Three cities whose evolving skylines marry the cutting-edge with the customary

Under $275 a day

Where
Melbourne, Australia

Why
A flurry of modern design has transformed Melbourne in recent years. The flamboyant cultural center Federation Square—a mix of cement, glass, and steel—is an eye-catching (and controversial) structure that serves as a starting foil to Victorian-era gems such as Flinders Street Station. Across the Yarra River, an area of warehouses and factories has been reincarnated as Southbank, a swank assortment of bustling shopping, eating, and entertainment venues.

Room
The Langham Hotel in Southbank brings a bit of Hong Kong panache, with sweeping skyline views and sublime service (61-38-696-8888; melbourne.langhamhotels.com; doubles, $270–$490). Near the Botanic Gardens, The Hatton is an all-suite hotel in a 1902 Italianate mansion (61-39-868-4800; www.hatton.com.au; doubles, $160–$180).

Lunch & Dinner
Southbank's Blue Train Cafe is as much a hangout for the local lunch crowd as for out-of-towners (MR5 Mid Level, Southgate Landing; 61-39-696-0440; entrées, $8–$20). Tjanabi, in the atrium at Fed Square, is an Aboriginal-owned bistro with a menu ranging from kangaroo fillet to pan-roasted wild barramundi (61-39-662-1225; entrées, $30–$45).

Tip
Chocoholic offers walking tours that focus on cacao-based treats, from hot chocolate to handmade candies, in shopping and architectural districts. In can also organize special gallery antiques, and fashion excursions (61-39-686-4566; chocoholictours.com.au; two-hour tours, $25).

Under $350 a day

Where
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Why
A handful of bold new structures have infused this city with postmodern pizzazz. Dropped among office towers, Cesar Pelli's light-filled Central Library is a glass-and-limestone gem. Nearby, along the Mississippi River, Jean Nouvel's midnight-blue Guthrie Theater both mirrors and updates the industrial buildings of the surrounding Mill District. Herzog de Meuron's 2005 expansion and renovation of the Walker Art Center is a striking contrast to the pastoral Loring Park, across the street.

Room
Mixing minimalist Scandinavian-influenced style and corporate-chain amenities (there's a gym, a spa, a nightclub, and an excellent restaurant), Graves 601 is a good bet for guests with an eye for aesthetics—and its a five- to ten-minute drive from the city's architectural highlights (866-523-1100; graves601hotel.com; doubles, $262–$289).