Places to Visit in Melbourne: The Ultimate Travel Guide!
As the capital city of the state of Victoria, Melbourne is one of the most popular Australian cities to visit aside from well, Sydney.
With a vibrant arts scene and world-class galleries, European-influenced architecture, thriving coffee culture, and cool suburbs that are full of local boutiques and cute cafes, Melbourne has plenty to see and do.
Read: Your Ultimate Guide to Melbourne’s Free Tram and Public Transport
Read: Is a Day Trip to the Great Ocean Road Worth It If You’re Not Driving?
If you’re looking for a guide to the city with an all-encompassing itinerary, look no further.
What to See & Do
Day 1 - CBD
For any first-time visitor, CBD makes the most sense as a base. The central location, free trams, plethora of eateries and accommodation options make for the most convenient home base.
Good news is, there’s quite a bit to see in the CBD as well.
QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET
Many travel guides will suggest that you start your day at Queen Victoria Market, a historic landmark that has been serving the city since 1878.
You’ll find over 600 stalls selling fruit and vegetables, local and imported produce, clothing, food, and souvenirs.
It also plays host to a myriad of festivals and markets, like the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.
Read more about what’s on at Queen Vic market here.
If I’d give any travel tip though, I’d recommend saving this for a Wednesday evening if you’re here in the summer, when the iconic Summer Night Market opens it’s doors at 5pm. You’ll find a bustling food market, street performances, local craftsmen selling their wares, and an overall lovely atmosphere where Queen Vic market really comes alive.
Take note that normal trading hours sees the market close on Mondays and Wednesdays.
WHERE | QUEEN ST
STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA
Just like how COEX Library in Seoul has become a tourist attraction, so has the State Library of Victoria.
Established in 1854, this is Australia’s oldest public library, and what draws visitors is the magnificent La Trobe Reading Room, famous for it’s high octagonal domed ceiling where daylight pours in from overhead. You can get beautiful views from the viewing decks!
WHERE | 328 SWANSTON ST
BOURKE STREET MALL
Every Australian CBD in a major city will have a similar thoroughfare of all the high street shops and main department stores of David Jones and Myer.
This pedestrian and tram-only strip stretches for 2km, and if you came to Melbourne for retail therapy, this is one of the places to be.
Famed is the H&M at 350 Bourke St, surely one of the most beautiful settings a high street clothing store can call home.
WHERE | BOURKE STREET
HOSIER LANE
Then, make your way down south to Hosier Lane, a street you’ll have probably seen gracing many Instagram feeds.
The walls are decorated with graffiti, and you can easily go trigger happy as you walk down this colourful lane.
At the end (or start, depending on where you’re walking from) of the street is MoVida, a popular Spanish restaurant, where you can stop by for an afternoon drink or two.
WHERE | HOSIER LANE
FEDERATION SQUARE
One of the biggest squares in the city is Federation Square, which seems to be buzzing at all times of day.
Located across from the iconic Flinders Street Railway Station, Federation Square is also a venue for arts, culture, and public events.
There are always events going on here, and you can check out the official website to see what’s on during the time of your visit!
WHERE | SWANSTON ST & FLINDERS ST
FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY STATION
Known for it’s green copper dome and distinctive yellow façade, Flinders Street Railway Station is literally unmissable.
It is Australia’s oldest train station, and a classic example of Melbourne’s Victorian architecture. It’s even on the Victorian Heritage Register list!
Today, it’s one of busiest suburban railway stations in the Southern Hemisphere.
Travel tip: There’s an iconic photo booth outside of the station facing Flinders St, where you can take vintage looking black and white photos. Unfortunately at the time of my visit, the booth was out of service.
WHERE | 207-361 FLINDERS ST
CHINATOWN
For dinner, head back into the heart of the city, where you’ll find Australia’s oldest Chinatown.
You’ll literally find a whole list of dumpling joints, restaurants where you can get your mala fix, dim sum houses and many, many more eateries.
With Melbourne’s Chinese community a hearty mix of generations who’ve settled in the city for decades, and newer migrants in the form of international students, it’s no wonder Chinatown is truly thriving in Melbourne.
The main street lies at Little Bourke Street, but authentic restaurants can be found even several streets and blocks away from the main artery.
WHERE | LITTLE BOURKE ST
Day 2 - Exploring Suburbs of Carlton and Fitzroy
CAFE HOPPING
Melbournians will tell you there’s nowhere cooler than in the ‘burbs, and that they only go into the city when they have to.
So the suburbs of Fitzroy and Carlton just north of CBD are some of the easiest escapes from the hustle of the main city centre.
