Melbourne may have all the features of a fast paced metropolis, but luckily its spirit is infused with chilled out Aussie vibes; giving you time to savour the city’s many attractions.

Filled with hidden lanes and historic arcades which are packed with fine dining, boutiques and bars, Melbourne unfolds a little more with each leisurely stroll. As a food and wine mecca and cultural hotspot, a perfect day could be spent at a street side cafe watching the live music, street performers and festivals that appear daily.

These are our top ideas on how to get the best out of this easy, breezy city:

See it:  Watch the city wake up and see Melbourne from soaring heights by floating off on an early morning hot air balloon ride. Get a bird’s eye view of some of the city’s best sights including Melbourne Cricket Ground – the largest in Australia, the Yarra River and the impressive Eureka tower – the fourth tallest tower in the world. Balloon Flights Over Melbourne operates the tours and offers a luxurious champagne breakfast after the balloon ride.

Hear it: Melbourne’s cultural roots make it the perfect place to catch some live music and the city provides many opportunities to do just that. As well as hosting a non-stop schedule of touring international acts, the independent music scene is thriving with local bands and acts. The Corner  Hotel is a legendary venue to see both under the one roof. The place is filled with mixed crowds on weekends, all there to listen to bands and artists playing anything from rock and pop to punk and salsa at one of the grungy hotels three stages.

Celebrate it: In late September the Melbourne Fringe Festival kicks off, featuring dance, music and art from over 4000 spirited independent artists. Catch the innovative acts at theatres, pubs, bars, galleries and public spaces across the city.

Life moves fast in Tokyo, where cultures clash and fashions fade in and out of vogue almost as quickly as the sparkling lights flash.

A city filled with innovation and art, pop culture and crazy inventions, live music and nightlife, it is easy to forgive the rush in Tokyo as you get caught up in the whirlwind of excitement that continually buzzes in this crazy city.

Yes, life is a party here, but don’t worry if you feel the need to live it at a slower pace as traditional Japanese roots are still thoroughly ingrained in everyday culture and relics of a grand imperial past can be found standing calmly aside skyscrapers and noodle bars.

Here are some of the best ways to join the party in Tokyo at both paces.

Sing: You may not understand it, but karaoke is cool in Tokyo and a hip way to spend a Friday night. Forget wailing aunties down the local on a Tuesday – the streets of Japan’s capital offer countless bars to unleash your inner pop star in style with flashy lighting and modern private booths. The past-time offers a great insight in to the cultural of the Japanese people, whose formal daytime exchanges are transformed in to hilarious singing parties by night. Try it at one of the Karaoke-Kan bars in Shibuya.

Club: Superdelux in Roppongi is far more than a nightclub with its popular events schedule running exclusive parties and shows throughout each month. The club’s owners are well known Tokyo-based architects, setting the tone for the most famous event, Pecha Kucha, which allows creative types to ‘show and tell’ a piece of design before dancing the night away.

Drink: To get a firsthand experience of the ancient Japanese rituals kept alive in Tokyo today then head to Kyoto where you can take part in a tea ceremony with a Geisha. Before entering you must learn the appropriate gestures and phrases expected of guests, but it is well worth it to marvel the beautiful kimonos and art of the ceremony which has been in place for centuries.

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It may not be well known, but Budapest parties hard. And perhaps down to too many late nights, the city has failed to boast about its status as a buzzing nightlife hotspot, instead focusing on the wonderful architecture and history of Hungary’s capital.

While that stuff is great (you will be amazed by the Roman ruins and grand bridges over the Danube River), it should be known that a stop in Budapest offers some serious partying to help you let loose after the maps are packed away. Check out these places for unforgettable nights:

Ruin Pubs: Formally going by the name of Romkocsma, these pubs have popped up in empty houses and vacant courtyards throughout the city, charming tourists who stumble upon them. Full of hipster locals and eccentric mismatched furniture, these sneaky pubs have an unbeatable atmosphere. Take a nap before heading out as ruin pubs often stay open until 4AM and there’s a lot to take in while you are there – most feature impromptu gigs, art exhibitions and film screenings.

Cinetrip Sparty: As it turns out, the ancient Turkish baths of Budapest are not just for daytime relaxing. Infamous spa parties have been running in them for the last ten years. Events company Cinetrip hosts the nights which merges audiovisual technology to project light shows and old silent movies on to the walls in the time to the DJs banging beats. Synchronised swimmers wow the massive crowds who come to dance and swim to the amazing music.

Sziget Festival – In August the party extends to the daytime as thousands flock to the Sziget music festival – one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Boats whisk revellers to a leafy island amidst the Danube River, where a massive line up of international pop and rock acts await them.

And don’t worry, hangovers can be healed with ease in Budapest, as the morning after can be spent in the healing waters of the Turkish baths or leisurely browsing the city’s many art galleries and historic buildings.

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Enjoy nightlife with a twist and get traditional at Murcia’s many tapas and flamenco bars. Along with the traditional joints, the town is also well known for its lively bars, nightclubs and casinos which are often buzzing until the early hours of the morning. Days can be spent browsing the traditional buildings or lazing at sundrenched Mediterranean beaches, famous for their beauty.

Faro is the provincial capital of the Algarve and offers visitors an interesting snapshot of historical Portugal before they head to a nearby sunshine resort such as Lagos or Albufeira. Browse the quaint old town or enjoy some fresh seafood at one of the town’s many restaurants then sample some Portuguese sangria with the welcoming locals.

A trip to Malta is the ideal relaxation holiday and has an incredible number of beaches, considering the small islands size. The combined cultural influences ensure a visit will be memorable as you soak in the North African, Arabic and Sicilian touches that can be found in the language, food and architecture. But despite these outward influences, Malta has a character all of its own which you can relish at the islands colourful street festivals.

Crete is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations and it’s no wonder with its sun soaked, sandy beaches, amazing food, rich history and most importantly, the lively nightlife. Originally famous for archaeological treasures (many of which can be found in the capital Heraklion) the island is now better known for the amazing nightlife and crazy clubs of Malia – Greece’s wildest party resort.

The palm tree lined boulevards of Antalya are almost always sun drenched due to the Turkish city’s mostly warm climate. Film and football are the most appreciated interests here, with film festivals rolling in and out of town throughout the year and the locals proudly displaying their love for the beautiful game at Atatürk stadium. The city’s interesting history and unspoiled beaches are also worthy pulling points for many visitors.

For a perfect Greek island getaway, you can’t beat Corfu. The beautiful greenery and dramatic clay stone cliffs make for good views while sipping a mythos beer in a beach side bar. You can find it all here: historical Roman architechture in Corfu town, beautiful beaches in Agios Georgio or Sidari and buzzing nightlife in Kavos.

For year round sunshine, lazy beaches and a dramatic volcanic landscape, Lanzarote is the ideal island escape. Resorts are generally quieter than those of other Canary Islands, but what they lack in parties they make up for in total relaxation. Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca are filled with luxury hotels and traditional Spanish restaurants, but if you can’t be kept from a party Puerto Del Carmen has a few wild nightlife options.