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This week we’ll be visiting Melbourne, Australia.  Although unlikely that you’d fly out for only two days to visit Melbourne, hopefully this 48-hour guide can sway you to visit the city for a couple days if you already find yourself Down Under.  Melbourne is known to be the culture capital of Australia and one of the best cities in the world to live in.  Melbourne is full of art, shopping, galleries, theaters, great food and drinks, and museums that can keep you busy and entertained for hours. This guide is meant to help you experience a little of everything but if there's anything else you feel readers should be checking out feel free to post it in the comments section. Oh and when you’re there make sure to pronounce it “Mel-buhn” not “Mel-born.” 

Saturday 9 am – Melbourne by Foot

Help yourself get comfortable and familiar with the city you’ll be staying in by starting off with a walking tour of the city. Melbourne by Foot will cover everything you’ll want to know, including some history, sites of the city, current culture, and suggestions of things to come back to after the tour.  The tour guides are fun, extremely knowledgeable of Melbourne, and will keep your mind (and legs) going with fact after fact.   

Saturday Noon – Queen Victoria Market

After a full morning of activity you’ll most likely be ready for some grub and Queen Victoria Market is the perfect place to find all the different types of food you could desire.  This open-air market features wonderful fresh produce, specialty stands, and other shops.  The staff at the market created a comprehensive guide to help visitors navigate the food in the 17-acre area called “Just Eat.”  The informative guide is a great way to help you explore the market and can be downloaded for free on their website. 

While you’re there make sure to stop by the American Doughnut Kitchen.  Their hot jam doughnuts are tradition here and a common snack amongst locals. They claim that their doughnuts are so good people burn their mouths eating them because they don't want to wait for them to cool down before they eat them.  

Saturday 2 pm – Royal Botanical Gardens

Take some of the delicious food you picked up from the Market to the Royal Botanical Gardens for a picture-perfect picnic in the park.  Only a 10-minute ride from the Queen Victoria Market, you can enjoy the beautiful native and non-native plants in one of the best botanical gardens in the world. Referred to by many locals as an oasis and way to escape the city, the Royal Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to go after a long day of walking and to refresh for the evening. 

Saturday Evening – Cookie and Rooftop

Start your evening off with dinner and drinks at Cookie.  They’re described as a restaurant combined with a beer hall and features modern Thai cuisine.  It’s a place where you can come enjoy a good meal along with great drinks and company all at the same time. Their extensive beer and wine list will keep you there long after your meals have been finished. Order – Deep-fried marinated pork ribs. 

After dinner and a few drinks you won’t have to look far for the next bar to head to, just take the elevator all the way up to the Rooftop Bar in the same building.  It’s a bar and cinema space with excellent views of the city and a laidback atmosphere.  See if their screening a film or just sit back and enjoy the views and drinks. 

If you’re itching to explore the city more and check out some of the other bars you’re in the perfect location to do so.  You’re right in the city center with great bars hidden down alleyways so look up a few before you head out.

Sunday – Option 1

If you’re an extreme food and wine lover you might want to consider going on the Epicurean Food and Wine Tour.  They give daylong tours to small groups that take you through a unique food and wine experience in the Yarra Valley.  They pick you up from your hotel and take you to do wine tastings, eat good food, shop, and do it all in a leisurely pace. 

Sunday Morning – National Gallery of Victoria

Start your day off with some beautiful art at the National Gallery of Victoria. It’s the oldest art gallery in Australia and praised for having a beautiful collection. They have two separate gallery locations, one in Federation Square and one in St. Kilda Road, so be sure to check out which special exhibits are at which location before you head out. 

Sunday Lunch – Cutler & Co.

Located in an old machine factory, this restaurant is much more exciting and dazzling than what the space used to be.  The food is divine with beautiful and sometimes unexpected (but still wonderful!) flavors. They have a pre-set Sunday lunch at $65 a person that presents dishes featuring local organic foods.  The dishes are also very large making them easily sharable by the group and the atmosphere relaxed. 

Sunday Afternoon – Brunswick Street

Continue the theme of art into your afternoon and explore Brunswick Street in the Fitzroy Precinct, where art is appreciated and adored by all.  Known to be the area that best reveals the city’s soul, exploring the cafes, bookstores, restaurants, bars, and boutiques here can help give you a sense of how open and accommodating Melbourne is.  If Sunday lunch at Cutler & Co. isn’t so much your scene you could easily find a café serving amazing food and with a great atmosphere. 

