5 reasons why Melbourne is the most liveable city in the world
MELBOURNE has once again been crowned the most liveable city in the world by The Economist for the fourth year in a row. Marina Solomon gives us five reasons why we deserve the title and more.
Welcome to Melbourne, the friendliest and most liveable city in the world. For the fourth year in a row Melbourne has won the official title of Most Liveable City, as announced by The Economist. From coffee to street art, here are the top five reasons Melbourne is the place to be:
1. Culture
One of Melbourne’s many laneways. Photo: Fernando de Sousa via Flickr
Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, and for good reason. From multicultural cuisines to buskers filling the streets with music, chalk art and more, it’s not difficult to see that Melburnians are passionate about the arts, music and literature.
In recent years Melbourne was named the UNESCO City of Literature, so whether you love Shakespeare or F. Scott Fitzgerald you’re in for a treat. The upcoming Melbourne Writers Festival is a good chance to check out budding authors – plus, most sessions are free!
Besides books and art, Melburnians also love their music. Head over to Bourke Street and you’ll find buskers of every musical genre. From the sweet sounds of folk music to the beautiful tunes of violin and piano players, you’ll definitely find a street musician you’ll love. It’s part of Melbourne’s charm.
Lastly, every city needs a great museum. The National Gallery of Victoria is a great place to start, as is the Melbourne Museum – which provides free entry for concession card holders. And that’s just one reason why we’re the most liveable city.
2. Fashion
Photo: Chris Phutully via Flickr
Melbourne has impeccable style. Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed to find somebody dressed head to toe in an outfit you’ll envy.
Melburnians are also obsessed with being different and expressing our individuality through our outfits. You’ll find people in mesmerising prints, vintage dresses, top-notch suits and – of course – all black.
Mark your calendars for March and September – where the Melbourne Fashion Festival and Spring Fashion Week make its waves here.
For some fashion inspiration, we recommend checking out Street Smith and Melbourne Girl, both uniquely Melburnian street style blogs.
3. Shopping
Melbourne GPO, now home to H&M Australia’s flagship store. Photo: Alpha via Flickr
The love for fashion and the love for shopping often go hand in hand – that’s where Melbourne won’t disappoint.
Whether it be the little boutiques tucked in laneways or the brand new Emporium that has opened, you’re guaranteed to find something you’ll love. Pick up a bargain at second-hand vintage clothing stores such as Retrostar, or head to high-end fashion stores such as Michael Kors.
International brands such as Uniqlo, H&M, and Victoria’s Secret have also landed in Melbourne in recent months, upping the ante on Melbourne’s style quotient.
Even if you aren’t into fashion, there’s always something to shop for. True to its reputation as Australia’s cultural capital, wander into an independent bookstore or check out a vinyl store. You never know what treasures you may uncover.
4. Food and Drinks
Journal Cafe, Melbourne. Photo: Alpha via Flickr
Have you ever roamed the laneways of Melbourne and wondered what that incredible smell is? That’s most likely a café serving specialty coffee and all day breakfast.
If you’re not a breakfast person, don’t worry – it doesn’t matter what type of cuisine you’re craving, you’ll find it. From dumplings to falafel wraps, you’ll never be left feeling unsatisfied.
Of course, Melbourne is also the world’s coffee capital. Cafes are dime a dozen wherever you are, serving up specialty brews and single origin espresso shots. Even if you’re not a huge fan of coffee, you may be surprised – many have become “coffee converts” after moving to Melbourne! For your caffeine hit, we love STREAT. With a few coffee counters around town, profits go towards stopping youth homelessness in Victoria.
Australians are also known for their love of beer and there’s nothing better than heading over to that pub behind your office after a long day. If you’re a student, you’ll often find that universities have a pub or two on campus with a special assortment of cheap drinks and student specials.
If large bars aren’t your style, head over to one of many rooftop bars or even a little bar down a dimly lit laneway for a more intimate setting. We recommend The Croft Institute for a quirky twist, or Section 8 – both have arty features and a fantastic drinks list.
5. People
Photo: Scott Cresswell via Flickr
Condé Nast Traveler just named Melbourne one of the friendliest cities in the world. Not only are we known as the friendliest city, but we are also famous for our wonderful sense of humour. So give yourself a pat on the back ladies and gentlemen, we’re officially funny and friendly.
Anywhere you go in in Melbourne you’ll find someone willing to have a friendly chat with you, whether it be a retail assistant, a public transport commuter or someone waiting for their drink in the coffee line or up at the bar. So if you’re new to the city, don’t be shy. Head over and say “hey!”
Do you think Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city? Why/why not? Sound off in the comments box below!