Discover 25 of the best things to do in Melbourne, from laneways, markets and museums to St Kilda Beach, Brighton, the MCG, cafés and top attractions.
Melbourne is a city made for exploring. Famous for its laneways, cafés, restaurants, street art, sport, galleries and neighbourhoods, Victoria's capital combines big-city attractions with beaches, gardens and some of Australia's best-known cultural institutions.
Whether you're visiting Melbourne for a weekend, planning a longer Victoria holiday or using the city as a base for trips along the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island or the Yarra Valley, there is plenty to keep you occupied.
Official tourism information describes Melbourne as a city built around food, culture, sport, entertainment, parks and colourful laneways, with major events running throughout the year. Visit Melbourne
If you're wondering what to do in Melbourne, these are 25 experiences worth putting on your itinerary.
1. Explore Federation Square
Start your Melbourne visit at Federation Square, directly opposite Flinders Street Station and beside the Yarra River.Fed Square is one of Melbourne's central meeting places and houses several important cultural attractions, including ACMI, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and Koorie Heritage Trust. Festivals, screenings, exhibitions and public events are held here throughout the year.
Its central location also makes it a good starting point for exploring Melbourne's laneways, Southbank and the river.
Federation Square visitor information
Best for: First-time visitors, culture and starting a Melbourne CBD walking tour.
2. See Flinders Street Station and Walk Along the Yarra
Few buildings are more closely associated with Melbourne than Flinders Street Station.From the station, walk across towards Federation Square and follow the riverside paths beside the Yarra River – Birrarung.
You can continue towards Southbank, cross one of the pedestrian bridges or simply stop for views back towards Melbourne's skyline.
The river provides an easy geographical reference point when exploring central Melbourne and connects many of the city's most popular attractions.
Best for: Walking, photography and getting your bearings in Melbourne.
3. Discover Melbourne's Laneways and Street Art
Melbourne's maze of narrow laneways is one of the things that distinguishes the city from other Australian capitals.You'll find colourful street art, tiny cafés, restaurants, boutiques and hidden bars tucked between the larger CBD streets.
Hosier Lane is the best-known starting point, but don't stop there. Explore the surrounding lanes and then venture into neighbourhoods such as Fitzroy and Collingwood, where murals and street art continue well beyond the CBD.
Melbourne's laneways are ideal for exploring without a strict itinerary. Turn a corner and you may discover a café, piece of street art or small bar you weren't expecting.
Melbourne street art guide
Best for: Photography, street art, cafés and exploring on foot.
4. Eat Your Way Around Queen Victoria Market
The historic Queen Victoria Market is one of Melbourne's classic visitor experiences.Browse fresh produce, delicatessens, specialty foods, souvenirs and general merchandise while experiencing a market that remains part tourist attraction and part everyday Melbourne shopping destination.
The market normally operates on selected days each week, so check current opening hours before travelling.
Seasonal night markets can offer an entirely different atmosphere, combining food stalls, entertainment and evening shopping.
Queen Victoria Market
Best for: Food, local produce, shopping and souvenirs.
5. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria
Art lovers should make time for the National Gallery of Victoria – NGV.NGV International on St Kilda Road contains collections covering art and design from around the world, while The Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square specialises in Australian art.
General admission to permanent collections is generally free, although major temporary exhibitions may require tickets.
Even visitors who don't normally spend hours in galleries may find the buildings and changing exhibitions worthwhile.
National Gallery of Victoria
Best for: Art, architecture, culture and free things to do in Melbourne.
6. Explore ACMI
Also at Federation Square is ACMI – the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.ACMI explores film, television, videogames and digital culture through interactive exhibits and changing exhibitions.
Its permanent screen-culture exhibition is an excellent option for families, movie fans and anyone interested in digital entertainment.
It's also a particularly useful attraction when Melbourne's famously changeable weather turns wet.
Plan your visit to ACMI
Best for: Film, television, gaming and families.
7. Walk Through the Royal Botanic Gardens
For a quieter side of Melbourne, spend a couple of hours exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.Located just south of the CBD beside the Yarra, the gardens provide extensive lawns, lakes, walking paths and impressive plant collections.
They provide a pleasant contrast to Melbourne's busy streets and are ideal for walking, relaxing or having a picnic.
Combine the gardens with the nearby Shrine of Remembrance for an excellent half-day itinerary.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Best for: Walking, picnics and escaping the city streets.
8. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance
Nearby stands the impressive Shrine of Remembrance, Victoria's principal memorial honouring Australians who served in war and peacekeeping.Inside you'll find exhibitions and commemorative spaces, while the elevated position also provides excellent views towards Melbourne's skyline.
The Shrine, Royal Botanic Gardens and NGV can easily be combined into one walking route from central Melbourne.
Shrine of Remembrance
Best for: History, architecture and Melbourne skyline views.
9. Tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Even if you aren't a huge sports fan, the Melbourne Cricket Ground – MCG is a major part of Melbourne's identity.The stadium hosts cricket, Australian rules football and major international sporting events.
Guided tours take visitors behind the scenes into areas that are normally inaccessible to spectators.
