Skydeck 88. Melbourne Cbd.

I was hesitant to make my first entry in Melbourne about a place that doesn't necessarily fall into the "hidden gem" category of things to do when visiting, but in certain cities, I feel there are things that are a must do. The Eureka Skydeck 88 is located right on the riverfront, in the heart of the city, and gives a panoramic view of literally the whole of Melbourne.

Yes, it's overpriced. 16.50 Aussie Dollars is a little steep to look out a window from the 88th floor of a building.

Yes, it's a tourist trap. I was one of many who were most likely new to the city, and I'm sure I stood out as "that guy who is definitely not from here" in my bright yellow jacket that reads "Australia," a backwards Boston Celtics hat, and a digital camera hanging from my wrist.

If anything, I'm adding this spot because of it's overtly touristy aspects. Those are the exact things I look to avoid when seeing a new city, as I know how people can get sucked in to an average situation and drop Ritz money on Holiday Inn surroundings, but I think anyone would be missing out on some breathtaking sights due to these easily made judgements.

The fact is, there is no better place in the city to take the type of photos you can get from the 88th floor of a building in the center of town. It towers over everything around it, and the lack of buildings in the proximity gives you a 360 degree view, from the coast to the riverfront, to the tennis courts and stadiums of Melbourne Park, where the Australian Open is held annually.

There is even a glass cube that jets out about 3 meters from the building where you can pay to stand, completely adjacent the building, but for an extra 17 Aussie dollars, I passed on that one. I'm not too keen on enclosed spaces, or heights, so "saving money" works perfectly for me with that excuse.

Would I go back? No way, this is the type of thing you only need to do once. Take a ton of pictures and see the city from a vantage point left for pilots and birds. It may not be trendy or an underground spot that only the locals would know, but from up here, you're sure to find somewhere cool worth exploring.