Us Melbournians love to pride ourselves on knowing everything about this fine city. But we can sometimes be overwhelmed by choice.

So we’ve teamed up with Citi to rethink experiences you might be missing in your own backyard – great spots to eat, drink and try something special. You game to give them all a go?

EAT

No. 8 by John Lawson: Local Produce, traditional cooking methods, and contemporary delivery is what you’ll find in this stylish venue. Sustainability and using local Victorian farms is key for Lawson. Take note of the artisan freshly baked breads; Eddie Parker has developed these exclusively for No.8 – they’ll get you talking. Want to make this night even better? Dine and pay with your Citibank card and you’ll get a free bottle of wine to enjoy.

State of Grace: Pre-show dining, late night dining, or a quick bite to eat, State of Grace is a new player in Collins Street serving up European flavours. The real secret here is the cellar bar below, Fall From Grace, which you enter by pulling the correct book on the bookshelf. You’ll feel like James Bond, in all the right ways.

Campari House: Campari Roof top is a Hardware Lane favourite during the summer months. Faux grass, cocktails, and really tasty pizzas. But they also have a ground floor restaurant serving up those same delicious pizzas along side a full Italian inspired menu, as well as a mid level cocktail bar. Perfect for cool nights, and stiff drinks. Dine and pay with your Citibank card and enjoy a bottle of award-winning wine.

DRINK

The Understudy: Hidden below awarded cocktail bar 1806, The Understudy is where Alice in Wonderland’s dreams becomes a reality. The cocktails and the matched bites have more science behind them than booze, and are constantly changing. Opt for a tea party inspired drink only the Mad Hatter would think up.  It’s also fit with creepy Alice in Wonderland creatures around the room. Enter at your own risk.  

The Bridge Hotel: Melbourne loves a laneway, or two. It defines us almost. But sometimes it’s cold, it’s wet, and the city just isn’t doing it for you? Well, The Bridge Hotel, redesigned by the clever team at Sand Hill Road Group allows us to drink indoors in a lane way. Yep, a laneway was built into the centre of the pub creating a unique iconic Melbourne experience.

Amelia Shaw: The Retreat Hotel is a legend on the pub scene, and Amelia Shaw which sits above it, is nothing like it. A more sophisticated affair, this bar can feel like you’re being a voyeur in someone else’s house. Small nooks and rooms give privacy, while the American West Cost Deco gives it a vast aesthetic difference from the space below.

EXPERIENCE

Body Flow Aerial Yoga: Yoga is so in right now. We’re sure you’ve found yourself in downward dog at least once. But what about upside down in straps? Well Aerial Yoga is here to show you that you’ve got a lot to learn about the humble practice before you can call yourself a yogi. The silk slings you hang from provides traction to extend your posture fully, lengthening your spine, reducing vertebral compression and improving the function of nerves throughout your entire body. You’ll feel an inch taller after every session.

Camberwell Market: It’s been around for a while, but how often have you actually taken the time to drive over there and explore for the whole day? There’s plenty to uncover here, and a few hours just won’t cut it. Second hand treasures and handmade one-off pieces are what you can expect to find at this iconic Melbourne Market. If fashion and jewelry are your things, this one is for you.

Escapism: These days we rarely stop and do nothing for an hour straight. Or just play without our phones. Escapism, the new live interactive game, is all about leaving the real world behind for 50 minutes. You’ll be locked in a room, given clues and riddles, and have to use brainpower to get yourself out before the time is up.

Lyon House Museum: Art is a beautiful thing, we’ve just discussed that, but art galleries can be stuffy, huge, and overwhelming. What if you could go to someone’s house and have a look around? Well, that is exactly what happens at Lyon House Museum. You must book before you go and don’t take the entire extended family, stick to small ground for better viewing.

Round She Goes: A vintage market place like no other. Round She Goes is all about pre-loved women’s fashion, and sees a serious amount of designer pieces. This isn’t the throw outs from the wardrobe because they aren’t worth wearing anymore; these are beautiful pieces of clothing. Jewelry and accessories are also available from a number of stallholders. After you’ve shopped your heart out head to a Citibank Dining Program restaurant, pay with your Citibank card and there might be a free bottle of wine to drink while wearing that new dress.

Rethink your city. Rethink banking. This is a message presented by Melbourne City explorers Citi.