Sydney, Australia | World’s Best Cities

Sydney, Australia

Sydney unveils a dazzling narrative punctuated by the luminous Opera House, the iconic Harbour Bridge—colloquially known as the “coat hanger”— and sun-drenched beaches, from Bondi to Balmoral and beyond. Here, long, laidback summers melt into mild, mellow winters amidst our rankings’ second-best Air Quality—the perfect backdrop to explore Sydney’s remarkable blend of vintage and modern, from the colonial-era sandstone buildings of The Rocks to new icons like the Sydney Tower. Today’s Sydney finds itself at a pivotal juncture that looks to infuse renewed vitality into the central business district (CBD) and improve the greater city’s impressive #5 ranking in our overall Livability index (to say nothing of its #7 Lovability spot).

The CBD, once a primarily commercial area, is now a vibrant mixed-use district showcasing Sydney’s drive to balance economic growth with cultural inclusivity. New tram lines and an expanded harbor have made the area more walkable, while green plazas and waterfront promenades breathe life into previously underused spaces. 

Sydney’s cultural heartbeat has also grown stronger, with the Art Gallery of New South Wales nearly doubling its exhibition space through a new glass structure designed by Japanese architects SANAA. The museum focuses on works by Aboriginal and women artists, signaling a commitment to Indigenous heritage and diverse storytelling. Aptly named Naala Badu, meaning “seeing waters” in the language of the Dharug people, the gallery reflects Sydney’s push for cultural recognition and community engagement. Watch the city’s #9 Museum ranking ascend in short order. Sydney’s “24-Hour Economy Strategy” underpins the resurgence of its nightlife, dining and cultural scenes. Initiatives like permanent al fresco dining licenses have transformed city streets, and events like the Laneway Festival have successfully lured people back into the urban core.

Sydney’s #9 ranking in our overall Prosperity index indicates its status as an economic powerhouse. The city is actively encouraging growth in tech and innovation through projects like Tech Central, a sprawling urban renewal initiative that aims to foster an ecosystem of start-ups, universities and investors right in the city’s center.