Places to Explore as a Student in Sydney

In part one of this blog series, I shared my favorite places to shop and eat in Sydney. Today, I'm giving you some recommendations for places to go during your free time in Sydney - whether you're into galleries and history museums or hanging out by the beach, this list will get you started on planning weekend activities while you're studying abroad.

Where to Visit in Sydney

Here are some places you can go to explore the city's history, art, culture, wildlife, and natural landscapes (many of which are free to visit!).

Caption: Bondi Beach.

• White Rabbit Gallery

Sydney is home to dozens of art galleries and museums, including:

• • Art Gallery of NSW

  • Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA)

  • Museum of Sydney

  • Australian National Maritime Museum

  • Australian Museum

  • Hyde Park Barracks Museum

  • Powerhouse Museum

  • Sydney Observatory

I had a chance to visit a few of these museums and learn about Australia's history and culture. My favorite museum in the city was the White Rabbit Gallery, which showcases one of the world's largest collections of Chinese contemporary art. I'd recommend checking out a few of Sydney's many galleries and museums when you're there!

• Hyde Park

Caption: Hyde Park in Sydney.

Hyde Park is a 40-acre park located in Sydney's Central Business District. It's full of beautiful gardens and trees, providing shade and a nice place to relax or have a picnic lunch.

• Taronga Zoo

Caption: The giraffes at Taronga Zoo.

The Taronga Zoo has been open for over 100 years. It's home to over 4,000 animals including native, rare, and endangered exotic animals. To get there, you can hop on the ferry from Circular Quay (it's only a 12-minute ride!). Enjoy the zoo's stunning waterfront location with views of Sydney Harbor and the Sydney Opera House.

• Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

The Royal Botanic Garden is a 158-acre botanic garden located right on the harbor (the view is stunning!). It's free to enter and it's a great place to go for some quiet time, a walk, or a workout.

• Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

Caption: The walk along the coastal front from Bondi to Coogee beach.

Start at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach (one of the world's top surfing destinations) and head on the paved coastal pathway that leads you to the beautiful Coogee Beach. The scenic 3.7-mile walk takes about two hours (depending on how many times you stop for Instagram photos). You can also stop at the many beaches and cafes along the way!

• Manly Beach

In addition to Bondi Beach, Manly Beach is another famous surfing destination. After your day at the beach, check out some of the many restaurants, cafes, and shops. You'll have to take the ferry to get here, but it's a nice boat ride across the harbor and it's not as crowded as some of the other popular beaches in the city.

• Dance Central

Caption: Stepping out of my comfort zone for a lesson at Dance Central with my friends.

I'll admit, I'm not a good dancer at all and I was pretty far out of my comfort zone when I attended a hip hop class at Dance Central with my roommates one evening. Despite being the worst dancer in the room, I ended up having a great time trying something new and getting some exercise. I was sweating by the end of the class!

While you're studying abroad in Sydney for a semester or a summer, I recommend pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and trying something new - whether it's an exercise class, a guitar lesson, an art workshop, or even a type of cuisine you've never tried before. After all, once you've flown halfway across the world to live and study in Sydney, you'll want to get the most out of your experience!

There is so much to see and do in Sydney, and with a bit of research and planning, you can make the most out of your semester or summer abroad in this culturally rich global city.