Artsy, stylish and hip: this Australian city reminds most people more of Europe rather than the continent down under. Dubbed as Australia’s cultural capital, the city is a melange of bohemian enclaves, world-class museums, edgy street art and hipster districts that give the city an air of coolness.

On the other hand, the city’s colonial architecture and multicultural population give it more dynamic and cosmopolitan vibes. Located on the large natural bay of Port Phillip, Melbourne is just a stone’ throw away from beautiful natural attractions like the Dandenong mountain range, Mornington Peninsula, and Yarra Valley.

In a global city like Melbourne, you won’t have problems finding affordable food with European flair, Asian flavours or Middle Eastern influences. While Melbourne’s dining choices may not be as impressive as that in Sydney, it still ranks high in the international culinary scene. Halal diners will once again be spoiled for choice here.

Thanks to its location in southeastern Australia, Melbourne enjoys a moderate climate, with temperatures around 16 to 27°C in summer (December to February) and 8 to 14°C in winter (June to August).

Summer is Melbourne’s peak travel season, so it’s best to avoid this period as it can get quite crowded and hotel prices can increase. Winter in Melbourne means dreary weather and dark skies, with temperatures lower than in Sydney or Brisbane.

The best times to visit Melbourne are in autumn (between March and May) and spring (September and November). These shoulder seasons feature moderate temperatures and tourist crowds, plus lower airfare rates. In fall, you’ll also see the city dotted with golden trees and beautiful foliage. The city is also exceptionally beautiful in spring when flowers bloom in all kinds of colours.

Several airlines fly from Saudi Arabia to Melbourne, Etihad Airways, and Jet Airways. There are no direct flights, and most flights have one or two stops. The journey is at least 18 hours if flying from Riyadh.