Author(s): Simone Egger

Lonely Planet

Why does Lonely Planet choose to call Melbourne home? Well there's the enviable live-music scene, modern museums, a vibrant multicultural mix, the best coffee on earth and cosy cocktail bars up every laneway. Discover the city's treasures for yourself with this smart, stylish and streetwise guide - like us, you might decide to stay forever.

• check out the best galleries, theatres, museums and sporting arenas that Melbourne has to offer
• max out that credit card using our guide to MelbourneâÂÂs best shopping
• dine out at some of AustraliaâÂÂs finest restaurants or linger over a latte at our authorâÂÂs favourite cafés
• find out whoâÂÂs the âÂÂnext big thingâ at funky art spaces, cutting-edge theatres or grungy pubs
• get out and around the city using our full-colour maps and self-guided walking tours