Leah Glynn

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

As much as we love the hustle and bustle of city life, there are moments when you just need to hit pause and escape to the middle of nowhere. From the coast to the countryside and the outback, Australia offers up a wealth of picturesque towns where you are sure to find some peace and quiet.  At any of these adorable towns, you can trade crammed bus rides for refreshing nature walks, overcrowded beaches for secluded shores, and busy city parks for untouched pieces of paradise. Here are 12 charming towns that are anything but boring. 🌊 10 beach towns to visit in Australia (that aren't Byron Bay)🚘 The best day trips to take from every Aussie capital city😎 The 30 most incredible places to visit in Australia

Trouver la ville la plus cool du monde chaque année, c’est notre passion chez Time Out ! En 2025, on a tout passé à la moulinette pour mieux comprendre ce qui rend une ville vraiment vivable. Est-ce qu’on peut marcher dans la rue sans flipper ? Est-ce que l’art et la bouffe sont accessibles sans braquer une banque ? Est-ce qu’on peut facilement se faire des potes, tomber amoureux, ou juste respirer un peu d’air frais ? Parce qu’une ville où il fait bon vivre, c’est aussi une ville où il fait bon voyager. En plus des votes de notre réseau d’experts, cette année, on a demandé à 18 500 citadins de nous filer leur avis sur leur chez-soi. Gastronomie, vie nocturne, culture, coût de la vie, baromètre du bonheur… On a tout mixé, trituré et recoupé, et voici le verdict : le top ultime des meilleures villes du monde en 2025, by Time Out (dont deux Françaises, Paris, 19e, et Marseille, 38e).

In Australia, January 26 has very different meanings for different people. For First Nation Australians, the day marks the beginning of colonisation and is sometimes called Invasion Day or Survival Day. For recent migrants, January 26 is the day of many citizenship ceremonies across the country. For others, it's a family day around a barbecue. However you choose to spend it, we've picked out the best things to do on the public holiday, including events, road trips, places to eat and exhibitions. Take a look at our best picnic spots in Melbourne or park yourself at one of the city's best barbecue spots. 

Dreaming of your next island getaway? Check in and fully check out by booking a stay at one of Australia’s most dreamy resorts and lodges. These postcard-worthy destinations offer more than just a place to stay; they’re where you can connect with the very best of Australian culture, take in our country’s most stunning landscapes and embark on some of the nation’s top bucket list experiences. You can soak up the scenes from an outdoor bathtub in the Kimberley wilderness, get up close to wildlife from a fancy suite at Canberra’s zoo, relax at a secluded hilltop escape on the Tasmanian coast, or swim in crystal clear waters at a private island resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Here are all the resorts and lodges to book for your next Australian getaway.  ✨ The best luxury hotels in Australia🤩 Australia's hottest new hotel openings🌏 All the best places to visit in Australia

Sometimes you just need to take a time out – and here at Time Out Australia, we’re the experts at doing just that. We’ve scoped out the very best wellness retreats around Australia, where you can soak away your worries and be pampered like absolute royalty. From an award-winning natural hot spring with 50 bathing experiences to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest spa with one of only two Somadome meditation pods in Australia, these places will cater to all your relaxing desires. Make a day trip of it or sneak off for a dedicated week-long detox – whatever you choose, you’ll leave feeling like a whole new person. These are the best wellness retreats in Australia right now. ✨ The top luxury hotels in Australia🌳 Australia's most magical rainforests🥾 The most epic hikes to do in Australia

Getting the chance to dip into the steamy waters of a thermal spring is a joy that we reckon everyone deserves to experience at least once in their lifetime. The healing powers of naturally occurring hot springs have been celebrated, worshipped and enjoyed by humans across the world for millennia, and today, this is one human thing that we can say has absolutely not changed. Ancient Romans, we feel you.  In Australia, there are countless natural thermal hot springs available for the soaking. From the staggering turquoise waters of the Northern Territory, to oasis-like bathhouses, to the wild far reaches of the Kimberley, the land Down Under has some of the most epic hot springs on Earth. In this list, we have gathered the best of them – and tell you exactly where to find them.   Want more wild and wonderful Aussie adventures? These are the best hikes to do Down Under before you die.

