Top 5 Reasons to Visit Melbourne

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city, is often compared to its larger, more famous sister city, Sydney, but Victoria’s state capital has steadily built a name for itself as the world’s most liveable city. Melbourne has consistently held the title for six years in a row, beating 139 global cities (including Sydney) in the latest Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey.

Word travels fast that Melbourne has the country’s most vibrant coffee culture, dining scene, sports spectacle, nightlife, and cosmopolitan crowd. To be the top city on the liveability ranking, there has to be plenty of gems and charms to discover in Melbourne.

What can a curious, enthusiastic visitor expect from Melbourne?

Brunswick St. or Degraves St. Coffee Shops
Coffee alone is enough of a reason to justify a trip to the city. Going on a coffee shop tour at either Brunswick Street or Degraves Street is one of the best things to do in Melbourne.

Giddy from the overwhelming number of Melbourne coffee places? Most visitors grab a cup of coffee and some light snacks at Melbourne institutions, such as Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar and Brunetti, or opt for boutique, modern cafes, such as Patricia and The League of Honest Coffee. Each coffee place has distinctly memorable decor, delicious treats like cakes and pastries, and passionate baristas who whip up magic in every brew.

You might be tempted to get your morning, mid-day, or afternoon cup of coffee from the same coffee spot, but resist the urge to settle too soon. Get your caffeine fix from various cafes before you pick a favorite coffee shop. You might stumble upon the ‘best Melbourne coffee’ after you’ve tried a few cups from different locations.

Explore Melbourne’s History and Heritage
To get a sense of how Melbourne started and where it is potentially heading, visit the city’s galleries and museums. For a small admission fee, you can learn as many things as you want about Victoria’s capital. Browse the extensive collections and exhibits inside the Melbourne Museum, the Immigration Museum, and the Royal Exhibition Building. If you have a thing for opulent 19th-century interiors, you will probably want to linger inside the Royal Exhibition Building. This magnificent structure was once the location of the Parliament of Victoria and the venue for the Melbourne
International Exhibition in 1880.

For a tour that tells a story of Melbourne’s past and significant events that shaped the city into its present state, Melbourne Museum fits the bill. Find interactive and immersive exhibits that harken back to the city’s early days (1890’s) and evolving culture over time.

Route Number 35
This iconic tram runs for free just for tourists like you. Aimed to showcase many of Melbourne’s emblematic landmarks and attractions, these heritage W-class trams have served since the 1920’s, a legacy left behind by early European settlers.

Hop aboard one of the city’s sightseeing trams and navigate the world’s largest tram network. The journey will take you to the city’s best features.

Instead of bar hopping, opt for a superb dinner in the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Guests love the ambience inside this well-maintained carriage. Fantastic dishes and delicious drinks are served by the warm and professional staff.

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
For unobstructed 360-degree views of the city (day or night), ride one of the 21 spacious, enclosed, and air-conditioned cabins with your family or friends. As the wheel turns, you approach the maximum height of 120 meters, similar to a 40-storey building.

Depending on the weather, the highest point of the ride gives you spectacular views of the whole city. You can listen to the English audio recording describing what you see while the wheel rotates. Be brave, peer through the glass of the cabin, and soak up the breathtaking sights surrounding you.

Check out the Tales of Melbourne, an informative historical account of Melbourne available for watching while you are waiting for your turn. Look up once in awhile as the wheel’s bundle of LED lights sparkle against Melbourne’s astonishing skyline at night.

The Yarra River
Do you want to cruise up and down, fly above, or just walk along the banks of the Yarra River? Like most modern cities, Melbourne owes its civilization and rapid development to this life-giving and scenic river. It’s now considered the center of socialization in the city, offering myriad of activities for tourists and locals alike.

Burn some calories, and ride a bike along the riverfront. If you want to trace the river flow from above, take a private balloon flight over the city and Yarra River. Marvel at these rare, magnificent aerial views for four hours. Shake off the fright before and during flight with a glass or two of champagne shared with your beloved.

Not a fan of heights? Melbourne’s alluring walking paths by the river might entice you to walk for an hour without getting tired of the view. Keep your eyes peeled for iconic buildings in the Central Business district. Better yet, trace your way to the Royal Botanical Gardens, and enjoy a picnic in its lush surroundings.

Staying in Melbourne for more than a week? Consider taking a day trip to the 12 Apostles. This splendor is worth exploring for a week. Some tour companies organize and specialize in designing excursions along these iconic rock formations. The Twelve Apostles is a unique natural marvel you’ll definitely want to keep in your travel memories forever, so see if you can extend your Melbourne trip to accommodate this wildly beautiful attraction.

Have you been to Melbourne before? What inspired you to take the trip? Share your travel stories and photos with us.