Sydney

While I haven't lived in Sydney for about a decade, I go back every year. Preferably when it's in the warmer months, a literal hot tip: the ocean is warmest in March after being heated up by the summer months. Sydney can be expensive but there are also a lot of free things to do, including the best beaches in the world. Not that I'm biased or anything. The good thing about only going back for a couple weeks per year is the fact that I know what activities are priorities and what activities I wouldn't care if I didn't have time to do. So if you're visiting my hometown, enjoy my recommendations and let me know what you think.

Where to stay: Adina Bondi Beach. The absolute prime location.

Everything is linked for your convenience.

Food

It's easy to find good food in Sydney, you would be very unlucky if a restaurant looked good and turned out to be disappointing. Due to Australia's proximity to Asia, it's worth checking out Asian restaurants. Areas such as Bondi also have really good health foods, albeit the hefty price tags. My go-to haunts are listed below:

• Gelato Messina [You HAVE to go to this ice cream location. Sample the limited edition flavours!]

• Bills [This is a great restaurant right up from Bondi Beach]

• Din Tai Fung [Chinese. 100% worth the wait. Order the pork soup dumpling]

• Bondi Icebergs [Go even just for the view of the famous ocean water pool and the span of the beach]

• Raw Bar [Japanese]

• Chin Chin [Chinese]

• Totti’s [Italian]

• EQ Markets [Open Saturday and Wednesday 8-2. The Ethiopian stall is amazing]

• Neighbourhood Bondi [These hamburgers taste like the non-fastfood version of a McDonald's burger. I was a big fan]

• China Diner [Near the water in Bondi]

• Cheung Sing BBQ House [Vietnamese, Chinese, and Malaysian food]

• Kensington Peking Palace [Chinese]

Things To Do

Sydney has a lot of nice parks and, obviously, beaches. If you're up for a drive you could visit a white sand beach like Jervis Bay or go inland to the Blue Mountains. However, for hanging out in Sydney:

• Bondi Beach [The first thing you have to do. Get off the plane, unpack, and go to Bondi beach]

• Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk [Beautiful walk. Prime spots for taking photos]

• Clovelly Beach [Snorkel at Clovelly, spy massive gropers and gorgeous fish. BYO snorkel]

• Go clubbing [I've never actually been clubbing in Sydney but there's definitely a nightlife that a lot of my friends participate in]

• Outdoor Cinema [Seasonal. There's one on the harbour: St. George OpenAir Cinema; and one in Centennial Park, which is also a nice visit: Moonlight Cinema]

• Go to an AFL game [Seasonal. I'm not super into sports but I enjoy going to the Australian Football League, it's a good game]

• Harbour Bridge Climb [Touristy but fun]

• Walk around Sydney Opera House and Luna Park in the harbour [You absolutely don't have to go in but Luna Park is a cute retro theme park]

Shopping

Sydney has fantastic shopping. I love classic but innovative fashion and if you look on the Instagram feeds of Sydney girls they have great streetwear and going out looks. The clothes are expensive because they're generally not mass produced, and I don't have an issue paying for garments that have better creation processes and will last forever. I say if you like it, buy it. Without further ado, I present to you my favourite stores:

• Tuchuzy [Their tagline is "Cult Designer Womenswear". Agreed. Their online stock is no competition for what they carry in-store]

• Winona [I always find something really special here. Bought my prom dress during their Christmas 2015 sale!]

• Dinosaur Designs [This is a staple in Sydney homes, my wishlist includes: coasters, salad bowl, soap dish, and a vase]

• Sass & Bide [You know when someone says they're going to wear jeans and a nice top? You'll find your own nice top here]

• Jac + Jack [Great for high quality sweaters and cardigans, also great quality tops and pants]

• Assembly Label [Well made classic pieces]

• Museum [Cool but classic clothes]

• Bondi Markets [Sunday 10-4. Nice to wander through, good for finding gifts]

• Aesop [You've seen this brand in every decor magazine, get your hands on the cult Aussie brand while you're here]

• Country Road [Great for homewares and fashion basics]

• General Pants [Trendy fashion at reasonable prices]

• Glue Store [Another reasonably priced store that will be stocked with all the current trends]

• Windsor Smith [Reasonably priced trendy shoes. I get blisters very easily and have never had a problem with shoes from here]

• Tigerlily [This store has a lot of boho items but also a lot of really nice swimwear]

Honorable mentions of things to buy whilst in Australia. These will be at most chemists.

Drug Store:

• Trilogy Rosehip Oil [I put this on every night as a moisturizer. Good for: scarring, wrinkles, hydration, stretch marks anywhere on your body, a pimple you don't want to scar, etc.]

• Lucas' Papaw Ointment [You've seen this in magazines but you won't find it cheaper than in Australia. The dream salve use it on: chapped lips, peeling cuticles, scars, diaper rash, burns, dry pimples, cuts, use it as an eyebrow gel, etc.]

• Sukin [Reasonably priced but high quality soaps, hand creams, moisturizers, face cleansers, etc.]

• Natio [Reasonably priced but high quality skincare products. I'm a fan of their suncream]

• Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil [Antiseptic oil with a range of benefits. I put this on pimples but it's good to travel with, too]

• Soothers [The best cough drop, soothes sore throats and surpresses coughs plus they taste nice]

Miscellaneous:

• The Beauty Chef [Allegedly, probiotics are great for your gut health which in turn promotes glowier skin and healthier hair/nails. Regardless of this science I enjoy the taste of the Glow Powder and drink it everyday. I'd like to think it works! Plus it makes sure I'm constantly drinking water throughout the day. I always have their Sleep Powder in warm water and soy milk if I want a good nights sleep, too]

• Aquabumps [Sydney's claim to Instagram fame, this photographer has the nicest prints that will bring the Australian beach vibe right into your house]

• ELLE Australia [A step above the other ELLE magazines in my opinion]

• InStyle Australia [Has really cool fashion trends that you haven't seen anywhere else that aren't too outlandish]

• Vogue Living Australia [The absolute nicest decor magazine]