Sydney has been selected as the world’s number two vacation city in the ‘Best Places to Visit’ list.
The City of Sydney announced that Sydney has been named Australia’s number one holiday destination and ranked second in the Best Places to Visit list by a leading global holiday research company, U.S. News.

Sydney moved up 11 places from its previous world ranking, and is now one of the top five global destination cities for 2017/18 – Rome, Sydney, Porto, London and Paris.

U.S. News & World Report travel editor, Gwen Shearman, said Sydney was a unique destination for international travellers.

“Sydney ranks highly for its iconic sites, friendly locals, adventurous spirit and world-class cuisine. Few cities in the world can offer the mix of laidback beaches, vibrant neighbourhoods and unique history that Sydney does,” Ms Shearman said.

Top attractions in Sydney listed by the site include Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Darling Harbour, Coogee, Manly and Bondi beaches, The Rocks, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Art Gallery of NSW and the Australian National maritime Museum.

“With our vibrant arts scene, first-class restaurants, cultural diversity and wonderful calendar of events, it’s no wonder Sydney is one of the world’s most loved cities,” City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“Sydney is an ideal holiday destination, a great place to live and a wonderful place to work and study.”

More than 300 destinations have been analysed by U.S. News by examining travellers’ opinions and expert analysis of cities’ sights, culture, people and friendliness, food, shopping, family facilities, nightlife, adventure, romance, and accessibility.