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Planning a short visit to Sydney? Check out 48 Hours In Sydney, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways.

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Ever popular, Sydney is perhaps much envied by its sister cities in Australia. And why not? It is the largest city in the country with a population of more than 4.4 million, and is often mistaken as the capital (Canberra is). The city abounds with good looks - a cauldron of scenic surf beaches, modern architecture, historic sites, and sandstone headlands. Tourists, of course, come here in droves, with some 2.6 million foreign visitors descending on the land every year (not to mention more than 5 million domestic ones).

Often called simply as the “Harbour City,” Sydney has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is wealthy and prosperous, as well. The average household income in the city is 42,559 USD, one of the highest around. The city has also become an international center for arts, culture, commerce, and fashion. In fact, it ranks ninth among the most fashionable cities in the world.

Beaches and Sights

However, what perhaps grabs a visitor's attention the most is Sydney's scenic coasts, especially at the Sydney Harbour that is considered as the largest natural harbour in the world. There, one can find no less than 70 beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sporting - the most popular of which is the Bondi Beach. The area also houses the coathanger-shaped Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is regarded as the widest long-span bridge in the world.

Not to mention the world-famous Sydney Opera House, a landmark that has come to be known not just as a symbol of the city, but also of the entire country. An architectural masterpiece, the performing arts venue has even won the prestigious Pritzker Prize for its architect, Jorn Utzon. Other architectural breath-takers include the Sydney Tower, Sydney Olympic Park, the Rocks, and more.

Meet the Sydneysiders

It is not a much-used word, but Sydneysiders are what the local people in the city are called. Most of them are descended from the European people who had arrived there during Australia's time as a British colony. In fact, Sydney is known to have been the first area to have been occupied by the British, when Commodore Arthur Philip landed there in 1788.

As such, foreign influence is very much dominant here, especially in language, culture, and architecture. Even its array of superb restaurants often serves up delicacies inspired by the international cuisine. However, some its indigenous traditions have still survived, which reflect in certain festivals and archaeological sites.

User blogs:

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Indonesia Eco Tourism

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San Gimignano and San Pellegrino

Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post

An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga

Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post