Melbourne is 'stealing the spotlight' from other cities

Melbourne has been "stealing the spotlight" from other Australian cities in recent years, according to journalist Michelle Higgins.

The writer put forward this opinion in the New York Times, where she named it as her most-recommended destination for 2011.

People looking for activity holidays have often travelled to Australia - and Melbourne is growing in status.

Ms Higgins recommended the fantastic food available in Melbourne's restaurants and the artistic side of the city.

"With a bunch of new hotels and restaurants led by notable chefs cropping up, Melbourne has been stealing the spotlight from its sister city, Sydney," she wrote.

"The city's thriving arts scene now has stylish boutique hotels to match, too. Three Art Series Hotels, inspired by (and featuring the works of) famous artists, opened in the last year."

Melbourne, which is the capital of the Australian state of Victoria, is the second best city to live in the world, according to The Economist magazine, with a rating of 97.5 out of 100.