Jul 29, 2020
This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be.
1. Sydney
Beaches, shopping, dining, imbibing—this year, T+L readers showed up for the seductive spoils of Sydney. Besting Aussie rival Melbourne by a slim margin, “the Harbour City” has been on the World’s Best list for the last decade, and it’s not surprising why. If you can tear yourself away from its 70-plus beaches and kilometers of coastal walks, you’ll find: a diverse and active arts scene; millennia of indigenous heritage; museums, aquariums and zoos; exciting local fashion and shopping; UNESCO World Heritage Sites; multiple cultural enclaves; and a globally competitive dining scene, driven both by Sydney’s access to premium produce and the culinary influences of multiple diaspora communities. All that and a humongous coat-hanger bridge to climb.
Score: 85.75
* On the list for the past 10 years
The international hub returns as the category favorite on the strength of its iconic harbor and postcard-worthy beaches.
See:
- Three Ways to Experience Sydney by Boat
- How to Pub-Crawl Like a Local in Sydney
- 3 Cozy Australian Hotels With Big Perks
- An Art Lover’s Guide to Sydney
2. Melbourne
Score: 85.37
* On the list for the past 10 years
3. Perth
Score: 82.78
4. Queenstown
Score: 82.04
5. Wellington
Score: 81.87
