Want to live like the locals do while in Melbourne? Here are our tips for where to go, what to eat and what to wear during your stay in our multifaceted city. You’ll feel like a local in no time.
Buzz off
Melbournians adore coffee as much as the Italians. A good barista is as important as a good hairdresser or doctor in Melbourne. Coffee making is considered an artform, and while the latte tops the popularity list, you’ll find a bevy of brews from espresso to cold drip throughout the city’s eateries. Our top picks are Saluministi just around the corner in Bourke Street, Seven Seeds in Carlton, Market Lane at Prahran Market and St Ali in South Melbourne.
Delightful bite
Whether you’re grabbing a burger from 8bit or waiting for a table at Chin Chin, the lines are always worth it in this city. Or, for something fast, easy and synonymously Melbourne, you really can’t beat a mountain of dumplings at Shanghai Village in Chinatown. And the best part? You’ll be hard-pressed to spend more than $20 a head.
Wash it down afterwards with a tantalising treat from Gelato Messina.
Good sport
This city lives and breathes sport. There’s always something to watch on screen, or to see live for yourself. Beeline to the footy and watch an AFL match in winter – we’re now spoilt for choice with both mens’ and womens’ leagues. The Australian Open serves up the tennis world’s best in January, the Australian Grand Prix is on in March and the Melbourne Cup runs in November.
Culture fix
From wandering our iconic laneways to joining a workshop at an artist’s studio, there’s a mesmerising mix of ways to admire art during your stay. See a show in the East End Theatre District, head to The Arts Centre and National Gallery of Victoria in Southbank or check out inspiring audio visual shows at ACMI at Federation Square. And these are just the big names – many more hidden gems await your artistic appreciation at galleries, venues and studios throughout the suburbs.
Add layers
You haven’t really experienced Melbourne unless you’ve experienced four seasons in one day. Our seasons don’t exactly follow the rules, so it’s best to pack layers for your trip. Heads up: you could be using an umbrella, sunglasses, jacket and sandals all in one afternoon. Trust us, it’s all part of the fun – and no one minds if you show up to dinner late (and damp) because of a freak summer hailstorm.