Melbourne is one of the most liveable cities in the world and it’s easy to see why. It approaches every facet of life with immense enthusiasm and heart - sport, food culture, art and commerce all thrive here. Whether you prefer to watch some footy in a Collingwood pub or peruse the galleries of Fitzroy there is always something on, and somewhere to be.
Melbourne is frequently voted one of the best cities in the world in which to live or visit.
The Melbourne city centre, known as the Central Business District (CBD) is the location of most major institutions and is popular with first time visitors. Largely constructed during the Victorian Gold Rush in the 19th century, the grand Victorian buildings and arcades lend the area a European feel. Carlton and Fitzroy are just north of the city centre and are packed with hip bars, cafes, shops and venues. If you want to get into the Melbourne art or music scene, it’s the place to be. Slightly further north is Brunswick - this district has a similar feel to Carlton and Fitzroy but is a little quieter and generally cheaper. Families can stay in a renovated workers cottage and enjoy the village feel while being on a short tram ride from the city attractions. South-east of the city centre, enjoy the seaside atmosphere at St Kilda or the dining scene in posh Prahran or Toorak.
Start the morning by exploring the stalls at the Queen Victoria Markets in the CBD. Its heritage halls are teeming with delicious groceries, perfect for a gourmet breakfast. Wander on to the city centre to explore the famous Melbourne laneways. Grab a coffee at any of the small, Italian-style cafes in these narrow, gritty walkways and check out the graffiti and street art that plasters the walls. On bold, postmodern Federation Square, see what’s on at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. In the afternoon head to St Kilda to see Luna Park and have a swim, or Prahran to wander down Chapel Street with the locals. Catch a tram to Fitzroy and enjoy the twilight and a meal at a local italian, tapas or modern Australian restaurant. After dinner, indulge in a nightcap or two at a hip small bar on Brunswick Street.
Melbourne is one of the most multicultural cities on earth, with significant migrant communities from countries around the world, from Greece and Italy to Vietnam, China and India - and the dining options to match. In the CBD, head to the Greek Precinct or Chinatown and follow up with a drink at one of the city’s trendy small bars. Eat at Australia’s first pizzeria on Lygon Street in Carlton, or head to Prahran for modern Australian fine dining. The Queen Vic Market in the CBD is also worth a look - this beautiful old marketplace is a great place for a light lunch or to pick up gourmet groceries. Melbournites have cared about great coffee since it was introduced by Italian migrants in the post-war period but its only in the last 20 years that a real cafe culture has developed. Today Melbourne is scattered with high-quality breakfast cafes and eating out on the weekend is a favourite local pastime.
Melbourne’s main airport, Tullamarine, lies to the north of the city, 14 miles from the Central Business District. A SkyBus service runs every 10 minutes from the airport, taking people directly into the city centre, with a journey time of about 20 minutes. Melbourne itself has some of the best public transport in Australia. The famed tram network is the last remaining in the country and is a charming and efficient way of getting around. A free service runs around CBD and is a good way to see the major landmarks and have a first look at the city. To use the transport system, purchase a rechargeable MYKI card from a train station of convenience store and tap on and off each time you catch a tram, bus or train. Cycling is another popular way to get around, as the city is fairly flat and bike-friendly.
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