For Sydney-siders, a weekend foray into the cultural and foodie-obsessed Melbourne is easy and oh so good. Here is a Thursday to Monday guide to seeing the best Melbourne can offer.
Thursday
Arrive, catch the Sky bus to Flinders St Station and then hop on a free tram, or walk to your hotel. Freshen up and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the city late afternoon getting to know the streets and experiencing the vibe. Night time means food and drinks galore. While not luxe, it is cheap and Asian Beer Cafe in Melbourne Central Shopping Centre boasts free champagne before 7pm and $1 till 9pm. From here we headed down to Docklands to eat our way through the Lunar Festival, sampling pork skewers, pork buns and dumplings. Eat your way happy, enjoy a night near the water with a glass of wine before bunking down to rest your weary body.
Friday
Sleep ins are essential, why, because you’re on holiday! Keep those curtains pulled until your tummy rumbles just a little too loud. Then don your walking shoes and head straight to Queen Victoria Market, QVM, for all things yummy! From cheese, to hamon serrano, bread, croissants, fresh juice, coffee, pasta and borek, not to mention the abundance of fresh fruit and veggies this place is a mecca for food. Everything smells delicious, but borek (a turkish dish consisting of pastry filled with spinach and cheese) is too good to pass up and is one of my all time favourite foods. I restrain myself and grab one for $2. Then I give in to temptation on my second round and buy another, plus a sour cherry one. This may be the best borek I have ever had. When you’ve had your fair (or more than fair) share, head off towards the CBD for shopping and art. Walking through the streets can take you hours, as it should. There is a million and one lane ways to wander through, window shopping to be done and ogling at beautiful displays of macaroons and cakes. Make sure to walk through Centre Place one of Melbourne’s most famous streets – perfect to stop, rest, enjoy a coffee and listen to local musicians.
If you’re beginning to feel a bit peckish, PonyFish Island makes a lovely antipasto platter that is best shared under the sun alongside a jug of pimms. It is definitely the place to be. Enjoy, drink at leisure.
Friday night is all about fun. Sahara bar is a fun Moroccan themed bar, with happy hour, that looks over the city. Little Red Pocket, a hidden gem up two flights of stairs, is a Japanese-inspired bar with romantic black and red lighting. Did I mention it was named number 8/100 in the Worlds best bars? Yep enjoy that knowledge while sipping on two for one drinks and $1 chicken from 4-8pm.
If you happen to be staying at Space Hotel, then bring a bikini because the rooftop spa boasts an epic view of the skyline.
Saturday
Feeling a bit weary from Friday night? Not to worry, there is nothing Melbourne coffee can’t fix. Don your street-cool, casual-but-planned outfit and hit the pavement. There are so many cafes to choose from, but we tried Riva in an alleyway off the main street that served quality Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and spinach, all washed down with a cup of smooth strong coffee. Once you’re feeling refreshed, it’s all about art today. Wander around town and find all the hidden gems. Go up, down, left, right, sidewards and back again until your utterly confused. Make a beeline for Hozier Lane, Rutledge Lane, Union Lane and Centre Place.
You’ve been walking all day, time to cool off with N2. On Sutherland ST in the CBD, this sweet haven makes delicious cold treats. Make sure to get a needle full of liquid chocolate. It’s nearly 3pm, time to fill that tummy! Head back to QVM for the most mind-blowingingly delicious bowl of fresh hot mussels. This stuff is made of dreams. I opted for the chilli, tomato and parsley bowl. My only recommendation, don’t share. Get your own bowl.
It’s back to the CBD after that to soak up the sunshine with a cool drink. Rooftop bar is hugely popular and boasts an epic view of the city. Sit amongst the crowd and enjoy. There is no better place to be. Once you’ve had your fill of liquid gold, there is only one place for dinner: 400 gradi, one of the world’s best pizza eateries. Make sure to wear stretchy clothes because once you have a bite, you are hooked. This is true Neapolitan pizza. We opted for a Margarita, Prosciutto and Rocket and a Seafood Linguine with a glass of Italian red. I still dream of this dinner today.
Sunday
Sunday blues are real as you realise tomorrow you are leaving. Beautiful sunny days call for a visit to St Kilda, where it only happens the St Kilda festival is on. Grab a coffee and almond croissant from Plantation Coffee and then jump on a tram. 20 minutes later, stroll down St Kilda Esplanade and along the pier. Walk or hire a bike and ride along the waters edge. Tuck into a big brekky with a fresh OJ to finish off your morning.
Naked for Satan, a 20 minute walk outside of the CBD is the place to be for drinks with a view. Located outside of the CBD it has a fantastic view of the undulating rooftops. With an extensive drink menu, it will have something for everyone.
No trip is complete without a picnic. Head back to the QVM and pick up some fresh cheeses, salami, bread, biscuits, fruit and a bottle of wine for a gorgeous picnic in the park.
Monday
Pack up the bags and check out. Today is for pancakes topped with ice-cream and maple syrup. Oh so naughty and delicious. Pancake Parlour has infamous pancakes – for a reason. Burn it off with a final stroll, one last coffee and a lie down in the sun to people watch. Then jump on a sky bus, head back to the airport and star planning your next trip.