How to Spend Two Days in Melbourne – It’s much more than a state capital

Regarded as Australia's most cosmopolitan landscape, the city of Melbourne is more than the capital of the state of Victoria. Home to some of Australia's top points of interest, the vibrant city welcomes visitors from around the world. Offering tourists a wide range of exciting adventures and sightseeing opportunities, spending two days in Melbourne may not be sufficient to experience it all. Here's an itinerary that will help one make the most of 48-hours in the dynamic city.

Nick-D, Centre Place December 2012, CC BY-SA 4.0

1. Stay at a Strategic Location

Those who are in Melbourne for a limited number of days such as a weekend getaway should ideally stay at a venue which affords easy access to the best of what the city has to offer. As time is of the essence, tourists who wish to experience at least a few of the pleasures of a Melbourne holiday to reserve a guestroom at centrally located Melbourne city hotels whether it's the Avani Melbourne Central Residences or any similar establishment. This not only ensures more convenient transfers to sightseeing hubs and activity bases around the city but also eliminates the exhaustion common in tourists who spend too much time travelling to and from attractions to enjoy their time outside the hotel.

2. Day One - Morning

Spend the first day of your stay in Melbourne exploring the many highlights located in the Central Business District. After grabbing a day bag from your hotel base, visitors should head out for breakfast at Brother Baba Budan, one of the city's best-loved cafes where flat white Australian coffee and delectable pastries are up for grabs. Walk over to the nearby Queen Victoria Market where one can not only pick up fresh fruits and other food items but also shop for souvenirs and fashionable clothing items. Open from daily except on Mondays and Wednesdays, the market is also the best place to grab a doughnut before heading over to the Melbourne Museum or the National Gallery of Victoria.

 3. Day One - Afternoon and After Dark

After lunch, visitors can further explore the artistic legacy of Melbourne by hopping onboard the CBD Street Art Tour which ventures down to more than forty concealed laneways that are lined with some of the best street art in the country. As the late afternoon rolls around, it is time to pop by the Red Piggy rooftop bar and restaurant for a snack and a cocktail worth writing home about.  Espresso martinis are the venue's speciality although this restaurant cum drinking hole in Chinatown also offers other delectable menu items.  After dinner at Red Piggy or the Juicy Bao, tourists can head to The Comics Lounge for some laughs or The Toff In Town to dance the night away.

 4. Day Two- Morning

Start your second day a little late by taking a 20-minute tram ride over to St.Kilda, a seaside recreational hub like no other. Home to Luna Park and its own esplanade, this beachside wonderland is the perfect venue to spend a morning splashing around and wining and dining. The restaurants located down Acland Street are some of the finest in Melbourne so grab a big brunch or breakfast at venues such as Lona before relaxing next to the beach and taking in the sea breeze filled atmosphere of St. Kilda.

5. Day Two- Afternoon and After Dark

Spend your afternoon swimming or tanning or enjoying the many water sports activities available on the beach. Kite surfing is especially popular among locals and frequent visitors while shopping for clothing, homeware and artwork at the Esplanade Market is another great way to spend an afternoon. Head to Luna Park before the sun goes down to ride one of the oldest roller coasters on the planet before heading back to the hotel to grab a quick nap and pack for your trip home.