If your next vacation involves a trip to the Land Down Under, you must be thinking about where you should go and what you should see, as this continent is just so huge. Sydney has certainly earned its position as the best city in the world, however, it would be a shame to stick to just this one metropolis as there are so many honorable mentions. Those interested in the urban aspect of the continent are certainly in for a treat in the form of the second most populous city in Australia, Melbourne.
This gem down in the south has so much more to offer than first meets the eye, which is exactly why you should do your homework beforehand and create your own personalized itinerary. To help you in this endeavor, here are some of the top things you should consider doing in Melbourne.
Marvel at the architecture
The best way to get to know a new place is by walking down its streets, taking it all in first-hand. Melbourne has its fair share of outstanding architecture that will appeal to the eyes while brimming with history and telling stories you cannot find in books. Old and new thrive side by side in this city, and you will see that in the abundance of beautiful Victorian buildings while at the same time, feeling like you’re in the future among the skyscrapers. Flinders Street Station is often mentioned as one of the most outstanding buildings in Melbourne. Nevertheless, the huge Victoria State Library, the Shrine of Remembrance, and the very interesting Melbourne Central are also worth checking out – this last one will perfectly showcase the aforementioned juxtaposition of old and new that makes this city unique.
Fun until the sun comes up
Even if you’re not an outgoing type, it would be a shame not to explore a bit of the nightlife in Melbourne; all the more because there are some truly outstanding locales that are bringing interactive entertainment to a whole new level. Other things that will make you not want to turn in just yet are the many festivals that Melbourne is so famous for. For example, White Night paints the city center in vibrant colors once the sun sets, but Lunar New Year celebrations can be a fun choice too if you are visiting around that time.
Visit the market
Queen Victoria Market in the city center is a buzzing hub worth checking out even if you’re not planning on grocery shopping. Once you see all the delicious foods stacked on the stalls, you will have a hard time resisting getting at least some appetizers to try the authentic tastes of this city. Delicious cheeses, sausages and everything you can imagine will be there to tempt you, but there is no shortage of clothing, interesting gifts, charming souvenirs and all that kind of stuff either, so don’t forget to bring your wallet! In addition, you can even take an educational tour of the market if you’re interested in its background!
A bit of greenery
A huge stretch of green in the buzzing city, the Royal Botanical Gardens can give you a breath of fresh air when you feel like you need a break from all the concrete but you don’t want to go too far. With thousands of different plants all around, it can offer a lovely environment for strolling around, taking pictures and just relaxing in the greenery. So, if you’re planning to visit this part of the continent during the Australian summer, you should definitely devote at least half a day to this activity. Furthermore, if you’re an animal lover, perhaps visiting the oldest zoo in Australia, Melbourne Zoo, would prove to be a fun day program. We should not miss mentioning that this is the first carbon-neutral zoo in the world, and it prides itself in providing an authentic environment for the animals, so you can marvel at all the interesting species without worrying about harming the planet.
Museum hopping
No matter if you’re interested in history, culture, art or science, there are lots of museums in Melbourne you can choose from according to your interests. For instance, the Melbourne Museum not only showcases impressive dinosaur skeletons and a 3D volcano, but it also tells about Indigenous Australian history that is so important. If you want to learn about the dark past of Victoria, you can visit the prison-turned-museum in the city center called Old Melbourne Gaol – but be prepared because it’s quite eerie. If you’re looking for something less dark, you can check out some of the Aboriginal art galleries that are scattered around the city – the City Gallery and Flinders Lane Gallery are a good starting point.
As you can see, there is plenty to do in this friendly city that will keep you occupied for weeks. It is true that Australia is not exactly a cheap destination, however, there is no reason to despair as there are still so many free fun things that you can see and do during your trip that will be easy on your wallet. Whether you want a more laid-back trip or you want to go all out at nightclubs, Melbourne has got you.
(photos courtesy of Unsplash.com)
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