Forget Paris, Rome and New York. Here’s Why Melbourne Is The World’s Greatest City

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Melbourne might not grab the headlines as much as other metropolises around the world, or even in Australia itself. However, the city is something of a hidden gem. It’s not until you actually arrive at the place and compare it to other major world cities that you realize just how great it is. 

To put how good Melbourne is into perspective, the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked it the second city in the world for lifestyle and culture, one place behind the leader, Vienna. 

So what makes Melbourne so great? Let’s take a look.

You Can Hit The Beach In Style

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Going to the beach in Melbourne is an experience in itself. Heading down to the St Kilda area, you’ll find rooftop bars, hipster cafés, rollerblading and plenty of palm trees. What’s more, there’s something for everyone. If you enjoy a tacky seaside experience, then it’s a great place to be. 

You Can See Some Cute Wildlife

The wildlife in the city is also surprising. Because it is so close to the south coast of Australia, it’s popular among small penguins, which typically waddle up Sutherland Beach on their way home to their nests after a busy day at sea. 

You might also want to head over to the Philippi Island koala conservation reserve. Here, you can meet the world’s cutest marsupials up close and personal/ 

It’s Home To A Vibrant Music Scene

If you’re the type of person who likes to get the scoop on new musical talent early, then Melbourne could be the perfect place to do it. Tourists flock to destinations around the city to enjoy new music before the rest of the world finds out about it.

Some venues, such as the Corner Hotel, have been host to the greatest musical talents of our time. Everyone from Mick Jagger to The Dandy Warhols have performed at this venue. 

There’s also a rooftop bar at the venue. So if you head there, make sure that you have a drink after the concert. 

You Can Go Swimming With Wild Dolphins

Swimming with wild dolphins is something that everyone should do at least once in their lives. Getting up close and personal with the “humans of the sea” is quite an experience. When you look into their eyes, you feel as if you are meeting an equal. It’s an eerie experience. 

Dolphin swimming tours depart from Sorrento pier, around 60 miles south of Melbourne central. Always book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Experience Some History

Lastly, you shouldn’t forget that Melbourne is a city with a rich history, dating back hundreds of years to the first settlers. Perhaps the best place to see this is Collins Street, a major and very old road through the city. Here, you can marvel at the Old Treasury Building and view some of the interesting neo-Renaissance architecture. 

You might also want to take a look at ANZ Bank’s gothic ceiling at number 380 or the somewhat quirky Olderfleet building at 471 to 477, thanks to its unique architecture.