Melbourne city guide

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Check out The Scene's recommendations for Australia's second city and send us your suggestions.

See

Central Melbourne is great to explore on foot. Start at Federation Square, a modern masterpiece or monstrosity (depending on your taste) and take in the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the National Design Centre, home of the annual Melbourne Design Festival. As you stroll around the city center, look out -- and listen out -- for public works of art, including the sound installation on the William Barak Bridge, which links the Birrarung Marr with the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Federation Bells on the Birrarung Marr's middle terrace. The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) is currently showing Mike Nelson's large-scale architectural "Lonely Planet" exploration of space and otherworldly environments.

Further out, Melbourne's neighborhoods are famously diverse -- take your pick from St Kilda for shabby beach chic and Luna Park, bohemian Fitzroy for quirky cafe culture, studenty Carlton for bookstores and the Melbourne Museum (which houses the Bunjilaka aboriginal center, as well as an exhibit on that TV show) or historic Williamstown. As the sun sets, head back to the CBD to the Rialto and sip a drink on the observation deck -- the views over the city are stunning.

Be seen

Melbourne is famous for its outstanding coffee and chic cafe culture. Get your caffeine fix at Journal on Flinders Lane, or dive into Degraves Street where, hidden amongst the boutiques, you'll find Degraves Espresso Bar. Holly loves the coffee and cake shops which line Acland Street in St Kilda.

Melbourne's best bars are hidden down cobbled alleys, behind unmarked doors. To find the latest hip hangouts, pick up a pack of Melbourne Bar Secrets when you arrive. Arty design types flock to Loop to knock back cutting-edge cocktails while feasting on the projected audio-visuals. Gravel-voiced cigar aficionados join the classy crowd at Fidel's Cigar Lounge, its well-stocked humidors complemented by high-end cognacs and whiskies. Cool communistas will love the concrete utilitarian chic at Mink -- grab a private booth and knock back a Crazy Ivan cocktail while reminiscing about the red old days. The Croft Institute, a mad scientists' laboratory complete with hospital waiting area and its own vodka distillery, serves concoctions to the urban hip-hop crew. Manga freaks can sip sake amongst the vinyl toys and beautiful staff at Robot Sushi, while alternative technorati types hang out at E55, an internet cafe/bar with a great divey feel. On hot summer nights, the only place to be seen is on Motel's terrace with the beautiful people.

Eat

The city's hottest tables right now are at Andrew McConnell's innovative Three, One Two -- prepare to be stunned by his fresh, modern Australian cuisine. For a first-class French-inspired experience, you can do no better than Shannon Bennett's white, bright Vue de Monde in the CBD. Jacques Reymond's spin-off cafe, Arintji, smack-bang in Federation Square, offers snack-sized delicacies with great views over the city and the river. If romance is on your agenda, linger with a loved one at opulent yet intimate Libertine, which serves up sophisticated French food alongside a smashing wine list. Cookie combines zesty Thai food with a bierkeller, and surprisingly manages to pull it off, while family-run Cantina Cecconi's serves up Italian comfort food that'll make your heart sing.

Shop

Head to Holly's favorite, Chapel Street, for fashion -- the street's packed with boutiques selling fresh, young designs and vintage finds. Label lovers should try Little Collins Street and Howie Place for designer garb, while bargain hunters will find big name discounts at Bridge Road's factory outlets. Victoria Market is another place for great deals, while the South Melbourne weekend market has a slightly hipper feel. Pick up boho chic and knick knacks in Acland Street in St Kilda -- and when your feet get tired, pop into the Espy for an afternoon reviver.

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