Welcome to Melbourne, a city rated the world’s ‘most livable’ by the Economist Intelligence Unit, for seven years running, only to be pipped to the post by Austrian capital, Vienna, in 2018. Neither Melburnians nor visitors should feel disappointed, however. The city is still utterly superb, with a booming economy and so much to be enjoyed.
Begin by picking up your hire car from Hertz Franklin Street, which is located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. When you’re ready to begin exploring, take a short stroll from your Hertz pickup point to the Queen Victoria Market. Here you’ll find a Melbourne institution, home to an array of market stalls selling everything from fresh produce, to handmade pasta and locally roasted coffee. Just inside the main entrance to the market you’ll find Market Lane Coffee, a superb speciality coffee shop that serves world-class brews. Grab yourself a delicious single origin or seasonal blend, then make your way around the market before stopping at the American Doughnut Kitchen, another Queen Vic icon. Here you’ll find delicious hot jam doughnuts made fresh. Simply delicious!
Melbourne isn’t a city with lots of historic things to see. Rather, it’s a city that’s more about the vibe and enjoying all the wonderful art, music, food, wine, coffee and culture that’s on offer.
In the CBD, take time to get your bearings before exploring the vibrant laneways and arcades, famous for their innumerable cafes and design shops that’ll keep you browsing all afternoon long. As the evening descends, swap coffee for a glass of wine at any one of the city’s cosy laneway bars.
Throughout the year, Melbourne’s cultural calendar is packed with an enviable array of events, ranging from the famous international comedy festival, to the world-class tennis that takes place at the Australian Open. Before visiting this great city, make sure to do some research to make sure you don’t miss out.
Melbourne is a city full of secrets. It was hipster before hipsters were a thing. So much of the city requires careful exploration before you get to know it intimately. But when you know it, there’s so much to love. Heading to new cafes, bars and restaurants is somewhat of a Melbourne pastime. Interesting new places are always a topic of conversation. Find a local and ask where’s good to go, or check the latest articles on any of Melbourne’s dedicated blogs such as Broadsheet or Urban List.
Many of the best bits of Melbourne are in its inner suburbs, each of which has its own unique character. For cool boutiques, bars and restaurants on the more relaxed side of things, head for Fitzroy and Collingwood. For more glitz and glamour, head south of the Yarra River to Chapel Street and Prahran. Here you’ll find an area with an altogether fancier atmosphere, with high end shops and restaurants.
Various ethnic communities have made Melbourne home and brought with them their fantastic cuisine. For Italian, head to Carlton, for Middle Eastern, check out Brunswick and Coburg, or for exciting African cuisine, find yourself in Footscray. Every neighbourhood offers something different and exciting.
Take time to get to know Melbourne – and you’ll be endlessly rewarded.
