Long in competition with Sydney for the title of Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is often the people’s choice, consistently topping the list of the world’s most livable cities. There’s a lot to love, from its melting pot of inhabitants and distinctly European ambience, to its brunch scene, art galleries, and nightlife. Global audiences fill coveted seats at the Arts Centre Melbourne and sporting temples like Melbourne Cricket Ground and Etihad Stadium. But it’s not just about arts and sports. The very essence of Melbourne lies in its neighborhoods. Discover the city’s coolest bars and eateries tucked away in the CBD’s narrow laneways; shop in flashy South Yarra or along Fitzroy’s hipster Brunswick Street; or stroll the sandy beaches of St. Kilda, just a few miles outside the city. And only a day trip away are the Yarra Valley wine region, Mornington Peninsula, and Great Ocean Road.
Alfresco dining, music festivals, and night markets mean that there’s always something to do in Melbourne come summertime, and events such as the Australia Day Parade and Christmas Festival Melbourne pull in the crowds. Don’t be put off by a winter visit—low season prices can make a city break more affordable, and Melbourne is well placed for visiting Victoria’s ski resorts.
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Cosmopolitan Melbourne rivals Sydney for the title of Australia’s cultural capital. Consistently topping the list of the world’s most livable cities, Melbourne may have a distinctly European ambience, but it has its own unique vibe, thanks, largely, to its 230-plus laneways where street art and cafe culture flourish.
...MoreYou should aim for a minimum of three days in Melbourne to soak up the city’s atmosphere and see all the most important attractions. If you plan on exploring the surrounding area, and take a day trip to Phillip Island, for example, give yourself five days or more.
...MoreLuna Park, the National Gallery of Victoria, and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria are all top Melbourne attractions. One of the best things to do is to stroll around the city’s diverse neighborhoods and through the laneways running off the main streets—they are filled with bars, cafes, and street art.
...MoreMelbourne is filled with cultural activities, from seeing Australian, European, and Asian art at the National Gallery of Victoria to checking out street art on a guided tour of the laneways. Outdoor lovers will enjoy strolling around the Royal Botanic Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens and hitting St. Kilda Beach.
...MoreSome of Melbourne’s top attractions are free to visit, including the National Gallery of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, and State Library of Victoria. You can also take a ride on the City Circle Tram, a free hop-on, hop-off service that runs between Melbourne’s major attractions.
...MoreRather than a specific dish, Melbourne is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Melbourne’s multicultural population has left its mark on the city’s food scene, and so its food options are endless, from Italian and Greek to Vietnamese and Chinese. The coffee is famously good here, too.
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