Start your day at one of the many coffee spots in these neighbourhoods, highly recommended are Calēre Coffee, Inistudio, Vertue Coffee Roasters, and ima Project Cafe.
WHERE | FITZROY / CARLTON SUBURBS
THE ROSE STREET ARTISTS’ MARKET
If you’re in Fitzroy over a weekend, start your morning at The Rose Street Artists’ Market, where you can shop from local Melbourne creatives, crafters, and makers!
They showcase up to 120 creatives every Saturday and Sunday, and it’s where you’ll find everything from paintings to jewellery.
WHERE | 60 ROSE ST
THE FITZROY MILLS MARKET
If you’re visiting Fitzroy on a Saturday, don’t miss The Fitzroy Mills Market, just steps away from The Rose Street Artists’ Market.
This one’s more focused on fresh produce from local agricultural producers and farmers, with an aim to support local, organic and sustainable agriculture.
WHERE | 75 ROSE ST
BRUNSWICK ST
Brunswick Street is pretty much the main thoroughfare of Fitzroy.
You’ll literally find a heap of bars, restaurants and boutiques all along this street.
WHERE | BRUNSWICK ST
THRIFT SHOPPING AT HUNTER GATHERER
If you’re less into fast fashion and international brands like H&M, and often get your threads from thrift stores, Fitzroy is absolutely the place to be.
Hunter Gatherer is one of the more popular stores here, but honestly you’re bound to find one just walking around this suburb.
WHERE | 274 BRUNSWICK ST
VISIT A ROOFTOP BAR
Looking for a rooftop bar?
Most travel guides will direct you to Naked For Satan, which is also located on the main street of Brunswick St.
You can enjoy a cocktail and tapas here and take in the city skyline views.
WHERE | 285 BRUNSWICK ST
ITALIAN-AUSTRALIAN LIFE ON LYGON ST
Lygon Street is the heart of Italian culture in Melbourne, of course, far more prominent when the first wave of Italian migration began, but as it’s commercially seen to be representative of the Italian community, you’ll still find plenty of gelaterias and upscale Italian restaurants.
It’s a bustling street in the evenings, and a nice place to settle and have dinner.
WHERE | LYGON ST
Day 3 - South Melbourne and Southbank
SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET
Open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, South Melbourne Market is a bustling marketplace filled with many restaurants, fruit stalls, florists, and local crafters.
On a weekend, expect the market to get incredibly busy!
WHERE | 322-326 COVENTRY ST
CLARENDON ST
As with any suburb, it would be remiss to go without exploring the streets lined with local shops and restaurants. Cafe culture is also well and truly thriving here (but where in Melbourne is it not?), and I’ve no doubt you’ll see a nice coffeehouse you’d want to pop into around every corner.
The main thoroughfare lies along Clarendon Street, but there’s plenty activity around, especially in the streets around South Melbourne Market.
Take your time to explore this leafy suburb and enjoy a cuppa or two.
WHERE | CLARENDON ST
NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA
As far as museums and art galleries go, the National Gallery of Victoria is truly fantastic.
Abbreviated as NGV, it’s apparently Australia’s oldest and most visited art gallery.
Best of all? It’s free!
It’s a truly stunning building, and offers a diverse range of collections inside. It’s well-organised, massive but easy to navigate, and has excellent write-ups so you know what you’re looking at.
Every now and then, the NGV has special exhibitions going on, and you can find out what’s on during your visit here.
WHERE | 180 ST KILDA ROAD
THE LUME MELBOURNE
Located at the other end of the Southbank promenade is The LUME.
The LUME offers a different take on the art gallery experience, and aims to provide an immersive experience into the world of an artist.
From November 2021 to June 2022, The LUME features the work of Van Gogh, and though this gallery was nowhere near as huge as the National Gallery, the immersive experience was very cool.
Many take a seat on the floor in the main hall and soak up the atmosphere around them, as the art is projected onto the high walls and all over the floors.
There’s also a little cafe here should you wish to have something to eat or drink as the art installation plays out in front of your eyes.
Otherwise, get a bird’s eye view of what’s happening below on the upper mezzanine floor.
There was even a little sunflower room for the Van Gogh exhibition.
Find out what’s going on at The LUME at the time of your trip here.
Do note that entry into The LUME is ticketed.
Travel tip: Try to time your visit on a weekday before 6pm, as that’s when tickets are at their cheapest. You may check the prices and availability of tickets on the website above, as well as pre-purchase your tickets in advance. As there was plenty availability for the time I wanted to go, I simply showed up and bought tickets.
WHERE | 5 CONVENTION CENTRE PL, SOUTH WHARF
SOUTHBANK PROMENADE
Walk out of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (where The LUME) is located, and take a stroll down the Southbank Promenade and enjoy beautiful sunset views.
