Sydney has been ranked second in the 'World's Best Places to Visit', being recommended as "both a laid-back beachside town and a thriving metropolis".

Sydney comes behind only Rome in U.S. News' Best Vacation Rankings.

U.S. News suggests Bondi Beach, the Opera House, Manly, and the historic Rocks district are key places to visit. Recommended activities include The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and a trip to the harbourside Botanic Gardens.

Sydney ranked ahead of Porto (number three), London (number four), Paris (number five), and New York (number six).

The Great Barrier Reef is ranked twenty-sixth on the list of 30 destinations, making it the only other Australian destination to make the cut.

Sydney was also ranked the best place to visit in Australia and the Pacific.

The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on independant reviews, according to the web site.

Visit the U.S. News's World's Best Vacations site.

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