Introduction to Sydney

Warm-natured, sun-kissed and naturally good looking, Sydney is rather like its lucky, lucky residents. Situated on one of the world's most striking harbors, where the twin icons of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge steal the limelight, the relaxed Australian capital is surprisingly close to nature. Within minutes you can be riding the waves on Bondi Beach, bushwalking in Manly or gazing out across Botany Bay, where the first salt-encrusted Europeans arrived in the 18th century. You can understand why they never wanted to leave.

Things to Do

For that "I'm in Sydney!" feeling, nothing beats the first glimpse of the white-sailed Opera House and the iconic Harbour Bridge, which you can climb for a bird's-eye view of the sparkling harbor. Move on to the Royal Botanical Gardens' tropical greenery and the Museum of Contemporary Art's cutting-edge exhibitions. It's no wonder Sydneysiders look so bronzed and relaxed with 70 beaches close by -- from the fizzing surf of famous Bondi Beach to Manly's coastal walks and pine-flanked bays.

Shopping

Don't let the knockout views of Sydney Harbour distract you from your shopping in The Rocks' specialty shops and galleries, crammed with one-off gifts, quirky fashion and hand-painted ceramics. Sydneysiders shop for designer styles under the soaring glass arches of the Queen Victoria Building. There's also the city's very own Oxford Street and the fashionable Surry Hills and Paddington suburbs. Combine a morning looking for vintage clothes and prêt-a-porter swimwear at Bondi Market with time-out on the beach.

Nightlife and Entertainment

The Sydneysiders' fun-loving spirit soon rubs off, whether you're hitting the buzzy bars and clubs on come-as-you-are Oxford Street or downing a Coopers stout in stylish-meets-sleazy Kings Cross. After dark, lights magically illuminate Circular Key and the sails of the Sydney Opera House, staging top-drawer opera, classical concerts and ballet. Enjoy homebrews and Aussie-style banter in The Rocks' historic pubs, or panoramic views and cocktails in Darling Harbour's chichi lounge bars.

Restaurants and Dining

Dine in a different country every night in multicultural Sydney -- whether late-night noodles in Chinatown, tasty tapas in the Spanish Quarter or authentic Thai curries on bohemian King Street. BYOB restaurants and sensible prices make eating out affordable in all but the very top places -- French-Japanese Tetsuya's, for instance. Special occasion? Head to Circular Quay's sleek waterfront restaurants for the Opera House view and Mod Oz cuisine -- a blend of Australian, Mediterranean and spicy Asian flavors.