Melbourne

Australia’s self-proclaimed culture capital may not have the golden charms of its northerly cousin, but what it lacks in glam it makes up for in urban cool. With over a quarter of its population born overseas, the city’s food scene is as diverse as its occupants, and fine dining restaurants sit alongside casual Vietnamese street stalls.

A hipster at heart, Melbourne’s art scene ranges from the world-class National Gallery of Victoria to the street-art murals which adorn the walls of its most fashionable neighbourhoods; up-and-coming Footscray and historic Fitzroy.

For a truly trippy experience, grab some “tinnies” and visit the city on its annual White Night — a celebration of modern art in the form of various light installations which span the CBD.