Melbourne is reputed as one of the nation’s most stylish cities and is a favorite destination for those with a passion for fashion. It is also home to many of Australia’s top fashion designers and hot new talent, including Alannah Hill, Lisa Gorman, Bettina Liano and Arabella Ramsay. The city’s shopping precincts cater to all tastes and budgets, from high end designer wear to alternative fashion and bargain buys.

Melbourne Central sprawls almost two city blocks and has more than 250 stores, including popular Australian and international labels and chain stores.

Shoppers will also adore the QV complex and refurbished GPO which houses popular women’s and men’s wear and designer stores, as well as quirky jewelry and accessories shops. The Collins Street strip is renowned for luxury brand stores, such as Chanel, Hermes, Bally, Yves Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co. For ladies with a soft spot for shoes, Miss Louise is a mandatory stop-off, even if it is just to window shop.

Just a short tram ride from the CBD, you’ll find bargains galore in Bridge Road (Richmond) which is renowned for its factory outlets and clearance stores.

Chapel Street in South Yarra is the address for up-to-the-minute fashion and designer labels, while Greville Street in Prahran and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy are where you’ll find funky gear, retro clothing and recycled treasures.

Explore the city’s hidden laneways and historic arcades – including the 19th century Block Arcade and Royal Arcade – for beautiful boutiques and eclectic giftware shops.

Behind Melbourne’s grid of city blocks there are lots of hidden arcades and laneways where you’ll discover all kinds of treasures – from cool ‘cave in the wall’ bars to quirky clothing and homeware shops as well as amazing restaurants.

Venture down any of Melbourne’s myriad lanes and arcades and you’ll find an eclectic and delightful mix of small boutiques selling everything from locally designed fashion to Russian dolls and lollipops.

Royal Arcade – between Bourke Street mall and Little Collins Street – is Australia’s oldest (circa 1869) retail arcade and home to an historic clock that is struck every hour by two giant carved guards named ‘Gog’ and ‘Magog’.

The stunning Block Arcade –between Collins and Elizabeth streets – built in 1891, features Italian mosaic floors, glazed ceilings and a grand glass dome.

The intricate century-old Cathedral Arcade is a haven for finding edgy fashion; while Degraves Street, Centre Place and Hardware Lane are lined with small eateries and cafes.

Flinders Lane is the city’s key commercial gallery precinct, with studios and stores specializing in art, jewelry and design.

The most successful product of Melbourne’s laneway renaissance is the boom in bars. Funky water holes – each with its own character – can be found in Meyers Place, Bennetts Lane, Sniders Lane and Market Lane.

Some other secret city hot spots that are well worth finding and exploring are Crossley Street and Presgrove Place.

Check out the legal stencil graffiti and street art which adorns the walls of Centre Place and Hosier Lane.

The city boasts more than 3,000 restaurants, cafés and bars representing about 75 different ethnic cuisines.

Melbourne is renowned for its flair with food, atmospheric eating places and hip hidden bars, including intimate basement restaurants, contemporary cafes overlooking the Yarra River and cool laneway bars.

A new crop of chefs is reshaping and reinventing Melbourne’s vibrant culinary scene. From relaxed cafes to fine dining, Australia’s most cosmopolitan city remains at the forefront of imaginative, modern cooking.

Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, a fact reflected in its array of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. Visit Melbourne’s Chinatown in Little Bourke Street for some dumplings; Lonsdale Street for a Greek souvlaki or home-made baklava; Lygon Street for Italian; Richmond’s Victoria Street for authentic Vietnamese; the western suburb of Footscray for African cuisine; and virtually any neighbourhood for quality cafes and enjoyable restaurant experiences.

Located opposite Flinders Street train station, Federation Square is Melbourne’s public hub with plenty of places to grab a snack, meal or drink and