Sydney, on a budget, how we failed and tips to not overspend!
We have spent 5 days in Sydney on our way to New Zealand. Our plan was to spend 1000USD (200$/day). Here is the story of how we failed and also how did we do some damage control as there are a lot of cool free places.
What to eat in Sydney on a budget as a family?
First up, Aldi was our best friend here. It's like hitting a jackpot for anyone trying to save a few bucks. I popped into Aldi and grabbed some fresh stuff - bread, cheese, lettuce, you name it - and whipped up some delicious sandwiches. Picture this: sitting in a sunny spot near the Opera House, munching on your self-made sandwich masterpiece. It's simple, cheap, and honestly, so satisfying.
Evenings in Sydney are perfect for exploring the food scene. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get some good eats. I found some cool spots where the vibe is laid-back and the food is affordable and tasty.
We had good middle easter food at Open Sesame, next to Opera house.
We also wandered into Chinatown. As we love Szechuan food, we. were very happy to splash out on a Hot pot and we saw many other tasty places.
So, there you have it. Eating in Sydney on a budget is totally doable. It’s all about knowing where to go, enjoying simple pleasures like a picnic with your Aldi finds, and diving into the local food scene where the focus is on tasty, affordable eats.
One tip: not worth eating at the Tanraga zoo (pack your own sandwiches, not only it was extremely pricy, it really wasn’t good).
Moving around in Sydney and where to stay on a budget ?
Staying in Summer Hill turned out to be a pretty smart move. It's not the heart of Sydney, but the hotel prices are way more reasonable – almost half of what you'd pay downtown. And the public transport? It's decent. We could get to the center in about 20 minutes, which isn't too shabby.
The boats are a nice touch too, offering a different view of the city. As for the traffic, it's manageable, not as hectic as you'd expect in a big city. Overall, using public transport in Sydney is a practical and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're staying somewhere like Summer Hill.
Best free activities in Sydney on a budget?
Exploring Sydney on a budget? You're in luck! The city is full of free activities. Take the Royal Botanic Garden, a peaceful retreat amidst the urban buzz, perfect for a chilled day out. Then there's the coastal walk from Bondi – absolutely stunning with its roaring waves and breathtaking views. We also had what was probably the best ice cream of our lives at Mapo Bondi.
Don't miss out on the Sydney Art Museum and the Observatory, both offering unique experiences at no cost. And though not free, the iconic Taronga Zoo is a splurge worth every penny, blending wildlife encounters with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour. In Sydney, you can enjoy the best of nature, art, and wildlife without spending a fortune.
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