Eat

The old: Tetsuya’s
Chef Tetsuya Wakuda has been cooking in Sydney for 25 years. His 13-course degustation menu is a unique experience – dishes come out with fists flying, and each one is a knockout. With stunning ingredients, outstanding service and the option of taking your own booze, you can see why this restaurant leaves the rest for dead. 529 Kent St, Sydney 2000, +61 2 9267 2900

The new: Sepia Restaurant
A brand new addition to Sydney eating is all the more exciting because of the man behind the pans. Martin Benn is the ex-head chef of Tetsuya’s and one of the most accomplished cooks this city’s ever seen. His new restaurant/wine bar offers stunning food for fewer dollars in a Parisian bistro-style dining room. 201 Sussex St, Sydney 2000, +61 2 9283 1990

Sleep

The old: The Observatory Hotel
Real old-fashioned luxury. In fact, you can pretty much smell the history – it’s set very near The Rocks, where 200 years ago you wouldn’t set foot unless you were carrying a switchblade. Now, it’s a must for anyone visiting Sydney. The Globe bar has original leather-bound journals written by Captain Cook (the first Westerner to see Australia). The hotel also features one of the largest swimming pools in the southern hemisphere. 89-113 Kent St, Sydney 2000, +61 2 8248 5220

The new: The Medusa
This 18-room boutique hotel in the heart of Darlinghurst is beautifully designed, and every room is different. The best thing about Medusa (apart from the seriously schmick fit-out) is the fact it’s smack bang in the action – you’ll find the best bars, restaurants and clubs on your doorstep, and yet the hotel’s actually pretty quiet. 267 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst 2010, +61 2 9331 1000

Do

The old: Opera House
The Opera House is all about performance, invitation and suspense. From walking through its intricate corridors, to its aesthetically pleasing performance halls, to its slanted windows (so you can look into the harbour without a reflection), there’s plenty to marvel at. Bennelong Point, Sydney 2000, +61 2 9250 7777

The new: Skywalk at The Sydney Tower
The Sydney Tower, built in 1972, is as tall as the Eiffel Tower with 360-degree views of the entire city and beyond. Get up close and personal by taking a sky walk: you’ll be kitted out in safety gear and taken outside the building on to a special glass platform that takes in the entire city, including beautiful beaches and the Blue Mountains. Centrepoint Podium Level, 100 Market St, Sydney 2000, +61 2 9333 9222

For more information, see Time Out Sydney.

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