Australia's best-known metropolis boasts one of the most recognizable city skylines in the world thanks to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. The lifestyle in Sydney is very social, urbane, and distinctly outdoorsy. Attractions include Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour, and the markets, and there's any number of ways to sightsee, including by seaplane, bike, or jet boat. Sydney Aquarium and Taronga Zoo are also must-sees.

Sydney's founding site was at the Sydney Cove inlet—now called Circular Quay, it's at the bottom of the modern “central business district.” A nearby region nearly as old is The Rocks. In spite of being new compared to any historic district in Europe or Asia, this one has already undergone a phoenix-like rebirth, from former convict settlement to old-meets-new "heritage" spot.