Brits rank their favorite cities outside Europe: Sydney is number 1, New York doesn't make the top 10 – and Las Vegas comes BOTTOM

When asked about the best cities in the world, many of us look to the bright lights of New York.

But the cultural and financial capital of the US has failed to make it into the top ten best cities in the world.

The Big Apple came in 14th place – beaten by US cities including Chicago, which came in third, Washington DC, which came in ninth, and Boston in 13th.

Consumer Champion Which one? asked more than 1,800 respondents to rate their experiences traveling around the world outside Europe in the past three years. Locations were marked based on seven separate criteria, including quality of food and drink, cultural and tourist attractions, ease of getting around and value for money. A city score was then calculated based on a combination of overall satisfaction and the likelihood to recommend the destination.

Sydney came first in the survey and was praised for its 'spectacular' landscapes and 'buzzing' atmosphere. Perhaps surprisingly, Cape Town, which has been marred by incidents of violence and gang-related crime, came in second place, while Las Vegas, a city hugely popular with British tourists, came last.

Consumer Champion Which one? asked more than 1,800 respondents to rate their experiences traveling around the world outside Europe in the past three years

Despite being a world-famous party destination known for entertainment and casinos, Las Vegas did not score higher than two stars in any category. While visitors enjoyed the “crazy fun” found on the Strip, respondents noted that it is a “love it or hate it” destination, with “something to love – or avoid – around every corner '.

Los Angeles, another popular tourist destination, also ranked in the bottom three. The city scored low for ease of transport, with one respondent saying rush hour is manic, while another added: 'Be careful renting a car, the roads are crazy'.

Australian cities dominated the top 10, with Melbourne in sixth place and Perth in seventh, while Japanese cities also ranked highly.

Perhaps surprisingly, Cape Town, which has been marred by incidents of violence and gang-related crime, came in second

Chicago (third) offers the best of the US at a better price, according to Rory Boland, editor of Which? trip

Kyoto (fourth), was praised for its Buddhist temples, Zen gardens and authentic food often 'cooked right in front of your eyes'

Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital known for its spring cherry blossoms, came in fourth place and was praised for its Buddhist temples, Zen gardens and authentic food that is often “cooked right in front of your eyes.”

Rory Boland, editor of Which? tripsaid: 'The top-rated cities in our latest survey may be very different, but they all have one key thing in common: they offer visitors a feast for the senses, with a fantastic range of cultural attractions, excellent food and beautiful scenery combining to creating that unmistakable “wow” factor.

'Australia proved particularly popular, with sun-drenched Sydney attracting visitors with its unique mix of cosmopolitan city life and laid-back beach vibes, while Melbourne and Perth also impressed. Chicago, meanwhile, offers the best of the US at a better price.”