Forget Melbourne, Sydney is the best city in the world

FORGET Melbourne and Brisbane, Sydney is the best city in Australia, dare we say even in the world. Here’s why.

Bondi Beach is perfect for people-watching.

• It’s time to get snappy for #SnapSydney 2017

FORGET Melbourne and Brisbane, Sydney is the best city in Australia, dare we say even in the world. Here’s why.

1. ONE WORD: BEACHES

Sydney has beaches that beat Melbourne (sorry St Kilda) and the fake beach that is Southbank Parklands in Brisbane. There are about 100 beaches in Sydney alone so you can pick and choose; think Bondi for people-watching and Cronulla where you can easily find a spot for yourself on the kilometres long, sandy beach.

Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge skyline at dusk in the Sydney Botanic Gardens. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

2. OUR LANDMARKS

The Harbour Bridge and the Opera House anyone? You could sit down for a drink in Opera Bar and admire both at the same time. The Opera House is an architectural masterpiece, designed by famed Danish architect Jorn Utzon. The Harbour Bridge, nicknamed The Coathanger because of its arch-based design, was formally opened in 1932, taking nine years to build. Since 1998 you can even climb over the arch.

Take a ride in one of Sydney’s ferries. Picture: AAP/Dan Himbrechts

3. OUR FERRIES

Public transport might be better in Melbourne but nothing beats arriving at work via ferry. It’s also a great ride to show visitors. With many routes to choose from, you can go to Taronga Zoo, Manly and Watsons Bay, and each journey promises to be beautiful and scenic.

Sydney have one of the most amazing harbours. Picture: AAP/Brendan Esposito

4. OUR HARBOUR

Sydney has one of the most beautiful Harbours in the world. Check out the 200km of harbour foreshore by ferry or take a stroll in Darling Harbour. On any given day there will be people sailing or cruising about in their boats, swimming at one of the beaches and picnicking at one of the islands.

The Rocks Markets are held every weekend.

5. THE ROCKS

Apart from having a market where you can meander around on the cobblestone streets and pick up things in a relaxed environment, The Rocks has got some great places to eat and drink. As the place of the first European settlement in Australia, it has got an interesting history to match.

Aerial view of Centennial Park.

6. CENTENNIAL PARK

Centennial Park is a leafy grand park where you can go for a run or just chill with a picnic. On the weekends lots of parents have their children’s birthday parties there and it’s got sporting grounds, formal gardens, ponds, statues and historical buildings.

Fireworks erupt over Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House during the New Year’s Eve fireworks show on January 1, 2017. Picture: AFP/Peter Parks

7. OUR NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS

Nothing beats New Year’s Eve in Sydney. From the amazing setting with the Harbour Bridge in the centre, fireworks go off synchronised to music and you can enjoy it from one of the 130 vantage points. There is also a 9pm firework if you have children.

Young women Kimberley Perry, Monica Bird, Samantha Johnson and Justine Elderfield, at a cafe in Mona Vale, northern Sydney.

8. OUR CAFES

Melburnians might not agree with this, but Sydney cafes are the best. From Newtown to Marrickville, Cronulla to Palm Beach there are plenty of cafes to choose from and the best thing is that you can find at least one café in each suburb that does great coffee.

People cool off at lake Parramatta. Dante Jants, 5, and Tina Jants, 4 in star floaties and Maleah Carr (braids). Picture: Jenny Evans

9. OUR WEATHER

Sydney has some of the best weather in the world. We have a looong summer with plenty of days with sunshine and a mild winter.

View of Hunter Valley vineyards. Picture: Istock

10. DAY TRIPS

Hunter Valley, the south coast and Blue Mountains are all within two hours from the centre of Sydney and perfect for a weekend getaway. Hunter Valley is for the wine-lovers and there are plenty of wine tours to choose from. Blue Mountains is perfect for a hike to check out the Three Sisters, and the South Coast is full of beaches.

Kirribilli Markets is the perfect place to grab a bargain.

11. MARKETS

Head to Kirribilli Markets or Crown St Markets for second-hand shopping of designer brands, go to Marrickville Markets if you want to pick up lunch at one of the many food stalls, and go to Manly during summer nights for a bite to eat and a spot of dancing.

Tell us what you love about Sydney below.

Do you have any stunning pictures of Sydney? Share them with us as a part of the photographic celebration of our city SnapSydney on November 22 by using the hashtag #SnapSydney.

#SnapSydney 2016:

HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN #SNAPSYDNEY 2017:

Instagram: Post your picture using the hashtag #SnapSydney and tag us @SnapSydney, so we can find and repost your pictures on in our social media gallery.

Facebook: Post a picture with the hashtag #SnapSydney and tag us @SnapSydney, so we can find your picture (you will need to ensure you have your profile public, so we can see the images).

Twitter: Tweet your picture with #SnapSydney and mention @SnapSydney.