Every day is a special day at Lune, purveyor of the world’s best croissants (well at least many people believe this to be true – this writer included), and Lune's January specials are as tempting as ever. In fact, according to all who voted, they're the best of the best of all time! You'll find all the latest specials below, and because they vary between locations, make sure to check out what's available at each store beforehand to avoid disappointment when you finally get to the front of that never-ending line.  Need more buttery goodness in your life? These are the best patisseries in Melbourne.

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Melbourne or have lived here all your life, there are some absolute must-do Melbourne bucket list items that just can't be missed. And yes, we may be slightly biased in saying that Melbourne might be the greatest city on Earth – but we have the stats to back us up, with Melbourne consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities.  Melbourne's food, drink, coffee, art, theatre and sport culture are among the best in the world, and we reckon you should try to experience every single one of them at least once before you die. So here is our ultimate bucket list: 100 amazing things to do in Melbourne right now, plus attractions, great restaurants, bars, fun festivals and everything in between. Enjoy, and thank us later. For a deeper look into two of our greatest pastimes – eating and drinking – browse our guides to Melbourne's best restaurants and best bars. Need somewhere to stay? Check out Melbourne's best Airbnbs, or Melbourne's best hotels.

Whether you've got a spreadsheet full of present ideas finalised in October, or you're the type to wait for inspiration to strike on December 24, we've got a gift guide to suit all your gift-giving, stocking stuffing needs.  Want some more festive sparkle? These are the best places to see Christmas lights. Plus, where you can buy a real Christmas tree in Melbourne.

Are you feeling hot, hot, hot? When the sun shines in Melbourne it really shines, but luckily there are plenty of ways to cool off in the water. We've got beaches, lakes and pools, all of which are just waiting for you to dip your feet (nay, whole body) in. Stay fresh this summer at one of our favourite swimming spots in Melbourne. Strip down to your birthday suit and try one of Victoria's best nudist beaches? Or, if you'd rather keep your clothes on, check out Victoria's best swimming holes.

One fell madly in love with a sumptuous sundae-style dessert at a new French restaurant, another just couldn't get enough of a pop-up's fried chicken burgers. But no matter what dishes sent the Time Out team into a scrumptious spin, one thing's for sure: it would be selfish to keep them a secret! So read on for a hit list of everything we tried in 2024 that had us swooning, so you can go and have a taste, too. Still hungry? Check out the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne right now. And if you're thirsty, these are the 50 best bars in Melbourne right now.

When it comes to ice cream, are you a classic chocolate-and-vanilla type of person, or are you game for more experimental flavours? (Hello, goat's cheese and basil pie – yes, really!) Whatever you fancy, the annual Ice Cream Festival has something tasty for you.  The famous Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, along with its sister venues on the Great Ocean Road and the Mornington Peninsula, are hosting the annual scoop-a-thon from February 12-23. And in news that is sure to have you salivating, 12 new flavours will be dropping every day – so you're gonna want to go back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). The line-up of flavours is set to include Limoncello Spritz, Nutella custard doughnut, salted caramel s'mores, chocoloate crackle, blueberry and an exclusive Wicked-inspired concoction. Yum! There will also be dairy-free, gluten-free, egg-free and vegan options available, so no one misses out on the fun. And that's not all... true ice cream aficionados can partake in a 45-minute tasting session, during which you'll sample 12 one-off flavours. Bookings for these workshops are essential, and cost $28. Plus, if you enter the Guess the Flavour competition, you'll be in the running to win a year's supply of ice cream – yes please! Entry to the festival is free, with ice creams starting from $6.20 for a single scoop in a cup or cone. For more information, head to the website. Craving more icy treats? These are the best ice cream and gelato shops in Melbourne.

It's officially that time of year again when the Moonlight Cinema returns to Melbourne for the summer. There's just something special about snuggling into a bean bag and catching a film under the stars in the Royal Botanic Gardens – with an ice cream or wine in hand, of course.  Australia's favourite outdoor cinema has dropped its summer screening schedule, with blockbusters, nostalgic favourites and comedies on the program. Highlights include Gladiator II, The Substance, Better Man, A Complete Unknown and Wicked (and yes, there's even a sing-along session). Starting from February 11 to coincide with Valentine's Day, there will be a string of romcoms that are guaranteed to warm your heart. Grab your beloved or your bestie and catch everything from classics like Notting Hill and The Notebook to new releases We Live in Time and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.  Those looking to splurge can opt for either the Platinum Experience, which includes a deluxe double bean bed (including a blanket you can take home!) for two with waiter service or the Singapore Airlines Gold Grass, with a prime position in front of the screen and an exclusive menu of delicious treats. The Official Aperol Spritz Bar is also returning, so you can sip on that iconic orange cocktail all summer long. Screenings kick off at sundown and even your pooch is welcome. Tickets are now available via the website. Want more fun in the sun? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this December.

