A city where you can never be appropriately dressed for the weather, for it can experience 4 seasons in a day! This was exactly my first take away from the city. Melbourne abounds with art, history and culture. There is so much to do or indulge in that it makes a perfect place for solo travelers!
Here are my top picks from the city-
1- The National gallery of Victoria:- This museum houses works by renowned names like Rodin and Constable. It is known for its wondrous tours, workshops which are tailored for Children, University Students and international visitors. NGV guides conduct daily collection and exhibition tours all of which are free to be explored without any cost.
2- Queen Victoria Market:- This iconic market is the oldest and largest open air market in the state of Victoria, adding to its cultural and social significance. You can find wholesale vendors selling a variety of food items like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry and specialty delicacies.
This market has been recommended by all my friends as something which should not be missed, while visiting Melbourne.
On Wednesday evenings , this space hosts a lively night market which offers dining, bars, live entertainment and a variety of other stalls. It also has a large non-food related market, selling a diverse range of clothing and handmade arts and crafts.
3- Degraves Street:- This quintessential Melbourne lane is a vibrant hotspot loved by tourists and locals alike.
Here, you will find many things the locals hold dear: street art, hole-in-the wall cafes, quirky boutiques and a buzzing atmosphere. The Art Deco arcade features pink tiled walls as well as display cases which are used by the not-for-profit public art organization and Platform Artists. Today, Degraves Street is at the heart of Melbourne’s café culture and its definitely a must visit for more than one of your 'meal stops'.
4- Fitzroy- This lively bohemian suburb with equal parts of beauty and culture, is filled with electric bars, restaurants and corner bars that are really popular with locals. Wander along Brunswick Street, for tonnes of cool and kooky vintage clothing stores and second-hand bookshops. If you want to sample your life like a local, this is definitely a place to be!
5- Brighton Beach- Take a break from all the art and history with a stroll down the Brighton beach located along the Philip Bay. Located about 30 mins away from Melbourne Central, is well known for its 90 colorful bathing boxes. Brighton is filled with opportunity shops, making it a fun packed time for those who love a bit of cheap second hand items and bargains galore. Brighton should be at the top of your list to explore, with its relaxing ambience and touristic shops, eateries and historic sites.
