Sydneysiders claim 'worst night out in the world'

Illuminating: Surveying natives on culture, night-life and overall happiness the Aussie city scored poorly. Photo / Getty Images

It may have the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and countless bars and restaurants, but Sydney isn't proving to be a fan favourite around the world.

Working out the best city in the world is no easy task, with one person typically enjoying a different experience to another.

But in a survey conducted by the Time Out Index, it turns out more than 30,000 people have a problem with Australia's largest city.

The global researcher spoke to people in 48 cities around the world, quizzing participants on food, drink, culture, night-life, community, neighbourhoods, overall happiness and other factors.

"Five years since the notorious 'lockout laws' were introduced, Sydneysiders are feeling bereft of after-dark culture," said Emma Joyce, of Time Out Sydney.

Lockout, five years on: Sydneysiders are feeling bereft of after-dark culture. Photo / Getty Images

The Sydneysiders surveyed scored their city worst overall for night life. But they didn't seem to mind the lack of after hours action, with 79 per cent feeling "content" expressing they'd rather hit the beach than the boozer.

According to the survey, New York was voted the best place in the world for diversity, culture and dynamism.

The Big Apple ranked second for eating and third for live music, drinking and night-life and also placed highly for fun, multiculturalism, creativity and (perhaps more surprisingly) happiness and convenience.

Sydney, however, received a pretty low score when it came to having fun. According to the survey, they'd rather go to the gym than have a night out on the town.

Fun-loving Sydnysiders protest the lockout laws that they see as ruining the city's nightlife. Photo / Getty Images

Following years of increased lockout laws creating a grim night-life scene, Sydney came in at 39th position — making it the 10th worst city in the rankings, beating Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Boston, Rio de Janeiro, Marseille, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Istanbul.

New Zealand's cultural urban hubs didn't get a look in.

However, Australia's second, second city Melbourne came in second place.

According to those surveyed, Melburnians love their live music — with one in four going to a concert in the last week. For that reason, the city was crowned the world's second most creative city but also the second happiest and among the best for food, drink, fun and multiculturalism. The all-round combination put Melbourne just behind New York City.