Melbourne. My first city in Australia! You might have learned a little about MEL from my guest blogger, Gina. Over 2 years later I finally got a chance to go myself and I fell in love just as she did!
I took a long weekend, 4 days and 3 nights, to Melbourne because my boyfriend was going for a work trip. We stayed on the Southbank, close to the casino. While I would not suggest staying there, it was still pretty central and close to the free trams. Did you know that Melbourne has the largest tram system in the world?!
One thing we were close to was the water. Depending on where you are in the city, there are lots of bars and restaurants along the Yarra River. I would definitely recommend walking around the South Wharf Promenade. 
During the day, get lost in the cities famous “laneways.” From street art to cafes and tattoo parlors to boutique shopping, you never know what you will find.
Views upward in a laneway
Directly under: a bar with misting to cool you off from the heat
Street Art at its finest
The main graffiti street you cannot miss is Hosier Lane:
For dinner and drinks, the city has an amazing rooftop bar scene:
Drinks and nibbles at Madame Brussels
Madame Brussels is now a bar, but was a brothel. It is 2 blocks away from City Hall and was the first place in the city to have telephone lines (connected to City Hall). It was also the shining light of the Red Light district at the time.
Some other good rooftop bars include Red Humming Bird and Naked for Satin.
European Settlers came to Melbourne in 1835 and the city was founded by John Batman. Yes, there are lots of ‘Batman’ references around town for all the DC fans out there š In June 1851, Melbourne became the capital of Victoria, a separated State. It was during this time that the city became the richest in the world because of the Gold Rush. The surface gold in the region beat the Alaskan, Canadian and Californian gold rush combined! Sadly, this prosperous period crashed in 1853.
Known as “Australia’s Most European City,” Melbourne has the most Victorian architecture in the World. It even beats out England because the Brits melted most of their iron during the wars. MEL was also the first city to implement secret ballots during elections.
I visited Melbourne at the end of November, beginning of December so the city was in full Christmas mode. Myers, the local department store, is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere! Considering only 10% of the worlds population lives “Down Under,” this city is booming with artists. There are over 100 art galleries and there is always a cafe near by. Melbournians pride themselves on creating the flat white.
View from our hotel room
My favorite part of Melbourne was by far St. Kilda’s. It is right on the beach and had a laid back vibe. Be sure to stop by Luna Park and eat fresh seafood at Clay Pots.
Infamous entrance to Luna Park
St. Kilda was a very diverse part of town. 1 and 3 people living in MEL are immigrants. This makes Australia the most diverse country in the world as it has the biggest population of residents born overseas!
Starters at Clay Pots
Other good snacks around town, in the half mile by mile long CBD, include Doughnut Time.
If you are into craft beers, don’t forget to stop at Moon Dog Brewery, Carlton Brewhouse and Stomping Ground Beers Hall.
Although St. Kilda was my favorite part of town, the best attraction for me was the Victoria Market. Open 7 days a week there are stalls selling everything from fruits, veggies, meats, souvenirs, cosmetics (handmade soaps & shampoos) and art. 
You can also check out the South Melbourne Market. Only open on Wednesday, Friday-Sunday, this market is for real locals. You won’t find so many souvenirs here, but there are more food options and homewares.
One of a handful of restaurants inside the Victoria Market
Melbourne is a big city yet it is doable in 3 nights. It was nice to piggy back off my partners work trip, but venture out and see the cities various sections. From the colorful laneways and rooftop bars to calm St Kilda and interesting history, I will definitely be back for more.
Old Post Office, now a H&M
Tip: Visiting Australia as an American means you must apply for a visitors visa. It is only $20 and lasts a year. It is an e-visa, however I always print mine out. Have a passport holder big enough for your documents and money so everything is in one place!
What’s your favorite city in Australia?