Melbourne has a load of sporting events.

But dig a little deeper, and the “2013 World’s Most Liveable City” will open its doors to an array of entertainment, activities and nightlife for everyone to enjoy.

Like Circular Quay in Sydney, a great place to begin your explorations around the city of Melbourne is Flinders Street, the cities’ central train station.

Melbourne’s Trams and Trains

Getting around the city is simple, with the extensive tram networks to take you to all parts.

But first, we will start with the “City Circle Tram”, coated in a vibrant red it is hard to miss amongst the green trams that roam with it.
It is more than just a way to travel about Melbourne for free. It is a fantastic way to learn about the cities’ history.

The tram’s route runs around the CBD. It passes such attractions as the Princess Theatre, the Melbourne Aquarium and Parliament House, with the tram giving an informed commentary as it travels past.

Food

A short tram ride from Flinders Street will take you to the famed Lygon Street, the fine-food mecca of Melbourne.
Far from being a budget breaker, though, there is fantastic Italian food due to the large Italian population in the suburb of Carlton, where Lygon Street resides.

The street provides some of Melbourne’s best pizza that will have you coming back for more.

Pubs

Speaking of Carlton, while you’re in the area filling up that empty travellers’ belly, check out some of the towns best pubs, such as the Queensbury Hotel.

Also, Pugs Mahone is an Irish pub worth checking out, particularly as St. Patrick’s day rolls around.

Another easy tram ride will take you to one of Melbourne’s best free attractions, Queen Victoria Market.

Open most days of the week and all year round, the ‘Vic Market’ offers beautiful days of fun roaming the stores for great souvenirs and clothing, and if you’re looking to get your name on a number plate, this is the place to go.

Not only is it great for some harmless splurging, if you’re in dire need of filling that backpacker pantry, this market also has some of the best fresh produce and at low prices.

Another great Melbourne market is the South Melbourne Market, open from Friday through to Sunday.

Back in the CBD, you’ll find yourself surrounded by many fun activities to fill in your day, oh and did I say great bars?

Shopping

Melbourne is full of fun, fashion, food and great nightlife.
Not to mention the great parks, walks and treks that happen just out of town in the Alpine National Park.

Melbourne Central is a lovely and easy walk from Flinders Street, during which you will pass some of Melbourne’s best shopping.  There are also cheap food outlets and Melbourne’s famed laneways.

 

After that, you may(also check out Chapel Street for more fashion haunts,

A trip to Melbourne would not be complete without a stroll, a croissant or an ‘eggs benny’ down Degraves Street.
It is a great hangover cure or even just a nice romantic meal if you’re looking to impress without blowing a hole in your pocket.

Melbourne
Laneway Art

Like its weather, Melbourne is unpredictable, but something will turn itself into a great story every day.

Once you’re in Melbourne Central, there is an array of clothing shops, four levels: cinemas, food outlets, a bowling alley with a bar, and a fitness centre.

It is situated next to RMIT and a short walk from Melbourne University. It is often full o and annoyance.

If it is not your scene, sneak upstairs to one of the best bars in Melbourne, the Asian Beer Café.
As you can tell by the name, it is full of Asian beers, mainly from the South-East but provides all your basics.

It is perfect after a long day walking through the city and in summer, sitting out on the deck is a treat.

As the day rolls down, it is time to check out the Yarra River.

As the sun rolls down and lights come on, take a stroll past the Royal Botanic Garden and the rowing sheds.  Find a lovely patch of green grass ideal for a rest.

Then continue stroll following the river’s flow towards Docklands will see you pass Riverland, a sweet riverside bar dug into the wall.

In football season, they offer great pots and sausages for you to eat and drink and watch the river ferries pass.

On the southern side of the Yarra are some of Melbourne’s best restaurants. Though some will burn a big hole in your wallet, there are a few spots to eat right on the river that won’t blow the budget.

Also, this side of the Yarra River situates Crown Casino and Ponyfish Island, a bar literally in the middle of the river.

Melbourne
Trams are a Great Way of Getting Around the City photo by @breadboyshaun.

 

After dark, there are two things to do: pub crawl, go a little wild on the dance floor, or maybe both.

Nightlife

Richmond is calling.

Home to many of Melbourne’s best pubs, it will be a while before you complete this crawl.
The Post Office or the Corner Hotel are great places to start.

If you’re heroic and complete the trail, head off to South Yarra for even more fantastic pub and bar options.

So you like to dance?

The city’s centre has many options, which vary in taste.

But to get the best, you have to head a little bit out of town towards St Kilda.

The latter is a staple on the gay scene from the Prince of Wales to the Greyhound. You will have all you can handle in St Kilda.

Taxis are everywhere, and finding your way home no matter what hour of the morning won’t be hard.

Beaches and the Great Ocean Road

After, take a  two-hour drive to Sorrento, ideal for a weekend getaway with beautiful beaches.

Also,  enjoy the stunning scenery along the Great Ocean Road and some of Australia’s best beaches, including Bells Beach.

 

Ongoing events around town

Kick off with the Spring Racing Carnival in November and the Grand Prix in March.

Next, Melbourne has fantastic comedy shows perfect for a great night out.