Love Letter to Melbourne: Top Ten Reasons Why This City Completely Won Me Over

A British Expats Journey to Falling in Love with Melbourne

Melbourne snuck up on me. Properly snuck up on me. I was not intending to fall in love, just a casual relationship for a few years, and then I would return home to London. One minute I'm standing at Southern Cross Station with a suitcase and zero clue about myki cards, the next I'm arguing with mates about whether Richmond deserved that free kick. I came here for work. Stayed for... well, everything else.

The Coffee Thing is Real (And I Don't Even Like Admitting It)

Right, so I used to think instant coffee was fine. I know, I know. I'm ashamed to admit it!. But honestly, the coffee here isn't just coffee. It's this whole morning ritual where someone actually gives a damn whether your flat white tastes right. Yesterday I walked fifteen minutes out of my way because my usual guy knows exactly how I like it. That's either really sad or really lovely, and I'm going with lovely.

Laneways Make Zero Sense Until They Make Perfect Sense

First week here, I got lost trying to find some bar my colleague recommended.

I wandered around these tiny alleys for ages, feeling like an idiot, and then went back to my accommodation feeling very uncool. Now? Laneways are my favorite part of walking anywhere. There's always something new - street art that wasn't there last week, a café that fits maybe eight people, bars tucked away like they're hiding from something, second hand book stores that feel like you need a secret password to enter. It's like the city keeps little surprises for people who bother to look.

The Food Situation is Completely Ridiculous (In the Best Way)

 While a lots of cities talk a big game, Melbourne just gets on with actually having good food in the most unpretentious way. Vietnamese pho at 7am? Normal Tuesday. Authentic Italian from someone's nonna cooking in the kitchen? You can't tell me Pellegrini's is not the most amazingly authentic Melbourne experience. Greek food in Lonsdale street. Random Friday. I've eaten my way through about thirty different countries without leaving the CBD. The Saturday markets alone could bankrupt you if you're not careful, but what a way to go.

Weather That Makes No Actual Sense

Four seasons in one day isn't just a song lyric by one time Melbourne band Crowded House - it's a legitimate weather forecast. I've learned to carry a jumper, winter coat, sunglasses, and an umbrella at all times because Melbourne weather has commitment issues. Weirdly, I love it now. Makes those perfect sunny days feel like winning the lottery. Plus, everyone bonds over weather complaints, which is very British of Melbourne.

Trams Become Part of Your Soul (Eventually)

Spent my first month completely baffled by the tram system. Where exactly do you tap on? Why is the 96 tram always packed but the 5 is empty? Now I can't imagine life without them. There's something oddly romantic about riding through the city, watching Melbourne unfold through the windows. And the free tram zone still feels like getting away with something.

Parks Everywhere, Like Actually Everywhere

Royal Botanic Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, weird little pocket parks that appear between buildings - this city really loves its green spaces. What gets me is how seamlessly they're woven into daily life here. People don't just visit parks on weekends; they properly live in them. Lunch meetings under trees, morning coffee in garden cafés, Sunday arvo picnics that turn into impromptu gatherings. There's something lovely about a city that makes green space feel essential rather than optional.

AFL Happened to Me (I'm Still Processing This)

Never cared about sport. Actively avoided sport. Then someone dragged me to the MCG and... I have opinions now. Strong opinions about free kicks and whether that was deliberate or not. The crowd energy is mental - 80,000 people losing their minds over the same thing. It's tribal in the best possible way. Still can't quite believe I'm the person who checks footy scores!

Every Suburb Has Its Own Personality (And They're All Right)

Collingwood and Fitzroy feel like their too cool for you but might let you hang around anyway. South Yarra knows it's fancy and doesn't apologise for it. St. Kilda is that friend who's seen some things but always has the best stories. Abbotsford smells like fish sauce and I mean that in the most loving way possible. Each area genuinely feels different, not just expensive-different or hipster-different, but properly distinct.

The All-Black Fashion Thing Works (Don't Ask Me Why)

Everyone wears black. Everyone. Should be boring, right? Somehow it's not. Maybe it's because when everyone's wearing the same base color, the little details matter more. A good leather jacket, interesting boots, the way someone wears their scarf - it all stands out. Plus, you can roll out of bed, grab anything black from your wardrobe, and look like you made an effort. It's genius, really.

People Here Get the Balance Right

Melburnians will help you with directions, recommend their favorite brunch spot, then leave you alone to figure things out. There's no forced friendliness, no awkward small talk, but genuine warmth when you need it. Someone held the tram for me last week when I was running late. Small thing, but it mattered. That's Melbourne - helpful without being overwhelming, friendly without expecting anything back.

I didn't plan to fall for Melbourne. Wasn't looking for a new home, just needed somewhere to work for a bit. But cities don't always wait for you to be ready for them. Sometimes they just quietly become part of who you are while you're busy figuring out how to buy a myki card. Now when people ask if I'm staying, I don't even hesitate. Course I'm staying. Melbourne might have snuck up on me, but I'm not going anywhere.