Sydney, or The Emerald City, as it’s often referred to, is considered by many the most complete holiday destination in the world. Its laid back atmosphere, coupled with the charm and energy of its friendly inhabitants and the large number of tourist attractions, makes Sydney a truly unique metropolis.

[Photo Credits]
Founded in 1788, as a British colony, Sydney is the oldest and largest urban settlement in Australia. Unlike most modern cities, Sydney features a complicated and irregular network of streets, a legacy of its gradual transition from a colony to the city of today. From this point of view it is very similar to Europe’s old cities. The Emerald city stretches on the shores of one of the most beautiful gulfs in the world and features a beautiful natural harbor that has played a crucial role in its development.

[Photo Credits]
You could say Sydney is the ultimate record holder in Australia: it is the largest city on the continent but also its biggest industrial, financial and cultural center, biggest port and telecommunications node. Sydney’s business district features the largest skyscraper cluster in Australia and an impressive number of stores, galleries, restaurants and bars.

[Photo Credits]
But before the 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney was just another Australian city. International scrutiny pressured authorities to greatly improve the urban infrastructure and it’s estimated that over half a century of development was compressed into just four years. Luxurious hotels and apartment buildings rose among the existing skyscrapers and a wide array of bars and cafés opened all around the city. It was a remarkable transformation, one that placed Sidney among the top-class travel destinations of our world.

[Photo Credits]
Atop a highpoint overlooking the harbor lies one of the world’s most recognized structures, the Sydney Opera House. It is not only a symbol of Sydney, but of all Australia. Thousands of people, most of which have no passion for opera, travel to this great city for a chance to admire the amazing shell-shaped roof of the Sydney Opera House. Although it was completed in 1973, the building’s design was way ahead of its time and many years will pass until it falls into obscurity. During Christmas celebrations, families gather at the Sydney Opera House to sing carols and get into the holiday mood.

[Photo Credits]

Harbour Bridge is another iconic structure of Sydney, offering dramatic views of the city and its incredible harbor and hosting the most important celebrations. Tours of the bridge are conducted daily and during important events like New Year’s Eve it becomes one of Sydney’s focal points.

[Photo Credits]

If you’re looking to relax and enjoy the sun, there’s no better place than Bondi Beach. Sydney’s most popular beach is located just 7 km from the city center and is a great way to cool down after a day spent sightseeing. Named after an aborigine word translated as “the sound of crashing waves” Bondi Beach stretches for an entire kilometer around the coast and hosts an impressive number of water sporting events. During the winter holidays, Bondi Beach hosts Carols by the Sea, a scene for caroling and children’s entertainment.

[Photo Credits]

Sydney is indeed one of the most beautiful cities in the world, combining old colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers and colorful suburbs, but the thing that really makes it stand out is the water. Port Jackson, a sunken valley fed by the waters of the Parramatta River, is rightfully called “the heart of Sydney”. The spectacle that takes place here on New Year’s Eve earned Sidney the title of undisputed New Year’s Eve capital of the world. No one can honestly say they’ve seen Sydney if they haven’t admired the unmatched beauty of its harbor at least once.

Popularity: 1% [?]