Every year, thousands gather at the steps of Parliament House to protest the date of Australia Day. This January 26 marks 237 years since the landing of British colonial forces on this country and the beginning of colonisation and oppression of First Nations people that still occurs today.  All are welcome to participate in the event, which will begin at 10am with the laying of flowers in memory of Aboriginal ancestors. Following some speeches from campaigners and community leaders, a march through the CBD will commence, which usually finishes up at Flinders Street Station. The rally is also an opportunity to call for treaties for stolen land, and to stand up against continuing systematic racism, deaths in custody and the ongoing oppression of First Nations people across the country. For more information head to the Facebook page. Can't make it? Here are some First Nations organisations and social justice campaigns you can support instead.

It’s time to start your engines and move into pole position, because the adrenaline-fuelled F1 Australian Grand Prix is returning to Albert Park from March 13-16.  Following on from the record-breaking attendance of 452,055 people in 2024, this year is shaping up to be even more thrilling, with heated rivalries, newly modified cars and key points up for grabs.  With local hero Oscar Piastri scoring two wins in 2024 (in Hungary and Azerbaijan) and McLaren taking out the Constructors' Championship for the first time since 1998, there will be plenty for Aussies to cheer on. And there's fun to enjoy away from the track, with live music performances, plus world-class hospitality offerings, fan zones, vintage cars and merch stalls. You can view the full entertainment schedule here. Limited tickets are still available, so if you want to experience the high-octane action you'll need to snap up a ticket via the website. And if you can't make the event in person, never fear. Every race of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship is broadcast live in Australia.  Not into fast cars zooming around the track? Here's what else is on across the weekend.

Prosecco: refreshing, versatile, bubbly. It's a winning combo. Melburnians will once again be able to indulge their love of the sparkling wine when the Prosecco Festival takes over the Abbotsford Convent on Saturday, February 22. Returning for its eighth year, the event will feature more than 50 international and homegrown bubbles from coveted brands like Rigoni, Calneggia Family Vineyards, Cipriani, Bandini, Bellusi, Divici and Rebuli. If you're a fan of the local stuff, check out Austins Wines, Billy Button Wines, Box Grove Vineyard, Love 2 Glasses, Sam Miranda Wines, Santolin, Santa and D’Sas and Vino Intrepido. If you're sober curious or the allocated deso driver, Edenvale is one of the official partners and will have you sorted with a range of alcohol-free vinos and cocktails. Plus, all the growers, makers and importers will be on-site to chat about their wine. But it's not all about the bubbles. To line your stomach there will be sweet and savoury treats from local vendors like the Pav Queen, Milawa Cheese, Abruzzo Lab (one of our fave street food eats around Melbourne), Yes Porketta and Arancini Art. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be available. You can even book in for a VIP masterclass with Melissa Brauer (aka the Prosecco Queen and founder of the event), which will teach you everything there is to know about the effervescent tipple. You'll get to taste four different styles of prosecco paired with antipasto snacks and cheese. VIP spots will be limited,

The top-secret affair that is Le Dîner en Blanc is back in Melbourne for another evening of fun, frivolity and fetching festivities. Launched in Paris more than 30 years ago, this dreamy, made-for-the-'gram pop-up party allows guests to show off their all-white wardrobe and join in on an exclusive dinner party brimming with elegance, beauty and a certain sense of French je ne sais quoi. Taking place on Saturday, March 29, guests will rally at points across the city and be guided by Dîner en Blanc volunteers to an undisclosed setting – and if past locations are anything to go by (Treasury Gardens, Melbourne Museum, Birrarung Marr), expect one of the city’s most beautiful public spaces.  The soirée will begin after the traditional waving of the cloth napkin, with bubbly, sparklers and a fabulous feast following suit. Remember to BYO chairs, a table and a tablecloth, as well as your own picnic basket with fine food and even finer dinnerware. If you’d like Dîner en Blanc to wine and dine you instead, a catered picnic basket option can be reserved in advance on the website. Champagne and wine must also be reserved through the e-store as well.  The location will be revealed to guests upon arrival, and registration for tickets is now open. Head to the Dîner en Blanc’s website to take part in this one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Want more fabulous drinking and dining options? Check out the best restaurants and best bars in Melbourne.

