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National Gallery of Victoria
No visit to Melbourne would be complete without a trip to the National Gallery of Victoria (dubbed NGV by locals). Whether it be to check out one of the current exhibitions at NGV International (the spectacular and avant-garde Viktor & Rolf: Fashion Artists opened recently), or perhaps the Indigenous and non-Indigenous art on display at NGV Australia at Federation Square, it is one of Melbourne's most notable cultural experiences. We are also loving the recently-opened Architecture Commission titled 'Hot Pink Car Wash'–a pavilion built in the NGV's garden as an exact replica of a car wash in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. The goal of the pavilion is to start a conversation about the lack of interest in suburban architecture, with most architects choosing to focus only on cityscapes. Also worth checking out is the NGV's Friday night showcase which is all about after-hours art, live music and entertainment.
Patricia Coffee
Melbourne's espresso culture dates back more than half a century, and its not hard to see how fiercely it continues to evolve–coffee is pretty much all Melburnians talk about. There's nothing like a good hole-in-the-wall coffee bar, and Patricia fits the bill. Tucked down a city laneway, shadowed by a bunch of towering office buildings, Patricia is standing-room only, and you will often find a queue winding around the corner. The crowd here is largely suited and corporate, coffee is served in hand-made ceramic cups (or take it to-go), just place your order and grab an upturned milk crate to sit on in the laneway while you wait. Other caffeinating-corners we love include Dukes, Traveller and Brother Baba Budan.
Aesop
A name now globally recognized and synonymous with chic soaps and lotions, Aesop was first established in Melbourne in 1987. Although the original Melbourne store no longer exists, there are several stores (eleven, not including department store counters or stockists) across Melbourne and each offer an unrivaled design experience in addition to their quality products. Aesop's design philosophy draws inspiration from the history and character of each individual store. Melbourne's Flinders Lane outpost (our favorite) was recently redesigned to feature a bold, curved wall made from over 1550 cardboard sheets. With a consistently cool and clean aesthetic, together with their impeccable service and beautiful fragrances, the Aesop shopping experience is always a treat.
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Cumulus Inc.
With eight venues throughout Melbourne, serial restaurateur Andrew McConnell seems to get it right every time. Cumulus Inc., McConnell's relaxed all-day eating house inside an old rag trade building at the top of Flinders Lane, is a must. We love nothing more than snagging a seat at the bar and kicking back with a coffee (of course) and one of McConnell's amazing breakfasts (try the house-made crumpets) to watch the morning hustle go by. If you're not in a hurry, head there for lunch, maybe dinner too, and then head on up to Cumulus Up, their upstairs wine bar.
For the Edgy Melbourne Vibe...
Take in Kloke for some new threads; head into the city to the Slow Waves designer store; and then scoot to Richmond for a haircut at the uber-cool Hues Hair.
Bar Americano
For Melbourne's finest negroni, you need remember only two words: Bar Americano. Paying homage to the golden age of drinking and the time of the "American Bar," local cocktail aficionado and artist Matt Bax opened this bar of "broom cupboard" proportions back in 2011. Unashamedly serving classic cocktails only, Bax's bar is hidden down another one of Melbourne's city laneways, making it an adventure to find. Licensed to accommodate 10 patrons only, if you do manage to find it (look out for the old Tabacchi sign hanging out the front), there's a good chance you won't get in on your first attempt. Never fear though, just give your number to the staff through the window and they will text you when there is space–the wait time is never excessive. Once you enter, its standing room only and photos are not allowed. It's all about the drinks here, and a refined European service etiquette: the good old-fashioned way.
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Pollon Flowers
Pollon Flowers is a perfectly tiny floral space nestled within the arches at the back of St Paul's Cathedral in Flinders Lane. Their selection is always premium and their floral design is impressive. Other equally beautiful bloom-worthy stops include Flowers Vasette in Fitzroy and Kate Hill Flowers in Prahran.
The Tan
If you want to experience a true Melbourne morning, make your way to the iconic "Tan" track. This 3.8km running track, surrounding the King's Domain and Botanic Gardens, is a regular fixture on the social and fitness calendar of many a Melbourne local. Walk, jog or run your way around this pretty track which takes you past lush foliage, manicured gardens, and alongside the famous Yarra River with views of the city.
Lune Croissanterie
It's hard to believe the humble croissant could develop such a cult following, but once you taste one of Lune's you'll understand why. Starting life as a non-descript "hole-in-the-wall" croissanterie, Lune recently moved her operation into a beautiful and large brick warehouse in Fitzroy. It is here that founder and master baker Kate Reid and her brother Cameron hand-make and bake their infamous flaky delights. A former aerodynamicist for Formula One, it was quite the career shift for Reid, who has since become one of Australia's leading patissiers, taking her knowledge of science and applying it to the baking process to yield perfectly flaky confections each and every time. Sign up for a 90-minute degustation at the Lune Lab which will allow you to sample three croissants–classic, savory and sweet–plus all the flat whites you can drink.
