jewellery, health and wellbeing and personal and professional services. The iconic Dymocks Building hides in plain sight on one of Sydney's busiest streets. Next door to the well-known Dymock's Book Store, the heritage-listed building's foyer opens out onto George St, Sydney CBD. The modest ground-floor foyer leads shoppers to an elevator providing access to 10 levels of specialty stores and businesses Visit us today to enjoy a quality shopping experience while seeking that unique gift, item or service in the many specialty businesses located in a Sydney heritage building on George Street - The Dymocks Building!

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

Audrey Fine Art team — Image credit: Audrey Fine Art

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Audrey Fine Art

The Audrey Fine Art Gallery is a premier destination for those who seek to engage with a thoughtfully curated collection of extraordinary artworks. Located in the heart of Sydney, we showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions, from the profound heritage of Indigenous art to the boldness of abstract pieces, from the timeless beauty of paintings to the captivating detail of sculptures. Their gallery is a celebration of creativity, offering a carefully selected mix of artworks that speak to both seasoned collectors and those just beginning their journey into the art world.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

Commonwealth Bank

Landmarks and Buildings

Commonwealth Bank (Government Savings Bank of NSW)

This imposing Beaux-Arts neoclassical bank designed by Ross & Rowe was originally the headquarters of the Government Savings Bank of NSW. Construction began in 1925 and the building opened in 1928. The Wunderlich firm was responsible for much of the exterior and interior decoration, and when it opened it was claimed to be the world's largest banking chamber. The Wunderlich company was one of Australia's most significant building companies.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

Quiz Room Group Fun — Image credit: Quiz Room

Amusement and Theme Parks

Quiz Room Sydney

The new buzz in town! Hit the buzzer on a real-life game show that's better than TV! Australia's first immersive trivia-style quiz where anyone can win - it's not just what you know, it's how you play the game. Gather your wits and your team and step on set with all the lights, music and action you see on TV. Anything can happen until the last second! Be prepared for crazy fun, a few surprises and plenty of laughs. With games for all ages from 8 plus, choose from two excing trivia concepts - the Quiz or the Music Quiz. The Quiz – our original one-of-a-kind trivia game packed with a wide range of themes, rules that change every round and a variety of trump cards and traps you can set The Music Quiz – do you prefer music trivia? Wait until you try the Music Quiz! If you can name that tune, if you can hit that note, just burst into song and get buzzing. Quiz Room Kids – an adapted version of our original quiz for kids aged 8 to 12. They have three Quiz Rooms with six podiums each. At each podium, you can play solo or as a team of two or three – up to 18 people per Quiz Room and 54 in total!

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

Pitt Street Mall — Image credit: Destination NSW

Shopping and Markets

Pitt Street Mall

Pitt Street Mall is Sydney's fashion centre, located in the heart of the Sydney central business district and is Australia's busiest and most cosmopolitan shopping precinct boasting retail centres Myer, David Jones, Glasshouse, Sydney Arcade, Westfield Sydney, Mid City Shopping Centre and The Strand Arcade. With more than 600 specialty stores, Myer, and David Jones, all within two city blocks you're almost certain to find something to fit your style and budget.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

Alice in Puzzleland — Image credit: Escape Hunt

Entertainment Venues

Escape Hunt Sydney

Sydney's most exciting escape room experience. The pressure’s on, the clock’s ticking, the adrenaline’s pumping. Escape Hunt isn’t something you watch, it’s something you experience from the heart of the action. After the buzz of Escape Hunt, other entertainment just feels flat. Step into a new world and play one of their brilliantly-themed escape games. Once the door slams shut, work together to solve a series of fiendishly clever clues. You and your team of two to five players (ages seven and above) have just one hour of pulse-racing excitement to win your freedom. You can then celebrate your escape in their fully licensed lounge and enjoy a complimentary photo shoot. Incredible fun for families, friends, school groups and corporate team building. With challenges for sleuths of all ages and backgrounds, Escape Hunt is designed to suit anyone with a penchant for puzzles and a sense of fun. If you get stuck, you can call on a game master for help, and if you have a bigger group, you can reserve two identical rooms to see who can solve the mystery first.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

