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Curtin house Rooftop Bar (2 hrs)

Curtin house is a place with a rich history. It was built in 1922 and in its hey day, it was home to more than 30 businesses, including press agencies, government bodies, hairdressers and accountants. It later became the headquarters of the Communist Party. In 2000 it was turned it into the iconic Swanston Street laneway today.

Several businesses share the place, but our favourite is the Rooftop Bar & Cinema. During Australian summer season there is an open-air cinema at the rooftop as well. Check their website for the actual information.

The Rooftop Bar is open everyday from midday to 1 am. It is located at Level 7 Curtin house, 252 Swanston Street.

Little Vietnam (1-2 hrs)

Almost every city in the world has a Chinatown, but Melbourne has something more specific, Little Vietnam. The Richmond/Abbotsford stretch of Victoria Street is one of Melbourne's better-known restaurant strips, hosting many Vietnamese restaurants and grocery stores.

There are great places where you can eat Pho and rice paper rolls or the wonderful Vietnamese sandwich, Banh Mi. You can go there for lunch, dinner or even late night supper. There’s always a great place to satisfy your stomach.

Phraran Market (1 hr)

If you’re looking for the best fresh foods in Melbourne you should go to Phraran market. It is located just off Chapel Street between Elizabeth Street and Commercial Road. You can go there with tram Tram No. 72 to Camberwell. Alight at stop no. 30, near Chapel Street.

The trading hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. If you are looking for a real bargain, go there on Saturday at 3 pm.

Section 8 (1-2 hrs)

Section 8 is a car park, which is transformed into a bar. They used an old shipping container as the bar and packing pallets and oil barrels for furniture. It is a perfect match with the backdrop of the laneway, street art and old brick walls.

The only rule here is 'no tie' and you will be asked to remove it if you are wearing one. It is a low-key and relaxed anti-establishment venue. Section 8 is located around the corner of Chinatown in the CBD at 27-29 Tattersalls Lane.

The most hidden bar: Sister Bella (2 hrs)

Melbourne is known for its great hidden bars far away in the laneways of the CBD. Sister Bella is one of those wonderful 'hidden bars'.

It is located at 22 Drewery Pl. You really have to go into the alley to find it. There are two entrances, one from Drewery Pl, at the end left, and one from Sniders La, end right.

During daytime it is great to hangout for a coffee and at night for food and great drinks. They serve pizzas and every day until 6 pm all pizzas are only $7,00. Bring your laptop as they have complimentary wifi as well. They also have free bar games like Jenga, Connect 4 and Uno.

Sister Bella is open on Monday to Friday from 2 pm to 1 am and on Saturday from 4 pm to 1 am.

Hidden bars walking tour (1 evening)

Every Thursday night at 7 pm there is an option of a hidden bars walking tour. But if you go to Rooftop Bar, Section 8, Sister Bella and the bars we will mention below, you've seen the most important. So you can save your money and spend it on the drinks. Nevertheless if you are afraid you can’t find the bars and like to do a tour, go to their website.

Some other great hidden bars in Melbourne are: The Croft Institution, 21 Croft Alley and Madame Brussels, level 3, 59 Bourke Street.

Queen Victoria Market (1-2 hrs)

Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's premier open-air market. It's a thriving and vital place pulsating with life. It is a huge market with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. And when you’re there, don't forget the deli hall.

Trading days are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during daytime (find the exact opening hours here). In summer there is the Suzuki Night Market at Wednesday evening, where they sell a lot of artistic goods and you will find a lot of hawker style food stalls.

Queen Victoria Market is situated on the corner of Victoria and Elizabeth Streets in the Melbourne CBD and is easily accessed by foot, car, train, tram or bus.


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Language of the world

Of course you like to speak a few words of the local language onboard the plane or at your destination. Here you find some simple basics of the main language spoken in Melbourne.