Pensione Hotel Sydney, inexpensive, 011-61-2-9265-8888, www.pensione.com.au. We weren’t sure “luxury” and “budget” could coexist in a hotel, as the Pensione advertises, but its sleek European styling and in-room amenities like dataports and mini fridges do indeed belie its affordability.

DINING

Longrain, moderate, 011-61-2-9280-2888, www.longrain.com.au. Kate and crew may have dined at the Victoria Room, but we take our team to this convivial spot in a converted­ warehouse. The helpings of Pan-Asian specialties — think betel leaves topped with trout roe and tea-smoked duck — are as big as the tables. If you have to wait to be seated, be sure to sample one of the signature “stick drinks” at the bar.

Well Connected, inexpensive, 011-61-2-9566-2655. This Glebe Point Road café’s breakfast special is available until four p.m., but it’s a dish we’d actually get up early for. For about US$8, you get scrambled eggs on toast with bacon, slow-roasted tomato, coffee, and fresh OJ. The smoked salmon bruschetta is a keeper, too, but then so is everything else on the menu.

ATTRACTIONS

Sydney Harbour Seaplanes, 011-61-2-9388-1978,
www.seaplanes.com.au. You’ve seen them buzzing around town, so why not hitch a ride on one yourself? We recommend the quick trip to quiet Palm Beach, a scenic peninsula complete with golden sand, crashing surf, and several restaurants.

Sydney Tower Skywalk, 011-61-2-9333-9222, www .skywalk.com.au. Sure, you can climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but with this nearly year-old outfit you can stroll out onto a glass-floored perch atop Sydney Tower, almost 855 feet above the teeming crowds below. Hang on!

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

ONE SPECIAL DAY

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