The Best Things to do in Melbourne

Multicultural, artistic and sporty, Melbourne’s neighbourhoods are diverse and dynamic, from the laid-back beachside suburbs of the southeast to the art-driven alleys of the central district, north of the Yarra River that snakes through the city.

Everything in Melbourne is easy to explore thanks to grid-like inner-city streets... not to mention the trams that run throughout.

Neighbourhood: Melbourne CBD 

Fun fact: Graffiti-clad ACDC Lane was named in tribute to one of Australia’s most famous rock bands.

At a glance: Melbourne’s compact central neighbourhoods mix high and low-brow art with colonial and modern buildings, all steps from the meandering Yarra River.

The hub’s neat grid of streets makes it easy to explore, as everything runs either from north to south, or east to west.

You may, however, want to lose yourself in the city’s graffiti-filled inner laneways, dotted with intimate jazz clubs, achingly-cool cafes and independent boutiques.

Shop here: Whether you get there on foot or aboard a free City Circle tram, make your way toward the Queen Victoria Market. The largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere holds an enticing array of food from Australia’s best purveyors, as well as stalls where you can pick up quirky souvenirs.

Eat this: Tucked down artsy lanes you’ll discover hole-in the wall restaurants like Supernormal, where Pan-Asian bites are served at communal benches by prolific Melbourne chef Andrew McConnell, and perennially popular tapas joint MoVida.

Drink this: Then there are the underground jazz clubs (slink into Paris Cat), cafes (grab one of the city’s best coffees at Café Issus) and bars (sip creative cocktails at Eau-De-Vie).

Do this: Hot-air balloons aren’t just for the countryside, they float over Melbourne’s CBD every morning before dawn, weather-dependant. If you can drag yourself out of bed, it’s the ultimate way to get some perspective. 

Check in: Speaking of perspective, when you check in to the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins you’re afforded some of the best views in Melbourne city, whether from your room or No35 Restaurant. You can guess which storey the latter is on. Swoon.

At Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer the design nods to the artsy lanes that surround, while the food is something Willy Wonka might have dreamed up. How does daily chocolate happy hour sound and free ice cream for kids under 12?

Pullman Melbourne on Swanston also makes the most of its CBD setting, its ‘hidden’ entrance tucked down an alley. You’ll feel like you have a slice of the city all to yourself… until you step outside.

Neighbourhoods: Southbank, Docklands

At a glance: The mighty Yarra River carves a border along the CBD, this serpent of water popular among everyone from athletes to pleasure-seekers, settling on the grass to watch the sun set (or fireworks over summer months). Some of the city’s most distinctive architecture characterises the banks - from historic cathedrals to jaw-dropping modern creations.

See this: More art awaits at the National Gallery of Victoria – Australia’s oldest, largest and most visited museum – which hosts the country’s leading exhibitions.

Eat this: Take away delicatessen supplies or bulging sandwiches from any number of food markets and enjoy a sun-kissed picnic on one of the Yarra River’s electric GoBoats. 

Shop here: Disembark at Southbank and walk it off along this one-kilometre riverfront stretch, with plenty of opportunities along the way for people watching and shopping at big-brand boutiques.

Do this: Drop in on Federation Square for an hour, and you’ll find yourself still there at the end of the day. This is the base for the Koorie Heritage Trust, where you can take a deep dive into Melbourne’s Indigenous history. Then sit down to a feast of native ingredients at Big Esso - Mabu Mabu.

Check in: We wouldn’t blame you for visiting Melbourne - and never wanting to leave. That’s where Quay West Suites Melbourne comes in, uniting apartment-style living with seriously stellar Southbank views. Not that you’ll need to use the kitchen, there are that many good restaurants on your doorstep.

It’s a similar story at Mantra Southbank Melbourne, where your room is just steps from the National Gallery of Victoria.

Further west, but still overlooking the river, Novotel Melbourne South Wharf sits pretty in one of the city’s oldest precincts. This is the place to dine, drink and play.

Neighbourhoods: St Kilda, Elwood, Elsternwick, Brighton

Fun fact: Every February, the St Kilda Festival sees the streets of this suburb transformed with food stalls and outdoor entertainment.

At a glance: Palm trees, sand, colourful bathing boxes, sun-dappled cafes, wide waterfront promenades, yachts dotting the bay – Melbourne’s beachside suburbs to the southeast are laid-back and resorty, yet cool. The further south you go, the better the sand and the swimming, but opportunities for people-watching abound throughout. 

Drink this: Wander along St Kilda’s bustling Esplanade , which has been lined with pop-up stalls every Sunday since 1970. You’ll pass The Espy complex on the other side of the street, this institution is packed with scene-stealing restaurants and bars – be sure to catch a live music performance.

Play here: Continue walking and you’ll reach the landmark amusement complex, Luna Park, the oldest theme park in Australia, and offering plenty of Insta-worthy photo opportunities in front of its enormous ‘mouth’.

Do this: Grab coffee and cake from Monarch Cakes, serving decadent desserts since 1934, then head beachward to rent bikes or roller-skates, dip into historic sea baths or stroll waterfront promenades south toward Elwood, Elsternwick and Brighton (the latter’s beach boxes are the stuff of postcards).

Eat this: Visit the dining room of Stokehouse, with its sleek décor and sublime sea views. Walk a minute or two south and you’ll reach Donavans, self-described as a ‘house on the beach’ – right down to the fact the owners change the decor every six months or so.

