Red-light district attracting all walks of life

Noteworthy for: The Cross is the most densely populated area of Australia, with 20,000 people in just 1.4 square kilometres.

Word to the wise: Kings Cross is fairly tame these days, but keep your wits about you after dark.

Once synonymous with dive bars, organised crime and general seediness, Kings Cross has undergone big changes in the past decade and has begun to shed its image as the decaying underbelly of Sydney. It's still a hotbed of naughtiness (if that's what you're after) but it's also been given a legit economic boost by a new generation of above-board entrepreneurs who've chosen to open their bars and restaurants here.

Some would argue that the old Kings Cross vibe has been diluted, but there's still a vibrant cross-section of humanity on display here, so find a bar with a window seat and enjoy the show.