Melbourne is a great city.  There is so much to see and do.  It's great for sports, culture, food, and shopping. Having not visited Melbourne for quite a few years, I recently spent a weekend there and easily became reaquainted with my old friend. It's such an easy city to get around in.  For a tourist, there are multiple ways (both paid, and free) to get around.  There's the free bus and the City Circle Tram, both covering all the sights you would want to see in and around the CBD. Then you have the public transport system - tram, bus, train, ferry.  On Sundays the trams only cost $2.50 for a daily ticket - now that's a bargain!

Food Melbourne has some fantastic food options.  Apart from the hundreds of fabulous restaurants, there are also food markets.  The most famous city market is the Queen Victoria Market.  Their food hall is filled with sweets, pastries, delicatessens, homemade preserves, breads, pizzas... You could also try the Prahan Markets - a short tram ride into the city's south.

Sport The Melbourne Cricket Ground (or MCG as it's more commonly known) is one of the most famous sporting arenas in the country and is only a short stroll from the CBD.  This venue holds the world record for the highest light towers in a sporting stadium. Melbourne is also home to the Australian Open, Australian Formula One Grand Prix, the Australian Rules Grand Final, and the annual horseracing event of the season, the Melbourne Cup. With so many options available, Melbourne has something to keep every sporting fan occupied.

Entertainment There is always something going on in Melbourne.  Be it a major theatrical production, or smaller less mainstream quality productions, there is an endless array to choose from. Not to mention the festivals which are constantly happening.  Each season heralds a different festival, paying tribute to either food, wine, culture, or even just the season itself. As an example, during my weekend visit, the Melbourne Romp was on - the first time something like this has ever been held in Melbourne.  It was a day where small groups got together and orientated their way around the city following clues to unlock Melbourne's 'secrets', in the vein of an Amazing Race.  As teams found clues and gathered points, they were working towards winning multiple prizes at the end.

Shopping What can I say about the shopping in Melbourne?  It's fantastic.  This is especially true for shoes.  I don't think I've ever been to a city where I've noticed more shoe stores. There are so many shopping locations, but a few of the main ones are - Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Central, Flinders Lane (and the streets around this block), Bourke Street Mall, Victoria Art Market (on Sundays), St Kilda Markets (also on Sundays), Bridge Road, Chapel Street, Chadstone Shopping Centre (there is a free shuttle bus to take you out there, leaving from the city), and finally, the somewhat new DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) in Spencer Street in the city. Oh, and my personal favourite - Haigh's chocolates in the Block Arcade off Little Collins Street.  There are about three stores in the CBD, but this one is my favourite.  The next time you're in Melbourne - check it out. Melbourne is such a great city to just wander in.  There is always something to look at and even just sitting in the sun, by the Yarra River and people-watching is an experience in itself.  The residents love their city, and it shows.