Best Things to Do in Melbourne
Melbourne pulses with creative energy, renowned for its hidden laneway culture, exceptional coffee, vibrant arts scene, and passionate sports fans. This dynamic Australian city offers a captivating blend of Victorian architecture and modern design, inviting exploration through its diverse neighborhoods and beautiful green spaces; you’ll also discover many fantastic free things to do in Melbourne, from wandering street art galleries to relaxing in stunning gardens. Get ready to experience a city that celebrates food, culture, and individuality.
This guide showcases thirty distinct ways to dive into the heart of Melbourne, covering iconic landmarks, cultural institutions, culinary delights, and unique local experiences. Whether you’re navigating bustling markets, sipping expertly brewed coffee, catching a tram, or exploring leafy parks, these suggestions will help you uncover the multifaceted charm that makes Melbourne consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities. Prepare to explore its unique character.
Iconic Laneways & City Spaces
Federation Square: Visit Melbourne’s modern public square, a hub for arts, culture, and events located opposite Flinders Street Station. Explore the unique architecture, catch a free event, or visit the galleries and eateries housed within its complex for a central city meeting point.
Hosier Lane & Street Art: Wander through Melbourne’s most famous laneway gallery, adorned with constantly changing, vibrant street art, stencils, and installations. Explore nearby AC/DC Lane and other hidden alleys to appreciate the city’s dynamic urban art scene.
Degraves Street & Centre Place: Immerse yourself in Melbourne’s quintessential laneway cafe culture, buzzing with alfresco dining, coffee shops, and quirky boutiques. Grab a coffee and soak up the bustling atmosphere, feeling like you’ve stepped into a slice of Europe.
Block Arcade & Royal Arcade: Stroll through Melbourne’s beautifully preserved Victorian-era shopping arcades, admiring the mosaic floors, ornate ceilings, and unique specialty shops. These historic arcades offer an elegant step back in time.
Ride the City Circle Tram: Hop on the free City Circle Tram for a convenient way to get an overview of the central business district and Docklands. Listen to the audio commentary highlighting major landmarks and attractions along its heritage route.
Culture & Arts Hubs
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International): Explore Australia’s oldest and most visited gallery, housing an extensive collection of international art across various eras and cultures. Don’t miss the impressive Great Hall with its stained-glass ceiling; general admission is free.
ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image): Discover the world of film, television, video games, and digital culture through interactive exhibitions at Federation Square. Explore the evolution of the moving image in this engaging, modern museum.
Melbourne Museum: Delve into Victoria’s natural and cultural history through diverse exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons, Aboriginal cultural heritage, and the living Forest Gallery. Located in Carlton Gardens, it offers fascinating insights for all ages.
State Library Victoria: Visit the stunning domed La Trobe Reading Room within this historic library, one of Melbourne’s most beautiful interior spaces. Explore free exhibitions, browse the collections, or simply admire the grand architecture of this beloved institution.
Immigration Museum: Explore the stories of immigrants who have shaped Melbourne and Victoria, housed in the beautiful Old Customs House building. Gain insights into the diverse cultural backgrounds that contribute to the city’s multicultural identity.
Arts Centre Melbourne: Catch a theatre performance, ballet, opera, or concert at this major performing arts venue recognisable by its distinctive spire. Explore the complex located south of the Yarra River for a dose of high-quality entertainment.
Markets & Shopping
Queen Victoria Market: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest open-air market, offering fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, souvenirs, and more. Visit during the day or check for popular seasonal night markets for food and entertainment.
South Melbourne Market: Explore another beloved local market known for its fresh produce, specialty foods, dim sims (a local favourite!), and unique merchandise. Open select days, it offers a vibrant community feel and delicious discoveries.
Chapel Street Shopping: Stroll along the famous street stretching through South Yarra, Prahran, and Windsor, known for its diverse mix of high-end boutiques, vintage stores, trendy cafes, and lively bars. Explore different sections for varied shopping and dining experiences.
Parks, Gardens & Waterfront
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: Wander through stunning landscaped gardens showcasing diverse plant collections from Australia and around the world, located near the city center. Enjoy peaceful walks, picnic on the lawns, or take a punt tour on the Ornamental Lake.
Fitzroy Gardens: Relax in this beautiful Victorian-era park featuring avenues of elm trees, conservatories, Captain Cook’s Cottage (moved from England), and themed gardens. It offers a tranquil escape close to the eastern edge of the CBD.
Yarra River Walk or Cruise: Stroll or cycle along the pathways bordering the Yarra River as it winds through the city, offering skyline views and connecting various parks and attractions. Alternatively, take a river cruise for a different perspective of the city from the water.
St Kilda Beach & Esplanade: Take a tram to the seaside suburb of St Kilda, walk along the esplanade, visit the historic St Kilda Pier (check for penguin viewing times), and enjoy the beach atmosphere. Experience the lively cafes and cake shops along Acland Street.
Shrine of Remembrance: Visit Victoria’s national war memorial set within beautiful parklands, offering poignant commemorative spaces and exhibitions. Climb to the balcony for stunning panoramic views of the city skyline across the gardens.
Sporting Spirit
MCG Tour or Game: Take a tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia’s largest stadium, or catch an AFL (Australian Rules Football) game, cricket match, or other event. Experience the electric atmosphere of this legendary sporting venue.
Rod Laver Arena & Melbourne Park: Visit the home of the Australian Open tennis tournament, located within the Melbourne & Olympic Parks precinct. Take a tour or simply walk the grounds to see the famous arenas and feel the energy of Grand Slam tennis.
Food & Drink Scene
Explore Melbourne’s Coffee Culture: Seek out specialty coffee shops tucked away in laneways or prominent streets across the city. Ordering a flat white or pour-over from a skilled barista is an essential Melbourne ritual.
Discover Hidden Bars: Venture into laneways and unmarked doorways to find Melbourne’s renowned hidden bars, offering unique cocktails and intimate atmospheres. Exploring areas like the CBD or Fitzroy can reveal these secret watering holes.
Dine in Chinatown: Explore the vibrant restaurants along Little Bourke Street and surrounding alleys, offering diverse regional Chinese cuisines, from dumplings to hot pot. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and authentic flavors.
Eat on Lygon Street (Carlton): Experience Melbourne’s historic Little Italy, known for its numerous Italian restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias. Enjoy classic pasta dishes or pizza and soak up the traditional European ambiance.
Unique Melbourne Views & Experiences
Eureka Skydeck: Ascend to the observation deck near the top of the Eureka Tower in Southbank for breathtaking 360-degree views over Melbourne and beyond. For an extra thrill, try “The Edge,” a glass cube that projects out from the building offering a unique perspective downwards.
Old Melbourne Gaol: Tour the imposing bluestone prison where infamous bushranger Ned Kelly was hanged. Explore the cells and learn about the harsh conditions and history of crime and punishment in 19th-century Victoria.
Brighton Bathing Boxes: Take a train trip down to Brighton Beach to see the iconic row of brightly colored Victorian-era bathing boxes lined up along the sand. These privately owned huts make for a classic and colorful Melbourne photo opportunity.