If you’re looking to get some unique threads while in Melbourne check out Little Salon.  They specialize in holding distinct local designer items that range from the smallest accessories to clothing to complete your wardrobe. 

Sunday Evening – Tapas and the Theatre

To end your trip, grab dinner at Movida Bar de Tapas.  They serve modern Spanish cuisine and are known to have the best tapas in town. The atmosphere is full of color and the service is great, making it a perfect and fun place to spend your last meal in town at. Order - Roasted Spring Bay Scallop with Jamon and Potato Foam  

After you’ve eaten to your heart’s content go see any of the many musicals and plays they have showing in Melbourne. If you're looking for a bigger production check out what's playing at Princess Theatre or Her Majesty's Theatre.  For something smaller and more local look into the Arts Centre or Malthouse. 

Where to Stay

Langham Hotel Melbourne

1 Southgate Ave.

This luxury hotel, located right on the banks of the Yarra River, features rooms with city views and excellent service and hospitality. On top of the wonderful quality, this hotel is also in an ideal location for exploring the city. You will be surrounded by elegance and comfort during your stay at the Langham. 

Art Series - The Olson

637 - 641 Chapel St 

 This boutique hotel was inspired by the landscape architect Dr. John Olsen, who's art is described as serene and outdoorsy.  The hotel is full of his art, including murals, sculptures, and large prints. In addition to being visually appealing the hotel also boasts a wonderful location on Chapel Street and a staff thats warm, welcoming, and always ready to assist you with whatever you may need. 

Seattle is known for so many things - coffee, music, fresh seafood, microbrews, beautiful landscapes - that planning a two-day trip can feel like hardly enough time to explore the city.  A day could easily be spent café hopping and tasting brilliant espressos or exploring the famous Pike Place Market. The Emerald City also has so much culture and history that you could easily find yourself immersed in the museums and background of the city.  Hopefully this guide can help you get a well-balanced experience in the Rainy City.   

Saturday 10 am – Pike Place Market

Start your trip off right in the “Soul of Seattle.”  Humbly beginning in 1907 with eight farmers selling produce, the Pike Place Market is now one of the largest and well-known farmer’s markets in the US.  It features fresh produce stands, fishmongers, craft stalls, and many other unique shops and restaurants. 

A must-see within the market is the Pike Place Fish Market, which is known for their great seafood and their employees throwing fish to one another rather than walking it around the counter. 

For all the Starbucks lovers out there, the first Starbucks Coffee store is located in Pike Place Market. Its fun to come order your favorite drink and check out where the Starbucks frenzy began. 

Finally, check out Pike Place Chowder for the best chowder around and a very satisfying first meal in Seattle.  Order – Any chowder! Get some items from a few of the other stands and eateries and make a little picnic for yourself! 

Pike Place Fish Market. Photo by jay gavin. 

Saturday 2 pm – Underground Tour

This walking tour takes you through the underground passageways that used to be the streets of Downtown Seattle in the 1800’s.  After a fire destroyed the area, city officials rebuilt the city above the old ones rather than redoing the damaged area.  This fun and entertaining tour allows you to explore the area and experience some of Seattle’s unique history. 

Saturday 5 pm – The Space Needle

After spending the afternoon exploring what lies below the city check out the view from above at the Space Needle.  A 43-second elevator ride will take you to the top of this landmark and provide you breathtaking 360 views of the city.  The top features free telescopes and plenty of displays to provide you with information about what you’re looking at.  

Add to the experience by dining at the top in their rotating Sky City Restaurant.  It boasts an excellent Pacific Northwest menu that showcase the city’s amazing seafood and flavors. 

However, if you’re looking for something a little less pricey and fancy check out Serious Pie.  Known to be some of the best pizza in the Pacific Northwest, their pies are something you don’t want to miss out on.  Order – Chanterelle Mushrooms, Truffle Cheese Pizza  

Saturday Evening – The Triple Door

Music in Seattle is something that must be experienced and The Triple Door is a great venue to do it in.  It features both a main stage where a variety of musical acts have performed and a Musiquariam Lounge that has an excellent happy hour and live music.  The lounge is a perfect place to enjoy some cocktails and relax after a long day of sightseeing.  Also, make sure to check out what show is playing on the main stage and buy tickets beforehand if its something you’re interested in.  

Shot of the stage at The Triple Door. Photo by Invisible Hour. 

