Sydney: city overview

By Linnie Rawlinson for CNN

Adjust font size:

Sunkissed, stylish and naturally beautiful, Sydney is the city equivalent of an A-list celebutante, its flashy good looks and party-centric vibe enticing all to come hither, drawn like paparazzi to a press launch.

Nestled between the ocean and the Blue Mountains, this squeaky-clean social poseur sparkles by the sea. Sydney's sunny, mild climate and spectacular beaches make it a hedonistic surfers' paradise; its iconic modern architecture, personified by the glistening Utzon-designed Opera House, is world-class; and the city is Australia's capital in all but name.

From surfing en route to the office to late-night lounging in harbor-view bars, Sydneysiders are well aware of their good fortune, and make the most of their leisure time: its inhabitants' work-hard-play-harder ethic is contagious.

But Sydney isn't free of the trials of all big cities -- a rising population, water shortages and poor public transport set against a backdrop of soaring house prices remind Sydneysiders that their jewel is not quite heaven on earth. Its people also have a reputation for being somewhat cynical, superficial and prone to suburban snobbery -- due perhaps in part to the city's community segregation, which sometimes makes Sydney feel more like a string of connected commuter towns than a coherent whole.

But that cannot detract from the city's laid-back vibe and cosmopolitan feel. Sydney is a center for stunning modern art, striking design and cutting-edge fashion; its innovative fusion cuisine produces some of the best food in the world; and as a meeting point between East and West, the city is unparalleled.

Get up-to-the minute news from CNN CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.

---

• McCain picks Palin as VP
• Commentary: McCain VP choice
• Jets avoid collision by a minute
• Palin's office under investigation
• Analyzing Obama's speech

• Irish PM to quit over payments scandal
• NATO chief: Afghan troop increase likely
• Militants hunted as calm retuns to Basra
• Pressure on Bush to skip Olympics
• BA sending misplaced T5 baggage to Milan

• Recruiting suicide bombers (2:50)
• London was lucky (2:36)
• Cars in London rigged as bombs (3:48)
• Second explosives-packed car foun (2:32)
• Soviet culture returns (3:47)