Here’s also where you’ll find many upscale hotels with office workers letting loose and getting their post-work drink on at the bars.
This strip is chockfull of bars and restaurants along the Yarra River.
Day 4 - St Kilda and Brighton
ST KILDA ESPLANADE MARKET
You’re never too far from the coast with any major Australian city, and the same goes for Melbourne.
By and far away Melbourne’s most popular beach suburb is St Kilda, a 25 minute tram ride from CBD.
Try to head over on a Sunday, as you’ll get to see the renowned St Kilda Esplanade Market, a street full of stalls in the open air selling all sorts of items by small boutique brands and makers.
WHERE | THE ESPLANADE, ST KILDA
BRUNCH AT FITZROVIA
If you’re feeling a little hungry, Fitzrovia along the busy street of Fitzroy St (which is confusingly not in the neighbourhood of Fitzroy) is one of St Kilda’s most popular places to brunch.
You can explore more brunch options by walking down that entire street, as it’s literally lined with cafes and restaurants.
WHERE | 2/155 FITZROY ST, ST KILDA
ST KILDA BEACH
Hit the sands of St Kilda beach, then you can really say you’ve been to Melbourne.
Out of all the beaches I visited— Brighton, Port Melbourne and St Kilda, St Kilda was by far the most happening beach, with lots of activities and refreshments along the coast.
You could easily spend an afternoon just lazing at the beach.
Make no mistake, on a sunny weekend, St Kilda gets properly packed, but there’s plenty space for everyone so you won’t struggle finding a spot of sand to lay your towel.
WHERE | ST KILDA BEACH
LUNA PARK MELBOURNE
If thrill rides are more your thing, or if you have kids in tow, Luna Park might be a good place to visit.
With the iconic Mr Moon’s mouth at the entrance, Luna Park Melbourne remains Australia’s oldest theme park.
WHERE | 18 LOWER ESPLANADE, ST KILDA
BRIGHTON BATHING BOXES
If you’re still at the shore of St Kilda beach, consider getting on a bike and taking the coastal path down to Brighton Beach.
The coastal path is flat and well-maintained, making for a leisurely promenade to cycle, walk or skate.
Otherwise, you can hop on a bus and walk over to Brighton Beach.
Being completely honest, the only draw here, pretty much, is the colourful row of 82 boat sheds, known as Brighton Bathing Boxes.
They were built due to Victorian morality notions of seaside bathing more than 100 years ago, and whilst they’re pretty, they’re after all, just beach huts.
So if you’re not going to be able to afford the time to head down, I wouldn’t consider Brighton beach essential over St Kilda.
WHERE | ESPLANADE, BRIGHTON
CATCH THE SUNSET AT POINT ORMOND
If you’ve caught Melbourne on a good day (the weather is notoriously fickle), be sure to catch the sunset!
Point Ormond is a lovely place to catch the sun set on Port Phillip Bay, as you sit atop a hill and enjoy an unblocked view of the Melbourne city skyline.
You’ll find many having a picnic here while the last light of day fades.
WHERE | 29A ORMOND ESPLANADE, ELWOOD
SPOT PENGUINS AT ST KILDA PIER
To spot penguins, you’ll need to get there after dark, where they’ll begin waddling home to the rocks after a day out at sea.
There used to be a St Kilda Penguin Colony at the Breakwater, however it is currently closed as the pier is undergoing renovation.
The best time to spot the little birds is from August to March.
WHERE | PIER RD, ST KILDA
And that is it! For a first time visitor to Melbourne, this is a comprehensive list that covers a myriad of experiences.
From getting cultured at curated art galleries, to checking out Melbourne’s effortlessly cool suburbs, to spending a lazy afternoon at the beach; there’s plenty to see in Victoria’s capital city to keep you busy.
If You Have More Time...
Consider exploring tours out of the city.
Rent a car or take a day tour out to the Great Ocean Road, the iconic stretch of coastal road west of Melbourne that passes through coastal towns like Torquay and Lorne. The highlight of this, of course, is the 12 Apostles, one of Victoria state’s most iconic destinations.
Read: Is a Day Trip to the Great Ocean Road Worth It If You’re Not Driving?
And while it is unlikely to happen in our lifetime, eventually the 12 Apostles will cease to exist due to erosion, so make the trip out while you can!
Melbourne is also full of interesting suburbs beyond Fitzroy and Carlton.
If you have a Sunday to spare, consider heading to Camberwell Sunday Market, a large open air flea market not unlike Mauerpark in Berlin or Feira da Ladra in Lisbon, where you’ll get to take home unique souvenirs as locals hawk their wares.
