Rivalling Sydney as Australia's number one city, Melbourne is famously the country's most European city. Capital of Victoria, here you will find some of Australia's coolest bars, restaurants and cafés. While it doesn't have the harbour or beaches of its eastern counterpart, it does have some of the country's trendiest neighbourhoods. It is also the home of Aussie Rules Football which is a massive part of Victorian life.
Found directly across from Melbourne's best-known landmark Flinders Street Station, Federation Square (which is better known as 'Fed Square') is a melting pot of culture. Here you can visit attractions such as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and the National Gallery of Victocia (NGV). In this podcast Hostelworld.com's Colm Hanratty speaks to Kim Polkinghorne to find out about this great attraction.
Download Podcast » All Melbourne podcasts »Discover Melbourne's coolest neighbourhoods and much more.
Download our free pocket guides for cities all over the world that are packed with money-saving tips and more.
Download Melbourne Pocket Guide View all guides »Truly an international city where you can find and do anything that suits your unique interests! After visiting all East coast cities in Australia, Melbourne is by far the best!! Will definitely return!
Insider Tip:Trams make central and inner burbs easily accessible.. Free tram circulates CBD and free visitor shuttle circulates major tourist attractions! Also, be sure to walk the city and explore Melbourne's Laneway culture!
I lived in Melbourne for 5 months while being on exchange at University of Melbourne and I instantly fell in love with the countless local pubs and unique shops (like one only selling fake moustaches). There is always some festivals or culture events going on and there are so many music events (of which most are free). Melbourne is famous for its coffee culture and many parks as well as its restaurants and vibrant cultural life. As all Australian cities the city centre is tiny in comparision witht the never
Insider Tip:The manchester press makes the best bagels and coffee in the city. Situated in a small back street you will never find it if you dont know about it. In Collingwood, especially around Smith Street there is several unique cafés and shops that sells the strangest things. If you are a student or backpacker Blue Moon Bar sells 1 dollar pots of beer every Wednesday 8-9 PM, dont miss that.
Melbourne is a wonderful city with great public transport, food & drink and culture. A wonderful place for a romantic getaway particularly as when the weather gets less lovely (as it can do without warning) there are plenty of places to hide away and get cosy. It is also a city of wonderful live music and sporting events.
Insider Tip:Hire a bike for free at the Little Creatures dining hall for just a copy of your ID an an imprint of your credit card and ride around all day. The food and coffee and of course beer at this establishment are worth a stop for to! And of course a poncho is a must (sometimes it is too windy for an umbrella to be practical).
I love how old and new mix up in this city. Public transport works perfectly so it's not difficult to get around. Sunsets at St. Kilda are beautiful, and a walk along the river is a nice thing to do. Don't miss Fitzroy! it's my favorite neighborhood in Melbourne, full of dining-out places, pubs, music art and literature. Very safe city but a bit expensive. The only thing I didn't like at all was the weather, it changes like 5 times a day and IT SUCKS. Always be prepared with an umbrella.
Insider Tip:Always be prepared with an umbrella.
The city of Melbourne is vibrant and on-trend. I visited Fitzroy, and as a Sydneysider, i would compare it to Newtown. Fitzroy is full of sweet cafes and unique boutiques. I particularly enjoyed vegie cafe for raw,gluten free, vegan lunch options and Scally and Trombone for quirky jewellery and hats. Within the CBD, you cant miss the Australian Centre For The Moving Image near Federation square for $6 film festival approved films and great exhibitions. Queen Victoria Market is also a must!
Insider Tip:Dont stick to the main CBD streets. Head to the laneways for cool restaurants and bars.
Melbourne holds the reputation as Australia’s most ‘European and cosmopolitan city’. Walking around the streets you can see why. It isn’t as brash as Sydney and the café and restaurant culture prevails here far more than anywhere else in the country. Plus, in relation to its counterparts, life is a lot more laid back.
Read More »
Win free nights, tours and more.
Watch our videos for tips on the world's top cities and more.
Download one of over 110 podcasts for the world's top cities.
Download one of over 90 pocket guides for the world's top cities.
