Travellers often argue about which city is better: Sydney or Melbourne. Before visiting Australia, we had heard both sides of the debate: holidaymakers and business travellers prefered Sydney, while nomads and rebels favoured Melbourne. The two cities are natural competitors notwithstanding their differences.
Since most tourists only have a short period of time to see the whole nation, since Australia is a very large and, let's face it, costly place to go, we'd want to help you choose the best big city to suit your requirements.
So that you may make an educated selection depending on the sort of travelling you are, we will go through the highlights of each location. We will chose winners and publicise them for you in each category.
If you just have a short amount of time in Australia, you may have to choose between seeing Sydney and Melbourne. Australia's two most populated cities, Melbourne and Sydney, are wonderful stand-ins for the country as a whole, but they also have their own unique identities.
We've put up a detailed guide to help you choose between Sydney and Melbourne.
Sydney Vs. Melbourne
Landmarks And Sightseeing In Sydney
It is difficult to argue against the common belief that Sydney Harbour and its famous landmarks are the quintessential representation of Australia to those who have never been there. The harbour is home to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Luna Park, all of which attract visitors from all over the world.
Landmarks And Sightseeing In Melbourne
When compared to Sydney, many other modern global cities pale in comparison. Many large stadiums and a lovely network of alleys are among Melbourne's many famous landmarks. Discover a wonderful mix of old and new at the city's many museums, gallerie, and theatres.
Some of Melbourne's most well-known monuments include the venerable Melbourne Cricket Ground, as well as the State Library of Victoria, Federation Square and Flinders Street Station, the Shrine of Remembrance, and Old Melbourne Gaol.
Finally, the Eureka Skydeck is the best site to take in Melbourne's panoramas, with 360-degree views of the city and Port Phillip Bay.
Sydney Culture
Sydney's culture is a divisive topic because of the wide range of possible interpretations. All the same, visitors to this global metropolis will find all the cultural offerings (art galleries, museums, churches, restaurants, theatres, and nightlife) they could possibly want.
For decades, the world's finest musicians and vocalists have graced the stage of the Sydney Opera House. At the same time, throughout the months of May and June, the night sky is filled with music and the illumination of well-known sites for the VIVID Festival, a celebration of lights, song, and ideas.
Australia's most popular clubs may be found in Sydney, where visitors can dance to music spun by DJs from all over the world. Sydney is also the place to go if you're ready to spend for upscale fine cuisine accompanied by stunning views of the harbour.
However, places like Spice Alley give communal dining experiences with real, tasty cuisine at far more affordable prices without sacrificing quality.
Melbourne Culture
Melbourne's diverse population is the city's greatest cultural asset. Art comes in many forms in this city, from murals to performances to hidden rooftop pubs to five-star restaurants to 24-hour hole-in-the-wall diners offering up the day's fresh catch. As a result, the region is home to a population of trend-setters and a thriving alternative community that rides the edge between cool and hipster.
The sophistication of Melbourne's nightlife stems in large part from the city's many venues for live music and specialist pubs selling wine, scotch, and gin. For a lively night out, residents and tourists alike go to Fitzroy and St. Kilda, as well as the Crown Casino.
You shouldn't miss out on the numerous award-winning restaurants in the neighbourhood just because dining out is a cheaper social activity in general. There is a fantastic fusion of European and Asian cuisines, so your options for where to eat are nearly endless. Melbourne offers a wealth of cultural experiences for curious visitors.
In order to assist you decide between Sydney and Melbourne, we have compiled a comprehensive guide.
FAQs About Melbourne Vs Sydney
It's a debate that has never truly been settled – which Australian city is better, Melbourne or Sydney? Despite neither city being the country’s true capital, both are better known than most Australian cities.
The amazing city offers many things to do for corporate and leisure travellers and is high on the ‘wish list’ of most globetrotters. However, many agree that Melbourne is, in fact, the better city.
Sydney more expensive than Melbourne. While Sydneysiders earn more on average than Melbournites, they also pay 37% more for their houses, with the average house price in Sydney costing $843,994 compared to just $615,068 in Melbourne.
