When you travel to a city, local or international, you should always ask the locals where the best views are (and where are the best restaurants, the best places to visit…). In this article, a Sydney photographer speaks up: these are his top 10 views of Sydney.

1. Lavender Bay and McMahon’s Point, North Sydney

Lavender Bay and MacMachon’s point are located on Sydney’s lower north shore, just a stone’s throw from the world famous Sydney Harbor Bridge. Also within walking distance is Luna Park (a small theme park by the harbour). You can walk to these places from the nearest train station, which is Milson’s Point.

2. Sydney Harbor Cruise

Arrange for a harbor cruise when you arrive in Sydney. You can have a romantic dinner at night or an adventure during the day. One of the most popular routes is to take a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly.

3. The Rocks, Sydney

The Rocks is located at the foot of the southern end of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. It is a historical place with many old buildings. This area is famous for its weekly night markets and its pubs and beer gardens.

4. Observatory Hill, Las Rocas

Observatory Hill is a secluded spot, with a nice little park from which you can watch the cars on the Sydney Harbor Bridge. On the hill there is also an astronomical observatory where you can visit at night and observe the night sky from its telescopes.

5. Royal Botanic Gardens

The Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens are located to the east of Sydney’s CBD, right next to the State Library and State Parliament and behind the Sydney Opera House. A beautiful place to take some time out to explore the city.

6. Kirribilli, Milson’s Point

Kirribilli is very close to Lavender Bay, and you can reach this place by taking a train to Milson’s Point. Kirribilli has a nice intimate view of the city. Be sure to buy fish and chips or a meat pie in the shops and have lunch in port.

7. Mrs. Macquarie’s chair

Mrs. Macquarie’s chair is located north of the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens and east of the Sydney Opera House. In this particular location, you can get the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge in a box with the camera from it.

8. Sydney’s North Cape, North Shore

North Head is more spectacular than South Head in Sydney – you can see the city from both places. But what is really impressive are the cliffs and the difference in level from the viewpoint.

9. Sydney Center Point Tower

Center Point is the tallest building in the Sydney CBD. You can visit or dine in the revolving restaurant.

10. Bondi Beach

Watch the sunrise at Bondi Beach. Or during the summer, enjoy the beach and the beautiful view of the ocean, cliffs and people.