Hi. As a citizen of Sydney and a tour guide I hope I can help you find some fun accessible things to do in Sydney. Sydney is very much rich in culture and people personality, rather than posh stores and loads of development. You have gone back in time here so savour that perspective. That's how we like it! Cape Breton is world famous for our local people, friendly witty banter, music culture and lively personalities. We are warm, authentic, personable, proud and hilarious. If you can tap into the people here you will find this is a very exciting place! Please strike up a conversation or three, you will be pleasantly surprised with how much time folks have for you here. When you arrive on the dock you cannot see the heritage downtown area with shops and cafes as there is a hill rising from the port and it is on the diagonal and behind the Esplanade. Search your maps for Charlotte Street! I encourage folks to go up the hill to the shops (only just up the small hill and over one street.) Directly up from the Port is the historic North End which has some of the oldest wooden homes (1700's) in North America. Many of the homes and churches are free venues with interpreters and the history is fascinating. If socializing with the locals is more your thing try Island Folk Cider House, very modern and cosy (5 mins or less walk from Port) or for a ceilidh atmosphere, maybe fiddle tunes, go to Governers (5 mins walk). There are more pubs and restaurants all along Charlotte Street. If you want gifts outside the cruise pavillion on the dock, on Charlotte Street I highly recommend Cape Breton Craft and Design (local artisan) and the Curiousity Shop (Gift shop we locals shop here, souvenirs, Gaelic books, music books, tartans, knick knacks, cards, jewelry) You could take a leisurely walk down Charlotte to Wentworth Park which has a small lake, it's beautiful and in a gorgeous neighbourhood of stately wooden homes and churches built in the early 20th century by wealthy industrialists, then come back along the boardwalk which will take you right to your Ship. These are just a few of the easiest, inexpensive things to do. Honestly I do feel the key to enjoying Sydney is connecting with the locals. If you are a little shyer it's also a slow paced gentle place that will sooth your nerves. Hope that is helpful. I love this place and I lived many years in large cosmopolitan cities and travelled the world.