Sydney has overtaken Melbourne as the safer Australian city in new rankings, though both can lay claim to being among the safest cities in the world. Sydney outranked Melbourne on two measures, including personal security (86.8 to 89.1) and health security (79.3 to 79.8).
Melbourne has a well-developed job market, which makes it easier to find a workplace, even for unskilled workers. While not cheap, the average house in Melbourne is around A$100,000 less than in Sydney.
According to Demographia's list, out of the 1,040 cities surveyed, Melbourne's population density of an estimated 1,500 people/ km2 is ranked 955th. The same Demographia-sponsored survey listed Sydney as 43rd in terms of urban footprint size (2,037 km2).
Things To Do In Sydney
Sydney has activities for visitors of all ages. Activities like climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or visiting the Taronga Zoo, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Luna Park, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Sydney Eye Tower, Wet n Wild, and Wet n Wild Waterworld are all possible. And it doesn't even begin to cover all the historical sites, parks, gardens, and secret beaches that Sydney has to offer.
You would think that, being Australia's biggest city, it would have the most things to do, and you would be accurate. Sydney is one of the most unique and interesting cities in the world because of its combination of historic sites, pleasant year-round temperatures, a wide range of cultural offerings, and convenient location.
Sydney is the undisputed crown gem of Australia, with a plethora of attractions and activities for both tourists and permanent inhabitants.
Things To Do In Melbourne
Melbourne doesn't quite match up to Sydney's massive offering of tourist destinations.
Even if a place has a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene, there's only so much a person can eat and drink in a day. However, Melbourne's laneways are home to a number of the city's most fascinating museums and art galleries.
Sydney Weather
This may be due to the region's mild climate, which has pleasant summers and cold winters according to its coastal position. Wet N Wild Sydney, the city's numerous beaches, and the water make the occasional foray into the 40s much more manageable.
You may find yourself very at ease in Sydney, as the average high temperature is a balmy 22 degrees and the average low is a cool 13.8 degrees.
Compared to Melbourne, rainfall is unexpectedly greater, however it tends to come in the form of intense summertime thunderstorms rather than more constant light rain. Because of the reliability of the climate, visitors to Sydney may better prepare for their trip and anticipate its duration.
Melbourne Weather
Melbourne's temperate climate means that visitors may see all four seasons in a single day.
This means you should always pack an umbrella and an extra set of clothing in case the weather changes suddenly. Melbourne's volatility is a major factor in why it is not a popular tourist destination, along with the higher number of wet days and typically lower temperatures. With so many indoor options, the city has managed to adapt to its climate despite its harshness.
The widespread supply of air conditioning helps compensate for the unpredictability of the summers and the lack of consistent beaches. The good news is that Melbourne's weather is prone to sudden changes, so an unattractive stretch won't last forever. Even when the weather is pleasant, those who get to enjoy the beautiful gardens full of vivid fall colours and evergreen trees are the true winners.
Sydney Transport
Getting around Sydney by car or bus has been more difficult as the city's population has grown, but the city's rail and ferry system, with terminals at Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, has been a blessing in disguise.
Tourists will find this very convenient since many of Sydney's most popular attractions, such as Sydney SEA LIFE, Taronga Zoo, Manly, Madame Tussauds, and the Sydney Eye Tower, are all conveniently located inside the city limits. You can simply take use of the city's boat, bus, and train systems with your electronic Opal travel card.
You may find yourself very at ease in Sydney, as the average high temperature is a balmy 22 degrees and the average low is a cool 13.8 degrees.
Compared to Melbourne, rainfall is unexpectedly greater, however it tends to come in the form of intense summertime thunderstorms rather than more constant light rain. Because of the reliability of the climate, visitors to Sydney may better prepare for their trip and anticipate its duration.
Melbourne Transport
One of the best ways to see the city is on Melbourne's fantastic tram system.
In addition, the city has been designated as a Myki-free zone, so you may hop on without worrying about spending any money. However, it's best to avoid going during rush hour, when the space is at a premium, since the ride is much more pleasant otherwise.
The central business district is surrounded by gridlike streets that are quite simple to navigate, until you have to make one of those terrifying "hook" bends. Visitors will likely remain in the centre area, where walking is both adequate and considerably more entertaining than using the city's famous trams.
