10 Reasons to Make Melbourne Your Next Trip
Focus of This Perfect Travel Day: Melbourne, Australia.
Heading down under is on everyone’s bucket list, but sadly far too many of us get there. Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is one my of my favorite cities in the world and here is just a quick look into why!
Right after their well-known rivalry with Sydney, Melbournians are best known for their coffee. They are a citizenry who take coffee very seriously. Melbourne is ranked as the #1 coffee city in the world – topping even Rome as the place to get a great cup of coffee. Ordering is not for the faint of heart, as most cafes only post a bean roasting menu – and it’s assumed one understands the difference between a blend and a single origin roast – and that you know – or know to ask – which goes better with milk if you like your coffee white.
Warning: if you don’t know what a “Flat White” or a “Pichole” is you might want to do some investigation before you arrive. Once you understand how to order, your coffee experience will be something out of a culinary dream – and worth the trip to Melbourne alone.
To help dispel any timidness towards somewhat mysterious coffee culture in Melbourne, I recommend taking the HIdden Secrets Tour – this three hour excursion – which should be done early in your trip – will help you better appreciate and enjoy your time sipping coffee while visiting the countless Melbourne cafes that can boast lines 25 meters long as certain times during the day.
Hidden all over the downtown – called the CBD for Central Business District – are amazing stores and restaurants in laneways (or alleys as we would call them in America). These are at the heart of Melbourne culture and give the city a unique and slightly European feel. Though, in my humble opinion, Europe should only hope to be as cool as Melbourne.
Keeping Melbourne unique are the amazing colors that line the sky. Unlike any city I have seen, they have taken to building skyscrapers that have a colorful exterior. Forget the tall silvery exterior of the American scrapers with massive amounts of metal and glass – Melbourne is starting a new trend – each color metaphorically representing the uniqueness of this great Australian city.
If you fancy yourself a foodie, then Melbourne should top your list of international destinations. Beware of the Beet Root and Dukkah – making sure they are flavors you like – but don’t miss the hidden taste euphoria that are hidden down laneways and the suburbs of Melbourne are some of the most unique flavor combinations and clever culinary combinations your mouth will ever behold. I really like the restaurants of South Yarra neighborhood and that should be a place you spend your food dollars.
Walk down a high dollar area and don’t be surprised if you find graffiti colored walls – but don’t fear – this type of urban art is both respected and admired in this edgy yet sophisticated city. This street art gives Melbourne its color and uniqueness and should be a part of any tour.
Enjoy the free tram in the CBD. While in the Central Business District – enjoy a free ride on the cities tram. Keep an eye out for cars who will do a hook turn – something unique only to Melbourne. Cars will attempt to turn right from the far left lane and this trick of masterful driving is something to watch out for – as it gives Melbourne a unique feel and ambience.
In Melbourne if you’re not sporting a fashionable pair of shoes – you might want to consider staying home. This is a city of fashion and it is obvious that Melbournians take their love of shoes seriously.
Although Melbourne is a great city – don’t be afraid to take a day trip or two. Try out the Yarra Valley wineries – or take a two hour drive to watch the penguin parade at Prince Edward Island. If you do make it out to watch the penguins make sure to pay the extra money for a front seat it will be warmer (because they provide you with a blanket) and make for a better experience.
It is insanely easy to find your way around. Because the city is built on a grid, finding your way around Melbourne requires little effort. Outside of the train system in Hong Kong I find that Melbourne may just rank as one of the easiest cities for any traveler looking to show themselves around. Within the CBD you can ride for free or pick up a mymiki card to travel the entire day for a small sum.
Weather you visit Queen Victoria Market or The South Melbourne Market you are sure to find something made unique and made only in Melbourne, which make for some of the best gifts you can bring back to your friends at home. Both markets have amazing coffee and food scene and on a Saturday are the place to be seen. My Melbournian friends assure me that if there is a line, you should get in it – chances are you won’t be disappointed.
For Next time: The Great Ocean Road and Dumpling Tour
