An age-old debate – and ‘friendly’ banter between states – is whether Sydney or Melbourne is better. Who’s home to nicer people, whose food scene reigns supreme and who has better city-to-airport public transport… Thanks to the results of this year’s Conde Nast Traveller’s Reader’s Choice Awards, we can put the battle to bed – until next year.

In the travel publication’s just-announced 2024 list of ‘The friendliest cities in the world’, Sydney ranked second. The NSW capital received 93.85 points and came behind Singapore, with 94.84.

While Conde Nast Traveller calls out snorkelling, fresh seafood and beaches, we know there’s so much more to the coastal capital. It’s home to stunning natural pools, steakhouses and Australia’s best burger.

Related story: Australia’s 58 best natural pools for your next swim session

Here are the top ten friendliest cities in the world according to Conde Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

10. New York, USA
9. Chicago, Illinois
8. Hong Kong
7. Marrakech, Morocco
6. Tokyo, Japan
5. Cape Town, South Africa
4. Bangkok, Thailand
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Sydney, Australia
1. Singapore

For the full list, visit cntraveller.com

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