Sydney is officially one of the best cities in the world for Gen Z – here's why
The Harbour City didn't crack the top ten, and we get it – our housing market is super unaffordable, and Sydneysiders do tend to go to bed a little earlier than most. But Sydney is safe, clean, sunny, fun, active and inspiring – all important things to your average Gen Zer (I'd know, I'm one of them). Our world-class cultural spaces are accessible, our educational institutions are excellent and our city's community lifts each other up (you only needed to see the crowds at this year's City2Surf to see that support in action).
We picked the brains of the zoomers in the Time Out Sydney office, to find out what they love most about living in Sydney:
Estelle Dragan, Senior Creative Strategist: 'Balance is Gen Z's love language, and Sydney speaks it fluently. It's the city that can do both. You can be sipping cocktails in a grungy underground speakeasy at midnight, then hitting up sunrise yoga by the beach the next morning.'
Kate Breytenbach, Account Manager: 'After my hot girl Euro summer, I realised Sydney's unmatched. The beaches, the coffee, the food, the pubs, the sporting events... I love it here. The fact that I cross the Harbour Bridge every day to get to work is crazy.'
Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor: 'I moved to Sydney at the age of 20 and was lucky enough to be exposed to the city's underground dance scene by my very talented DJ housemate. When the lockout laws put up barriers to the city's clubbing culture, Sydney's dance scene went underground, and now the best parties in the city are found at unofficial locations ranging from warehouses to Inner West alleyways. This kind of partying culture has fostered a wildly talented, beautifully connected generation of DJs and dance music enthusiasts, and tbvh, I'm not mad about missing out on a night in a sweaty club in favour of dancing on top of a WWII bunker overlooking the harbour.'
Caitlyn Todoroski, Branded Content Writer: "The food! The bars! Sydney's cultural diversity makes for streets lined with authentic joints that feel like little pieces of Europe, Asia, and South America's funkiest food scenes right here in our backyard."
Rosie Johns, Client Relationship Executive: 'The Emerald City has to be one of the best gems on the planet. Waking up on a Saturday like, 'Beach? Markets? Food crawl?'; you can just play the day however you feel. Also, ferry commutes don't get enough hype… hands down the most special way to get to work.'
Shannon Feeney, Campaign Manager: 'The beaches, weather, and food and drink scene are what draw people to Sydney; the lifestyle is what makes you never want to leave! Work-life balance is so key in Sydney – people work to live here, not the other way around, which is so refreshing!'
Melissa Woodley, Travel and News Editor:"I've travelled all around the world in my 20s, but there's nowhere I'd rather live right now than in Sydney. While I've had my wild nights of rooftop bars and sweaty dance floors (don't believe the bad press — this city can party), now I'm living for weekend pastry runs, market meanders, long beach days, and catching whatever festival, gig or pop-up is in town – all proof that Sydney has something for every type of Gen Z. And if you're still in your party phase, you can get from the beach to the city in just 20 minutes. How good!"
Emma Lawlor, Campaign Manager: "Coming from Ireland, I'd have to say the weather and the stunning beaches! Summer in Sydney feels too good to be true!! Having a morning coffee or a post work wine outside feels like such a luxury."
Our friends down in Melbourne ranked higher on the global leaderboard, coming in second place, with 77 percent of Gen Z describing their city as diverse and inclusive and 96 percent giving high ratings to the city's art and culture scene. It also scored highly for quality of life, with a whopping 91 percent of twenty-somethings saying quality of life in Melbourne is 'good' or 'amazing'.
These are the best cities in the world for Gen Z in 2025
Bangkok, Thailand
Melbourne, Australia
Cape Town, South Africa
New York City, United States
Copenhagen, Denmark
Barcelona, Spain
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Mexico City, Mexico
London, United Kingdom
Shanghai, China
Sydney, Australia
Beijing, China
Paris, France
Tokyo, Japan
Berlin, Germany
Seville, Spain
Chicago, United States
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Prague, Czech Republic
Lisbon, Portugal
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