Some call Melbourne Australia’s cultural capital, with its melting pot of inhabitants and European ambiance—not to mention its art galleries, nightlife, and delightful brunch scene. Global audiences fill coveted seats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Etihad Stadium, but the essence of the city lies in its neighborhoods. Each enclave showcases the best things to do in Melbourne, including cool bars and eateries in the CBD, flashy shops in South Yarra, the rumbling trams of Flinders Street; and the sandy beaches in St. Kilda. And, some of Victoria’s most stunning natural attractions are just a day trip away.
The city may be famous for its unpredictable day-to-day weather, but summers (December to early March) in the capital of Victoria get swelteringly hot at one point or another. Still, this time of year is when many of the city’s biggest events are held, from the Australian Open to Moomba. A more balanced alternative is to visit the city in fall when it’s cooler and looks great decorated with autumn leaves.
There are very few parts of the city that you can’t reach with the Melbourne public transport network. Trams are an uncomplicated way of traveling its inner city streets, especially thanks to the free tram zone covering the Central Business District (CBD). Getting around by train is also easy thanks to the City Loop and suburban lines, with buses—including the special Skybus to the airport—filling gaps in the system.
The historic Chinatown area, located along Little Bourke Street, is a safe choice when looking for somewhere to eat in the CBD, as it has a central location and caters to all budget types. Empress of China is a no-nonsense pick for dumplings, and you’re welcome to bring your own drinks, which you can pick up at any of the nearby liquor stores. The surrounding laneways are also littered with bars, from the eclectic Berlin Bar to the relaxed Ferdydurke.
