” The energy in these destinations will take you on an adventure connecting you to both culture and community” – Lonely Planet. With this criterion, the world’s leading travel magazine has compiled a list of 6 cities with the best tourism connectivity in 2023. Proud to have Sydney on this unique list for many worthy reasons!
1. What is Best in Travel 2023 – Connect of Lonely Planet?
Based on five parameters, Lonely Planet has identified six locations that will provide the BEST IN TRAVEL 2023 – CONNECT:
- The comprehensive membership survey by Lonely Planet included over 200 professionals who meticulously predicted the most anticipated travel destinations and activities for the coming year.
- The Hack is a Best in Travel working group that expands on these recommendations, analyzes what inspires them, and suggests themes and things not to miss.
- Shortlist: After reviewing thousands of suggestions, our team of expert travel aficionados creates a shortlist for further editing.
- Our team of renowned travel specialists then evaluated the shortlist. Roi Ariel, General Manager of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council; Nitya Chambers, Senior Vice President, Executive and Content Editor; Tharik Hussain, expert on Islamic heritage and culture; Melanie Lieberman, senior editor at The Points Guy; and Cory Woodward, a blogger and accessible travel advocate, will be on this year’s panel.
- Once the panel has decided, the final list will be shared with a few trusted persons and kept under wraps until November.
2. Why was Sydney ranked on this list?
Sydney is a location you’ll never forget, with its renowned sights and beautiful beaches.
International visitors have missed Australia throughout the pandemic, and now that travel is resuming to the country, it’s a chance to reconnect with the city in fresh ways. Return to Sydney and see it from a different viewpoint, from hosting one of the world’s greatest Pride celebrations to its new Indigenous tours over the bridge.
Sydney is home to must-see icons such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, but this Harbour City is always changing. At every turn, new rooftop bars, theater concerts, and designer boutiques appear, and the urban energy is wonderfully matched by days spent laying on the sand. Furthermore, with a broad range of places on its doorstep, Sydney is an ideal base for day trips and weekend getaways.
3. Top 5 Things to See and Do in Sydney
Beachcombing
Sydney’s beaches range from Palm Beach and Manly to Bondi and Coogee. All the beaches are accessible by public transit or vehicle and have restaurants and surf shops. Coastal path links the beaches. Weekends are busy, so visit during the week if possible. Manly (large and gorgeous), Bronte (calm), Coogee (fun), Bondi (most popular), Palm (cool), and Dee Why are popular beaches (surfing).
Surfing lesson
Sydney is where tourists learn Australia’s national pastime. Many companies give lessons. Manly on Sydney’s north shore boasts better waves than Bondi (but there are good waves all along the coast). Surfboard rentals cost 20 AUD per hour, and two-hour lessons cost 99 AUD.
Sydney Opera House
UNESCO’s Opera House has a white-shelled roof. It’s an architectural marvel and engineering wonder, as the roof’s support system is intricate. It’s Australia’s most famous building and a 20th-century architectural masterpiece. The Opera House costs 43 AUD for an hour-long guided tour that explains how it was built.
Blue Mountains
This park’s ancient sandstone has deteriorated forming canyons with steep cliffs and narrow ridges. The free area is two hours away by train. Spend the day admiring the Three Sisters (especially at sunset and under floodlights) and wandering along routes with great views of the valley, steep rock cliffs, waterfalls, and forests. Grand Canyon Track (2.5 hours), Katoomba Falls (1 hour), Six Foot Track (3 days). Get Your Guide provides 155 AUD full-day wildlife tours.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
During the Great Depression, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was erected in 1932. At the time, it was the world’s largest steel arch bridge. It’s the world’s 8th-longest spanning-arch bridge. It’s also the world’s tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 1,149 meters. Bill Bryson called it a “excellent bridge.” The climb costs $250 AUD.
