Whilst
Sydney has the weather and the beaches, Melbourne has depth. Melbourne has soul.
A
wholesome, well-rounded and rich city. Neighborhoods that bubble with
personality (Fitzroy, Carlton, St. Kilda…); Restaurants that make you want to
become a restauranteur; Bars that make you feel as though you’re starring in a
Sex and the City episode and some of the most pristine city parks you have ever
seen (Royal Botanical, Albert Park…).
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Albert Park |
It
is not for no reason that Melbourne has been voted one of the most liveable
cities for several years in a row, taking the crown once again in 2012
according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.
What
is this secret ingredient that makes Melbourne rate so highly, year after year?
I may not have the formula right but
will take a stab at verbalising what makes Melbourne special for me.
The
city lives and breathes 24 hours a day. This may or may not be a result of the
infamous Melbourne coffee, which pumps the veins of the city day in, day out.
These barrista skills not only make coffee-lovers fall in love; they even make
non-coffee drinkers gradually convert. It is a buzzing scene. If you don’t
already, you’ll learn to love it ;) Coffees are an art and a science in this
city. No place rivals Melbourne in this world. I’m serious. No place does.
With
a café culture like no other, you will find endless instagram-worthy shots in
every corner and every nook of this city. Second-hand shopping is hip and
precious boutique shops are abundant. Whether you love the classy, the hipster
or the grunge, on Australian terms, this city is as good as it gets for
shopping…and clearly ‘Australian terms’ are pretty high, if one of their cities
makes it number 1 in the world two years in a row…
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Friends of Mine, Richmond |
If
shopping is not your thing, get on your bike and cycle the massive bay or sun-bake
on one of Melbourne’s many beaches. Row on the Yarra River or run around Albert
Park and ‘the Tan track’ (Botanical Gardens). Try out one of the many yoga
studios, SUP on the bay waters, or kite surf when it is windy…the list goes on.
This city will have your heart pumping in more ways than one. Whatever the
weather decides to do, people are up and at it. It is a lifestyle and believe
me, you will get sucked in. It is a good thing…trust me!
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Botanical Gardens |
Food
markets (Prahran, Queen Victoria, South Melbourne) are bustling not just on
weekends but on every day of the week. Choose to get the freshest produce
around or, if you’re feeling lazy (which coincidentally, I seem to A LOT these
days!), head out and taste Melbourne’s infinite restaurant list – most being
hidden treasures, very hard to imitate or ever replicate. The Mmmmms… and
Ahhhhhhs… that go around, together with the clinging of knives, forks and wine
glasses…it is a constant gourmet orchestra, every single night of the week.
It
is impossible to ever be bored, or on the previous note – ever go HUNGRY - in
this city.
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South Melbourne Markets |
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Three Bags Full, Abbotsford |
Trams
have the right away in this city and neighborhoods like Carlton make you
believe you have been zipped to Italy with the blink of an eye. “Prego!”…”Grazie”…with
hands up in the air…’Wait!? I thought I was in Australia!?’ European touches
are everywhere, blended in subtly, adding to the richness and culture that
makes this place so unique.
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Flinders Street Station, CBD |
YES,
Melbourne may have 4 seasons in one day. Deal with it! Embrace it! All
Melbournians do and rather than always moan about weather or make it the
subject of conversation, they accept it and don’t let it hold them back. An
impeccable taste for food, a knowledge for the arts and culture, a love for
life.
What
a C.I.T.Y!
♥
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Veggie Bar, Fitzroy |
Below
will be an ever-growing list of yummies (growing at least for the next few
months whilst I am still here!)
Eat:
Long
Grain, CBD – Sexy cocktails and TDF Thai food.
Cumulus,
CBD – Absolutely amazing in every possible way.
Sake,
South Melbourne – Japanese. No need to say more.
La
Svolta, Brighton – True Italian pizzas.
Veggie
Bar, Fitzroy – For Veggo’s or non-Veggo’s, this place is simple ridiculously
tasty and COOL.
Maha,
CBD – Recommended
Movida,
CBD – Recommended
European,
CBD – Recommended
Mamasita,
CBD - Recommended
Chin Chin, CBD - Chinese fusion - yum!
Sake, Southbank - Japanese gourmet
I Love Pho, Victoria Street - Awesome Vietnamese Pho Soup
Mekong, Swanston St, CBD - Vietnamese
Cookie, CBD - Thai food. Recommended.
Chin Chin, CBD - Chinese fusion - yum!
Sake, Southbank - Japanese gourmet
I Love Pho, Victoria Street - Awesome Vietnamese Pho Soup
Mekong, Swanston St, CBD - Vietnamese
Cookie, CBD - Thai food. Recommended.
Breakfast/Brunch:
Friends
of Mine, Richmond – Popular for a reason.
Café
Gaia, South Yarra – Whether its pancakes or poached eggs, you may be walking
out of there saying, those were the best EVER!
Three
Bags Full, Abbotsford – A place you sorta just want to stay at, and never
leave.
Café
Sweethearts, South Melbourne - Pancakes
Pinch
of Salt – Recommended
Lawson
Grove Shop, South Yarra – Recommended
Outpost,
South Yarra – Recommended
Hellenic
Republic, Brunswick East – Recommended
Melbourne areas and their famous, must-go
streets:
St.
Kilda – Acland Street
South
Yarra – Chapel Street and the Royal Botanical Gardens
Fitzroy
– Brunswick, Gertrude & Smith Streets for Op shops, hipster, grunge, bars
and
Carlton
– Italian Gelato, Paninis and everything Italian
East
Brunswick
CBD
– Lanes, alleyways and simply everywhere! Buzzes every day of the week.
South
Melbourne – Check out South Melbourne Markets and Union Yoga for an awesome
Yoga class.