Listly by Joanna James
The capital of southeastern Australia, Melbourne, is a vibrant metropolis with unique character and cultural diversity. It is also home to many art galleries and lush green parks.
The city is also known as the coffee capital of the world, and with good reason; the city is placed above other coffee cities like Vienna and Rome. In Melbourne, there's no such thing as bad coffee. Every cup of coffee you enjoy in the city is the best brew you'll enjoy. Melbourne also hosts a coffee expo which plays a significant role with regards to the city's coffee culture. Enjoying a cup of coffee at a local café is a must-do in Melbourne.
Melbourne has got it all, and street art is something that draws tourists to the city; the city is also regarded as one of the major art capitals in the world. The city council has assigned dedicated areas of the city for street art where artists can explore their gift. The street art found in Melbourne is exceptionally good, and it changes at regular intervals.
The city has a unique character and the best way to witness it is to wander through the lanes in the city. Every alleyway is flanked by shops, cafes and eateries presenting travellers with plenty of things to do.
You must have come across Flinders Street Station on postcards. It is a charming cultural symbol which came to be in 1910. The Victorian heritage register lists this amazing building among the names of other Victorian structures. Inside the building is a busy railway station, and cafes to ease the waiting time of passengers. Found across from Flinders Street Station is Federation Square, which is another unique symbol of Melbourne. Its architecture is what makes it exemplary among other structures of its kind.
The city has earned quite the reputation for live music. There's always a band playing, and Melbourne invites all sorts of talent from around the world.
Places like Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences offer this as one of the things to do in Box Hill. The Chandon Winery upholds French heritage and is one of the few places in Melbourne that do so. The winery produces sparkling wines using traditional French methods. A visit to Chandon Winery entails wine tasting and educational experiences; there's also a restaurant and a lounge bar.
Located a few paces away from the city centre is the Botanic Gardens of Melbourne. Locals, especially joggers, love the garden, and tourists are enticed by its charming landscape. There are about 8,500 plant species which make the garden colourful and vibrant.
Melbourne is known for its shopping scene. You can buy anything you want at the shopping malls found in the city. Chapel Street, for instance, is loved by shoppers; its high-quality clothing items attract both local and international celebrities: Chapel Street constitutes the fancy bit of shopping in the city. However, if you are on a budget, Bridge Road in Richmond is the best place for you; you'll find clothes, homewares and food at budget prices.
The museum is celebratory of the many cultures that have come together to create the perfect cultural synthesis. Housed in the Old Customs House, the museum unwraps the stories of the diverse population of the city, immigration experience, different cultural identities and the arduous journey the immigrants have endured on their way to Australia.
The city worships every form of art, and aboriginal art is among them. You find several art galleries strewn all over Melbourne. A few galleries you must visit are the City Gallery, the Ian Potter Museum of Art, the Flinders Lane Gallery and NGV International.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.