Summer in Melbourne means many things, but one of our favourites is that it's cherry season. These juicy fruits make the perfect Christmas present, dinner table centrepiece or beach snack.  Victoria's cherries are ripe for the taking from early November to mid-January, depending how the season goes – there's even a cherry-picking festival dedicated to grabbing as many of these ruby gems as possible. But another option is to support and explore eight regional orchards across the Yarra Valley and Ranges, Upper Goulburn Valley and Macedon Ranges. Some will offer you the chance to go cherry-picking, and you can also purchase freshly picked fruit at all of them. There are more than 80 varieties of cherries in Australia alone, and you’ll get to try types like Stella, Regina and Sweet Georgia, to name a few. These cherries are heart-shaped with dark maroon skin. They’re sweet and rich in flavour and will make the perfect accompaniment to any Christmas celebration. Make sure to check the websites or contact the orchard prior to your visit. It’s always best to ensure they have availability and will be open as they are weather dependent.  For more information, you can download your Victorian Cherry Trail Guide here. Happy picking!  Still craving a healthy snack? These are the best places to go fruit picking in Victoria.

Every year, thousands head to Melbourne Park to watch the superstars of tennis battle it out in the fierce summer heat. Despite the heatwaves that occur regularly during the event (temperatures of 35 degrees or higher are common) the Australian Open continues to attract the world's best tennis players and their fans to the southern hemisphere's only Grand Slam tournament. And even if you don’t make it into an arena, there will be live entertainment, giant screens, incredible drinking and dining options, and pop-up activations to enjoy. The AO Live Festival will also return, with legendary international acts like Kesha, Kaytranada, Armen Van Helden and more on the line-up. Plus, from January 6 to 11 it's the pre-tournament opening week, with exhibition matches featuring tennis stars and cheaper tickets.  The 2025 tournament begins on Sunday, January 12. Day and night sessions are available, and adult ground pass tickets start at $59. If you're a first-timer and looking for a breakdown of all the important details, we've put one together for you here. Best to book your tickets sooner rather than later – head to the website for more information. Looking for more? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this summer.  

It may have undergone a multi-million dollar redevelopment in 2021 to rebrand as the Melbourne Skydeck, but there's no denying this high-altitude attraction remains one of the best ways to discover the city from a dizzying height. It now boasts a massive virtual reality theatre (the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere) where visitors can sit in one of 24 award-winning Positron Voyager VR chairs to embark on an 11-minute immersive journey across the state. We're talking activities like riding on Luna Park's historic wooden rollercoaster, smelling freshly roasted coffee while exploring CBD laneways and feeling the crisp ocean air on your face while swooping over the Great Ocean Road. The experience even comes complete with sounds, scents and movements that really help to awaken the senses. You can get an even closer look at the city with the augmented reality 3D model of Melbourne built to a 1:1100 scale. Six digital tablets around the model provide visitors with interactive windows into eight of Melbourne's most significant eras, from pre-settlement and beyond. It took printers 240 days to create the 184 pieces that make up the model, and 40 3D augmented reality models overlay the installation. This is now the most deeply detailed 3D model of Melbourne in the world.  If the altitude is getting to you and you're in need of refreshments – you're in luck! At Bar 88 you can choose from a range of cocktails, wines, coffee or even a glass of Champagne. Peckish? There's a r

With an abundance of rooftop drinking and dining experiences, it's no surprise that Melburnians love being sky-high. But if you're looking to take things to the next level and be neighbours with the clouds, then Eureka 89 is where you want to be. Located in Southbank's Melbourne Skydeck, entry to Eureka 89 is via a side door with a red carpet, followed by not one but two elevators – including a private one that will take you up to the all-exclusive 89th floor. When the doors open and you ascend the ramp, prepare to be mesmerised by the 360-degree views across the city and beyond. All the tables are perched up against the window for prime viewing, meaning you'll enjoy an outlook uninterrupted by fellow patrons no matter where you're seated. Depending on the time of day, you may see kayakers paddling across the Yarra River, ferries returning from Geelong or the sun setting across skyscrapers. It's a truly marvellous sight, but don't forget what you're also here for: a bold Chef's Tasting menu, expertly curated by crafted award-winning executive chef Renee Martillano. This bespoke offering consists of six or eight courses that celebrate the freshest local produce from across the country. It's ever-changing and rooted in seasonality to reflect the changing landscape of flavours – you can expect to see dishes like scallop crudo, Wagyu beef short ribs or Murray cod served with bonito veloute, apple vierge, toasted nori and lemon aspen. Paired wines can also be added to elevate the

