Book direct for the best rates & perks!
Book direct for the best rates & perks!
Book direct for the best rates & perks!
When you’re strolling through Sydney, you’ll likely notice that within the span of a few blocks, you might stumble upon an underground gallery, possibly a gig, or a cool wine bar. Sydney’s got layers, and its foundation stems from the profound spiritual and artistic legacy of the Aboriginal peoples, who’ve been telling stories through art and song on this land for tens of thousands of years.
Sydney’s cultural scene is chaotic – in a good way – and you are never far from a work of art. You’ll see it on the streets and most certainly in the Art Gallery of NSW; the city pulses with creative energy that is truly undeniable.
Long before the first European ships dropped anchor in Sydney Harbor, the land pulsed with the living culture of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. For at least 30,000 years, they thrived there, developing deep connections to a country that went far beyond mere survival. The Gadigal were custodians who passed down stories through art carved into sandstone and ceremonies that brought the community together.
When you walk through modern Sydney, you’re walking in a country that still holds these ancient stories, even if they’re now overlaid with steel and concrete.
Post-European invasion, several key landmarks have since made Sydney the cultural icon it is today, and you can visit them to learn more about their history.
The history of the Sydney Opera House reads like an architect’s fever dream turned into reality. In the 1950s, when Sydney decided it needed a proper home for the performing arts, Danish architect Jørn Utzon came up with the now-iconic sail-like shells. They look great, but they were an engineering puzzle that took years to crack.
Construction was a complicated process, but in 1973, Sydney had itself a masterpiece. Today, the gleaming white shells are basically Australia’s unofficial logo, a UNESCO World Heritage site that pulls in millions of visitors every year.
Opened in 1932 after eight years of construction that probably felt like eighty to the workers hand-driving six million rivets into place, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was an engineering feat and a statement. In the depths of the Great Depression, Sydney threw up one of the world’s largest steel arch bridges just because it could.
Today, you can climb it, bike across it, or just gawk at the massive chunk of steel hanging over the harbour that has become a big part of Sydney’s identity.
A great way to explore Sydney’s storied past is with The Rocks Walking Tours. There’s a few to choose from, and they all explain the history of Sydney Cove, where British settlers landed in 1788, while telling other tales of The Rocks district. These tours cover iconic sites like Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, and The Royal Botanic Gardens.
Sydney’s art scene is a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary, with something for every creative taste. To get a good taste of it, start with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape in The Domain. The gallery features an impressive collection of Australian, European, and Asian art, as well as thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions. It’s also home to the much-loved Archibald Prize, showcasing Australia’s best portrait artists.
Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) at Circular Quay for a dive into modern creativity. The MCA champions contemporary Australian and international artists with its waterfront location and innovative exhibitions. Expect to see everything from cutting-edge installations to immersive digital works.
In Chippendale, the White Rabbit Gallery offers a unique focus on contemporary Chinese art. Its rotating exhibitions of bold, unconventional works are complemented by a tea house known for its dumplings and delicious scones. Plus, nearby, there’s a little bonus; Phoenix Central Park hosts free live performances spanning folk, jazz, and experimental music in a stunning architectural space.
Veriu Central in Sydney is the perfect location to use as a home base from which you can explore. Located in the impressive Wentworth House, you’ll be minutes away from cafes, emerging designers and newfound art houses.
If you want to get to know the culture of Sydney, stay in its cultural heart! Veriu makes it easy to explore Sydney and feel connected to the fabric of the city while enjoying the convenience of a great location.
Unless it is explicitly stated otherwise – yes! Your kids can learn a lot through art, and Sydney’s diverse art scene is here to teach them. Take them to explore indigenous works and modern installations, starting with the Museum of Contemporary Art as a great introductory (and family-friendly) space.
Some are, and some may have free areas with a cover charge for specific exhibits. You can also experience a zero-cost way to see great art simply by walking the Sydney streets and enjoying the street art that can be found down almost every laneway.
Yes! Thanks to their helpful locations near major entertainment and dining hubs, Veriu hotels are often near bus, train and tram locations. You’ll also be able to travel on foot thanks to their convenient locations near great dining and cultural sites.
