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Tuesday, 11 March 2025

Australia Takes the Lead: A Guide to the Best Cities for Sunrises

Bondi Beach Sydney

As international travel bounces back to pre-pandemic levels, more people are searching for their next big adventure—and for many, that means waking up to one of the world’s most stunning sunrises. Whether you're an early riser or simply looking for your next sunrise destination, a recent study by MattressOnline has revealed the best cities to greet the dawn, with Australia leading the pack.

Sydney: The World’s Sunrise Champion

Topping the list as the best city to wake up in, Sydney offers not only beautiful views of the sun rising over the city’s iconic skyline but also boasts an impressive air quality index (AQI) of 14, ensuring that the sky is clear and free from pollution. With an average of 2,468 hours of sunshine each year, Sydney offers an optimal setting for those who love to catch the first rays of the day.

What sets Sydney apart is its overwhelming presence on social media, where sunrise enthusiasts have shared more than 123,000 posts tagged with #SydneySunrise. Whether you’re perched at Bondi Beach, overlooking the Sydney Opera House, or taking in the breathtaking views from the Harbour Bridge, the city consistently delivers magical moments at sunrise.

Top Sunrise Spot: Bondi Beach – A world-famous location that offers spectacular morning views and the perfect backdrop for an iconic sunrise photo.

Melbourne: A Close Second for Sunrise Lovers

Taking the second spot, Melbourne offers its own stunning sunrises, with clean air (AQI of 9) and 2,363 hours of sunshine per year. This vibrant city is known for its ever-changing weather and stunning cityscape, and it ranks high on social media with 13,469 Instagram posts dedicated to its sunrise beauty.

Melbourne’s blend of coastal and urban landscapes offers unparalleled views at sunrise. From the historic architecture of the city’s laneways to the natural beauty of the Twelve Apostles, there are plenty of places to experience the early morning light.

Top Sunrise Spot: St Kilda Beach – A local favorite where you can take in both the sunrise and the coastal vibes of the bay area.

Miami and Toronto: North America’s Sunrise Contenders

Tying for third place, Miami and Toronto offer contrasting sunrise experiences. Miami, with its stunning beaches and warmer climate, provides a perfect setting for sunrise seekers, boasting 3,154 hours of sunshine a year and over 37,000 Instagram sunrise posts. Its vibrant sunrise colors reflect off the Atlantic Ocean, making for an unforgettable experience.

Toronto, with a slightly cleaner air quality (AQI of 19) and 2,066 hours of sunshine per year, also ranks high for its scenic views. The city's sunrise is often framed by the tranquil rivers and urban architecture, providing a beautiful backdrop for early risers.

Top Sunrise Spot in Miami: South Pointe Park – A gorgeous location to capture the first light of day over the Atlantic Ocean.

Top Sunrise Spot in Toronto: Humber River – A peaceful setting perfect for watching the city slowly wake up as the sun rises.

Other Global Sunrise Hotspots

Other cities that made the list include San Francisco, Dubai, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, each offering unique sunrise experiences. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the desert skyline of Las Vegas, and the luxury of Dubai's coastline, these cities offer their own slice of morning beauty, though they don't quite match the brilliance of Sydney and Melbourne.

Methodology: The Search for the Perfect Sunrise

To determine the best cities for sunrises, MattressOnline considered key factors including air quality (AQI), sunshine hours, social media engagement, and Google search volume. These elements all contribute to creating the ideal environment for an unforgettable sunrise experience. Sydney and Melbourne excelled in all categories, from clean air to the sheer volume of people sharing their sunrise moments online.

The Best Cities for Sunrises:

Sydney, Australia – Scenic Sunrise Score: 9.40/10
Melbourne, Australia – Scenic Sunrise Score: 9.17/10
Miami, USA – Scenic Sunrise Score: 9.00/10
Toronto, Canada – Scenic Sunrise Score: 9.00/10
San Francisco, USA – Scenic Sunrise Score: 8.87/10
Dubai, UAE – Scenic Sunrise Score: 8.80/10
Las Vegas, USA – Scenic Sunrise Score: 8.66/10
Los Angeles, USA – Scenic Sunrise Score: 8.26/10
Lisbon, Portugal – Scenic Sunrise Score: 8.23/10
Singapore – Scenic Sunrise Score: 8.15/10

For those planning their next getaway, Sydney and Melbourne stand out as the ultimate destinations to enjoy stunning sunrises and clear skies. Whether you are looking for breathtaking natural landscapes or the unique urban sunrise experience, these Australian cities are an absolute must-visit for sunrise enthusiasts.

As international tourism continues to rise, these cities provide the perfect backdrop for early risers to start their day with unforgettable views. So, set your alarm early, and get ready to experience the best sunrises the world has to offer.

Web: https://www.mattressonline.co.uk/