Sydney looks spectacular from almost every angle (including aerial), and summer is the most festive time to visit this cultural and financial powerhouse. Enjoy a hot December and a host of amazing year-end parties and celebrations by the harbour when you book a flight to Sydney.

This Harbour City has attracted a steady stream of international tourists for a litany of reasons. If you ever need convincing why a trip to Sydney is necessary, here are the top seven reasons to keep in mind.

Top Things To Do in Sydney, Australia

1. Take a tour, watch a show, and dine at Sydney Opera House.
Anyone visiting Sydney for the first time needs to check out this iconic building established in 1973 and named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007. This world-class opera house was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, who got his creative inspiration from nature. Without a doubt, the opera house stands as a legendary landmark summing up Sydney’s best architecture, art, culture, and history.

No trip to this tourist attraction is complete without witnessing a live performance inside its magnificent halls. Lucky you if you are visiting this 2017 as many shows include performances of Bizet, Mozart, Rossini, and other great masterpieces. Enjoy gourmet Australian dishes at the Quay, a fine dining restaurant ideally situated in the Opera House. Book a front row seat to get a spectacular view of Sydney Harbour.

2. See the tallest steel arch bridge in the world: the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Inspired by New York City’s Hell Gate Bridge, Sydney Harbour Bridge is a marvel of engineering and a spectacular sight to behold. Its spellbinding design has put Sydney on the list of best cities in the world. Apart from the prestige and pride it brings Aussies, the bridge serves as an important transport line connecting major commercial centers.

There are many ways to appreciate this structure. Among thrill-seeking tourists, an exhilarating Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is an essential cultural experience. Casual sightseers are satisfied with watching the bridge from afar aboard cruise ships or while walking or cycling along the harbour. Whichever way you prefer to enjoy this astounding landmark, you have to put the Sydney Harbour Bridge on your itinerary.

3. Travel back in time at The Rocks, Sydney.
As the oldest city in Australia, Sydney has intriguing traces of its colonial past that history buffs can enjoy. Walk along cobblestoned alleys, discover hidden courtyards, check out well-preserved heritage buildings, and pop by the longest-surviving pubs in the city, all without leaving The Rocks. Blend in with the locals, and visit the Farmer’s Market to get a feel for this age-old trading center.

Even if you wander aimlessly along The Rocks, you are likely to find great museums, galleries, and European-style settlements that take you back to the 17th century. Australia’s colonial past has been vividly portrayed within this urban landmark. If learning about a city’s or country’s history is your thing, this place is a must-visit.

4. Have a glimpse of progressive Sydney at the Darling Harbour.
Darling Harbour has often graced local and international papers for many reasons. Whether there’s an upcoming 6-star hotel (i.e. Ritz-Carlton by The Star Entertainment Group, Pyrmont) or a huge convention to be held at International Convention Centre, this bustling harbour always makes news.

Although Canberra, not Sydney, is the capital city of Australia, Sydney is the country’s cultural capital. And in its heart, you can find the dazzling Darling Harbour. It is the city’s biggest and coolest entertainment hub. People gather around this vantage point every year to watch the grand fireworks display. Lucky you if you can take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

5. Surf, swim, and sunbathe at Bondi Beach.
Beach bums, sun worshippers, and surfers from around the world have fallen in love with Bondi Beach for all the right reasons. Visitors and locals enjoy sauntering along its scenic sandy beach, taking exhilarating seaplane flights, or surfing to their heart’s content. Besides these obvious summer delights, Bondi Beach is everyone’s favorite spot to people-watch and soak in the Sydneysiders’ beach culture.

Whatever the event - whether Christmas or ringing in the New Year - beach parties at Bondi are epic and unforgettable. It’s where all kinds of people - from billionaires to backpackers - mingle and soak up the sunshine. Pack your swimsuit, and prepare for a night out at this beach before you fly to Sydney.

6. Meet native (Australian) and foreign animals at Taronga Zoo.
Even if you’re not overly fond of cute koalas and kangaroos, you can’t resist their charms once you see them face to face at Taronga Zoo. ‘Taronga’ is an Aboriginal dialect that literally means ‘beautiful view’ referring to the sweeping views of the Sydney Harbour from this spot. Built on October 7, 1916, this is one of the oldest and most picturesque animal sanctuaries in Australia.

This nature reserve is home to about 4000 animals, native and introduced to Australian fauna. You will find other unique creatures to Australia, including platypuses, Tasmanian tigers, Cassowary, and other species. Australia’s alien-like flora and landscape have become a home to strangely diverse amphibians, reptiles, mammals, marsupials, and more. Pay attention to the lecture given by the knowledgeable keepers during a guided tour inside the zoo.

7. Take a nature trip at Royal Botanic Gardens.
While it’s great to go hiking, visit Australia’s national parks, and explore its wilderness, it may not be practical if you’re only staying in Sydney for a few days. You can get close to nature by taking a quick excursion at the Royal Botanic Gardens. This 30-hectare urban haven is the greenery you need to break away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s concrete jungle.

This massive green space in the middle of the city has recently been updated into a vibrant urban oasis featuring Australia’s incredibly rich flora. The garden is open 24 hours daily and access is free to the public. How awesome is that?

With all these reasons, it’s no wonder why Sydney has made it to the top 10 on a recent Mercer’s global survey of the world’s most liveable cities. Traveling to Sydney for leisure or business? Now you know the must-see attractions to include in your itinerary.

For the best tours, shops, and restaurants, read this extensive Sydney city guide before flying.