Quirky cafes, paint-splashed laneways, an always-on entertainment and captivating museums, it’s no wonder why Melbourne leads the way for Australia’s arts and culture scene.
If you find yourself in this cool city, these are the best things to do in Melbourne. Many of the best Melbourne attractions are manmade, but you’ll find plenty of natural beauty, too. Read on for the city’s top landmarks and how to experience Melbourne like a local.
Melbourne’s top 5 landmarks
Go ahead and grab your camera, Melbourne’s vibrancy is something you’re going to want to capture.
Federation Square
Gather around and feel the pulse of Melbourne’s arts and culture scene
“Fed Square,” as it’s affectionately known, has been a muse for creatives for thousands of years as a traditional meeting space for First Peoples. The heart of Melbourne when it comes to culture, Fed Square hosts art exhibits, workshops, entertainment performances, fitness classes and political demonstrations. Spend a day wandering through the Koorie Heritage Trust, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the Ian Potter Centre.
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Come to the ‘G for a taste of Aussie sports culture
Steeped in Australian sports history, the ‘G has hosted the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and was the birthplace of Test cricket in the mid 1800s. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Melbourne CBD, making it worthwhile even if there’s no match or game on. Take a guided tour of the Australian Sports Museum and peruse over 3,500 displays from nearly 100 different sports. Once a game is over, grab a drink in celebration or commiseration at one of the handful of beer gardens and pubs.
National Gallery of Victoria
Get lost among artwork at Australia’s oldest art museum
The National Gallery of Victoria was founded in 1851 shortly after Victoria’s gold rush. This boom helped fund creatives, especially sculptors and painters. Today, it’s on its way to becoming Australia’s largest contemporary art gallery with its two sites (one on St Kilda Road and one near Fed Square), and a third site opening by 2028. Its features are constantly changing. From First Nations stories to international fashion exhibits to cultural talks, you won’t dare be bored on a visit to the NGV.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Step away from the city and into nature at these manicured gardens
If you love Sydney‘s Royal Botanic Gardens, you’ll love Melbourne’s as well. Admission is free at the Melbourne Gardens, and hosts more than 8,500 species of plants over nearly 40 hectares. Wander along trails, go for a bike ride, or paddle along the river and admire the garden’s varying plant types ranging from cacti to rainforest flowers to ancient cycads.
Queen Victoria Market
Follow your tastebuds to Melbourne’s best food market
Come hungry to Queen Victoria Market, where tens of stalls dole out fresh produce, international dishes, cakes, breads, pastries and other treats. If you’re not sure where to start, sign up for a guided food tour that’ll point you in the right direction. If you’re shopping for souvenirs, you’re in luck here too. Leave with a bouquet of flowers, handmade clothing, and beauty products.
Explore Melbourne like a local
Aside from the top tourist spots, you’ll find plenty of other things to do in Melbourne.
Get buzzed from Melbourne’s cafe culture
There’s no such thing as a bad cup of coffee in Melbourne
Melbourne takes its cafe culture seriously, and you’re never far away from a perfectly brewed cup. Pick your favourite style at an ultra-trendy hub like Higher Ground in the Melbourne CBD, grab perfectly poached eggs from Operator 25 near Flagstaff Gardens or enjoy all-day brekkie from family-owned Emil’s Cafe.
Wander through the laneways
A city of artists, lose track of time in Melbourne’s colourful laneways
One of the best Melbourne attractions is found in between its buildings. Like the city itself, the murals tucked away on its laneways are ever-changing. Find these bursts of colour and admire themed lanes like the rockstar inspired ACDC Lane, the art hub of Centre Place and cafe-laden laneway at Degraves Street.
Spot penguins at St Kilda and Philip Island.
Melbourne is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Australia.
Melbourne’s unpredictable weather means you might experience four seasons in one day.
Road trip to the Great Ocean Road
Take a ride along one of Australia’s most iconic drives
Melbourne is the ideal starting point for a road trip along the Great Ocean Road, perhaps the most beautiful road trip in Victoria. Hire a car and head south, making the first major stop of your trip in the beach town of Torquay. Admire the geological wonders of the 12 Apostles, visit wildlife sanctuaries, picnic at an untouched beach, search for platypus on Lake Elizabeth, and go for wildlife walks all along the way.
Peruse the shelves at State Library of Victoria
Get lost in the pages of your next favourite book
Melbourne’s weather does what it wants. The State Library of Victoria is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne if (or when) the skies turn grey. Cosy up in a corner of Australia’s oldest library and feel like you’re in a fairytale. If you’ve come with little ones in tow, enjoy the library’s toddler tales.
Lounge on the shore of St Kilda
Where else can you hang out with penguins?
Yes, many of Australia’s other cities are more known for their beaches, but there’s plenty of fun to be hand at St Kilda. Once the weather warms up, the foreshore is abuzz with people rollerblading, pushing prams, jogging, and lingering over a cup of coffee in one of St Kilda’s cafes. When the wind picks up, kites dot the horizon. St Kilda’s so nice, a colony of Little Penguins have taken up residence at the St Kilda Breakwater.
Catch panoramic views at Melbourne Skydeck
Check out the city from a new perspective
If you’re wondering Melbourne city what to do for romantic views, head to the Melbourne Skydeck, found on the 88th floor of Eureka Tower. Level up your game and take your date to Bar 88, where cocktails are served with bird’s eye view sights of the city. Play eye spy and spot iconic buildings along the Yarra River. Come for sunset and linger to see the city turn its lights on.
Melbourne costs
When you’re in Melbourne, expect to pay:
Accommodation: Budget hotels can cost around $180 per night, while luxury hotels can start from $300.
Food: A meal at a local restaurant may cost around $30 per person.
Drink: A local beer usually costs about $10.
Transport: An average 10-minute taxi journey costs around $15-20.
Thinking of travelling to Melbourne? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
