Arts, Culture, and a Cup of Coffee in Melbourne

Melbourne, the second-largest city in Australia, is home to 4 million people who love a good show, whether it’s at the opera or the rugby stadium. The city is known as the cultural capital of the country, and its live music and street art scene only adds to the city’s growing reputation. If you’re looking to break off a piece of culture, start your Melbourne trip at a café.

Jump-Start Your Day

No morning in Melbourne is complete without a good cup of coffee. The residents of this city, perhaps more than most in the world, are very serious about the way they take their java. For health, environmental, and cruelty-conscious people, there’s no better place to grab breakfast than Monk Bodhi Dharma. This fair trade, vegan-friendly, and organic haven is quite simply the embodiment of the Balaclava area as well as of supreme taste.

The Hungry Jimbo, polenta slathered with Australian staple Vegemite, avocado, almond feta, and roasted tomatoes is a hearty, well rounded, and delicious start to any day. Top it with red chili oil, and enjoy it with a steaming cup of coffee and a few rays of sunshine. There’s no better way to begin a day.

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The Epicenter for Artistic Entertainment

Just a 15-minute walk from the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto Hotel you’ll find the Arts Centre Melbourne, designed by renowned architect Roy Grounds and his crew. The center gathers the threads of the arts and weaves them into a cultural home for conversations, entertainment, and education.

Events range from discussions on television shows such as “Making a Murderer” to incredible performances by local and visiting companies, such as the Australian Ballet, the Victorian Opera, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. If you’re traveling with little ones, make sure you check out the live-action plays of favorite storybooks, such as “Room on the Broom.”

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Stretch Your Legs, Relax, and Light Up the Barbie 

Make your way to the Alexandra Gardens for a bit of greenery and a lot of open space. This former cattle-grazing ground has been transformed into an outdoor haven for locals and tourists alike. Plan for a relaxing stroll along the Yarra River and take in the sweeping skyline of Melbourne amid elms and majestic oaks. For a low-key yet unforgettable sunset dinner, bring the supplies for a truly Australian pastime: an outdoor barbecue! There are several electric grills along the river just waiting to give your holiday some flair.

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End With a Sweet Treat

After such an activity-filled day, you can choose to take it easy, order room service at your hotel and call it a night, or indulge in one last treat for the senses. Mr. Nice Guy’s BakeShop specializes in sweets such as the Peppermint Patty, which is a chocolate cake with peppermint frosting, dotted with chocolate ganache. The Turkish Delight, a chocolate cake with rosewater frosting and lokum, is a customer favorite and offers an authentic and delicious twist.

What could be a better end to a day of exploring than that? Perhaps one last cup of coffee . . .


Brandy Bell loves adventuring around the world. She's been a solo female traveler since 2006 and has visited over 25 countries, made countless international friends, and now writes to inspire you to travel in a sustainable and responsible way.


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