4 Incredible Cultural City Breaks To Add To Your Bucket List

Frequently described as the culture capital of Australia, Melbourne is home to a rich and vibrant cultural scene. A hive of creativity all year round, the city is widely celebrated for its arts, design, fashion, events, sports, and food. Catch dinner and a show in the East End Theatre District, explore contemporary art at the National Gallery of Victoria, or discover Aboriginal stories at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Join locals for AFL matches during footy season – the sport's so beloved it gets its own public holiday.

Immerse yourself in ancient stories at the Hellenic Museum, housed in the former Royal Mint and home to one of the world's finest collections of Greek antiquities outside Greece. Experience Melbourne's vibrant Greek community at the Lonsdale Street Greek Festival, where the street closes for traditional music, dance, and authentic cuisine. This is also where you'll find established Greek restaurants, including the iconic Stalactites Restaurant.

Just one street over is Little Bourke Street's vibrant Chinatown, packed with milk tea shops and hot pot restaurants, including student favourite Dragon Hot Pot. For multicultural Melbourne at its best, venture to Box Hill, where Asian culture thrives alongside local Australian traditions, from Vietnamese pho to traditional yum cha. 

Where to stay: Put yourself at the heart of the action at Avani Melbourne Central Residences in the CBD just a street away from Chinatown, soak up the jazz-inspired atmosphere at Avani Melbourne Jazz Corner Residences, also in the CBD, right next to Flagstaff Gardens and the Hellenic Museum, or if you'd like something a little more laid back, Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences offers a suburban feel with easy access to downtown and an incredible Asian community.

The fashion capital of Italy offers far more than just shopping and style. Milan's cultural scene rivals that of Rome or Florence, with world-class museums, historic architecture, and a thriving contemporary arts scene. Much like Melbourne's jazz heritage, Milan pulses with musical history from La Scala opera house to intimate jazz clubs tucked away in the Navigli district. Visit the magnificent Duomo and its intricate Gothic spires, explore the contemporary art collections at Fondazione Prada, or catch an evening performance at the legendary Teatro alla Scala.

The city's Renaissance heritage comes alive through its historic palazzos and churches, where masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci can still be admired today. Visit the world-famous Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie or see his Portrait of a Musician at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, which also houses his remarkable Codex Atlanticus sketches. The city's aperitivo culture creates the perfect opportunity to mingle with locals whilst sampling regional wines and traditional Milanese cuisine. From the historic Brera district with its cobblestone streets and art galleries to the modern Porta Nuova business district showcasing cutting-edge architecture, Milan seamlessly blends centuries of culture with contemporary innovation.

Where to stay: Immerse yourself in Milanese sophistication at Avani Palazzo Moscova Milan, perfectly positioned to explore the city's rich cultural tapestry.

Internationally recognised for the diversity of its arts and cultural scene, Lisbon is the perfect mix of old and modern, a living testimony of its more than 900 years of history. Start from the roots and wander through historic buildings and monuments, such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the St. George’s Castle, or the Belém Tower. Head to the excellent museums, like the Ancient Art Museum, The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, or the trendy Museum of Art and Architecture. Stroll through some of the most emblematic streets of downtown Lisbon and explore vintage shops, bookstores, classic and contemporary art galleries, and even shopping arcades dating back as far as the 18th century.

Look beneath the glitz and glamour of Dubai’s towering cityscape, and the city’s rich history and culture make for some fascinating encounters. Wander a little from the beaten path to the older parts of the city and see the many mosques that dot each community. Skip the malls for a day and enjoy the spicy aromas of souks full of local traders. There are also plenty of museums that are well worth checking out, like Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort, and The Dubai Heritage Village. The art galleries of Alserkal Avenue are definitely worth a look too.