21 Unmissable things to do in Melbourne on your first visit!

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Melbourne is much like the perfect flat white; it reveals its layers sip by sip. Tucked below high-rises and skyscrapers, laneways whisper stories in its ever-changing art murals, trams hum their way through grand old streets, and every corner has a new coffee jaunt waiting for your patronage.

This is a city that wears four seasons in a single day and no one seems to mind—probably because it’s wrapped in world-class galleries, leafy parks, and more cafés than you could shake a reusable cup at.

Whether you’re here to chase culture, cricket, coffee, or all three at once, there are so many things to do in Melbourne to keep you entertained.

1. Visit St Kilda Pier at sunset

We love to visit St Kilda Pier at sunset, not just because the sky puts on a technicolour performance which is reflected in the ocean, but it’s also when the Fairy penguins come in and bring smiles to everyone who sees them. The little penguins are so cute!

I also like St Kilda for the outdoor dining and bars, many with bay views. It’s the place to go for a relaxing evening as its blends coastal charm and city magic.

2. Shop ’till you drop

It’s no secret that Melbourne is a great destination for shopholics looking to part ways with their coin. There are all kinds of shopping in the city, from vintage thrift stores, to boutique stores, to high-end luxury.

For shopping, I love the city laneways, especially between Flinders, Elizabeth, Bourke and Swanston Streets. Little Collins Street is also very good for relieving you of some of your cash. The city center is also pretty good for shopping.

Brunswick is a great area if you want to experience a bit of the Middle East, with small markets, and affordable restaurants with delicious food.

I like Fitzroy for the cafes and restaurants, not to mention all of the boutique shops, many catering for a hip crowd. Richmond and Prahran are also alright areas to shop, but a little more expensive than the others. They are quite popular with the locals though.

Avoid the DFO outlets and Docklands’ Harbour Town. In my observation, the items on “sale” there are more expensive than the major city department stores, although the rare occasional bargain may be found.

3. Marvel at the views from Eureka Tower

Eureka Tower offers stunning views of the city. It is the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere, at 297 metres/88 floors, and there is no better place to see the magnitude of the city and all its incredible beauty.

From the Skydeck, you can see the snaking waters of the Yarra River, the sweep of Port Phillip Bay, the green sprawl of Melbourne’s parks. Brave hearts can step into The Edge, a glass cube that slides out from the building. Get your tickets here.

4. See an AFL Game at Melbourne Cricket Ground

If you’re here during the AFL (Australian Football League) season, you must check out a game. The atmosphere in the massive MCG is unlike anything else in this country.

If you’re not able to catch a game, then be sure to visit the stadium on a behind the scenes tour. The grounds are not just a sporting venue, but also a museum.

You can visit the famous MCC Long Room, the players’ changing rooms and the cricketers’ viewing room. Visitors can also see the Ron Casey Media Centre.

Head over to the Cricket Victoria Bill Lawry Centre and Australian Sports Museum to learn more about Australia’s sporting history.

5. Dive fork first into Melbourne’s foodie scene

Melbournians love food and drink, so it would be wrong to visit without trying some of the best restaurants and places to eat in the city.

For budget, I would recommend any beer garden on a Sunday afternoon offering a free BBQ – these are quite widespread over the summer months. For stylish yet casual, I’d recommend anywhere on Little Collins Street from Swanston Street, up to Spring Street. Here are some of my favorite eats in the city:

• Lucky Coq (Chapel Street, Prahran) offers very cheap pizzas, and I am a huge fan.
• Don Dons near Melbourne Central offers very affordable and tasty Japanese fare – and lightning fast service.
• For stylish eats, I’d recommend Eureka 89 and Vue De Monde – mainly because I love a good view from high above the city.

Want to experience the best food in Melbourne but don’t have much time? Then check out this 3-hour food tour!

6. Visit a local tavern or bar

Melbourne is also well known for its bars and pubs. In the city, you’ve got many places to get a cool, refreshing cocktail such as The Workshop, Good Heavens Rooftop Bar, Cookie, and many others. These are some trendy and hip places to drink in the evening.