Sunday 9 am – The Waterfront

The charming Seattle waterfront is a perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful views of the Puget Sound.  There are fishing piers, bike paths, an exercise course, and many other activities that’ll start your day off on the right foot.  For a less active morning check out the souvenir and curio shops along the pier or just sit on one of the many benches along the waterfront and enjoy the beauty in front of you.  

Sunday Afternoon – SAM or Explore Capitol Hill

What you do this afternoon really depends on where your interests lie. The Seattle Art Museum is known for its wonderful exhibits that feature modern and contemporary art in addition to excellent collections of local, European, and Native American art.  It’s a stunning place to spend the afternoon exploring their exhibits and experiencing a large variety of art. 

If you’re looking to explore more of what’s outside the downtown area I would suggest heading towards Capitol Hill for the afternoon. Capitol Hill is the most densely populated neighborhood in Seattle and known for their coffee houses, nightlife and entertainment, and a strong LGBT community.  While you’re exploring the many coffee shops on the Hill make sure to stop at Espresso Vivace.  They’re known to have some of the best espressos not only in Seattle but also the US.         Order – any espresso drink 

Another great place to stop in Capitol Hill is Kingfish Café. Its great for brunch or dinner and a Seattle favorite. This restaurant features delicious upscale soul food and always has a line out the door.  On top of great food the restaurant is known to have excellent service and atmosphere. Order – The Red Velvet Cake for dessert 

Finally, Volunteer Park is a great place to stop by as a break from all the coffee and shopping.  It used to be the home of the Seattle Art Museum, which now houses the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and has plenty of green area for you to explore. It also has a conservatory, reservoir, and a water tower which has an observation deck that boasts a beautiful view of the city.  

The Volunteer Park Conservatory. Photo by pictoscribe (gone camping 9 days).

Sunday Evening – Microbrews in Capitol Hill

Barhopping in Capitol Hill is a fun way to end your stay in Seattle since the area is known to always have a party. While your checking out the bars and clubs make sure to make a stop at Elysian for some of their awesome microbrews.  Head over their late night happy hour and get a dollar off of their beer of the night. 

Also check out Barca while you’re in the area. They have 29 different draught beers, an extensive liquor selection and wine list.  On top of their great selection, their bartenders are known to be quite friendly and to be a chill place to hang out with friends.  

Where to Stay

The Sorrento Hotel

900 Madison Street

If you’re looking to still be close to the downtown area but a little more removed the action the Sorrento Hotel is the perfect location.  Around since 1909, the Sorrento is the first hotel boutique in Seattle and known for their excellent service and hospitality.  Their rooms are some of the nicest in the city and no two are alike.  Come to this historic hotel to feel pampered and relaxed on your trip.  

Inn at the Market

86 Pine Street

Located at the Pike Place Market, this is the perfect location to feel as though you’re in the heart of all the activity. The staff is known to be very helpful and accommodating and they have a rooftop deck with a beautiful view of the Puget Sound. Definitely the place to go if you want to be as close to everything as possible. 

Hi! My name is Kira and I'm going to be posting weekly for Duffel. Every Wednesday I'll be picking a new city to explore, planning a 48-hour trip there, and then writing about it here for your reading enjoyment. Check back every week for a "mini vacation" from work and enjoy! 

New Orleans has so much culture and such a unique style that visiting can feel like you’ve left the United States completely. Known for their awesome food, great music, and endless parties New Orleans is where you give in to indulgences and live it up. Here are some suggestions for how to make the most of a 48-hour weekend getaway to the Big Easy.  The trip focuses around arriving Friday morning because of their Friday Lunch tradition (explained more below). 

Friday 9 am – St. Charles Streetcar 

Get a feel for the city by catching a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar.  The St. Charles Streetcars are a historic landmark and only a dollar each way to ride. Jump on at Canal Street and see the gorgeous Garden District, Audubon Park, Tulane and Loyola Universities, and many other classic New Orleans scenes. It’s a 90-minute trip and one of the best ways to experience more of what’s outside of the French Quarter. 

Friday 11:30 am – Galatoires

Friday Lunch should be reason enough for you to want to take a day off of work and head over to the Big Easy a day early.  Friday Lunch has become an institution in New Orleans and is meant to be a time where people come together for good food, good drinks, and a good time overall. Galatoires has obtained the reputation of being the place to go for Friday Lunch.  Although pricey (and jacket required!) the experience is a New Orleans must and is an excellent way to interact with locals and in general mingle and just have fun.  With some people’s lunches lasting all afternoon, the advice given is always to just relax, talk to the people around you, take your time, and enjoy it all!  

