Olivia Arezzolo
Whether you’re a foodie, a coffee connoisseur, on the hunt for relaxation or adventure, Melbourne has it all.
Fortunate enough to call Melbourne home in years past, here entails the best of the best local secrets – so you have an insiders guide of where to stay, what to do and where to eat. Even if you’re only in town for a few days, Melbourne is perfect – so get your bestie on speed dial, because your next girls weekend is here.
You’ve landed.. Where to stay?
Nestled between world class restaurants and must visit boutique stores in the CBD, the Hyatt Centric is your home away from home. With lashings of Melbourne in every room, local designers have carefully curated it all – from the coffee beans to the artworks, right through to the interior and architecture itself.
Stylish rooms are sleek and spacious, the premium 24 hour gym well equipped, and staff, warm and welcoming. The best thing though? Upon arrival, when you’re a little dusty and need a pick me up, you can head straight to level 25 and you’ll find Langlands – a chic bar / restaurant with 360 degree city views.
Because nothing says ‘welcome to Melbourne’ like watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand, knowing you’re only a lift ride away from your bed.
It’s your first morning… What do you do?
Like a local, start the morning with with coffee and a walk. Head straight to Gilson in South Yarra, where you’ll fit right in with your lululemon tights and Nike trainers, and get a caffeine fix and embark on a lap of the Tan, made even better by babe spotting along the way.
You’re starting to get hungry…
As the unofficial brunch capital of Australia; Melbourne is full of flavour. Seeing as you’re in the area, you can head back to Gilson and try their chilli scrambled eggs; or, if you’re keen to get back to the hotel, make a pit stop at their cafe – Allie Lane – and enjoy smashed avo – complete with free-range eggs and Persian fetta. Yum.
Afternoon has come – now what?
With globally renown events from the Grand Prix to Melbourne Cup, you may already have plans. However, if you’ve got some time, here are my recommendations:
Chapel Street and Prahran market
The iconic Chapel Street remains to be a hot-spot for foodies, bar-hopping and boutique shoppers alike. Especially towards Prahran and Windsor, you’ll find once off stores with unique designs – enjoy. While you’re there, drop into Prahran market, and enjoy some delicious cheese, antipasto and olives. Do not – for the life of you – miss Naheda’s Choice, or their ‘bomb’ dip. Trust me on this one, it’s next level.
High Street
Continue your shopping spree with bougie designer stores like Zimmermann, Aje and Dion Lee on High Street – the latest installation in Melbourne’s fashion scene.
Boozy long lunch
Let’s face it, sometimes all you want is a long lunch – and Melbourne has you covered. Head to Rossi, on Greville Street, Prahran, and enjoy the set menu – aka “nonna’s selection”. With quality Italian cuisine, signature cocktails and a vibrancy that makes you linger.
In the evening… what to do?
The rest of your trip is yours – because if you’ve followed the plan so far, no doubt you’re keen to venture off to make the weekend your own. Make the most of the city – see a show, dance the night away at a club or continue the foodie festival – in Melbourne, you simply can’t go wrong. Allow yourself to explore, discover and meander at your own free will, and you’ll understand why Melbourne is regarded as one of the best cities in the world. From one Melbourne lover to another, enjoy – I’ll see you there soon.
By Olivia Arezzolo
Australia’s Leading Sleep Expert and Keynote Speaker. Olivia is the go-to guru for The Today Show, The Morning Show and Sky News; and has partnered with global brands such as IKEA, Samsung, AIA Insurance and more. Connect with Olivia on instagram – @oliviaarezzolo; or on LinkedIn she’d love to hear from you.
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