Melbourne is a stately European-style city that emanates elegance and charm. The city’s lane-ways are filled with surprises, and the generous parklands and wide boulevards make for an enjoyable afternoon stroll. The city’s vibrant cafe culture and sartorial splendour add to this European sensibility. By exploring Melbourne’s bustling streets and lane-ways you will encounter a rich architectural legacy and extraordinary contemporary artistic flair. There are also gems hidden in the basement of a building, or via a flight of stairs leading above the street. Make sure you look up, too, as some of the interesting decor is way above eye level.

Capturing the essence of Melbourne is a challenge. Many of the city’s unique places are difficult to find, often discovered by word of mouth or simply by getting lost. Rather than try and list every great place and every “local’, this book focuses on a few of the most fascinating areas and their attractions. Melbourne Secrets tempts the reader with a taste of the delights this capital has to offer, through lavish photography and insightful suggestions.