Of Melbourne’s major attractions the Queen Victoria Market stands out not only as a landmark but as a living melting pot that exhibits the true culture of the area.

Fondly known as Queen Vic Market which is situated in the Southern coast of the country, it is one of Australia’s largest open air markets. Stretching across 17 acres, the market was named after the British monarch – Queen Victoria who ruled between the years 1837 – 1901.

This 19th century market is one of the few to have survived the ravages of time and is today in the heart of the Melbourne business district.

The market offers travelers an opportunity to not only get their shopping done but a chance to interact with the locals. The Victoria Market is a tourist attraction of a different sort. What is on sale is not just about the items in view but the whole experience itself. Tourists could rub shoulders with people who bring with them their different accents and colourful personalities to mingle with tourists from all over the world.

The market sells food items like meats, vegetables and fruits, plenty of sea food and deli items as well. The diversity of the market is not confined to just the food, but includes items like clothes, shoes, arts and crafts and even jewellery.

A popular feature of the market through the ages has been the doughnut van which has been in operation for more than a century, and the jam doughnuts are famous as they are legendary. During certain summer months a night market comes alive with entertainment, bars, dinning options and a host of other stalls.

A visit to the market should be done when the stalls offering produce are open as these stalls represent the true spirit of the market. Another note worthy shop is the Bratwurst Shop, where tourists arriving with kids could savour a sausage in a roll as a mid day snack. For more merchant items, then Sunday is the day to make a visit. The Victoria Market’s offerings add to the experience by turning the surrounding atmosphere into a typical page from the famous Arabian nights.

All that’s left after an exciting day at the Queen Vic Market is to check in for some pampering at one of the hotels Melbourne has to offer. The hotels in Melbourne, especially those located close to the Yarra River offer some amazing views for a quiet evening. The Langham Hotel Melbourne is one such hotel that offers panoramic views and a location that is the envy of the rest.