Shrimp Tacos, Aussie Cheeses & Opera House Views: Sydney Served It Up

Some cities feel larger than life the moment you step into them, Sydney is one of those places. With its blend of waterfront charm, global flavors, and iconic landmarks, it’s the kind of city that makes even the simplest afternoon feel magical. During our time here, we only had two days to explore, but it somehow packed in flavor, beauty, and a dash of wild adventure.

Kicking Off With Tacos & A Touch of England

We started the day at 3 Wise Monkeys Pub, a cozy English-style spot tucked inside a stunning Victorian building. Think warm woods, dim lighting, and a comforting pub vibe that instantly makes you want to settle in and stay awhile.

I went with the shrimp tempura tacos, fresh, flavorful, and with just the right amount of kick to wake up your taste buds. My husband tried the pizza, and honestly? For Australia, it was pretty impressive. We weren’t expecting New York or Naples-level pie, but the sauce alone had such rich flavor it completely won us over.

Opera House Afterglow

No trip to Sydney feels complete without at least seeing the Opera House, and while we didn’t go inside for a tour, simply walking around the perimeter gave us all the iconic vibes. The architecture is striking in the daylight, but once the sun sets? It absolutely transforms. The sails light up against the night sky, and the entire harbor shimmers with that moody, waterfront magic.

The area is lined with shops, restaurants, and places to grab a drink or snack. We wandered down to Opera Bar, tucked right at the base of the Opera House, where we snagged a table with a view that made us stop mid-conversation just to take it in.

We shared the cheese selection, three Australian cheeses paired with seasonal accompaniments, and sipped on crisp white wine while watching the ferries glide across the water. Executive Chef Fernando Sanchez curates the menu around peak local produce, and you can tell. Every bite felt light and vibrant, the perfect pairing to the view.

Wild Encounters in the Heart of the City

The next day, we made our way to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and while it’s smaller than some major zoos, it’s full of personality and packs in all the must-see Aussie wildlife. We spotted koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, and even a massive crocodile.

It’s a great way to experience native animals without leaving the city, and there’s something really special about seeing these creatures up close while still being just steps from the urban buzz of Darling Harbour. The whole zoo is well laid out, easy to walk through, and honestly a fun little escape from the hustle.

Sky-High Views from the Sydney Tower Eye

Before we wrapped up our day, we made a stop at the Sydney Tower Eye, and let me just say, if you’ve never seen a city from above, this is the place to do it. Standing 250 meters high, the observation deck gives you a full 360° view of Sydney’s skyline, stretching all the way to the Blue Mountains on a clear day.

It was genuinely breathtaking. There’s something so surreal about watching the bustling city below from that height, spotting the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and even teeny ferries crossing the water like toys. It’s peaceful and powerful all at once.

If I had one tiny complaint? I really wish there had been a small bar up there. The views just beg to be paired with a glass of bubbly or a plate of cheese and crackers. Even something simple, just to let you linger a little longer while soaking it all in. Still, it was well worth the visit and offered a beautiful new perspective on a city we were already falling in love with.

Two Days, So Many Moments

Sydney surprised me in all the right ways. From the old-world charm of a pub lunch to cheese and wine with million-dollar views and wild animal sightings in the middle of the city, every moment had its own little sparkle.

It’s one of those cities that invites you to slow down, look around, and really savor the experience, whether that’s over tacos or Tasmanian devils. I already can’t wait to come back and explore even more.