11 things to know before you visit sydney

It’s easy to travel to this sprawling, sun-drenched seaside city.

These other tips can help you avoid sunburn and get the best deals.

1. The SUN IS STRONG, AND IT WILL BURNS YOU

We are not going to tell you that you don’t want to be the snowy-skinned Brit who flies around in a tank without sunscreen, happy to get some sun and start working on your summer tan. It will burn. You’ll feel it. And you’ll be walking around the town for the next week while your skin sheds its outer layers in the most unattractive way possible.

Australia is the only place in the world where the sun shines as brightly as it does. You’ll feel the heat in just a few moments. If you do not take precautions, even on a cloudy day, it is easy to get tipped in a terrible shade of lobster red.

Wear sunscreen at all times, even when you’re walking around the city or going to the beach.

2. It’s THE PERFECT JUMP-OFF POINT FOR A AUSSIE ROAD TRIPSydney has a major international airport, and Australia’s most well-known backpacker trail is right at its doorstep. This makes it the ideal place to begin your Aussie road trip. Surf your way to Byron Bay and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.

You’ll find plenty of places to park or camp free of charge along the main backpacker trail. There are also many amenities at many beaches.

3. BONDI IS NOT THE BEST BEAUTIFUL BEACH.Bondi is the epitome of Sydney’s beaches. It caters to the trendy coffee-guzzling crowd and boasts a number of famous lifeguards. You’ll find it hard to find a spot of sand on a Saturday afternoon.

The beaches of Sydney are surrounded by over 100 miles of golden sand. There are many more waterside areas where you don’t have to compete for a spot.

Freshwater is our favorite, as we are from the Northern Beaches.

4. FOOD

Sydney is a multicultural city. This means that you can find delicious food from all over the world at the push of a button or just a quick walk around the corner. You can eat sashimi, have a prawn laksa and sample tapas in just a few blocks. Then, you can finish your day with a stack mango pancakes.

When we returned to Sydney, the list of things we wanted to do was almost entirely about getting back to familiarizing ourselves with food and restaurants that we hadn’t been to in a while. There are many options, and the quality is excellent. You’re sure to find something that suits your budget and any food cravings.

Brunch is a must! Brunch is a must-have. Brunch is a delicious option. Right. Food. Amazing food is available in Sydney.

5. THE TRAFFIC IS THE CRASH

Traffic shouldn’t be a problem if you’re just cruising around the city as a backpacker. However, if you are not in the centre of the city and don’t take the train, it can take some time to get there, especially during peak hours.

6. EVERY CAFFEINE ADDICTION HAS A PLACE.Coffee-lovers, tea-drinkers, skinny soy caramel decaf latte sippers, rejoice! There are many great cafes in Sydney that offer a wide range of milk, bean and leaf blends. Upcycled wooden chairs, table decorations made from forks, and upcycled wooden tables are very much in fashion right now. You’ll enjoy your coffee with a touch of hipster quirk and a handsome, bearded man in skinny jeans and large glasses.

Sydneysiders are so passionate about their artisan coffee that they gave up on trying to enter the market for eight years.

7. CERTAIN LAWS REGARDING ALCOHOL ARE STRONGSome people call them stupid while others call them pragmatic. Sydney has its own laws, which have earned it the title of ‘nanny state’. Walking along the beach with a beer in your hand in Europe, and other countries, is a wonderful way to end the day. This could lead to a fine in Australia.

Many public beaches, parks, and transportation are designated as alcohol-free zones. It’s a pain, but it is possible.

The lockout laws, which have infiltrated Sydney nightlife hotspots in an effort to curb alcohol-fuelled violence and driven many businesses to the brink or collapse, are still in force in the city. These lockouts are after 1:30AM, and last drinks at 3AM.

8. SUNDAY IS A CHEAP TRAVEL DAY

You’re likely to rack up a lot of travel expenses if you are cruising around the city day and night, riding the bus, train, and ferry as much as you like. Sunday travel is limited to $2.50 per day, regardless of mode of transport. If you are on a tight budget, save your money for the more expensive trips like the harbour ferry and out-of-city train trip.

You can recharge your Opal Card at any news agency for public transport. Then download the Trip View App to view schedules and track all routes.

9. DON’T FORGET THE POKETS OF NATURE, RIGHT AT SYDNEY’S DOORSTEPAre you tired of living in a concrete jungle? You are fortunate to live in Sydney, which is surrounded with national parks that offer outdoor adventure opportunities. You can climb the highest cliffs or explore the hidden beaches, or even hike among the eucalypts. You don’t have to go to the big city if you’re not interested in it. There are plenty of other things nearby.

10. YOU CAN WATCH MOVIES UNDER THE STARS

Outdoor cinemas have become increasingly popular over the years. Take a picnic and a beanbag, then settle down for a movie when the sun sets.

These cinemas show a mixture of old-school classics and new releases, but they are usually only open during the summer months (December through April).

The Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park is a popular choice, but there are many other options.

11. There has never been a better time to visitThe Aussie dollar used to be 1:1 with the US Dollar for a while, but it has fallen to a fraction its former value in the last year. This is a huge problem for us travellers but it is a great option for other nationalities who want to travel here.

Enjoy all the city has to offer now at a significantly reduced price.