Natural Beauty
This seems like a very clean and dry situation. Even if Sydney Harbour Bridge is unmatched, and Melbourne is hardly a swan, the point stands.
The iconic view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge never fails to wow, and we have yet to see a comparable vista anyplace else in the globe. The Yarra River in Melbourne is beautiful, especially at sunset, but it can't compare to Sydney Harbour.
Let's pretend for a moment that we're discussing the aesthetic value of buildings. To a different point. Compared to Melbourne's city centre and laneways, Sydney's central business district is somewhat unattractive.
Winner: Sydney
Vibe
Similarly, the answer to this question may vary from person to person, however despite the fact that we call Sydney home, We much like the atmosphere in Melbourne. A visit to Sydney may leave you feeling like you're in an overly polished and glossy American city. In Sydney, you'll fit in if you like a showy atmosphere.
Melbourne is a more amiable and laid-back city. Because of the city's more relaxed vibe, we prefer taking evening strolls across Melbourne alone. If you like the energy of a major city but want a more relaxed vibe, Melbourne is the place to be.
Winner: Melbourne
Beaches
It's too bad for Melbourne, but this one is also really simple. It's hard to locate a beach in Melbourne that can compare to Sydney's. It has whiter beaches and more stunning scenery. In addition, there are a lot more of them in Sydney.
In any case, due to their proximity to the water, many Melbourne beaches provide excellent opportunities to see a breathtaking sunset. We greatly prefer watching the sun go down over the ocean than the obligatory early in the morning beach sunrises that Sydney demands.
Even if Brighton Beach in Melbourne has some adorable bathing boxes, Sydney is still the clear victor here.
Winner: Sydney
Food
Sydney's dining scene is more difficult to decipher than that of New York, yet both cities' culinary scenes are excellent. We remember having to do a lot of legwork before we settled on a place to dine in Sydney that had both delicious cuisine at a reasonable price and a decent view.
Melbourne's higher diversity may account for the city's larger availability of inexpensive culinary options compared to Sydney. In Sydney, there is a vast range of cuisines available, but you will have to look for them.
It will be difficult to go wrong with either city's brunch or coffee scene. If you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience while overlooking the harbour, we choose Sydney, but otherwise, we believe Melbourne is the better city.
Winner: Melbourne
Bars & Nightlife
It's hard to imagine a place in the world better than Sydney for a high-end evening complete with breathtaking scenery and a hefty price tag. All it takes is one drink at the Shangri-Blu La's Bar to understand what we're talking about.
Those vistas are very breathtaking and never grow old. The Opera Bar in Sydney is another must-see for every visitor in search of a memorable night out.
We are not really into getting dolled up for a night on the town like the locals do, but if that's your thing, you'll fit right in.
Melbourne's nightlife is calmer than other major cities. You wouldn't feel comfortable wearing jeans to a pub in Sydney, but here We don't feel out of place at all. It's common knowledge that the people of Sydney have a soft spot for dive pubs, but Melbourne's alley bars are really unparalleled. You'll find that living life is simpler in Melbourne.
In Melbourne, it's not uncommon to find a lively scene in a bar right on the river. Enjoy the laid-back vibe and beautiful waterfront location at the Pony fish Bar.
The city of Sydney's nightlife has taken a major hit due to the implementation of lockout laws. The loss of so many entertainment alternatives has caused widespread disappointment in neighbourhoods like Kings Cross. Even with the loosening of regulations, Melbourne is still the best location to be if you want to enjoy a wide variety of pubs, nightclubs, and live music.
Winner: Melbourne
Conclusion
People who travel often disagree on which of these two cities is superior: Sydney or Melbourne. Both are excellent representations of the nation while retaining their personalities. We have provided a comprehensive guide to assist you in deciding between Sydney and Melbourne. Melbourne's cultural richness stems largely from the city's very varied populace. There's a vibrant subculture here that's something between trendy and alternative.
With its year-round warm weather and wealth of historic landmarks, Sydney stands out as one of the world's most extraordinary metropolises. Many of Melbourne's most intriguing museums and art galleries may be tucked away in the city's laneways. Reasons for this might include the region's temperate climate, which has warm summers and cool winters. Daytime highs are a comfortable 22 degrees, while overnight lows are a cool 13.8. The average high in Sydney is 22, while the average low is just 13.8.