The festive season is well and truly here, so what better way to celebrate than with a bit of good old-fashioned choir fun?  Every Friday night until December 20, choir communities from across Melbourne will be performing all your favourite Christmas tunes at Fed Square. The diverse program has something for everyone, from gospel and Pasifika to acapella and voices from the queer community.  You can expect everything from Christmas classics to more contemporary festive tunes, with carols sung in English as well as other languages. For the full program, head to the Fed Square website. Looking for more ways to be festive in the city? Here's our guide to celebrating Christmas in Melbourne. Plus, where you can see all the Christmas lights.

Love it or hate it, Christmas is almost upon us. And just as you can be sure that Michael Bublé is slowly defrosting and getting ready to croon the festive season away, and Mariah Carey is counting the fat stacks that pile up on cue as ‘All I Want for Christmas’ goes back on high rotation – you know that the battered DVD of one particular British rom-com at your mum’s house will also be back on steady rotation, actually.  Love Actually is the festive flick that never gets old, but if you want to fall in love with it all over again, grab a ticket for this special live viewing experience. Following sell-out tours across the UK and in Australia the last few years, Love Actually in Concert is coming back to Melbourne just in time for Old Saint Nick’s next whip around.  Pack the tissues, as this experience features a full live orchestra performing the hit soundtrack as the film is projected onto a screen. Love (and Christmas) will be all around you, and so the feeling grows. Get ready to question how many lobsters were present at the birth of Jesus Christ, get mad at Alan Rickman and his saucy secretary all over again (Emma Thompson’s cry to Joni Mitchell will really slap with an orchestral backup, to be fair), and question if in 2024 we would still be calling PM Hugh Grant’s love interest slash employee ‘fat’ – with live music!  Melburnians can get in on the holly jolly action on December 21 and 22 at Hamer Hall. For more information and to grab your tickets, head to the website.

In yet another blow to Australia's music festival scene, it's just been announced that Groovin' the Moo (GTM) has been cancelled for 2025 – the second consecutive year that the event will not run.  Last year, only two weeks after the line-up reveal, the festival announced it would not go ahead. Organisers sited poor ticket sales as the major deciding factor in cancelling the festival, which haven't been strong enough to support the costs associated with running the nationally touring event. Prior to the shock cancellation, the festival toured across the country for 17 years, beginning back in 2005. It hit up cities that typically don't host major music events, like Adelaide, Canberra, Bendigo, Newcastle, Sunshine Coast and Bunbury.  In an Instagram post the GTM account shared on January 31 2025, organisers gave the following statement on the festival cancelling for another year: "Groovin' the Moo won't be happening in 2025, while we work on finding the most sustainable model for Australia's most loved regional touring festival." When the event was cancelled in 2024, organisers commented: "we hope to be able to bring Groovin' the Moo back to regional communities in the future". But now, it seems very uncertain when that future will arrive.  This cancellation comes just one week after Splendour in the Grass organisers announced the festival would also not be returning in 2025, after it was also cancelled in 2024 due to "unexpected events".  Watch this space for any further upda

We’re not gonna lie, when Time Out’s annual list of the best cities for 2024 dropped, we were pretty sad to see Melbourne sitting at number 20. After all, this is a vibrant, sparkling metropolis beloved by locals and tourists alike, and it's home to epic sporting events like the Australian Open, world-class blockbuster exhibitions and the fifth best restaurant in the world. Well, we’re stoked to say that all is right once more, with the just-released 2025 rankings revealing Melbourne has rocketed back up the prestigious list to secure fourth spot. Applause, please!  Photograph: Visit Victoria Coming in hot at number one is Cape Town in South Africa – and with its pristine natural surroundings, rich cultural history and legendary wine scene, we totally get it. The Thai capital of Bangkok took the silver medal, while the illustrious cities of New York and London sandwiched Melbourne in third and fifth positions, respectively. Yeah, we’d say we’re in pretty good company. On the Aussie front, it was a record-breaking year, with four local cities making the cut for the first time ever. Sydney came in at a very honourable 15th spot (no shade, we promise!), while Perth made its debut at 33 with Brisbane not far behind at 37.  So, we hear you asking, how exactly is this list compiled? This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights with Time Out on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. The data was then co

