How to Enjoy Melbourne on a Mini Break – Experience the Best!

 Melbourne is an eclectic blend of allures. It is also a chic fashion destination, an art lover’s hub, a place to enjoy fab shopping sprees and plan those day-out excursions. The capital of Victoria is noted for its coffee culture and entertainment as well as its vintage attractions. So, how do you experience it all on a short holiday? Check out this article on how to enjoy Melbourne on a mini-break.

TigTab from Melbourne, Australia, Shepard Fairey Hosier Melbourne, CC BY-SA 2.0

Explore the Street Art

Melbourne’s street art is famous the world over. And the capital city is known to attract a varied bunch of artists from across the world. You could book a Melbourne Street Arts Tour and enjoy a comprehensive tour of the best in alley paintings. Besides, the proceeds from the tour go towards funding the street artists of Melbourne. You could also do your own research and take the tour by yourself. Also, check out I’m Free Walking Tours. These are free and cover all major hot spots in the city. But make sure to reward your guide with a good tip. To enjoy easy access to city sights, make sure to choose accommodation from Melbourne CBD hotels. You can benefit from offers and discounts extended to guests. Some of these Melbourne city hotels like WRAP on Southbank are located right in the middle of all the action.

Head to the Park for a Movie Under the Stars

During the summer season, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne turns into an open-air movie theatre, screening Hollywood blockbusters. And most participants take along a picnic of food and drinks to spend a relaxed evening under the stars enjoying a movie. Check the weather forecast before you go, since rain results in the screening getting cancelled. Also, take along a blanket to sit on and a warm jacket as it gets cold. The movie screening takes place at the Central Lawn of The Royal Botanic Gardens.

Check Out the Fascinating Queen Victoria Market

This huge vintage market is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The market is set up around two whole blocks and is home to over 700 vendors. Go there to shop for all sorts of knick-knacks, souvenirs, fresh produce, and other interesting items. Even if you are not a shopaholic, go there to savour the ambience and sample the array of food on offer. The market is spread both indoors and outdoors. And over the weekends there is an increase in sellers, setting up stalls outdoors.

Go Spend a Quiet Afternoon at the State Library Of Victoria

This iconic landmark was built in 1865. And today, the State Library of Victoria has over a million visitors annually. The place is so popular that at the opening time there is a long line of eager patrons waiting to get inside. Make sure to go see the central rotunda, which makes up an octagonal shape, complete with vintage dark wood furniture and walls lined with rows of books.

Ride Around in the City Circle Tram

The City Circle Tram is a free service. The tram does a loop ride around the Melbourne CBD. The hop-on-hop-off tram runs past Federation Square, Princess Theatre, the Old Treasury Building, and Parliament Building. A running commentary updates you on the history and significance of iconic attractions that you pass. The tram service operates between 10 am and 6 pm from Sunday to Wednesday and between 10 am and 9 pm from Thursday to Saturday, with a new tram coming along every ten minutes.

Explore the National Gallery of Victoria

This is Australia’s oldest and largest museum. Located at Federation Square, it is also the nation’s most visited museum. The complex houses around 75,000 artefacts and a marvellous collection of Aboriginal artworks.

It’s easy to enjoy a short stay in Melbourne, and not miss out on the best. Make sure to experience all the above while being a part of the city’s café culture. Enjoy sampling the diverse variety of cuisine and the pretty surroundings of the garden city as you explore and relax.