It’s no secret Sydney can be an expensive place to live, visit and enjoy. While dining out at a luxurious restaurant can easily exceed into the double digits for a group of friends, or even a night out at the local cinemas can rack up a hefty price tag, there are still plenty of things to do and enjoy around the city that won’t cost you a small fortune!
So from grabbing a few cream puffs from a Chinatown institution for 60c a piece, or admiring the architecture inside one of the city’s most iconic buildings, we’ve rounded up the best cheap, free and affordable things to do around Sydney.
Ride the Manly ferry
Play tourist for the day and hop on the Manly ferry from Circular Quay to enjoy a scenic ride through Sydney Harbour. Costing just $4.46 one way for a concession card holder or $8.92 for an adult fare, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as you make your way to Manly Beach.
Hot tip: sit on the right-hand side for the best seat on the boat!
Get cultured at a Sydney museum
There is no shortage of museums and art galleries in Sydney. Offering affordable or sometimes even free admission, it’s a great opportunity to learn something new. Pick from the Australian Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Art Gallery of New South Wales which all offer free entry to its permanent exhibitions or a fee for special exhibitions. Whichever gallery or museum you choose, be sure to check their website to see what’s on.
Hunt for a bargain at the markets
Every weekend, explore handmade goods, artisanal foods and secondhand finds at one of the markets happening around Sydney. Take your pick from Glebe Markets, Kirribilli Markets, Bondi Markets, Rozelle Collectors Markets and many more. Spend your morning browsing through the many vendors before enjoying a bite to eat at one of the food options. There’s no entry fee – just walk straight in!
Visit Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island is an island in the middle of Sydney Harbour only accessible by boat. Open seven days a week, there is plenty to see including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Convict Site (Cockatoo Island was a former gaol!), enjoying a cup of coffee along the water, exploring the waterfront campground or simply taking yourself on a self-guided tour around the island. Admission is free but you will have to pay for your ferry ride which costs $3.56 as a Concession if you’re coming from Circular Quay.
Admire the architecture inside the Queen Victoria Building
Known by locals as the QVB, the Queen Victoria Building is a historic landmark in Sydney. First opened in 1898, it served as a monument to Queen Victoria and was originally a concert hall, office and retail space. Free to enter, today the QVB is home to retail stores and dining options but the real magic is when you look beyond the clothes – take in the incredible Romanesque architecture with stained glass, arch windows, ornate pillars, intricate tiled floors and more.
A picnic in Wendy’s Secret Garden
Not quite a secret anymore, this small park open to the public in Lavender Bay has incredible views of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Before making your way over, head to your local grocery store and pick up a few picnic goodies like a baguette, a tub of hummus, cheese, berries and a packet of chips you can bring for a do-it-yourself picnic you can enjoy with friends.
Enjoy cheap eats in Chinatown
Craving something sweet? For only 60c grab yourself a famous cream puff from Sydney Chinatown institution, Emperor’s Garden Restaurant. Warm, fresh and with the perfect luscious custard texture, this budget-friendly option is a great way to try something new without breaking the budget. While you’re in the area, walk up and down Chinatown to welcome in all the delicious smells of the local restaurants and dine in for a plate of noodles or rice for around $20, depending on the dish.
Take a stroll around the coastal walk
Rub shoulders with the locals along the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. The 6km oceanfront walkway starting from the famous Bondi beach and ending at Coogee Beach takes you across beautiful beaches, parks, viewpoints and cafes where you can grab a takeaway drink for under $10. The 2-3 one-hour walk is completely free and a great way to get in some exercise while enjoying a day out in the sunshine with your friends.