Check in: Staying overnight at The Cullen Melbourne Art Series Hotel is like surrounding yourself with a colourful slice of Australian culture. The property is a shrine to the avant-garde works of painter Adam Cullen. Eye-popping is an understatement.

Neighbourhoods: South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, Albert Park

At a glance: The inner-southeast is an enticing mix of wide leafy streets studded with jaw-dropping mansions, set beside some of the city’s most applauded restaurants as well as upscale streetside boutiques along main shopping strips, including Toorak Road and Chapel Street.

Do this: You could spend all day touring themed floral displays in the Royal Botanic Gardens, set on a particularly pretty curve of the Yarra River. The leafy space hosts events year round, including forest bathing sessions to reconnect you with nature.

Shop here: Retail outlets along Chapel Street blend a mix of upscale and edgy, big-brands and independent boutiques. Detour toward bohemian boutiques on Greville Street, then pop in to the Prahran Markets for deli goods galore.

Eat this: You won’t walk five metres without finding an eatery – try Hawker Hall for mod-Asian food in a buzzy warehouse, or opt for weekend breakfast at Angus & Bon, known for having some of the city’s best coffee – that’s saying something in this caffeine-obsessed city.

Drink this: Stroll on to Borsch, Vodka & Tears for, yep you've guessed it; vodka... there are 100+ varieties on the menu!

Splash out: You’ll need to plan ahead to get a seat at Attica, but trust us – the wait is worth it. Chef Ben Shewry is a master when it comes to creating pretty plates, although your multi-course meal here is not all show – every mouthful is memorable. Shewry is also a fan of native Australian ingredients, which means you might savour wattleseed dahl or saltwater croc ribs. You’re welcome.  

Check in: It’s fitting that two of Melbourne’s design-driven hotels call the southeast suburbs home - this part of the city screams style.

See for yourself at The Olsen Art Series hotel, its spacious suites infused with the lyrical works of revered Australian landscape artist Dr John Olsen.

And then at The Como Melbourne - MGallery, where swathes of marble, elaborate flower arrangements and jewel-toned velvet set the scene for a lush stay.

If you like to start your day on a high, check in to the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, where you're within steps of Albert Park Lake. Some of the rooms even come with lake views, to inspire your morning walk.

Neighbourhoods: Richmond, Albert Park, Collingwood, Abbotsford

At a glance: This precinct of Melbourne is vibrant and multicultural, and is a mecca for social sports fanatics thanks to its major stadiums surrounded by legendary bars and live music venues. It’s also home to ‘Little Saigon’ along Victoria Street, offering a parade of eateries.

Brunch here: Begin your day with coffee from specialty roasters Top Paddock or Proud Mary, before perusing eclectic stores along Bridge Road or villagey Swan Street.

Play here: Make your way to Abbotsford Convent, a historic creative hub along the Yarra River, which now hosts gorgeous gardens and spaces for live performances. Families will want to continue on to the adjoining Collingwood Children’s Farm, where young travellers can meet farm animals and pull vegetables straight from the soil.

Do this: Follow fans toward the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Rod Laver Arena – the former hosts Australian rules football matches in cooler months (March through September) and cricket in summer; the latter is home to January’s Australian Open, the first of four Grand Slam tennis tournaments held around the world on the annual calendar.

Drink this: Post-event crowds spill into the legendary Corner Hotel for a beer, live music and pub-meal. Or for something a little more classy, end the day on a high at the Cliveden Bar & Dining, part of the Pullman Melbourne on the Park. You're literally steps from the MCG.... 

Eat this: Nearby fine-dining restaurants also beckon: try Minamushima (ocean-fresh sushi) or seasonal degustations at Ides.

Check in: Walking distance to all the action? Pullman Melbourne on the Park is the ideal base. Join fitness fanatics walking around Albert Park Lake, or stroll up to the MCG to catch a game.

If you want to immerse yourself in the nuanced cultures of the east, book a room at The Chen Melbourne - Art Series, an art-filled abode with one of the most dreamy rooftop pools in the city. You can thank us later.

Neighbourhoods: Carlton, Fitzroy, Brunswick, Parkville, Collingwood

At a glance: The neighbourhoods of Melbourne’s inner-north are a magnet for foodies, thanks to the ever-expanding Italian restaurants in Carlton (aka Little Italy) and the bohemian dining rooms of Fitzroy and Brunswick.

The further from the city’s centre you travel, the more eclectic the offerings get, with alternative live music venues and independent boutiques vying for attention.

Eat this: Restaurants in Carlton’s Little Italy draw a loyal following – for good reason. Lygon Street is the heart of this dining precinct, lined with a mind-boggling array of eateries, including the Carlton Wine Room, known for its handmade pasta and excellent Italian wine list. 

Do this: Visit Melbourne Museum for its collection of natural and cultural history artefacts, then catch a film at gloriously retro Cinema Nova.

Shop here: If you like fashion less ordinary, you’ll love the vintage clothes and book stores along Brunswick Street.

Drink this: Begin your day at Code Black for coffee roasted on premises, then move on to The Everleigh for creative cocktails, and finally jazz and wine at The Night Cat.

Check in: Loveable Australian artist David Larwill is celebrated at The Larwill Studio - Art Series hotel, where his creations throughout spark creativity and joy.

Design at the Novotel Melbourne Preston is just as colourful. A stay here gives you easy access to some of the city’s fashion and design trendsetters in Fitzroy and Collingwood.