St. Kilda, one of Melbourne's oldest bayside suburbs

Melbourne, Victoria is Australia's second largest city and is well known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere. In the heart of Melbourne, St. Kilda is known as one of the most cosmopolitan suburbs in the city.

St. Kilda's history goes back to the nineteenth century, when it was known as the most prestigious communities in the area and was the most fashionable seaside resort in Melbourne. As Melbourne grew, it became part of the greater metropolitan area and by the 1950s, it was in decline. The expensive shops closed, gentile Melbournians went to the beach elsewhere and St. Kilda fell into disrepute.

Since the 1980s, St. Kilda has been rediscovered and today, it is one of the trendiest suburbs in Melbourne. College students and backpackers call Fitzroy Street and Acland Street home and they are two of the hippest streets in town. If you're looking for a place with a lively artistic atmosphere, then you will find it here. Fitzroy and Acland Streets are both great places to just hang out. Grab a book in one of the small independent bookshops you run across, sit down for a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe and you'll fit right in. Be sure to check out the Linden Centre for Contemporary Arts while you're on Acland Street. It's easy to find: just look for the wonderful Victorian mansion it is located in.

If you have ever been to LAs iconic Venice Beach on a Sunday afternoon, you get an idea of what it's like at the beach in St. Kilda on the weekend. Make it a point to go there on a Sunday and have a great day shopping at the Esplanade Arts and Crafts Market.

For the family, the beach at St. Kilda offers a great day out. Treat the children to a day at Luna Park, one of Melbourne's most famous landmarks. Go to St Kilda breakwater and look for the delightful fairy penguins that can often be seen there.

Come back to the lower Esplanade at night and enjoy gourmet food and live entertainment. St. Kilda's Palais Theatre is now one of Melbourne's leading concert venues, with international stars appearing there regularly. If something more intimate is what you're after, there are plenty of pub bands to choose from. There's nothing quite like mingling with the locals in a crowded pub when one of the favorite local bands is making an appearance. The Esplanade Hotel is just one great venue to go to for some of the top local and Australian acts.

When you're on St. Kilda's Carlisle Street, you may have to pinch yourself before you forget that you're in Australia and not someplace in Europe. Not only is the atmosphere cosmopolitan on Carlisle street, it seems as if English is only the local's second tongue. You are in Australia, though, and everyone speaks English, too, so you won't have any trouble communicating when you order a mouth watering cake or bagel at one of Carlisle Street's many wonderful eateries.

You won't feel like you have missed St Kilda's golden era when you visit there. In fact, you most likely will feel like it its glory days have just begun. Be part of the action. Stay at a St. Kilda accommodation and get the most out of your visit to Melbourne. Whether you stay in one of the many backpackers resorts or in a magnificently restored Bed and Breakfast, you will love this part of the city.

Take a few days off, find St. Kilda accommodation, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.