What is Melbourne known for?
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is known for its coffee culture, laneways, street art, sport, arts and food. It is Australia's second-largest city and often competes with Sydney as the country's largest.
The city grew rapidly during the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s, which left a legacy of grand buildings such as the Royal Exhibition Building and Flinders Street Station.
Melbourne's network of laneways is filled with cafes, bars and colorful street art, especially in places such as Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane. The city is famous for its espresso coffee and independent cafes.
Sport and culture
Melbourne is often called Australia's sporting capital. It hosts the Australian Open tennis, the Melbourne Cup horse race, the Formula One Australian Grand Prix and the AFL Grand Final at the MCG.
The city has major cultural institutions, including the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and the State Library Victoria. It also hosts the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Melbourne's trams, the largest network in the world, are a familiar sight. The city is known for changeable weather, sometimes experiencing four seasons in one day.