Melbourne, often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital, is a vibrant city bustling with art, music, food, and fashion. Located in the heart of Victoria, Melbourne’s city center is an eclectic blend of contemporary architecture and Victorian buildings, sprawling gardens, and bustling marketplaces. This travel guide will take you through the best experiences Melbourne’s city center offered in 2019.
### Getting to Melbourne
Melbourne is well-connected by air with all major international and domestic airports. The city center is just a short ride away from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine), easily accessible via taxi, airport shuttle or the SkyBus service which operates 24/7.
### Accommodation
Accommodations in Melbourne’s city center cater to all preferences and budgets. From luxurious hotels like The Langham and The Park Hyatt to budget-friendly backpacker hostels such as The Greenhouse Backpacker and Urban Central, you’re sure to find a place that suits your needs.
### Attractions
#### Federation Square
A pivotal point of activity in the heart of Melbourne, Federation Square is a must-visit with its unique cultural attractions and year-round events. Home to major cultural attractions like the Ian Potter Centre and ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), Fed Square also hosts numerous community events including markets, film screenings, and live concerts.
#### Royal Botanic Gardens
Just a stone’s throw from the bustling city center lies the tranquil expanse of the Royal Botanic Gardens. This inner-city haven offers lush landscapes perfect for picnics or leisurely walks. Join one of the free guided tours available daily to learn about native Australian flora.
#### Queen Victoria Market
For food enthusiasts, no visit to Melbourne is complete without stopping by Queen Victoria Market. This historic marketplace has been operating since 1878 and offers everything from fresh produce to gourmet foods and unique souvenirs.
#### Arts Precinct
Located on St Kilda Road just a short tram ride from Flinders Street Station lies Melbourne’s famous Arts Precinct. It houses an array of institutions that showcase both visual arts and performing arts including The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) which features an extensive collection of international artwork.
### Dining Out
Melbourne’s dining scene in 2019 was bustling with options ranging from street food stalls at night markets such as Night Noodle Markets during Good Food Month to high-end restaurants like Attica or Vue de monde offering fine dining experiences.
### Shopping
From local boutiques at Flinders Lane known for its independent designers to large shopping centers like Emporium Melbourne or Collins Street’s luxury brands – shopping enthusiasts had myriad options exploring fashion trends down under in 2019.
### Nightlife
After dark, Melbourne came alive with its vibrant bar scene featuring rooftop bars like Rooftop Bar on Swanston Street for panoramic views over the city or quirky laneway bars in Hardware Lane serving specialty cocktails.
### Cultural Events
Melbourne is known for its robust events calendar packed with festivals throughout the year including Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Film Festival, White Night Festival – each adding their flavor into this cosmopolitan mix during 2019.
### Public Transport
Getting around Melbourne’s city center was convenient thanks to its comprehensive public transport system comprising trams (free within certain zones), buses, and trains all serviced by Metro Trains network – making it easy even for first-time visitors navigating their way across various attractions without hassle!
In conclusion, whether you were exploring solo or traveling as part of a group; whether your interest lay in cultural pursuits or culinary explorations; whether you wanted electrifying nightlife or serene parks – Melbourne’s city center offered something special for everyone back in 2019 making it an unforgettable destination on any travel itinerary!