The Australian Sports Museum is also located within the stadium precinct.
If your Melbourne visit coincides with an AFL match or major cricket game, attending an event can be even better than taking a tour.
MCG and Australian Sports Museum
Best for: Sport, history and experiencing Melbourne culture.
10. Step Inside State Library Victoria
State Library Victoria is much more than somewhere to borrow books.The historic building contains beautiful reading rooms, exhibitions and impressive architectural spaces right in the centre of Melbourne.
Make sure you see the famous domed La Trobe Reading Room.
It's also one of the best free attractions in central Melbourne.
State Library Victoria
Best for: Architecture, history, photography and free attractions.
11. Explore Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens
Head north of the CBD to Melbourne Museum, situated in Carlton Gardens opposite the Royal Exhibition Building.The museum covers natural history, Melbourne history, dinosaurs and First Peoples culture.
Permanent attractions include Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Melbourne history displays and major natural-history collections.
Afterwards, walk through Carlton Gardens and admire the historic Royal Exhibition Building.
Melbourne Museum
Best for: Families, history, culture and rainy days.
12. Discover the Old Melbourne Gaol
For something darker, explore the cells and corridors of Old Melbourne Gaol.The prison opened in the nineteenth century and is particularly associated with famous Australian bushranger Ned Kelly, who was executed there.
Visitors can explore its history through exhibitions, audio experiences and tours.
Allow around 90 minutes to two hours if you want to explore properly.
Old Melbourne Gaol visitor information
Best for: Australian history and true-crime enthusiasts.
13. Walk Along Southbank Promenade
Cross the Yarra from the CBD and you'll reach Southbank, one of Melbourne's most enjoyable areas for an evening stroll.Restaurants and bars line the waterfront, with excellent views across the river towards the city.
Visit in the late afternoon, walk beside the river and stay as Melbourne's skyline lights up after sunset.
Southbank is also close to the Arts Centre, NGV, Melbourne Skydeck and Crown precinct.
Southbank and South Wharf
Best for: Dining, nightlife and riverside walks.
14. See Melbourne From Above at Melbourne Skydeck
For a completely different perspective on the city, head to Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.The observation level provides panoramic views across central Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding suburbs.
Late afternoon can be an excellent time to visit because you may see Melbourne both in daylight and illuminated after dark.
Melbourne Skydeck
Best for: City views, sunsets and photography.
15. Visit St Kilda Beach and Pier
Take a tram from the CBD to St Kilda, one of Melbourne's best-known seaside neighbourhoods.Walk along the beach, explore the foreshore and continue onto St Kilda Pier for views across Port Phillip Bay towards Melbourne.
St Kilda is particularly enjoyable during the late afternoon when you can combine the beach with dinner or drinks nearby.
A colony of little penguins also lives around the St Kilda breakwater. Always follow current wildlife-viewing rules and never approach or touch the penguins.
St Kilda Pier and Breakwater
Best for: Beaches, sunsets and an easy trip from the CBD.
16. Ride the Attractions at Luna Park Melbourne
Just across from St Kilda's foreshore is Luna Park Melbourne, instantly recognisable from its giant entrance.The historic amusement park offers rides for younger children, families and thrill-seekers.
Combine Luna Park with St Kilda Beach, St Kilda Pier and dinner around Acland Street for an easy afternoon and evening itinerary.
Luna Park Melbourne
Best for: Families and theme-park fans.
17. Photograph the Brighton Bathing Boxes
Continue south along Port Phillip Bay to Brighton Beach, home to Melbourne's famous colourful bathing boxes.The distinctive timber boxes lining the beach have become one of Melbourne's most photographed coastal attractions.
Brighton is also an enjoyable place for a waterfront walk, particularly around sunset.
If you're interested in photography, this is one Melbourne attraction you'll probably want on your itinerary.
Best for: Photography, beaches and coastal walks.
18. Explore Fitzroy and Brunswick Street
If you want to experience Melbourne beyond the major tourist attractions, spend some time exploring Fitzroy.Brunswick Street combines independent shops, bars, restaurants, cafés, live music and a strong creative character.
Don't restrict yourself to the main street. Wander through surrounding roads and laneways where you'll find more cafés, murals, galleries and independent businesses.
Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Best for: Cafés, nightlife, street art and independent shopping.
19. Eat Italian Food on Lygon Street
Head to Carlton for another side of Melbourne's famous food culture.The Carlton section of Lygon Street developed into Melbourne's traditional Italian precinct and remains packed with restaurants, cafés, gelaterias and specialist food businesses.
It's particularly enjoyable in the evening when restaurant terraces and outdoor tables begin filling up.
Lygon Street visitor guide
Best for: Italian food, coffee and gelato.
20. Eat Your Way Through Melbourne's Chinatown
Melbourne's Chinatown stretches along Little Bourke Street between Swanston and Spring streets.The historic precinct contains restaurants, bars, karaoke venues, shops and the Chinese Museum.
Dumplings, noodles and yum cha make Chinatown an easy destination for lunch or dinner while exploring central Melbourne.
Melbourne Chinatown
Best for: Asian food, history and evening atmosphere.
