Sydney on a Budget – $50 for a whole day

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Fun on a budget

(Click play on the video above to see the full experience.) 

Inflation is hitting hard. I’m feeling it on almost every time I buy anything, and everyone else I know is also feeling it. So, today I decided to make a video about what can you realistically do on a budget in Sydney for just $50. 

Places Visited

  • Breadtop, the Galeries, Lover, Ground Floor Shop A0008/500 George St
  • Underground Espresso, Lower, Ground 2/445 George St, Sydney
  • The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
  • Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney
  • State Library of NSW, 1 Shakespeare Pl, Sydney
  • Marrickville Pork Roll, 7 Loftus Ln, Sydney
  • Circular Quay Wharf 3
  • Rollers Bakehouse, 9 Rialto Ln, Manly
  • The Rook Rooftop Bar, level 7/56-58 York St,
  • Oiden Bowl Bar, Shop 12/537-551 George St, Sydney
  • Emperor’s Garden Cakes & Bakery, 75 Dixon St, Haymarket

In the video, I takes us on a journey through Sydney on a budget of just $50, and manages to visit some of the city’s top attractions while keeping costs down.

First on the list was breakfast at Bread Top, a bakery that offers a range of Asian breads at affordable prices. I opted for a sausage bun, which cost just $3.50. Next up was coffee at Underground Espresso in QVB, which came in at $3.50 as well.

Sydney on a budget

With breakfast sorted, I headed to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a stroll through the gardens. Not only is entry to the gardens free, but there are also guided tours available for a donation or a fee. After admiring the gardens, I made my way to another free attraction, the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The gallery features an impressive collection of Australian art and international works.

Botanical garden Sydney

I grab a pork roll for a bargain lunch that fills you up but is also really delicious. It’s fast, cheap and yummy, but also if you’re having a day in the city of exploring – a lunch you can eat and walk on the go is a great option.

Pork Roll Sydney

Afterwards, I take a Manly ferry to have a beautiful scenic boat ride around the harbour for a full 22 minutes. So much cheaper than those tourist boat tours. 

And then of course, this is a food channel so my Sydney on a budget guide is going to have more food then you need.

Grab a croissant at Rollers Bakehouse if you’re feeling peckish from the walking. It’s flaky, buttery and something not to miss before you grab the $3 bus back to the city centre for happy hour. 

The Rook rooftop bar does a great $8 happy hour on beers and wines. The place is pretty spacious and is a great place to relax after a full day of being on the move. 

Once you’re well rested – its time to sort out dinner. We’re heading to a spot I use to go to a lot in my uni days, and that is Oiden Bowl Bar. It does the job. Meat and rice that’s fresh, quick to serve and cheap. 

At this point, you’re down to your last few dollars…

which means there’s still room for dessert! Head to Emperor’s Garden Cakes & Bakery for their famous cream puffs to get 3 or 4 of these. 

And that’s it. That’s a FULL day in Sydney for $50. 

Janice Fung

Janice Fung

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