Photo: Vikas D. Nambiar via Flickr.com
Melbourne proved just how wonderful it really is this week by winning the title of World’s Most Liveable City – for the fifth consecutive year.
Whether it be dining, shopping or relaxing, Melbourne has something to leave an impression on everyone. So why has Melbourne been able to knock out other tough competitors, like Vienna and Toronto, to secure this prestigious title? Here are five reasons we think Melbourne is the best city worldwide:
Dark hot chocolate with fairy floss: one of the beverage options at Melbourne’s Hash Specialty Coffee and Roasters Café. / photo: Samadhi Logus
#1 COFFEE – Earlier this year, Melbourne won another ‘best in the world’ award. Travel website booking.com surveyed more than 1,000 of its users from around the world and found that Melbourne’s coffee roasting is a cut above any other country’s.
In the survey, 301 users highly regarded Melbourne for our coffee, followed by 187 endorsements for Vienna and 116 for Rome. Our baristas are known to always strive for excellence in order to consistently provide their customers with the most flawless customer service and coffee beverages.
If there’s one city where you’re pretty much guaranteed a good cuppa, then it’s right here. Just have a read through the tons of comments that tourists and locals leave on social media sites about our coffee for proof.
People admiring the art in Hosier Lane. / photo by SalTheColourGreek via Flickr.com
#2 STREET ART – Where most other cities disapprove strongly of graffiti, Melbourne embraces these guerilla jottings and drawings as street art. It has become such a big part of the city’s culture that the council has even established an alleyway entirely devoted to art and graffiti – Hosier Lane. All groups within the Melbourne community can connect through art. Our galleries exhibit everything from ancient Aboriginal paintings to 21st century conceptual pieces – and this is an enriching aspect of the Melbourne lifestyle that is loved by many.
Flinders Street Station. / photo by Pascal via Flickr.com
#3 LIVING HISTORY – The gold rush boom of the 19th century resulted in the construction of iconic buildings, such as the Flinders Street Railway Station and the Royal Exhibition Building (built for the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition). In fact, generations of Melburnians still arrange to “meet under the clocks” – referencing the iconic platform clocks that encapsulate Flinders Street Station.
But Melbourne also has an amazing way of mixing the old with the new, the garish with the subtle; and when it comes to innovative city designs, you’ve only got to look at Federation Square (which I’ve yet to see empty) and the Convention Centre to see how the city is moving with the times.
The Queen Victoria Market rush. /photo: Alpha via Flickr.com
#4 THE MARKETS – In this hectic era of social media and online shopping, it’s refreshing to know that market spaces still exist for you to satiate your nostalgia for simpler times.
Melbourne has an abundance of markets, with each of them reflecting the city’s life and culture. Stroll through one of these street fairs and you’ll find a fascinating mix of glamour and fashion, different ethnic communities and sub-cultures.
The most prominent market is The Queen Victoria Market. Also known affectionately as ‘Vic Market’ or ‘Queen Vic’, the Queen Victoria Market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. A historic landmark spread over two city blocks, it’s a vibrant and bustling inner-city hotspot, where you can shop for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, and local and imported gourmet foods, to cosmetics, clothing and souvenirs.
Chinese New Year celebrations in Melbourne./ photo: Chris Phutully via Flickr.com
#5 THE WHOLE WORLD IN ONE CITY – Melbourne’s population is made up of people from all over the world, making it the world’s most multicultural city. Around 140 cultures are represented, from Victoria’s original Indigenous inhabitants to more recent migrants from Asia and Africa. Our community includes people from Somalia, South Korea, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Italy, India, Greece, Japan and more.
Some of these nationalities are recent arrivals. Some came early in Melbourne’s history and contributed to the city’s growing identity immensely. In recent years, large numbers of international students have contributed to the multicultural fabric of Melbourne.
Whether it be a trip to your local grocery store or to the CBD, you’re bound to come across people from a variety of different countries with an interesting story to tell. Talking to everyone you meet really pays off in a city like Melbourne, where the vast multi-culturalism has truly enriched the city and its people. Let’s not forget the heap of cultural festivals that are on all throughout the year, to appreciate and embrace the different cultures that have seeped into Melbourne over the years.
Do you agree that Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city? Leave your comments below. In the meantime, here’s a video to help:
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia – most liveable city in the world
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia – the world’s most liveable city (EIU – Global liveability report)- a competitive and dynamic business environment- a skilled …
