8 Reasons Why Sydney is One of the Greatest Cities in the World

8 Reasons Why Sydney is One of the Greatest Cities in the World Written by Barnaby Taylor. Published on 14th November, 2018. Category: Travel Guides

As anyone who has lived or holidayed there will tell you, Sydney – often mistaken as Australia’s capital city – is one of the greatest cities in the world. Beautiful beaches and a lively culture make this one of the most appealing destinations for backpackers, families and business travellers alike.

With this in mind, it isn’t difficult to see why it’s consistently voted one of the world’s most liveable cities. In fact, 2018 saw it reach spot #5 due to excellent ratings in healthcare, education, infrastructure and culture, according to a recent article by Business Insider UK.

Excellent employment levels and an impressive healthcare system are just two of the factors that make Sydney so fantastic. Here we discuss just some of the reasons why Sydney always comes out top, and why you should head towards Australia for your next holiday.

The People of Sydney

video credit: Tourism Australia

With so much to boast about, it isn’t difficult to see why the people of Sydney are so proud of their city. It’s also very multicultural, with many influences from all over the world including Europe and Asia. Australia is known for being an exceptionally laid-back place with a fantastic sense of humour, so you’re guaranteed to feel welcome on your next trip to Sydney.

When it comes to travelling, one of the most important things to do is to immerse yourself in the local culture and get to know as much as you can about the city. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get talking to locals in cafes and bars, or even amongst the waves if you’re a dedicated surfer!

Sydney’s Culture

Sydney is a fascinating city for many reasons, but its culture is perhaps one of the main reasons why it’s achieved such a positive reputation worldwide. As anyone who has visited will tell you, you’ll never run out of fun and interesting things to do in the city, which is home to an estimated population of over 5 million people. Whether you enjoy going for a healthy brunch with friends or riding the waves until the sun goes down, there really is something for everyone.

For many people, Sydney’s world-famous Opera House steals the show when it comes to the city’s art and culture scene. However, there are many other gems dotted across the city to enjoy. Browse art exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art, or explore some of the incredible museums detailing Australia’s fascinating history with Aboriginal artefacts and other displays.

The Sydney Festival is another example of the city’s love for arts and culture. It’s the biggest performing arts festival in the country, and demonstrates a deep appreciation for dance, music, drama and circus skills.

When it comes to celebrating, Sydney doesn’t do things by halves. One of the place’s most famous attractions is the phenomenal firework display that lights up the sky every New Year’s Eve. Over a million people attend every year to watch the fireworks illuminate the harbour and party next to the glittering shore.

The Best Beaches in Sydney

It goes without saying that Australia is home to some of the most incredible beaches in the world, and Sydney is no exception. Bondi, located just 4 miles away from the city centre, is probably the country’s most iconic beach. It’s often described as one of Australia’s most popular tourist hotspots, attracting thousands of sun-seeking holidayers every year with its white sand and crystal blue sea.

Bondi is particularly famous for its surf, with powerful waves drawing the bravest of surfers from all over the world. In fact, it isn’t just Bondi Beach that surfers are willing to travel miles for. Manly, Cronulla, North Narrabeen and Maroubra are all celebrated for their choppy seas, perfect for entertaining everyone from children on their first boogie board to experienced wave riders.

It isn’t just the surf that makes Sydney’s beaches so appealing. They’re a hub of activity, with groups of friends playing volleyball, outdoor pool, hosting barbeques, and jogging along the shore. You’ll also find families snorkelling and paddling in the shallows, proving there really is something for everyone.

Sydney Landmarks

It would be impossible to talk about Sydney without mentioning its most famous landmarks. The Sydney Opera House is an iconic symbol of the city, and is a building which is recognised by people across the globe. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole of Australia, with thousands of tourists visiting every year to catch a show and pose for photographs at the world-famous venue.

Sydney Harbour Bridge is another of the city’s most impressive hotspots, and not just for its impressive structure and importance in linking the North Shore to the business district. Thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies can even climb across the top of the bridge for unparalleled views of the gorgeous harbour and the bustling city.

The Food Scene in Sydney

You’d be forgiven for harbouring misconceptions about Sydney’s food scene. After all, Australian cuisine doesn’t tend to make the headlines. Despite this, people don’t just live on barbeques, and there really is a fantastic food scene in Sydney that isn’t to be missed.

Sydney’s culinary scene has many influences, including dishes from East Asia and the Mediterranean, making it a haven for foodies everywhere. Whether you enjoy browsing stalls of street food or treating yourself to an evening of fine dining, you’re bound to find something to tickle your taste buds in Sydney’s city centre.

Sydney’s quirkiness and charm is characterised by its forward-thinking approach to food. For people with dietary requirements, this really is the place to be. Cool cafes and restaurants line the streets offering a delicious selection of vegetarian, vegan, paleo and gluten free food for tourists and locals to enjoy.

The Coffee

Australia is also famous for its coffee culture which even manages to rival Europe’s. In Sydney, grabbing a coffee isn’t just about waking up in the morning. It’s about taking the opportunity to enjoy the taste and quality of exceptional coffee, and spending time socialising with friends, family and colleagues. Independent coffee shops compete to entice customers with the promise of great tasting coffee and intricate latte art, so it isn’t difficult to see why Sydney’s coffee culture is growing every day.

The growth of the city’s coffee culture really does encapsulate the Australian way of life. It’s often said that Australia is one of the most relaxed and good-humoured countries in the world, making it the ideal place to live, work and explore.

Sydney’s Weather

If the idea of lounging by the pool with a cocktail sounds like your dream holiday, sunny Sydney could be the place for you. Australia is known for its great weather and a lack of rainfall, with winter temperatures that rarely fall below 7°C. Summer in Australia begins on the 1st December and ends on the 28th February, but the weather tends to stay mild until April/May. This is ideal for people who don’t fancy visiting during the hottest months, but who still want the opportunity to relax on the beach and take a dip in the sea.

Sunny summer days make this the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors and explore Sydney’s vibrant city centre. Whether you fancy roller skating by the harbour, sipping a cocktail at an outdoor bar or enjoying a picnic in one of the city’s many parks, Australia’s lengthy summer is the ideal time to explore this beautiful city.

Sydney’s Wildlife

When it comes to wildlife, Australia really is a fascinating country. There’s nowhere else in the world quite like it, with kangaroos, koalas and wallabies roaming through the countryside, and sharks and whales cruising through its seas.

Although it’s a huge city, Sydney is also home to some truly fascinating wildlife. It’s fair to say that the majority of tourists visiting Australia hope to catch a glimpse of some of the country’s unique native animals, and they certainly won’t be disappointed on a trip to Sydney.

The city is home to a vast array of nature parks and zoos, but if you’d rather spot the animals in their natural habitats, you’ll have the opportunity to do that too. Consider a trip to the breathtaking Blue Mountains to spot kangaroos and kookaburras, or go snorkelling in the Cabbage Tree Bay aquatic reserve to catch a glimpse of colourful fish and other sea creatures.

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