The time has never felt more perfect to go out and enjoy life in all its glory. But instead of sending all of your money overseas, why not look a little closer to home for experiences that will make you feel great.

Melbourne is the quintessential hotspot for the new, unique and totally different, offering a whole plethora of eats, exhibitions and experiences that will be hard matched anywhere in the world. And some of them, are not what you expect…

Lune Croissanterie

This place will have you dribbling on the sidewalk before you’re even at the door, the sweet, warm scents of dreamy baked goods floating by on a zephyr as you approach.

Welcome to Lune, an institution in the culinary world where science meets craft to create some of the most surprising and mouth-watering croissants known to (wo)man. Each Lune croissant is so much more than the sum of its ingredients, mixing in patience, time, experimentation, refinement, and physical hard work.

Do NOT miss a visit to Lune Croissanterie, your tastebuds will thank you.

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Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellionexhibition

Featuring iconic stories, characters and moments from over 120 years of moving image history, this brand-new exhibition at ACMI has me fist-pumping the many women who fought for our rights in the film industry.

A part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion is a documentation and celebration of women on screen, unearthing the stories of the true trailblazers of the industry. Think Marilyn Monroe, Josephine Baker and Geena Davis, all of these women, once underminingly branded as nothing more than sexist stereotypical nuances who grabbed the bull by the balls and shaped their own roles, took creative control and challenged narratives, defying expectations and fought a system that tried to exploit them.

Goddess covers five themes including Crafting the Ideal, which explores the history of screen culture and how Hollywood was built on the perception of beauty and glamour. Breaking the Binary, which explores gender norms and the female ‘ideal’. And, Dangerous Women, which looks at those who overcame patriarchal power and used glamour as a weapon to fight back against society. Lastly, there’s the Goddesses of Today, who carry on the legacies of those who came before them, paving the way for the girls and women who come next.

If you’re looking for awe-inspiring, girl-power moments, or perhaps just a walk-through some of the most incredible female film history moments including never-before-seen costumes, original sketches, interactive experiences and cinematic treasures with the family, this exhibition is an absolute must-see.

Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellionis running from 10am to 5pm daily from now until October 1 at ACMI on Flinders Street. Tickets are on sale now via the ACMI website.

Street art

When you're in Melbourne, you absolutely have to check out the street art. Take a stroll through the city's laneways and alleys, and immerse yourself in the vibrant artworks that cover everything from huge walls to tiny corners. It's like an outdoor art gallery that's always changing and surprising you with something new.

Hosier Lane, one of Melbourne's most iconic laneways is an absolute must see, you'll quickly see why Melbourne sits alongside the likes of Berlin, London and New York as one of the street art capitals of the world.

If solo exploration isn't your thing, there are also guided tours that will lead you to all the artsy hotspots in the city.

Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar

Since 1954, this Melbourne institution has been serving up some of the best Italian food and coffee in the city. Boasting incredible '50s charm, many features of the spot remained unchanged since its opening with red vinyl stools, chequered floors and mirrored walls drawing in visitors from near and far.

But the food. Oh, the food. This is what you stay for. Rich pasta sauces, cheesy lasagnas and decadent cakes. Word on the street, is that Pellegrini’s had the very first espresso machine in Melbourne which ultimately kicked off the coffee-obsession that excites the city. It’s open for debate, but their neon sign is heritage-listed so...