Australians regard Melbourne as the country’s cultural capital, and with good reason.

From the time that Francesco and I parked the van, we were in love with the city. It’s a bit of a cliché to call a city “vibrant,” but if there’s one word that describes Melbourne, that’s it. The city is alive with street performers and colourful markets. I’m a sucker for street art, and it seems that around every corner in Melbourne, I found another striking mural. Charming, cobblestoned Hosier Lane is arguably the best place in the city to see awesome graffiti and street art. It’s just around the corner from Federation Square, the city’s colourful, eclectic gathering place. Expect to find markets, live music, and free films there on almost any day. Melbourne has impressive architecture as well, with twenty-first century wonders coexisting with ornate Victorian structures like the Flinders Street Railway Station and the Royal Exhibition Building. Francesco and I took in all of Melbourne’s charms from the Eureka Skydeck, which towers above the Southbank district. Take it from us: get to the Skydeck just before sunset for brilliant, romantic views over the city!