A thriving, cosmopolitan city that’s a haven for art connoisseurs, sports fans, foodies and shopaholics alike. No matter what time of year you choose to visit Melbourne there is always something going on and our blog is your insider’s guide to Melbourne.
Whether you are travelling in from the suburbs or from across the world, whether you are a first time visitor or practically a local, there is always something new to discover in Melbourne.
Home to the Melbourne Theatre Company, The Australian Ballet, the National Gallery of Victoria and an intriguing local art scene, Melbourne has a lot to impress enthusiasts of all aspects of artistic endeavour. Melbourne Museum is also a great family-friendly day out with interactive exhibits and an IMAX cinema.
Melbourne is home to the Spring Racing Carnival, the premier horse racing event of the season where racing meets fashion and glamour. When it comes to sport in Melbourne, it’s all about AFL and all born and bred Victorians have strong allegiances to their AFL team. The Grand Final, traditionally held on the last weekend in September, is the where the two best teams of the season battle it out for glory. Melbourne also hosts a variety of international sporting events such as the Australian Open in January and the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in March.
If good food is what you love most, then Melbourne will not disappoint with a gastronomically enticing variety of authentic international cuisine as well as innovative contemporary Australian menus.
In-house at InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, Alluvial Restaurant features an eclectic menu, showcasing the multi-cultural melting pot that is Melbourne. It has also recently launched its new High Tea with a delicious dessert buffet. The hotel is also host to Guy Grossi’s Merchant, a casual dining experience with a uniquely Venetian influence. Eating in Melbourne is all about finding your own favourite dining places secreted away in laneways. Looking for the perfect dumplings? Try HuTong Dumpling Bar in Market Lane. Feel like Asian style cooking with award-winning cocktails? Try Golden Monkey in Hardware Lane.
Before you leave Melbourne you should definitely do some shopping, Bourke Street Mall and Emporium Melbourne play host to the big international brands. Then wind your way through the laneways and arcades including the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade to find niche boutiques. The Queen Victoria Market is also a must-see destination; spread over two city blocks the vibrant and bustling inner-city market in an institution in Melbourne. It is a great place to sample local produce from fresh fruit and seasonal vegetables to homemade preserves and delicacies. The market also hosts speciality retailers selling everything from cosmetics and clothing to souvenirs to take back home.
With so many things to do on a weekend trip in Melbourne, we look forward to welcoming you to InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto soon. To book accommodation for your next weekend getaway in Melbourne click here.