If discreet exclusivity is the name of the game at Saint Haven – a private wellness club best known for its jaw-dropping waitlist (15,000 people!) and cutting-edge bio-hacking treatments – consider it mission accomplished. Upon arrival at South Yarra’s Capitol Grand building I struggle to find the entrance, randomly pushing at surfaces hoping one would magically turn out to be a door. Thankfully, a club member arrives and waves his hand over a statue of the ancient Greek god Hermes, thus revealing the portal to this famed sanctuary of health. This is some next-level, James Bond-style secrecy, indeed. The South Yarra location is actually the second of Saint Haven’s Melbourne-based centres, with the first opening in Collingwood in 2023. They are the brainchild of wellness and property entrepreneur Tim Gurner, whose aim is to create a “unique” space where like-minded people can come to socialise, connect, work and gain access to a comprehensive suite of anti-ageing, recovery and health therapies.  Stepping into the space feels like you’re entering a transcendent world – one of focus, clarity and vitality. Created by Simon Brugaletta, Gurner Group’s head of interior design, it’s beautifully illuminated with curved accents, luxe marble finishes, soft curtains and a truly gorgeous teardrop chandelier. Think part bougie mansion in Toorak, part Nine Perfect Strangers-style health retreat.   Photograph: Peter Bennetts Some of the most eye-boggling facilities include an entire bathho

There's nothing we Melburnians love more than a delightfully warm Christmas Day – you know, conditions that are perfect for games of backyard cricket and sipping Champagne while peeling a giant plate of prawns. And considering it's been mostly sunny in December so far, we're crossing our fingers that it continues on. So will the weather gods decide to bless us with a Christmas miracle this year? Well, let's find out... What will Melbourne's Christmas Day weather be like? It's gonna be a hot one! According to AccuWeather, temperatures in Melbourne on December 25 are expected to hit 33°C with a low of 16°C – ideal for lazing around feasting on ham, seafood and pavlova, if you ask us. It will be bright and sunny, with light rain. Make sure to slip, slop, slap if you're spending lots of time outdoors as the UV will be extremely high.  Is it meant to rain in Melbourne on Christmas Day? At this stage, it's looking pretty unlikely (Hallelujah!) with just a five per cent chance of rain. And there's a zero chance of any thunderstorm action – which is good news for anyone planning to host their festivities outside. What will the weather on Christmas Eve in Melbourne be like? Christmas Eve is shaping up to be cooler and cloudy with a top of 22°C expected. There's just a slight chance of showers in the morning, which is great news if you're in charge of the setting up the outdoor area ahead of the Christmas Day madness. What will the weather on Boxing Day in Melbourne be like? Ahh, th

It's safe to say that our 2024 ins and outs were controversial – you guys really didn't like it when we said burrata was out (sorry not sorry!). Well, we've decided to get our crystal ball out once again and make some predictions for 2025. After all, we've spent the year eating, drinking and exploring the city, so it makes sense that we've picked up on a few key trends.  And look, you may not agree with them all – that's okay! Healthy debate is normal! – but for now, here's what we think will be hot (and not) for 2025. It's going to be another big year in Melbourne, and we're excited to see what unfolds for this great city of ours. So without further ado, here's the list! 2025 MELBOURNE INS Saying no Day parties Martinis Golf The Metro Tunnel Book clubs Orange wine Finger sandwiches Dinner parties with friends 2025 MELBOURNE OUTS Inbox zero Expensive concert tickets Limoncello Kingfish ceviche Vaping Hot yoga  Group chats Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: This Melbourne university has been named in the top ten most sustainable in the world This seaside pier in Williamstown is set to finally reopen after a multi-million dollar facelift Melbourne has scored a sexy new museum that promises to show you a good time