Friday 3 pm – French Quarter

Walk off the meal you just ate by exploring the French Quarter.  As the oldest and most famous section of New Orleans, the French Quarter will not disappoint! A great place to start is at Royal Street where you can browse the many antique stores, art galleries, and specialty stores located there.  

If you're looking for a quick caffeine pick-me-up check out Cafe Du Monde, open 24 hours and known for their chicory coffee and beignets.  A good friend informed me that the beignets at Cafe Du Monde are a New Orleans must so pick them up as a treat to sweeten your day.  

Friday Evening – Dinner and Bar Hopping in the French Quarter

For a classic New Orleans dinner head to Tujague’s (pronounced two jacks).  It’s the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans and in addition to their awesome Creole dishes they’re also known to be a pretty great bar!   

If you’re still too full from lunch to consider sitting down for dinner someplace set out for Bourbon Street to start your night.  This is the area to go for nightlife with its countless bars, restaurants, and seemingly never-ending music.  You could easily spend your entire night bar hopping on Bourbon Street alone but if you’re looking for something a little less packed check out Napoleon House.  Locals recommend it as a great place for a meal or for a few drinks and it has a ton of history.Order - Pimm’s Cup drink.   

The view of Bourbon Street from an apartment. Photo by MattPendletonPhotography.

Saturday 10 am – Explore Garden District or Julia Street

This morning is meant for exploring outside of the French Quarter.  If what you saw yesterday morning at the Garden District caught your eye, walk around there to experience beautifully architected homes.  Otherwise, check out the 600 block of Julia Street for some of the best art in the city. A must-see in the Julia Street area is the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), which has exhibits featuring beautiful and whimsical local art.   

Saturday 1 pm – Do It Like the Locals

The best suggestion for lunch would be to ask a local where they’d eat! However, if you’d like a place in advance check out Café Reconcile for some excellent Southern cuisine and to help out a great cause.  Café Reconcile is a non-profit restaurant that brings in young adults from at-risk communities who are interested in getting into the food service industry and teaching them valuable life skills and job training.  Order – Bananas Foster Bread Pudding (arguably the best in the city!) 

Saturday Afternoon – Museum Hopping

Or if you’re looking to check out some museums the Historic New Orleans Collection is located in the French Quarter and features changing exhibits on local history.  It’s also free!   

Another museum to check out is the Old U.S. Mint, which features both an exhibit on the coin minting process and New Orleans Jazz.  It’s the only building in the U.S. to be used both as a U.S. and Confederate Mint.    

Finally, for a more laidback option check out the New Orleans Jazz Park where you can take walking tours or just check out the atmosphere and relax. 

This afternoon is also a perfect opportunity to check out the many walking and bike tours they have throughout the city.  

Saturday Evening – Dance the Night Away

Experience the music of New Orleans and hang out at Frenchmen Street for the night. Located just outside of the French Quarter, this two-block area is known to be where the locals hang and where you can check out all the live music your heart could desire. Enjoy your drinks and all types of great music without the neon lights and craziness of Bourbon Street. While you’re exploring Frenchmen stop by D.B.A., a local music club that has some of the local’s favorite live artists and a great beer list.  

 Wolfman Washington performing at D.B.A. Photo by Lep. 

Where to Stay?

Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast (for a place out of the French Quarter) 

4125 Saint Charles Ave.  

This charming mansion is located in the Uptown/Garden District and is a perfect location if you want easy access to many different locations and sites in New Orleans.  Designed by the famous architect Thomas Sully in 1891, the house features beautiful architecture and period furnishings throughout. The live-in innkeepers, Joe and Bebe, are there to ensure that you’re experience at the Avenue Inn B and B is as wonderful as the building surrounding you, helping you make your entire New Orleans experience unforgettable.

Soniat House (in the French Quarter) 

1133 Chartres St.  

If you’re looking to be more in the center of things check out the Soniat House in the French Quarter.  Found in the quieter area of the French Quarter, the Soniat House is a luxury hotel that has been named one of the best in the world.  Comprised of three historic Creole townhomes that were built in the 1830’s, the hotel features many elegant details and beautiful antiques to make your stay there as luxurious and comfortable as possible.  Every morning a complimentary breakfast of Creole café au late, hot biscuits, and homemade strawberry preserves.