5 Things to Do in Melbourne, Australia (Besides the Australian Open)

The tennis season's first major tournament, the 2017 Australian Open, is underway at Melbourne Park in Melbourne.

While many will flock to the capital of Victoria to see the Grand Slam tournament in person and watch it culminate with the men's and women's singles finals later this month, there are plenty other reasons to explore Melbourne.

Here are five things to do in Melbourne that don't involve Australian Open tennis.

Shop Melbourne's World Famous Markets

Melbourne's markets are renowned and for good reason. Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere and is a can't-miss attraction regardless of whether you're looking to grab a bite to eat or celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year.

The nearby South Melbourne Market is also worth a visit.

Catch a Match at Melbourne Cricket Ground

There's a reason Melbourne is considered Australia's sports capital, but if you've grown tired of the Australian Open tennis, head over to the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a professional T20 cricket showdown.

Visitors can also book a guided tour of the venue to enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at one of the destination's premier attractions. The open-air MCG will also show a pair of movies next month.

Get Inspired at the National Gallery of Victoria

Melbourne is also home to the country's oldest gallery in the National Gallery of Victoria, which includes the NGV International and Federation Square's Ian Potter Centre. 

READ MORE: Melbourne, Australia Remains World's Most Livable City

The former houses a vast collection of works from all around the globe, including Europe and the U.S., while the latter pays homage to the best of Australia with works ranging from the colonial period to present day.

Grab a Drink on the Roof at Sunset

This one's easy and can be achieved throughout Melbourne, which boasts a plethora of rooftop bars. Of course, the best time to enjoy a drink with your travel partner is at sunset. Be sure to check out Naked in the Sky's rooftop terrace in Fitzroy, which serves up food along with infused vodkas, beer and cider.

Lose Track of Time in Melbourne's Celebrated Laneways

To complete the ultimate Melbourne experience, explore the city's beloved laneways. Walk down Degraves Street with a fresh coffee, visit Flinders Street Station and definitely check out Collins Street, where you'll discover iconic Block Arcade loaded with boutique shops.

If you've got any extra time, Hosier Lane and Hardware Lane should also be high on your list.

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