It's pretty safe to say that we Melburnians are suckers for a sparkly light show. We flock to the Royal Botanic Gardens every winter to marvel at the illuminated beauty of Lightscape, were mesmerised when an Indigenous-inspired activation popped up at Gumbuya World and even hit the highway to catch the glorious Moama Lights. And it appears our appetite is yet to wane. Fresh off the announcement that two massive light installations will be opening in Mildura next year, comes the news that Lightfall will make its world debut at the award-winning Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne in April 2025. Photograph: Rikard Osterlund Created by the same team behind Lightscape in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, this all-ages light trail promises to be a magical after-dark experience for the whole family. Stretching for one kilometre through the lush native landscape, it will feature large-scale illuminated sculptures, glowing lakeside reflections and an immersive soundscape. "We are delighted to bring Lightfall to the breathtaking Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne," says Jonathan Marks, managing director of Sony Music Entertainment. "This unique setting, with its remarkable native plants and striking landscapes, provides the  perfect canvas for an immersive light experience. The fusion of art, light and nature will create something truly extraordinary." Lightfall will run from April 6-20, 2025 (aka the school holidays), and there will be food and drink options on-site. Tickets st

There’s no denying us Aussies know how to indulge in life’s little luxuries – from savouring spaghetti and a Spritz by the waterfront to sipping bubbly at happy hour or having a gelato-fuelled movie marathon. But we’re also big on breaking a sweat, be it on lush nature trails, beautiful bike paths, at beachside gyms and even in those $35 reformer pilates classes. Earlier this year, Australia ranked among the top ten healthiest countries in the world for 2024. This was a victory shared by all our states and territories, but what happens when we look at the stats state by state? A new health risk report by insurance comparison website iSelect has done exactly that, ranking Australia’s states and territories from healthiest to unhealthiest. Our team at Time Out Melbourne found it pretty surprising (and kinda amusing) that Victoria has been named the healthiest state in the country. The data looked at key factors like alcohol intake, fruit and vegetable intake, smoking and exercise, with Victoria tallying an overall score of 78.63 out of 100.  Victorians excelled in two particular areas; interestingly, they’re least likely to exceed alcohol guidelines and most likely to meet exercise guidelines. Must be all that coffee they consume giving them a pep in their step. Victoria also has the second-lowest percentage of adults who smoke daily. Photograph: Polizzi Studio | Alex Polizzi The ACT and New South Wales were hot on Victoria’s heels, receiving health scores of 67.24 and 64.66,

Let's give it up for the legends over at 400 Gradi, with the pizza masters once again garnering glowing praise on the world stage for their authentic Italian fare. The 2024 edition of the Top 50 World Artisan Pizza Chains has just dropped, and it awarded 400 Gradi the eighth spot on the global list. It's the third year in a row the restaurant chain has landed in the top ten, after it placed in sixth place in both 2022 and 2023. This incredible achievement means that 400 Gradi is officially regarded as Australia's numero uno pizza and pasta chain right now – but long-time followers and fans will hardly be surprised. Photograph: Supplied / 400 Gradi The pizzeria and pasta restaurant led by Johnny di Francesco is no stranger to global wins. It was the first Australian pizza restaurant to be certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (the True Neapolitan Pizza Association), winner of best pizza in the world for its classic Margherita in 2014, and winner of the 2022 Made in Italy Latter Sorrentina Award for its menu of classic Italian delicacies. Given the fierce global competition at this annual event, the fact that 400 Gradi has once again stood out among the rest is no small feat. Since opening in 2008 on the Brunswick East end of Lygon Street, 400 Gradi has evolved into a global brand with locations spanning Victoria and South Australia, plus Dallas in the United States. Hungry to join in the celebrations? We'll catch you at 400 Gradi of world-class 'za! You can f

On November 21, the state’s leaders in tourism excellence came together for a spectacular gala event at Palladium at Crown in celebration of the businesses and individuals who are delivering ongoing elevated experiences in Victoria’s tourism sector. Now in its 38th year, the Victorian Tourism Awards play a vital role in connecting businesses and encouraging collaboration, professionalism and innovation. As the culmination of a year-round process, they provide an opportunity to pay tribute to all the tourism operators, experienced industry identities, volunteers and support workers who achieve continued high-standards in the visitor economy. Close to 1,000 industry identities from across the state were in attendance for the event, which was hosted by presenter and vocalist Brihony Dawson. The proceedings kicked off with a Welcome to Country, and featured speeches by VTIC chief executive, Felicia Mariani and minister for tourism, sport and major events, Steve Dimopoulos MP.  Winners were crowned in 27 major categories, including cultural tourism, unique accommodation, festivals and events, visitor information services and adventure tourism. The 33-person judging panel – comprising a cross-section of tourism industry professionals and former award winners – also awarded three individual excellence categories. Photograph: Andrew Hobbs This year's event saw the introduction of the Hallmark Events Icon Award – a new category that celebrates Victoria's vibrant and enviable event c

