50 reasons Melbourne is the world's most livable city

What makes a city user-friendly? Apart from being able to make a buck and rest your head, what sets one metropolis above another?

Melbourne has been named the world's most livable city by the Economist Group, publishers of "The Economist" magazine.

Whether it's relaxing, dining, people watching or shopping, Melbourne seems to have it all in a colorful and artistic heritage environment.

So, tell us something we didn't already know.

In no particular order, here are 50 reasons we think Melbourne is the best place in the world to live. Or visit.

50. Invented its own dance move

The Melbourne Shuffle, also known as Rocking, is a rave and club dance-style that evolved in the 1980s and involves fast heel-and-toe action.

49. Back alleyways where it's safe to hang out

An organic development arising out of Melbourne’s planned, ultra-wide streets, its laneways are a hive of activity. From shopping on Degraves Street to dining on Hardware Lane, people-watching is covered.

More on CNNGo: Melbourne's 7 funkiest laneways

48. Streets have musical names

Something about Corporation Lane just didn’t have a ring to it. Didn’t sound so funky. That’s why the same laneway is now called ACDC Lane, where you can rock off Cherry Bar, which claims to be the nation’s rock and roll capital.

Cherry Bar, 103 Flinders Lane City, +61 (0)3 9639 8122 

 

47. Vinyl capital of the world

While the rest of the world goes digital, there are still about 50 vinyl record stores around Melbourne, staying alive in musical worship of everything from Bollywood funk and hip-hop and retro rock.

As well as the latest-pressed seven-inchers by local DJs, there are always bins of pre-loved and once-loved stuff.

That’s more stores and more records, per capita, than any other place in the world.

“None of us are making much money,” says Chris Gill, owner of Northside Records in Fitzroy. “But we’re happy.”

Northside Records, 236 Gertrude St., Fitzroy, +61 (0)3 9417 7557

46. Free beer during haircuts

There are more than a few combination hairdresser/barber/tobacconists. At Doctor Follicles in Fitzroy, Richmond and St Kilda, you even get a free beer with your haircut. It’s the discerning man’s choice.

Dr. Follicles, 240 Gertrude St., Fitzroy, +61 (0)3 9416 3999 143; Swan St., Richmond, +61 (0)3 9421 1844; 188c Barkly St., St Kilda, +61 (0)3 9593 9200

45. Melbourne Arts Centre looks like the Eiffel Tower

Most cities have to look at a postcard to dream of tower romance, but Melbourne has its own 168-meter-high imitation, with a life of its own. At the base, performance halls are home to opera, symphony and the Melbourne Festival.

Melbourne Arts Centre, 100 St. Kilda Road, City, +61 (0)3 9281 8000   

More on CNNGo: Melbourne Festival Highlights 

44. An esplanade that’s worth a harbor

Australia’s unofficial poet laureate, folk singer Paul Kelly, sings, “I’ll give you all of Sydney Harbour, all that land and all that water, for that one sweet promenade.”  

“From St Kilda to Kings Cross” is an ode to the imported palm-lined bay in trendy St Kilda all-year round. What it lacks in beauty it makes up for with no surf, dirty water and the odd wino in the park -– but also a grungy beachside precinct that oozes character.

Almost calls for a walk along the bay to the Espy, where Kelly was a resident performer for years, to check the main hall or back room for some live acts from mod rock to hip-hop.

The Esplanade Hotel, 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda, +61 (0)3 9534 0211

More on CNNGo: 5 legendary Aussie music venues

43. St Kilda is so cool that aliens have landed 

For real. And it doesn’t look like they’re leaving. Maybe they like the bayside coffee.

Thank Smik Studio on Acland Street, who got local artists onto making a UFO crash through his roof.

42. Pub grub on a film set

The Union Club Hotel is a regular set for the TV series, "Offspring," and many other shoots. The old-fashioned, round bar and lounges make it ideal.

It's also a good place for a pot and pub grub at Lazy Susan’s Kitchen, where you can score Fat Chris’ Breakfast Burger, served with the lot and chips ($18).

Union Club Hotel, 164 Gore St., Fitzroy, +61 (0)3 9417 2926

41. Cafés serve LSD

Too much coffee is unhealthy -– that’s why it’s always good to have mind-altering alternatives.

A latte of soy and dandelion (commonly known as LSD) is a fairly good taste imitation and healthier option than the much-ingested bean. Pick it up for $3.50 at a range of cafés, including local haunt the Galleon Café, just off Acland Street in St Kilda.

Galleon Café, 9 Carlisle St., St Kilda, +61 (0)3 9534 8934