As the capital of Victoria state, it is the largest city in the southeastern part of Australia and in fact, it stands as the second most populated city in the entire country, with a population of about 37.4 million, according to a recent survey. A metropolis in the south, it bursts with commercial, cultural, and industrial energy, making it a favorite place not only of tourists, but of international investors as well. Located along Port Phillip Bay, it is often dubbed as Australia’s sports and cultural capital as most of the nation’s cultural and sports events happen here. Melbourne is a city where Victorian and modern architecture harmonize. Together with its parks, gardens, tram network, and its prevailing multiculturalism, Melbourne becomes a place ideal for an urban getaway.

Melbourne was not all these when the free settlers first came to the area in the year 1835. Among the first European settlements in the area, it was only a small pastoral town near the Yarra River. It has to be two decades later, during the 1850s Victorian fold rush, that Melbourne rose from its grazing land past to become an important center for trade. The city continued to grow to a time in 1901, when it was declared the nation’s capital until it was finally moved to Canberra in 1927. Despite that, the Melbourne of today has remained steady and growing through years.

There are many reasons why you should come to Melbourne. One of these are the events. This city literally comes alive with arts and culture festivals. After all, this is Australia’s cultural capital. Most noted of these festivals is the Asian Food Festival which happens every year. Over thirty restaurants participate in this event where they display their culinary cunning in Chinese, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Malaysian cuisine. Melbourne also has its own fashion event every September, the Melbourne Fashion Week, where the city has established its name as the premier fashion capital of Australia. Its Laneways Commissions is another annual fare you would dare to forget. Every June, you’ll see art works transforming the city’s lanes into one artistic landscape. If these are not enough reasons to come, wait till it becomes football season, where you’ll meet the Qantas Socceroos, Australia’s number one soccer team. In the annual World Cup at the MCG, you’ll see them play soccer together with some of the world’s great soccer teams.

Hotels with deluxe and luxury suites are easy to find in the city. If you come in a budget, there are also apartments and cottages available. This is the Melbourne after all and it has a place for you. In addition to that, it’s good to visit the city any time of the year. In the spring while gardens flourish everywhere, there is also the Spring Racing Carnival, announcing the coming of summer. There are cold and beautiful autumns also here. Dappled leaves piling on the parks may be a usual sight during this season. But then again, this is Melbourne, where it’s goodness all year round.