Anastasia Smith
Melbourne is a city that lives and breathes the world and in short, is one of the most liveable cities to explore. Detailed below are the reasons as to why you should consider a visit.
Research has revealed that Melbourne is a city where well over 100 languages are spoken and where over 50% of its residents have been born overseas. In terms of notable features, the city plays host to the largest Greek-speaking community outside of Europe. Also, Melbourne lays claim to the oldest Chinatown in all of Australia. Importantly, Lygon Street successfully introduced the espresso machine to the city and is credited with having launched Melbourne’s love affair with the wide world of coffee.
While the efforts of the local Italian community deserve all the plaudits for introducing coffee to Melbourne, what has led to the boost in its popularity can be attributed to the fact that a majority of the coffee found is roasted in the city itself. Therefore, Melbourne is well known for its coffee culture with numerous cafes of various shapes and sizes dotting the city limits where skilled baristas can be seen applying their trade to perfection. In fact, one may easily stumble upon facilities serving a good mix of siphons, pour overs and cold brews made from a single origin that will leave your tastebuds in coffee heaven.
The capital of the State of Victoria can be easily described as an art lover’s dream come true on the back of there being plenty of examples of street art adorning almost every nook and corner there is to Melbourne. Therefore, should you see a need to go on a sightseeing tour at your own pace, then you will be well placed to check out colourful murals, detailed stencil art and creative paste-ups which are at the heart of the city’s cultural identity.
A far cry from the urban jungle which tends to dominate most sections of the city is a side to Melbourne that best serves those who absolutely appreciate the thought of meandering through open, green spaces with nature’s sweet melodies by their side. Astonishingly, Melbourne features nearly 4,000 acres of greenery of which some have been thoughtfully and expertly incorporated into quite a number of the city’s most visited restaurants. Rare and indigenous plant life are found at tourist attractions in the calibre of Royal Botanic Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens which would make for excellent pit-stops en route to embracing the magic of Melbourne.
For a shopping spree with a different air and twist, do make plans to call by the historic setting of Queen Victoria Market. Considered the biggest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, retail therapy fans will be able to meet and greet over 600 traders who sell an assortment of products and tempting goodies that will have you lingering on for hours on end. Take your pick from fresh produce, wines, meat items and gourmet cheeses that will make for quite the insightful encounter with one of Melbourne’s iconic symbols that has existed for over 140 years. In the event you seek a good place to stay from where such sites can be accessed, then have a look at Pan Pacific Melbourne which is a family hotel Melbourne has to offer.
