Today Melbourne is an active, youthful, vibrant city. Melbournešs immigrant history can be felt in the many ethnic neighborhoods that are located just outside the city center. Lygon Street, to the north of the city, boasts many Italian restaurants. Some Greek neighborhoods are to the north-west of the city center. Many Asian restaurants can be found in China Town and to the north-east of the city center.
To the south-east of the city center are the huge Royal Botanical Gardens. This green space is home to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), The Flinders Park Tennis Center (Aussie Open), and to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The Yarra, which snakes through the gardens, provides an excellent area to ride, walk or jog. The Yarra itself is used by the various rowing teams for both practice and competition.
To the north of the city is the Queen Victoria Market. The market is held Friday, Saturday, and until two ošclock on Sunday. The venders sell anything from stereo equipment to fresh fruit. The market is a great place to find good deals on just about anything.
Trams are omnipresent in Melbournešs city center. They provide transport to all of the nearby suburbs. The cost of a two hour, zone one, ticket is about US$ 1.50. An all day ticket is about US$ 3.50. With a ticket, one is allowed to disembark and re-board as many times as he or she likes.
Melbourne is a great city with so much to offer. I recommend visiting as soon as possible.