Welcome to Ice Break Escape Room, your adventure starts here — Image credit: Ice Break Escape Room

Entertainment Venues

Ice Break Escape Room

Ice Break Escape Room is one of Sydney CBD's largest escape room venues, featuring seven uniquely themed rooms across two floors on George Street. Each room delivers a different adventure, from the pulse-racing horror of Redemption; complete with live actors, to the wizard fantasy of Darkness Reborn and the detective thriller Eyes of Argos. What sets Ice Break apart is the combination of high-tech puzzle mechanics, richly detailed set design, and compelling storylines that draw players deep into every scenario. Rooms are designed to encourage genuine teamwork, with puzzles that give every member of the group a chance to contribute. Sessions run for 60 to 80 minutes and suit groups of all sizes, from couples and families to corporate teams of up to 48 people. Multiple rooms can run simultaneously, making it an ideal venue for team-building events and large group celebrations. A three-time TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice winner, Ice Break is consistently praised by visitors for its immersive atmosphere, creative puzzles, and friendly, attentive game masters.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

MidCity Centre

Shopping and Markets

MidCity Centre

Like a personal stylist, MidCity style space provides all the tools for you to put together the perfect look. Take a walk through its four levels, including bold looks for men and women, fitness solutions to get that body into shape, and boutique dining. It is small enough to be effortless and big enough to be rewarding.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

Photo © James Horan for Museums of History NSW — Image credit: Photo © James Horan for Museums of History NSW

Galleries, Museums and Collections

School Holiday Activities - Museums of History NSW

Explore Museums of History NSW sites these school holidays with creative workshops at Vaucluse House, Rouse Hill Estate and Elizabeth Farm. Plus enjoy free family friendly drop-in activities throughout the school holidays. You can also enjoy free drop-in activities across their museums including Hyde Park Barracks, the Museum of Sydney, Elizabeth Farm, Vaucluse House and the Justice and Police Museum. Visit the website for more information.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

Qantas House

Landmarks and Buildings

Qantas House

Standing on the corner of Hunter and Elizabeth Street is the imposing Qantas House building. The much-loved city landmark is an architectural icon of its time. Designed for Qantas Empire Airways by Felix Tavener of Rudder Littlemore & Rudder Architects in 1957, it was entirely constructed using locally sourced materials, a visible symbol of Australian enterprise. Historically significant as the first world headquarters for Qantas which at the time was Government-owned and Australia's only international airline. A quintessential Sydney building that represents a brave future and a strong sense of history and of place.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

Vortex Tunnel — Image credit: MOI Sydney Pty Ltd

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Museum of Illusions Sydney

A mind-bending experience in Sydney. Catch a glitch in reality at one of Sydney's most mind-bending attractions! Museum of Illusions is a surreal, playful stop where perception shifts and you realise that the impossible is just misunderstood. It's a fully immersive experience for visitors of all ages, where optical illusions meet the science behind how we see the world. Located in the heart of the city, it brings the celebrated phenomenon to Australia, blending education and entertainment into a hands-on adventure! Expect gravity-defying spaces, infinity mirrors, holograms, vortex tunnels and giant kaleidoscopes – each one designed to spark curiosity and be shared. With more than 70 exhibits, there's plenty to discover. Walk through a tilted room or a spinning tunnel, shrink or grow in an instant, and defy gravity in an environment that challenges what you think is real. Sydney-specific installations add a local twist, including a Reversed Room inspired by an Aussie pub with a pool table, a Building Illusion representing the iconic Queen Victoria Building interior, and the interactive 'Following Eyes' exhibit, a nod to the city's beach culture. Since opening, Museum of Illusions Sydney has become a popular stop for visitors looking for something out of the ordinary. It's well-suited to families, groups, and anyone keen to experience a different side of the city: interactive, surprising and highly photogenic.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

