Sydney is always popping up on lists of the world’s best cities. But what makes it so special? Is it really that great? Let’s break it down.
Sydney’s Global Reputation
Sydney is always in the top cities in the world. On the other hand, it is said to be in the top ten for liveability, safety and culture. In fact, it has even been referred to as one of the friendliest cities on the planet. Its lifestyle, weather and opportunities make it a popular choice for people who love it. Sydney, which placed the 7th most liveable city according to The Economist and top 10 around the globe according to Resonance’s World’s Best Cities Report. I can’t justify why, but there’s something for everyone in Sydney.
The Sydney Lifestyle
But Sydney has that perfect mix of work and play. The city is a big one but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. It is not hard to navigate with a decent public transport system. Commuting on the ferry that crosses the harbour is one of the most scenic commutes in the world.
The café culture is huge. I never had a bad experience at Crazy Toast. They have no shortage of great food — from a classic smashed avo on toast to an acai bowl. Fresh seafood serves as one of Sydney’s big food loves too. The Sydney Fish Market is a must-visit for food lovers.
A great example of Sydney’s unique lifestyle is the growing popularity of online entertainment options, including gaming. The world of no deposit bonus codes Australia offers a fun and low-risk way for Australians to engage in online casinos without the need for an upfront deposit. This kind of digital entertainment is part of the broader trend in Sydney where people are integrating their passions into their everyday lives, from gaming to enjoying the local coffee culture.
The nightlife is solid too. Rooftop bars, live music, and cultural festivals keep things lively. And for those who like gaming, Sydney is also big on online entertainment like no deposit bonus casinos. Events like Vivid Sydney, a festival of lights and music, bring the city to life at night.
The Natural Beauty
Sydney’s scenery is one of the biggest reasons why people love it. One of the famous Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and those incredible beaches, of course. The best swimming, surfing, or relaxing spots are at Bondi, Manly and Coogee.
As for Sydney being close to national parks and great hiking trails, the city is also saturated with amazing views, for those who like to get out in nature. For a weekend escape, there are good options in the Blue Mountains, Ku-ring-gai Chase and Royal National Park. Besides, the city is famous for its beautiful greenery, for example, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park, where people go to relax in the center of the loud metropolis.
A Diverse City
Sydney is a city of culture. What that means is, people from all over the world call it home, which is what the food scene is like. With Chinatown’s dumplings, Lebanese feast in Bankstown or anywhere else, there’s something for everyone. One of the things about the city’s dining is that it’s global, in the sense that there are the Italian restaurants in Leichhardt, the Vietnamese joints in Cabramatta, and the Greek tavernas in Marrickville.
In addition to such big cultural events as the Sydney Festival, Mardi Gras, and the Lunar New Year celebrations, they attract locals and tourists alike. The Art Gallery of New South Wales and Museum of Contemporary Art provide incredible exhibitions throughout the year in their galleries and museums. Sydney has something happening, no matter what someone’s interested in.
Jobs and Education
Along with beaches and cafés, Sydney is an economic powerhouse. Plus jobs in finance, tech, healthcare and education, it’s the business hub of Australia. Sydney has become a growing tech hub with companies such as Atlassian and Canva bringing fresh talent from all over the world. But the good job market is also drawing in professionals seeking to advance their careers.
It’s also a great city for students to emerge from and maintain their careers. Students from all over the world flock to it, with top universities such as the University of Sydney, UNSW and Macquarie University. Quality of life and job prospects after study are reasonable calls for many international students and many opt for Sydney for its excellent education system.
The Cost of Living
And Sydney is amazing and not cheap. Near the city and the closest beaches, housing is expensive. More affordable areas are even further out of the city center than something like Mosman, Bondi and Manly are some of the suburbs that can come with some hefty price tags.
But high salaries do come in handy to balance things out. Also, there are plenty of free outdoor activities that you can do to live a somewhat lavish life without spending a lot of money. Even on the cheap, there’s lots to do between walks along the coast, national parks and free cultural events. The costs of public healthcare and education are also excellent, which makes life easy for families.
Safety and Air Quality
The city of Sydney is said to be one of the safest cities in the world. At night, it’s comfortable to walk around, there aren’t many crimes committed, etc. The city is very safe from these aspects, and hence, it is a great place for all families, students, and for working professionals.
And the air quality is quite good too. With the best of the fresh sea breeze in the world, Sydney is a healthy place in which to live. The presence of green spaces is useful for keeping the environment clean, but the fact that pollution is not the major concern in the city as compared to other major cities, is a great benefit.
Sports and Outdoor Activities
However, in Sydney, you are known, if there’s one thing, you love an active lifestyle. There is almost year round weather that presents itself as quite sunny so it is a very big part of our daily life as far as we spend a lot of time out of the sun. There are always people jogging along the harbour, playing beach volleyball, and surfing. The cities are only home to major sporting events such as the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and international cricket matches at the SCG.
There’s no better place for those that love water sports. Take a kayak through Sydney Harbour or a sail in Pittwater or paddleboard at Balmoral Beach – Sydney has got it all. Winter sees the Snowy Mountains not far away, where there’s even skiing.
Sydney’s Hidden Gems
The highlights of Sydney are known but so is Sydney beyond the famous sights:
● Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden – Popular with the secret garden fanatics, which then actually exists; a peaceful, art-filled garden in Lavender Bay with stunning views of harbour.
● Paddington Reservoir Gardens – An underground park built in tunnels and featuring old architecture.
● A quiet alleyway that happens to have an art installation of suspended birdcages as a reminder of lost bird species – Angel Place.
● Auburn Botanic Gardens – A tranquil spot with Japanese gardens and gorgeous cherry blossoms in spring.
● Manly Beach – Queenesciff Tunnel – A hidden tunnel heading down to a quieter stretch of Manly Beach
● Lisgar Gardens – A stunning garden in Hornsby with waterfalls and over 90 types of camellias.
● Harbour Bridge’s southeast pylon holds one of Sydney’s little known museums, complete with incredible views of the city, which is called Pylon Lookout Museum.
The Location of these hidden spots only add charm to Sydney and will make you fall in love with this City even more, if you haven’t yet!
Transport and Connectivity
Sydney’s transport network is, on the whole, growing: it’s easier to get around than it’s ever been. The city is well connected by the train, bus and light rail systems, and the ferry services across the harbour are just a scenic way to travel. Flying into Sydney’s international airport is easy as it offers direct flights to almost anywhere in the world and whether you are going to Asia, Europe or the U.S., with a base you conveniently have a direct flight.
Is Sydney Worth It?
Thus, is Sydney actually one of the Best cities to live in? For those who prefer to live in a mix of city and nature, it’s hard to beat. It’s an incredible place to live because of the beaches, job opportunities and there’s a laid back lifestyle. It is expensive, yes, but for many the benefits tip the scales.
Sydney isn’t just a city; it’s a way. Someone who will bring the buzz of the city and the calmness of the ocean. There’s adventure, there’s career growth and there is great weather, and Sydney delivers. I don’t know why people keep coming back for more.