There is no need to purchase a Myki card to ride inside the city since it is a Myki-free zone. Sydney's downtown is less visually appealing than Melbourne's city centre and laneways. The culinary scenes in both cities are top-notch, but Melbourne's may explain the city's lower prices. Melbourne is the place to go if you like the excitement of a big metropolis yet want a more laid-back atmosphere. Sydney is the place to go for a once-in-a-lifetime meal with a view of the harbour.
Every tourist to Sydney should also stop by the Opera Bar. Relax in the laid-back atmosphere and take in the stunning waterfront views at Ponyfish Bar.
Content Summary
- Travellers often argue about which city is better: Sydney or Melbourne.
- Since most tourists only have a short period to see the whole nation, since Australia is a very large and, let's face it, the costly place to go, we'd want to help you choose the best big city to suit your requirements.
- So that you may make an educated selection depending on the sort of travelling you are, we will go through the highlights of each location.
- If you have a short amount of time in Australia, you may have to choose between seeing Sydney and Melbourne.
- Australia's two most populated cities, Melbourne and Sydney, are wonderful stand-ins for the country, but they also have unique identities.
- We've developed a detailed guide to help you choose between Sydney and Melbourne.
- Sydney is also the place to go if you're ready to spend for upscale fine cuisine accompanied by stunning views of the harbour.
- Melbourne's diverse population is the city's greatest cultural asset.
- Melbourne offers a wealth of cultural experiences for curious visitors.
- And it doesn't even begin to cover all the historical sites, parks, gardens, and secret beaches that Sydney has to offer.
- However, Melbourne's laneways are home to many of the city's most fascinating museums and art galleries.
- This may be due to the region's mild climate, which has pleasant summers and cold winters according to its coastal position.
- You may find yourself at ease in Sydney, as the average high temperature is a balmy 22 degrees, and the average low is a cool 13.8 degrees.
- Because of the reliability of the climate, visitors to Sydney may better prepare for their trip and anticipate its duration.
- Melbourne's temperate climate means visitors may see all four seasons in a single day.
- This means you should always pack an umbrella and an extra set of clothing in case the weather changes suddenly.
- Melbourne's volatility is a major factor in why it is not a popular tourist destination, along with the higher number of wet days and typically lower temperatures.
- With so many indoor options, the city has adapted to its climate despite its harshness.
- The good news is that Melbourne's weather is prone to sudden changes so an unattractive stretch won't last forever.
- Getting around Sydney by car or bus has been more difficult as the city's population has grown. Still, the city's rail and ferry system, with terminals at Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, has been a blessing in disguise.
- One of the best ways to see the city is on Melbourne's fantastic tram system.
- The Yarra River in Melbourne is beautiful, especially at sunset, but it can't compare to Sydney Harbour.
- Compared to Melbourne's city centre and laneways, Sydney's central business district is somewhat unattractive.
- Melbourne is a more amiable and laid-back city.
- Because of the city's more relaxed vibe, we prefer taking evening strolls across Melbourne alone.
- If you like the energy of a major city but want a more relaxed vibe, Melbourne is the place to be.
- It's hard to locate a beach in Melbourne that can compare to Sydney's.
- It has whiter beaches and more stunning scenery.
- Due to their proximity to the water, many Melbourne beaches provide excellent opportunities to see a breathtaking sunset.
- Sydney's dining scene is more difficult to decipher than New York's, yet both cities' culinary scenes are excellent.
- Melbourne's higher diversity may account for the city's larger availability of inexpensive culinary options compared to Sydney.
- All it takes is one drink at the Shangri-Blu La's Bar to understand what we're talking about.
- The Opera Bar in Sydney is another must-see for every visitor searching for a memorable night out.
- Melbourne's nightlife is calmer than other major cities.
- Enjoy the laid-back vibe and beautiful waterfront location at the Pony fish Bar.
- The city of Sydney's nightlife has taken a major hit due to the implementation of lockout laws.
- Even with the loosening of regulations, Melbourne is still the best location to be if you want to enjoy a wide variety of pubs, nightclubs, and live music.
