Melbourne (pronounced Mel-bin to sound like a local) is my home city and is still one of my favourite cities in the world. It’s the fashion, art, food, cultural and live music capital of Australia as well as the sporting capital of the world! Find an abundance of unique laneways, parks, arts and cultural centres and Notoriously voted the world’s most livable city for seven years in a row, I would have to agree it’s a great place to live. I wouldn’t say its overflowing with famous landmarks and things to do, as experiencing the art, food, sport & nightlife scene is probably the best thing to do. And of course trying the best coffee in the world. But who better to give you some tips for visiting Melbourne than a local, right?
So here you go, my advice on the top 13 things to do in Melbourne.
13. Head to an Aussie Rules Football (AFL) game at the MCG
Melbourne is not only the sporting capital of Australia, but the world. There are more opportunities to watch a wide range of sports here than anywhere else in the world. Melbourne hosts the Australian Open, the Formula One Grand Prix, cricket matches, rugby games, soccer games and it is also the AFL (Australian Rules Football) capital of the world. 10 out of the 18 national AFL teams are based in the Melbourne area, and whilst three of our eight states favour Rugby League, the passion Melbournians have for our national sport is like nothing else. There are many sporting stadiums across the city, but the grandest by far is the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground). The stadium is outstanding in itself, then throw up to 100,000 crazy fans and an exciting sport in the mix and it will be an experience you won’t forget. You won’t see this game anywhere else in the world, so head to a footy game, or if its not during AFL season, there’s cricket games during the summer or opt to do a tour of the MCG.
12. Lygon street
Lygon street is Mebourne’s Little Italy. With authentic pizza and pasta, it will make you think you stepped off the streets of Melbourne and into Rome. Go for lunch or dinner and make sure to save room for some delicious gelato afterwards.
11. Eat & drink your way around the city
There are many unique bars, cafes & dining opportunities around the city and beyond. Melbourne has a huge coffee and breakfast culture, steering clear of ‘Starbucks’ in turn for specialty coffees at hip cafe’s and all day breakfast’s are seen everywhere. Whether it’s a Michelin star restaurant, rooftop bar, hole-in-the-wall style cafe in the laneways, floating bar or cafe that serve food too cute to eat, there’s so many great options.
10. Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne is also famous for it’s beautiful parks and gardens scattered throughout the city. None quite compare to the botanical gardens, and it’s a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the CBD (Central Business District).
9. St. Kilda
This hip suburb of the city boasts Melbourne’s most famous beach and is as close as you could get to a Californian style beach boardwalk. A popular sunset location, the beach is thriving during the summer months. The St Kilda Esplanade Markets are a local favorite, held every Sunday from 10am. Head to the iconic Luna Park which is right by the beach, enjoy some beach volleyball and water sports or simply take a stroll down St Kilda Pier. Trams run straight to St Kilda from many spots across the city.
8. Fitzroy
The most indie neighborhood of Melbourne is Fitzroy, and it is world renowned for being like the ‘Williamsburg’ of New York City. It’s urban feel, artistic charm, vintage shops and cool bars make it a perfect example of the Melbourne culture. Walk down Brunswick Street and into the backstreets for graffiti finds and at night, find some hot nightlife spots with endless bars and diverse eateries.
Make sure to visit Naked for Satan for amazing panoramic views of the city skyline from their rooftop bar.
7. Walk along the Yarra River & South Bank
The Melbourne skyline is breathtaking when walking along the Yarra River both during the day and at night. Grab a takeaway lunch or coffee and pick a nice bench by the water to watch the boats go by. Start at the Royal Botanic Gardens and make your way down to the inner city checking out the cool buskers, different bridges, bars and restaurants all with the perfect skyline view along the way. As you near the end, you’ll get to beautiful Southbank Promenade and Crown Casino. At night time, eight Gas Brigades release fireballs on the Riverside Promenade on the hour after sundown until midnight (or 1am on weekends). It is located in front of Crown Casino, Australia’s largest casino. For more information on times head to crownmelbourne.com.au/gas-brigades.
6. Docklands
Docklands is a beautiful waterfront suburb, filled with random spots of public art and great views. Here you will find amazing seafood restaurants along the waterfront promenade and the newly completed Melbourne Star (similar to the London Eye) is located here giving great views of the city.
5. Great Ocean Road
Whilst in Melbourne, save a day or two for Victoria’s most valuable treasure; The Great Ocean Road.
Go through a tour company, or hire your own car and drive right along the rugged coast stretching over 200km. Visit the Twelve Apostles (while you still can, as only 8 remain) and witness the beautiful limestone rock formations, caves and arches. Head to the famous Bells Beach or Apollo Bay and stop for lunch at one of the many cute beach side towns along the way (my favorite is Lorne). Voted by CNN Travels as the 3rd most scenic drive in the world, the beaches, cliffs, surf spots, wildlife and mountainous, forest like landscape make every corner a new Kodak moment.
4. Experience the underground club scene
If you love to party, then Melbourne is the place for you. The city has a lively underground club scene, that stays open until the early hours of the morning. There are varying styles of pubs, bars and clubs for all types of people and music. This city even created it’s own genre of music; Melbourne Sound that got popular in the 2010’s and made some big names like Will Sparks and Timmy Trumpet.
The city hosts a lot of venues but a lot of the popular nightlife centres are actually in the suburbs. For example:
- Chapel Street, Prahan – popular street full of of many pubs, bars and clubs.
- Brunswick Street, Fitzroy – lots of pubs and bars in one strip.
- Smith Street, Fitzroy – popular for many LGTBIQ+ venues.
- Acland Street, St Kilda – a street with a few pubs, bars and clubs.
- Sydney Road, Brunswick – Good place to find more chill but busy pubs and bars.
3. Explore the lane way graffitis
By far the coolest trait Melbourne is known for is it’s laneway culture. Find graffiti art, unique shops and dining options by exploring new alleys. In most cities, walking down a dark and scary alley way would be a no-no, but here some of the coolest finds will be hiding down there.
Visit Hosier Lane for the best artworks, Degraves Street for hospitality venues and continue through their to Royal & Block Arcade for stunning architecture and fancier shops.
2. See Flinders Street Station and walk up Swanston street
The iconic Flinders Street Station is a major attraction. Hop off the train there and enjoy the feel of the city by walking up Swanston Street and through the adjoining bustling streets. Head to Little Bourke Street to find China Town or go in search of graffiti alleys (there’s a great one just off Bourke Street Mall). The city is filled with talented buskers so enjoy the shows and vibe. Go shopping at Melbourne Central or check out the beautiful State Library of Victoria on Swanston Street.
1. Check out the Queen Victorian Market
Located in the heart of the city, the Queen Victoria Market is easy to get lost in. The famous market boasts the freshest local produce and any kind of food your heart desires. Also a good spot to pick up a bargain on textiles, souvenirs, toys etc. You name it, this market will have it!
In the evenings they often host special events such as the Summer or Winter Night Markets. Check out their website to check out what’s on.
