I love this cosmopolitan city, the people are friendly, trendy bars and restaurants, lots of arcades and laneways and the shopping are amazing.

The trams in Melbourne are great and a perfect way to move around too. Melbourne CBD has a free tram service on trams 35, 70 and 75 only.

1. Accommodation

The Hilton hotel now named Pan Pacific is located in Southbank. This hotel is comfortable and has a great city and Yarra river views.

https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-resorts/australia/melbourne/stay/rooms.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7vmLrOmW1gIVCh9oCh176w_NEAAYASAAEgIC1fD_BwE

Adina Apartments on Queen Street in the CBD are fully equipped with all the necessities and is walking distance to Bourke street shopping.

https://www.adinahotels.com/hotel/melbourne/?utm_source=googleplaces&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=googleplaces

The Como Melbourne – MGallery by Sofitel located on Chapel Street is perfect if you think you’re going to spend a prominent of time in South Yarra.

https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-8801-the-como-melbourne-mgallery-by-sofitel/index.shtml#section-description

2. Shopping

Unique boutique stores are what I love about Melbourne.

Chapel Street, Toorak Road and Greville Lane in Toorak have all your mainstream stores plus unique boutiques with items you won’t find at home. I never go home empty-handed.

Other main shopping areas are St Kilda, High Street in Armadale for boutique shops, Brunswick Street in Fitzroy for the grunge look, Bridge Road in Richmond for Melbourne Factory Outlets, Bourke Street, Little Collins Street, Melbourne Central shopping centre are all based in the CBD.

http://m.melbourne.com.au/shops.htm

3. Attractions

• NGV International-

If you love Art then make sure to visit the NGV who house a collection of art from Europe, Asia, America, and Oceania.

The Renaissance period is my favourite.

Entry is free, open 10 am–5 pm daily.

http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/

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• Eureka Tower Skydeck 88 and The Edge –

A fantastic view of Melbourne can be seen from Skydeck 88. Make sure to pay extra to go over The Edge and view the city from below.  If you love heights, you will love The Edge.

Opens at 10am – 10pm Daily with last entry 9.30pm.

https://www.eurekaskydeck.com.au/

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• Shrine of Remembrance

Built in 1934, the Shrine is the Victorian state memorial to Australians who have served in war and peacekeeping operations. This shrine is impressive, please take the time to visit. The shrine is a 14-minute walk from Federation Square.

Free entry, open 10 am – 5 pm daily.

http://www.shrine.org.au/Home

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• Melbourne Zoo –

We enjoyed our visit to this zoo and found the Lemur island interesting as you are able to frolic amongst the Ringtail Lemurs in their exhibit.  My favourite is always the Lions, such magnificent creatures. We also watched the Orang-utans for quite some time and found them to be quite entertaining. A visit to a zoo is always a great day out.

Open 9 am – 5 pm daily.

https://www.zoo.org.au/Melbourne

• Queen Victoria Markets –

A great huge market where I am sure you won’t leave empty-handed.  A bargain for everyone can be found here. From clothing, jewellery to food. Please check link attached for daily hours that vary.

http://www.qvm.com.au/

• St Kilda – 

St Kilda is located about 6 km’s from Melbourne CBD. Here you will find St Kilda Beach, Luna Park,  St Kilda Esplanade Market, shopping along Acland and Fitzroy Street, pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Don’t miss Acland Cakes on Acland Street.

4. Dining

• Laurent Artisan Bakery – 

Besides Paul’s Bakery in France, this is my favourite bakery in Australia. Laurent has delicious fresh bread, exquisite cakes, yummy savoury pastries and gourmet rolls.

Recommendation: Ham and cheese croissant with béchamel sauce and tuna focaccia.

http://www.laurent.com.au/retail-product-range.html

• Bistro Vue –

Exquisite French restaurant and bar with great service and delicious food.

Recommendation: French onion soup topped with Gruyère and braised beef cheek. I loved the mushroom risotto however it is no longer on the menu.

http://www.bistrovue.com.au/

• Oriental Teahouse on Chapel Street and the CBD –

The food and service are perfect at both locations. The dumplings are delicious and the pinot gris wine and apple green tea delicious.

Recommendation: Crispy prawn wontons, Xiao Long Bao and Pork Shu Mai With Prawn & Chinese Mushroom.

https://orientalteahouse.com.au/

• Caffee Cucina –

I love this quaint little Italian restaurant, the food and service are impeccable. I have frequented this restaurant for over a decade.

Recommendation: Tagliatelle al Ragù di Agnello.

http://www.caffeecucina.com.au/

• Spice Temple –

This modern Chinese restaurant by Neil Perry is located in the Crown Casino in Southbank.

Recommendation: Lamb dumpling with chilli and Prawn wontons with aged black vinegar dressing.

http://www.spicetemple.com.au/

 

Other great areas in the CBD to explore for dining are –

• Lygon street for Italian Food
• Lonsdale street for Greek
• Degraves street for cafes and restaurants i.e go to Degraves Espresso Bar for coffee
• Centre place for coffee at 3 Little Monkeys Cafe

5. Nightlife

• Lui Bar –

Stylish sexy bar with a sensational view of Port Melbourne. Perfect high-rise bar for sunset cocktails and snacks.

http://www.luibar.com.au/menu.php

• The Emerson –

Entry to this cool bar restaurant and club is free before 10 pm. Suggest arriving earlier to avoid disappointment or email the club to be added to the guest list.

https://www.theemerson.com.au/

• Ms Collins –

A stylish cool restaurant bar club opens from Wednesday to Saturday from 4 – 9 pm for food and drinks.

http://www.mscollins.com.au/

Melbourne is one of my favourite Australian cities and a place that you will never be bored.  There are so many more wonderful places I can share with you about Melbourne, keep an eye out for more blogs in the future.