The Tennis Traveler: Top 5 things to do in Melbourne, Australia

Have you or a loved one booked a trip to Melbourne for the Australian Open?

Any chance you can sell me those tickets?

Assuming you rejected the latter…I’ve put together the must-see happenings so you can get the most out of your stay and make the rest of us screen-watchers jealous. Here are the Top 5 things to do in Melbourne:

1. Five Floors of Fun

In the heart of Chinatown, Heroes is a five-story experience for the taking. Step into an Asian-inspired modern punk aesthetic that offers shareable favorites from all over the world. Try their take on cheeseburger or mac & cheese drumplings (not a typo) or stick to the classic BBQ pork baos and edamame.

Explore all the way from the basement to the rooftop to everywhere in between, and book a karaoke room for a night to remember. Take a risk with the signature cocktails here as the Fresh Prince of Bourke St. has gin drinkers raving—literally.

2. Finder's Keepers

Flinders is a must-see charming village along the Yarra River. Measuring exactly one mile in length, the street is filled with eateries, antique outlets, boutique shops, galleries and so much more.

A 20-minute walk away from Rod Laver Arena is all it takes to experience this peninsula, and everything is has to offer.

Just across the river is also the National Gallery of Victoria, the gold-plated Melbourne Skydeck, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, all of which surround the Australian Open grounds and pair nicely with a charming stroll.

3. Find! Those! Players!

I mean, observe them from a close distance, of course. Over the years there have been many player spottings around the city, and with a sharp eye, all it will take is some luck.

Find them at The Olsen and the Crown Towers, and keep an eye out for Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Greek parts of town as he is always “overwhelmed by the love shown by the Greek community” in Melbourne.

For a more in-depth player-spotting itinerary, check out Spot your favorites in Melbourne.

4. Eccentric Festivals

Summer down under is an adventure of a lifetime. At the end of January begins a swing of festivities throughout Melbourne. From food and wine experiences to sailing the waterfront to sculpture appreciation there is simply too much to do.

Here is a list of upcoming events this month:

• Geelong Beer Festival, 20^th
• Morsels on the Murray, 27^th
• Festival of Sails, 26^th-28^th
• Great Ocean Road Race, 24^th-28^th
• Art in the Vines, through Apriil 30^th

Read more about these festivals and many more happening in Melbourne here.

5. St. Kilda's Everything

Trade in the Santa Monica Pier for this beachside happening because no Melbourne trip is complete without a visit to St. Kilda. It has everything.

Want to ride a rollercoaster? Visit the Luna Park. Yes, it also has carnival games.

An adrenaline junkie? Skydive from 15,000 feet in the air.

In a dance-craze? Check out The Prince Bandroom for the hottest acts.

Dining options scale the bay, overlooking the windsurfers, kite surfers, kiteboarders and sailors. There are even spa-like getaways in the historic St. Kilda Sea Baths where heated seawater spa and pool relaxation awaits.