Melbourne is a city of neighbourhoods. Italian or Chinese, groovy or chic, bohemian or beachside Melbourne has them all. Each has its own character instilled by the type of people who live and work there. From all over the world who have brought their customs, beliefs, businesses, food, art and style to the city.

The best approach to visiting Melbourne is to know what you want from your stay, and then locate yourself appropriately. For a corporate business trip, or if you just want to be in the living heart of the city, Melbournes central business district is the place to be. If you are in search of nightlife, glamour or a more Hollywood approach to business, South Yarra and Toorak in the cities east will serve you well. For affordable accommodation with access to pubs and live music, or more expensive beachside hotels, St Kilda may be the best choice.

Kings Domain is a tourist attraction. This is the elegant part of the city where amid the park like surroundings on a hill top is Government House, the residence of the Governor of Victoria. There are guided tours of the residence that are run by the National Trust, one of the highlights being the state ballroom which occupies the entire south wing. The building, constructed in 1872, is a replica of Queen Victories palace in England on the Isle of Wight.

Old Melbourne Gaol is the prison which was built in stages between 1841 to 1864. The gold rush of the 1850s caused quite a bit of lawlessness that it had to be expanded. The prison was closed for use in 1923 and today is a relic of the past. The Australian folk hero, Ned Kelly, who is still held with much awe and fascination by many, was hanged in this prison along with about 100 other people. The museum outlines the histories of some murderers and their victims like the story of Martha Needle who poisoned her husband and daughters with arsenic.

Queen Victoria Market is a market which has guided tours and not because the food and vegetable stalls just seems to go on for ever. The market is huge. More than that, the tours are intended make sure visitors get to the right spots of activity in this robust place. Visitors can go on a Foodies Dream Tour where they can sample the best of the fare at the market. Alternatively, the Heritage Tour familiarises you with the history of the market which has been in existence for more than 100 years, and was once the site of a cemetery. You can always go on a do it yourself tour and equally have fun.