Why does Lonely Planet choose to call Melbourne

home? Well there's the enviable live-music scene,

modern museums, a vibrant multicultural mix, shopping

to die for, leafy-green parklands, the best coffee on

earth and cosy cocktail bars up every laneway. Discover

the city's treasures for yourself with this smart, stylish

and streetwise guide - like us, you might decide to

stay forever.

- Check out the best galleries, theatres, museums and

sporting arenas that Melbourne has to offer

- Max out that credit card using our guide to

Melbourne's best shopping

- Dine out at some of Australia's finest restaurants or

linger over a latte at our author's favourite cafés

- Find out who's the 'next big thing' at funky art spaces,

cutting-edge theatres or grungy pubs

- Get out and around the city using our full-colour maps

and self-guided walking tours