21. Spend Half a Day at Melbourne Zoo
Families and wildlife lovers can head to Melbourne Zoo in Royal Park, only a short distance north of the city.The zoo contains animals and habitats from Australia and around the world.
Its location makes it relatively straightforward to reach using Melbourne's public transport system.
Melbourne Zoo
Best for: Families and animal lovers.
22. Ride Melbourne's Trams
Melbourne's tram network is an attraction in itself.Visitors travelling entirely within the CBD's Free Tram Zone can travel around many central attractions without paying a fare.
The zone covers key visitor areas around the CBD, including locations near Queen Victoria Market, Docklands, Flinders Street Station and Federation Square.
Use Melbourne's trams as transport, but also use them as an easy way to see more of the city.
Public Transport Victoria – Melbourne visitor information
Best for: Budget sightseeing and getting around Melbourne.
23. Experience Melbourne's Coffee Culture
Coffee is deeply embedded in Melbourne's identity.Rather than searching endlessly for one supposedly "best" café, explore different neighbourhoods and find your own favourite.
The CBD laneways, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Carlton, South Melbourne and Brunswick all provide plenty of options.
Order a flat white, long black or whatever you normally drink and spend some time watching Melbourne go by.
For many visitors, discovering an excellent little café in an unexpected laneway becomes one of their favourite Melbourne experiences.
Best for: Foodies, coffee lovers and experiencing everyday Melbourne.
24. Take a Yarra River Cruise
Walking beside the Yarra is enjoyable, but seeing Melbourne from the water provides another perspective.Sightseeing cruises travel along sections of the river through the city and towards areas such as Docklands and the port.
Depending on the operator, options can range from short sightseeing cruises to longer journeys and evening experiences.
Melbourne river cruises
Best for: Relaxed sightseeing and city photography.
25. Experience One of Melbourne's Major Events
Melbourne's attractions aren't limited to permanent landmarks.Depending on when you visit, the city may be hosting AFL, international cricket, the Australian Open, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, theatre productions, concerts or major exhibitions.
Before finalising your Melbourne itinerary, check what's happening during your dates.
You may discover that attending a sporting event, festival or concert becomes one of the highlights of your visit.
What's on in Melbourne
Best for: Sport, culture, festivals and entertainment.
How Many Days Do You Need in Melbourne?
For a first visit, three to five days gives you enough time to see many of Melbourne's main attractions without rushing.With three days, concentrate on the CBD, laneways, museums, Southbank, Carlton and St Kilda.
With five days, you can add neighbourhoods such as Fitzroy and Brighton and still have time for a slower pace.
If you have a week or longer, Melbourne also makes an excellent base for day trips and road trips to:
- Great Ocean Road
- Phillip Island
- Yarra Valley
- Mornington Peninsula
- Dandenong Ranges
- Ballarat
- Daylesford
Is Melbourne Easy to Explore Without a Car?
Yes. For most visitors staying around central Melbourne, a car is unnecessary.Many CBD attractions are within walking distance, while trains and trams connect neighbourhoods such as Fitzroy, Carlton, St Kilda and Brighton.
The CBD Free Tram Zone is particularly useful for visitors because journeys entirely within the zone are free.
A hire car becomes more useful if you're heading into regional Victoria or planning a road trip.
What Are the Best Free Things to Do in Melbourne?
Melbourne is particularly good for travellers trying to keep their holiday costs down.Some of the best free things to do in Melbourne include:
- Explore Federation Square
- Walk Melbourne's laneways
- See the city's street art
- Visit State Library Victoria
- Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens
- Visit the Shrine of Remembrance
- Walk along Southbank
- Explore St Kilda foreshore
- Visit Brighton Beach
- Explore Fitzroy and Carlton
What Are the Best Day Trips from Melbourne?
One of Melbourne's biggest advantages as a travel destination is the number of excellent places you can visit from the city.Popular choices include:
- Great Ocean Road – coastal scenery and the Twelve Apostles
- Phillip Island – famous for its Penguin Parade and wildlife
- Yarra Valley – wineries, restaurants and countryside
- Dandenong Ranges – forests, villages and Puffing Billy
- Mornington Peninsula – beaches, wineries and coastal scenery
- Ballarat – history and the Victorian goldfields
- Daylesford – spas, food and country escapes
Is Melbourne Worth Visiting?
For travellers interested in food, coffee, culture, sport, art, shopping and neighbourhood exploration, Melbourne is one of Australia's most rewarding city destinations.It also works particularly well as a base for exploring regional Victoria.
You can spend one day wandering through CBD laneways and galleries, another relaxing around St Kilda and Brighton, and the next heading out towards the Great Ocean Road or Yarra Valley.
That variety is one of Melbourne's biggest strengths.
What Are Your Favourite Things to Do in Melbourne?
Have you visited Melbourne recently?Which attractions would you add to this list?
Is St Kilda worth visiting? Where are Melbourne's best laneways? Which neighbourhood has the best food? How many days would you recommend for someone visiting Melbourne for the first time?
Share your Melbourne travel tips, photos, questions and recommendations below to help other Forum4Travel members plan their trip.
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