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Are you wanting to get away for a while, but don’t have the time for an extended holiday? Then a short stay in the city may be just the thing for you. Here are my suggestions for a perfect weekend city escape.

Friday evening

Make your way into the city and check into a great hotel.

I recommend the W Hotel – one of several hotels that recently opened in Melbourne’s CBD. It is proudly “Melbourne” with décor inspired by our city; from street art to hidden laneways, the nostalgia of the old newspaper kiosks and the old trams’ handles, even locally produced brews and gins in the minibar, it simply oozes Melbourne.

Of course you are spoilt for choice when it comes to dinner in Melbourne. You can find any cuisine and price range, but my pick is Ca de Vin, an upmarket trattoria tucked away in the iconic  Postal Lane off Bourke Street Mall.

The setting is great, and the food…delicious! Think crispy base pizzas, hearty pastas, seasonal specials and mains.

After dinner, why not enjoy a cheeky drink at the W’s hidden bar: The Curious Bar.

A discreet door in the hotel lobby will lead you down the rabbit hole into this stunning bar. Make sure you check out their signature cocktails while you are there. This bar is incredibly popular, so book ahead of time.

Saturday morning

Where to go for breakfast the next morning? Make your way to Hardware Société in Katherine Place, less than a 10 minute stroll away, for a delicious breakfast. Its mission is to “redefine what breakfast and brunch can be”, and its offerings are impressive.

After breakfast, put those walking shoes on and explore Melbourne. A fun way to do so is by joining a walking tour, such as the Café Culture Walk offered by Hidden Secrets Tours.

You will uncover some hidden dining gems and stories that our fabulous city has tucked away. This particular tour finishes at a great lunch spot, so your next meal is all sorted for you!

Saturday afternoon and evening

After lunch catch a tram towards the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to enjoy the surreal experience that is The Lume – an immersive step into Van Gogh’s stunning artwork.

You literally find yourself in his paintings. Alternatively, if shopping is more your thing you could head over to nearby DFO for some retail therapy. Afterwards enjoy dinner at one of the many options along the riverside before heading back to your hotel room for some well-earned rest.

Sunday

After such a busy day, the final day of your escape is about relaxing. Indulge in room service breakfast before it is time to check out of the hotel. You could wander onto to iconic Degraves Street for that essentially Melbourne coffee, but I would suggest going to Block Place instead for a cosier experience. After that caffeine hit, revisit a couple of the cafes you discovered yesterday to gather  supplies for a picnic in one of the many parks or gardens around Melbourne. My pick would be to catch the tram to the Treasury Gardens, settle in with that great food you have just bought, and just soak up the beautiful surroundings in which you find yourself.

There you have it. A short stay in the city that will recharge your batteries, help you discover some of Melbourne’s secrets and share some quality time with that special person in your life.

To create a uniquely tailored Melbourne experience, contact Sarah at [email protected]