Although Melbourne is a city that is far too dynamic to experience in full in a mere 48 hours, a weekend getaway is still enough to taste test the capital of Victoria. Those who are heading to the bustling metropolis for a weekend holiday can explore most of the city's highlights and recreational attractions if they use their time carefully. From discovering some of the city's cultural hotspots to squeezing in a few leisurely activities, here's how to spend two glorious days in Melbourne.

Those who are visiting Melbourne for a short stay must ensure that their Melbourne city hotels are conveniently located. This is due to the fact that a hotel that is not centrally situated is likely to eat up most of your sightseeing time during a trip where the hours are limited. Whether you select the Avani Melbourne Central Residences or any other hotel or serviced apartment, make sure the venue is conveniently placed so as to offer easy access to the city's main points of interest. If you are unable to secure a strategic rest, the next best option is to find a hotel that is located near the metro stations and other public transport links.

Kick-start your first day in Melbourne with a cup of the best coffee that Melbourne has to offer. Head down to the Seedling Cafe down Elizabeth Street to grab a cuppa and some avocado toast before enjoying a walk along the Yarra River. Offering breathtaking views of the Central Business District, this morning stroll will set you up perfectly to join the Art Deco Walk of the CBD. Apart from taking in the art-deco style architecture of the city centre, one can also window shop the boutiques down Bourke Street.

After grabbing lunch back at your hotel, venture down to the National Gallery of Victoria to spend some time indoors before a shopping tour of the Queen Street Market. Stock up on local treats and souvenirs at this historical thoroughfare before heading to the Southbank area for a dinner at the Spice Temple. A Chinese cuisine hub revered by Aussies, this sleek restaurant is the perfect venue to dig into a scrumptious meal at the end of your first day. Don't forget to walk over to the Old Railroad Bridge for a look at the Melbourne city skyline before you call it a night.

Your last day in Melbourne should begin with a drive to Degraves Street as it is part of the laneways where chic cafes and restaurants are found in narrow pedestrian streets. RMB Cafe is one of the area's best breakfast nooks while Cathedral Arcade is equally well-known for its excellent coffee and snacks. The Melbourne Laneways not only include amazing street art but also Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane and Higson Lane, which are veritable street art hotspots in Australia. Visitors can also shop in the fashionable boutiques lining these lanes and historic arcades before going to Federation Square for lunch.

Wind down your afternoon with a tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Grounds or MCG and its impressive museum before walking over to the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria. Just 10 minutes from the cricket ground, this vast, green space is the perfect venue to soak up the atmosphere and marvel at the flowers and fountains decorating the gardens. Before going back to your hotel to pack, make a pit stop at Pink Lake to bid adieu to this vibrant city and take in the views from this saltwater lake where locals enjoy evening strolls.