It’s the age-old question: Sydney or Melbourne, which is better?
Being Australia’s largest cities, the pair have a fierce rivalry. Sydney has something for everyone, whether you’re a beach bum, a shopaholic, or a food critic. Here are the top 10 reasons Sydney is better than Melbourne:
The weather is better
It’s no secret that Melbourne has erratic and extreme weather conditions. Although Sydney has a little more rain, it has twice as many clear days as Melbourne! Then there’s Melbourne’s icy winters! Sydney’s winters are nothing compared to its bitterly cold rival.
Beautiful beaches
Surf’s up! If you like surfing, or just lazing around on the beach, Sydney is the place for you. Sydney has a number of stunning beaches, not too far from the city. The weather is also generally warmer than Melbourne’s, which makes for a nicer day on the beach.
More quality restaurants
Although many Melbourne foodies will hate to hear it, Sydney actually has a larger number of award winning restaurants. According to Australia’s Good Food and Travel Guide, Sydney beats Melbourne by eight restaurants! Sydney is also superior when it comes to spectacular waterfront dining.
Cheaper food and drinks!
Not only does Sydney have more award winning restaurants than Melbourne, it is also generally cheaper. The average costs of both a cup of coffee and a domestic beer are both cheaper in Sydney.
World class bars
Sydney is known for its vibrant nightlife. In fact, four of Sydney’s bars are ranked in the Top 50 World’s Best Bars, compared to Melbourne’s two. Sydney’s ‘The Baxter Inn’, is up there with the best at number seven! Sydney is notorious for it’s flashy nightclubs and its DJ scene. If you’re over 18 years of age and you love clubbing, Sydney will definitely show you a great time.
Tourist friendly
Sydney has cheap tourist accommodation and it pays off. Sydney attracts more international and domestic visitors every day! So, if you’re trying to decide between Sydney and Melbourne for a cheap holiday, chances are Sydney is your best bet!
Thriving film culture
While Melbourne is renowned for its music and literature scenes, Sydney is famous for its thriving film culture. In 2010, Sydney became a UNESCO City of Film! Just a couple of its wonderful film festivals include the Sydney Film Festival and Tropfest.
Less Hipsters!
While Bondi has its fair share of hipsters, it doesn’t even come close to competing with Melbourne’s hipster population. If you want to steer clear of those pretentious coffee snobs, Sydney is definitely a better destination than Melbourne.
Best views in Australia
Sydney is famous for its breathtaking views. Whether you’re climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, having dinner in Sydney Tower, or enjoying a BBQ on a mate’s rooftop, you’re bound to have a killer view of the city.
More outdoor options
Not only does Sydney surpass Melbourne in the beach department, it also has more opportunities for activities like bush-walking and hiking. There are many different areas, both in and around Sydney that are ideal for lovers of nature. Whether you’re in Manly, Balmoral Beach, or in the nearby Blue Mountains, Sydney promises some of the best scenery in all of Australia.
If you’d like more proof that Sydney is better than Melbourne, check out HotelClub’s Sydney vs Melbourne – The definitive guide.
IMAGE: Robert Cicchetti via Shutterstock.com