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ACCA
The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) is Melbourne's leading contemporary art space, and the building itself (designed by local architects Wood Marsh) has become one of Melbourne's most beloved architectural sites. Should you be one for an art crawl, spend some time at NGV first and then make your way here–it's an easy stroll between the two.
Lucy Folk
Lucy Folk's tiny laneway shop is an absolute gem. Exploring the notion of food as adornment, her jewels are quite literally good enough to eat (think pineapple earrings, corn chip rings, anchovy cuffs and grains of rice bracelets). Folk's creations are playful, colorful and fun, and you will love her sunnies, too. While there, look out for Yosuzi's beautiful hats which are now also available in store. Should you find this shop hard to locate, the red neon pretzel over the door will show you the way. Stock up on jewels, grab a coffee to-go from Traveller next door and then scoot across the road for a quick pasta and lemon granita at the bar at Pellegrini's –a Melbourne mainstay.
Get Lost in the Laneways
You could spend days exploring the hidden wonder of Melbourne's laneways. Acting as unofficial art galleries, innovative street art lines the walls of so many tiny cobblestoned streets throughout the city, and it is easy to lose yourself amongst the endless trail of creativity. If you would prefer a more-guided and historical look at the street art scene, Urban Scrawl offers tours run by local and passionate art historians who know their street art and share their knowledge and love for the city of Melbourne.
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The Best Spas
When it comes to day spas in Melbourne, Aurora Spa at the Prince Hotel is known as one of the best. Offering luxury treatments in a light-filled space, it would be impossible to feel nothing but relaxed and revived after a visit here. For another lush spa experience, in a white three-story space scented with ylang-ylang and mandarin, head to the stylish Lyall Spa tucked away on a leafy South Yarra street. We recommend the Detoxifying Ritual, a three-hour exfoliation, detoxification and cleanse featuring all-Australian ingredients like jojoba oil, white clay, and rosemary.
Bells Beach
This surfing hot spot, only 100km southwest of Melbourne near Torquay, is recognized by surfers the world over as home to The Rip Curl Pro, Australia's first and longest running pro surfing contest in the world. Fun to visit at anytime of year, it's particularly impressive each Easter when thousands of fans line the beach to watch the competition's trademark swells and consistent waves rolling in.
Luxury Rentals
Easily our favorite kind of accommodation experience, there are so many wonderful Airbnb options in Melbourne. If the White Room in Fitzroy happens to be booked out (which is quite likely), we recommend sleeping in the converted church house pictured here instead–or this awesome little plywood-clad apartment in Flinders Lane in the city.
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Andrew's Burgers
Melbourne is littered with burger joints these days, but very few compare to this old-school classic. Keeping it simple since 1939, Andrew's is one of Melbourne's oldest burger institutions. There's nothing fancy about these bad boys, and that's the appeal. Tip: try the burger with the lot, and call ahead (or you might be waiting up to thirty minutes).
Flinders Street Station
So iconically Melbourne, there is rarely a tourist shot of the city that doesn't feature this elegant station building's yellow dome. Our major transport hub, the train station is currently undergoing a massive redesign to revitalize (while maintaining) its heritage. Be sure to take note of the station's disused ballroom. If you ever get the chance to jump on one of the very-rare tours of this spectacular space, do it.
ACMI
Located in the heart of the city in Melbourne's Federation Square, ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) is the first centre of its kind in the world. Celebrating the moving image in all of its forms–film, television and digital culture–you could literally spend all day here bopping between the cinema, the exhibition space and the museum.
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Gertrude Street
In the beating heart of Fitzroy is this colorful street full of boutique retailers offering everything from art, design, books, and local fashion to incredible dining options. We recommend stopping in at The Standard Store for international labels–think names like Carven, Henrik Vibskov and Rachel Comey, Obus Clothing for fun and playful local designer pieces, Fatto a Mano for their organic sourdough bread and a pie or two, Archie's All Day or Burnside for coffee and good vibes, and Gertrude Street Enoteca for an afternoon spritz or wine. A little further up the road, try Marion Wine or Cutler & Co for something a little more fancy. And in July each year, get ready to see the shops, restaurants and buildings light up in colorful and monochromatic projections as part of the annual Gertrude Street Projection Festival.
Fly High Above the City
There really is no better way to check out the town. It's definitely worth getting up early one clear Melbourne morning to float high above some of Melbourne's landmarks in a hot air balloon at sunrise.
BAZAAR.com has partnered with it's beautiful here to share a collection of city guides motivated and inspired by the heartwarming, the unusual, the delicious and the beautiful people, places and experiences founder and travel writer Georgia Hopkins encounters on her adventures. From Australia to Asia, Amsterdam to the Amalfi Coast, get behind-the-scenes insight to Georgia's adventures on Instagram.
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