Beautiful, electric and shamelessly seductive, Sydney is envied the world over. Historic yet neoteric, fast-paced yet sun-kissed and relaxed, highly cultured yet notoriously shallow; few places inhabit opposing spheres with such artful ease. And while this exciting, multilayered beast deserves several days of exploration, the following one-day itinerary makes for a solid introduction.

Morning

Join the locals for an invigorating morning swim at saltwater Bronte Baths. Even if you don’t dip your toes, make sure to climb the staircase at the southern end of the pool for a jaw-dropping view of Bronte Beach and the Pacific surf.

Follow the waves north along the breathtaking Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, which leads to a sweeping view of Bondi Beach. From late October to early November, the stretch between Tamarama Beach and Bondi hosts Sculpture by the Sea, an ambitious exhibition of sculpture from around the world.