It’s a pretty fair assumption to make that we Victorians enjoy the finer things in life – you know, like dining at fancy restaurants, sipping Champers at happy hour and indulging in a sweet treat here or there. And sure, we like to keep fit – have you seen the Tan on a Saturday morning?! – but we certainly aren’t as loud and proud about it as, say, our friends in New South Wales and Queensland with their Lululemon uniforms, beachside gyms and penchant for green smoothies.  So it’s pretty surprising (and let’s be honest, kinda amusing) that Victoria has just been named the healthiest state in all of Australia. Yep, that’s right – according to new health risk report by insurance comparison website iSelect, Victorians have the healthiest habits with an overall score of 78.63 out of 100. The data looked at key factors like alcohol intake, fruit and vegetable intake, smoking and exercise. Victorians excelled in two particular areas; interestingly, we’re least likely to exceed alcohol guidelines and most likely to meet exercise guidelines. Must be all that coffee we consume giving us a pep in our step. Our population also has the second-lowest percentage of adults who smoke daily. The ACT and New South Wales were hot on our heels, receiving health scores of 67.24 and 64.66, respectively. And taking the title of the state with the unhealthiest habits is Queensland, which boasts the highest percentage of daily smokers and the lowest percentage of people meeting their fruit and veggie

We’re still more than a week out from December, but summer has well and truly arrived early, with a heatwave hitting Melbourne from today. Yep, you’re going to want to slip, slop and slap if you’re out and about over the next two days, with temperatures predicted to reach 34 degrees today (November 22) and 36 degrees tomorrow (November 23) – that’s 12 degrees above average for this time of year. This pre-summer heatwave is all thanks to northerly winds pushing a broad low pressure trough of hot air towards southeastern Australia. So we’re not the only ones set to swelter through some pretty sticky conditions – parts of South Australia have already experienced extremely hot conditions, while temperatures across inland New South Wales could reach the mid to upper 30s over the weekend. Closer to home, there are currently high fire danger warnings for parts of western and central Victoria. Regional locations like Bendigo and Nhill will likely feel the full force of the heat, hitting temperatures as high as 37 degrees. In Melbourne, we’re in for a warm night – it’s not expected to drop below 22 degrees from Friday evening into early Saturday morning. If you’ve got aircon, tonight’s the night to blast it.  Thankfully, conditions will ease by Sunday as a cool change sweeps across the state, with rain and a top of 23 degrees forecast for the city. Phew! Wondering how you’re going to get through the next two days of heat? Why not hit up some of the best beaches, swimming holes and poo

For those who weren't paying attention earlier this year, four Australian suburbs scored spots on Time Out’s annual list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the whole world. Sydney’s small yet spunky inner-city suburb of Chippendale ranked seventh, with Melbourne’s effortlessly cool Windsor in tenth. And for the first time ever, trendy suburbs in Perth and Adelaide also made the cut. Want to roll with the cool kids? Well, Domain has done the maths on what it’ll cost you to call these suburbs home. Take a squiz. Photograph: Cassandra Hannagan Chippendale, Sydney Ranked as the seventh coolest neighbourhood in the world, “Chippo” has transformed from an industrial area into a hip hub filled with creative spaces, boutique stores, trendy eateries and a community vibe. Given its young population of students (due to its proximity to UTS and Sydney Uni) and up-and-coming professionals, most of Chippendale's residents are renters.  The median weekly rent is $1,095 for a house or $820 for an apartment. The median unit price is $850,000, with studio apartments coming in relatively cheap – by Sydney standards – at around $500,000 to $600,000. Sounds like a lot, but – despite its proximity to the city, and the cool factor – it's a fair bit cheaper than nearby Surry Hills, where the median unit price is $70,000 more to buy.  Photograph: Mark Lobo Windsor, Melbourne This buzzing pocket in Melbourne's inner south is a go-to for curious foodies, thrift shoppers and art collectors, earning it