This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2021. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
Nestled beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks is one of the city’s most historic and photogenic neighbourhoods.
I’ve spent countless hours wandering around The Rocks while living in Sydney — first as a local, and later as a photography tour guide. This harbourside pocket is packed with colonial charm, creative energy, and some of the best views in the city.
Sitting beside the Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks is often the first stop for cruise visitors, but it’s just as loved by locals who come for its heritage pubs, weekend markets, and lively outdoor dining scene.
In recent years, the area has evolved — new outdoor venues have popped up along George Street, filling the air with chatter, live music, and the scent of good food. It feels more vibrant than ever, a perfect blend of Sydney’s past and present. Here are my top picks for the best things to do in The Rocks Sydney!
Quick summary:
Wondering what to do in The Rocks Sydney? This harbourside neighbourhood is within easy walking distance of Circular Quay and is brimming with character. Explore historic laneways, lively markets, rooftop bars, and harbour views in this vibrant heritage district.
Recommended tours:
👣 The Rocks Walking Tour – Discover the area’s hidden laneways and colonial history with a local guide who brings Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood to life.
📸 Professional Photoshoot at The Rocks in Sydney – Explore The Rocks while a professional photographer captures high-quality shots of your visit.
🍺 Sydney Historic Pubs Walking Tour – Visit Sydney’s oldest pubs, hear colourful local stories, and enjoy a drink or two along the way.
Where to stay:
🛏️ Harbour Rocks by Ode Hotels – A stylish heritage hotel with a leafy courtyard and prime location in The Rocks.
The Rocks map guide:
- T – Circular Quay (train station)
- C – Overseas Passenger Terminal (cruise port)
- 1 – The Rocks Walking Tours
- 2 – Observatory Hill
- 3 – Hickson Road Reserve
- 4 – The Rocks Markets (Playfair Street)
- 5 – The Glenmore
- 6 – MCA
- 7 – Fortune of War
- 8 – Pylon Lookout
Top things to do in The Rocks, Sydney:
If you’ll be visiting The Rocks, then you’re in for a treat. I really think that this area is a great place to spend one day in Sydney! I’ve compiled a list of all my favourite activities in the area, so here’s my suggestions for the best attractions in The Rocks Sydney.
Take a walking tour
The Rocks is quite compact and full of small hidden laneways, which makes it a perfect place to see on foot. Ideally you should take a walking tour as the area is best appreciated when you really need to understand the history of the area to truly appreciate it.
👣 The Rocks Walking Tours offer daily guided tours which last 2 hours and take you to the important locations such as Cadman’s Cottage and the Nurse’s Walk.
See the views from Observatory Hill
Technically Observatory Hill is just outside of The Rocks, but I think it’s close enough to count! This is by far one of my favourite photo spots in Sydney, and it’s also one that is less busy with tourists as the 10 minute uphill trek deters people who aren’t willing to walk very far.
On top of the small hill there’s a working observatory and a weather station surrounded by a large grassy park with huge fig trees and an adorable white gazebo. From up top, you’ll get a fabulous vista of the Harbour Bridge!
Take photos at the waterfront
I used to host photography tours around this part of the city, so I can attest that The Rocks has some of Sydney’s best photo locations. Hickson Road Reserve at the base of the Harbour Bridge is one of most popular as you get an up close view of this impressive Sydney icon.
Follow the waterfront around the corner and stand in front of the Park Hyatt Hotel for another great photo spot which overlooks the Opera House.
📸 If you’d like some memorable photos from your visit, consider booking a professional photoshoot at The Rocks in Sydney. A local photographer will guide you through the area, capturing beautiful shots while sharing insider tips on the area’s best views.
Snack on street food at The Rocks Markets
The weekend markets are a staple in The Rocks. These markets run from 10AM-3PM on Fridays and 10AM-5PM every Saturday and Sunday.
Stalls from local makers, chefs, and artisans set up along George Street, Playfair Street, and Jack Mundey Place, filling the cobblestone lanes with colour, flavour, and music.
Head to The Glenmore for rooftop views
In my opinion, The Glenmore is one of the best pubs in Sydney because of its killer rooftop bar! From here, you can look over the top of buildings in The Rocks towards the Opera House and admire the view with a beer in hand.
Just note that when there’s a large cruise ship in port at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, you won’t be able to see the iconic views. Those monstrosities do a great job of blocking out the Opera House. Grrr!
Get your art fix at MCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is my favourite of Sydney’s museums and galleries. It’s free to enter and has both permanent and temporary exhibitions (though some of the temp ones are ticketed). There are also some cool art installations outside on the promenade.
One underrated thing about the MCA is the view from the cafe on the top floor as you can look north towards the Overseas Passenger Terminal and Harbour Bridge. I’ve never ordered the food or drinks though so can’t vouch for that – I just head in for the free art and views!
Visit Australia’s oldest pub
The Fortune of War claims to be Sydney’s oldest pub, however, this fact is contested as there are a few pubs in The Rocks that were founded at approximately the same time. Whether it’s actually the oldest is not really important though, as the cosy interior with its historic wooden bar is a genuinely good place to grab a drink.
You can also take your beverage outside to be seated in the outdoor dining area along George Street, pictured above.
🍺 Alternatively, hop on a Sydney Historic Pubs Walking Tour and you can visit all of the quaint old pubs in The Rocks over one evening!
Visit the Pylon Lookout
At the south end of Sydney Harbour Bridge, visitors can climb one of the massive stone pylons to get a 360 degree view of the harbour from the top. Although it costs $19 AUD to enter, I really love the vista from the Pylon Lookout and the fact that the observation deck is in the open air (no obtrusive fences!) make it yet another great photo spot in The Rocks. There’s also a small museum featuring info on the construction of the bridge on the inside of the structure.
2025 update: Visitors in Sydney should be aware that the Pylon Lookout is currently closed for renovations. It is due to reopen sometime in 2026 and will apparently be a whole new experience – I’ll provide an update when I know more!
Where to stay in The Rocks, Sydney
🛏️ So, I actually worked at a hotel in The Rocks! I spent two years getting to know Harbour Rocks by Ode Hotels, a gorgeous hotel in The Rocks Sydney, and I absolutely adored this historic building.
The hotel is a heritage warehouse conversion originally built in 1887, and you can still see traces of its past throughout the building. It has a beautiful leafy internal courtyard that overlooks Nurse’s Walk, and many mornings I’d take my laptop up to the Garden Terrace to work in the sunshine.
When I worked there, I always thought that Harbour Rocks offered exceptional value considering its prime location — just minutes walk from the top attractions in The Rocks and Circular Quay.
The hotel has changed owners since then, so I can’t say for sure what it’s like today, but if you’re after a mid-range boutique hotel in The Rocks, I’d still recommend checking it out.
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