Museum of Illusions

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Museum of Illusions

Museum of Illusions, the world's largest and fastest-growing chain of private museums, will make its Australian debut this summer with the opening of Museum of Illusions Sydney — an interactive world where the impossible becomes possible and curiosity knows no bounds. Originally launched in Zagreb, Croatia in 2015. Tenyears later, Museum of Illusions now operates in more than 60 locations across 28 countries, captivating millions of guests every year. Each location is guided by one purpose: to create memorable, magical experiences that leave visitors smiling long after they leave. Each Museum of Illusions location around the globe takes inspiration from its surroundings — and Sydney is no exception.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

DigiPark — Image credit: DigiPark Sydney

Amusement and Theme Parks

DigiPark

Located on Level 5 of Westfield Sydney, DigiPark Sydney is an immersive indoor playground featuring 18 interactive themed environments and experiences. DigiPark Sydney brings art, technology, and imagination together in one space. Visitors can explore interactive installations, motion-responsive displays, and digital worlds designed to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

St James' King Street

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

St James' King Street

The Anglican Parish Church of St James' is the oldest church building in Sydney. Designed by the convict architect Frances Greenway, it stands directly opposite the Hyde Park Barracks, also designed by Greenway. In the precinct of buildings along Macquarie Street, St James' is a significant historic and cultural landmark in the city of Sydney and is open every day of the year to visitors. In addition to the daily round of church services, St James' also regularly hosts concerts and special events, including talks, tours, and seminars. Areas of particular interest to visitors include the brand new Bicentennial Pipe Organ (2024) designed and built by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders of Lake City, Iowa - their first Australian instrument, and also the third largest pipe organ in Sydney. Visitors are encouraged to see the stunning Chapel of the Holy Spirit with its striking walls of stained glass by Melbourne artist David Wright and installed for Australia's Bicentenary in 1988. The crypt downstairs contains the unique Children's Chapel (1929) painted in vibrant colours and highlighted in gold like an illuminated manuscript and painted by the Turramurra Wall Painters. The walls of the church are lined with monuments and memorials to many significant figures in the life of New South Wales and the nation.

Sydney NSW

0.4 km away

St James King St Church Sydney — Image credit: St James King St Church Sydney

Landmarks and Buildings

St James’ Church King Street Sydney

The Anglican Parish Church of St James' is the oldest church building in Sydney. Designed by the convict architect Frances Greenway, it stands directly opposite the Hyde Park Barracks, also designed by Greenway. In the precinct of buildings along Macquarie Street, St James' is a significant historic and cultural landmark in the city of Sydney and is open every day of the year to visitors. In addition to the daily round of church services, St James' also regularly hosts concerts and special events, including talks, tours, and seminars. Areas of particular interest to visitors include the brand new Bicentennial Pipe Organ (2024) designed and built by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders of Lake City, Iowa - their first Australian instrument, and also the third largest pipe organ in Sydney. Visitors are encouraged to see the stunning Chapel of the Holy Spirit with its striking walls of stained glass by Melbourne artist David Wright and installed for Australia's Bicentenary in 1988. The crypt downstairs contains the unique Children's Chapel (1929) painted in vibrant colours and highlighted in gold like an illuminated manuscript and painted by the Turramurra Wall Painters. The walls of the church are lined with monuments and memorials to many significant figures in the life of New South Wales and the nation.

Sydney NSW

0.4 km away

St Stephens Uniting Church

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

St Stephens Uniting Church

St Stephen's Uniting Church is located within Sydney's political, financial, business and medical district on Macquarie Street. The church is open during the week. St Stephen's offers a monthly lunchtime concert program. You are invited to bring your lunch and relax in the gorgeous surroundings while listening to a range of classical musical treats. The Friday Music series includes an organ recital on the last Friday of the month.

Sydney NSW

0.4 km away

What is happening now?

Search dated events, markets, live music, sport and community activities.

Planning by place?

Use Things to Do for attractions and experiences that are not tied to one event date.