There are also many along the river in Southbank – walk along and pick one – they are all great, though if you like cocktails, Left Bank (next to Freshwater Place) has the best espresso martinis I’ve ever had…

For pubs, my personal favorites are along Sydney Road – The Penny Black, The Retreat Hotel, and the Cornish Arms Hotel.

7. Drive the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the main reasons why people visit Melbourne, it’s one of the greatest road trips in the world. This 250 km scenic drive starts just one hour outside of Melbourne in Torquay, and continues on to Warrnambool.

Along the way, you’ll pass incredible vistas, scenic viewpoints, impressive rock formations such as the iconic Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps and London Arch (London Bridge).

The drive is so scenic, that even though it can be completed in about 9 hours from one side to the other, many people choose to take the drive over a couple of days so they can stop and see all the amazing attractions along the way.

8. Explore Melbourne’s Gardens and Parks

Despite being a big city, Melbourne is pretty green. There are many parks and gardens where you can escape the high-rise buildings and experience being in nature. Pack a picnic and head off to the Royal Botanic Gardens or Carlton Gardens.

The Royal Botanic Gardens actually covers two sites in Melbourne and Cranbourne. The Melbourne Gardens were founded in 1846 and connect to the south side of the Yarra Valley It spans 38 hectares and offers a quiet place to relax among the trees, garden beds, lakes, and rivers.

Carlton Gardens is a World Heritage Site that sits on the northeastern edge of the Melbourne CBD. It’s most popular for its picnic and BBQ area, and even has its own wildlife such as the brushtail possum.

9. Check out the markets in Melbourne

The Queen Victoria Markets despite its reputation, does not really offer anything for the average tourist, in my opinion (other than to say you’ve been there). I do my meat and fruit shopping there though, so it may be handy if you’re staying in a serviced apartment and wanting to save a lot of money on the essentials.

Rose Street Markets, in Fitzroy, are known as The Artist’s Market. It is small compared to other markets, but I really like the range of clothing, accessories and art available there. They also sell some pretty nice coffee!

As above, there are many shopping areas to choose from – this really is the shopping capital of Australia, with something for everyone. There are also other markets at St Kilda on a Sunday, as well as the ones at the Arts Centre. Chadstone in the suburbs is one of my favourite markets if you like massive shopping centres. It may be a little tricky to get to via public transport though.

10. Go to a festival in Melbourne

There are heaps of festivals in Melbourne. The Comedy Festival runs through April and is fantastic for seeing world famous (and up and coming) comedians live.

The Moomba Festival (on the Labour Day long weekend in March) offers a carnival experience right in the city, with a highlight for me being the annual parade down Swanston Street, and the Birdman Rally. The latter just has to be seen to be believed.

Spring Horse Racing Carnival in early November is what I consider to be the unofficial start of summer, with a whole week of horse racing at Flemington, the highlight being the Melbourne Cup. I highly recommend everyone to go and experience this once in their lives.

We also have the Grand Prix and the Australian Tennis Open…there is something big on pretty much all year round. We loved attending the Australian Tennis Open – although it was very hot!

11. Take a day trip to Daylesford

Daylesford to the north is a beautiful country town, just over an hours drive away. This spa-country haven is where you will find mineral springs and century-old trees, as well as cozy cafés and boutique stores.

There is great food and the Sunday markets are also worth the trip, along with the nearby Chocolate Mill. After soaking in a mineral bath, go for a walk around Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens followed by a farm-to-table dinner. This is an excellent place to visit any time of the year, though it is generally a little colder than Melbourne most of the time.

12. Enjoy a Sunday Roast

Definitely any of the suburban bars and pubs mentioned above are great to visit on Sundays, but I personally love The Penny Black because they also offer a Sunday roast for those wishing to enjoy a nice, traditional Sunday meal.

I’ve never been disappointed with the food, drink, or atmosphere there on a Sunday. And, it’s good all year round, with outdoor heating and protection from the elements in winter.

I also like checking out the bars along Chapel Street – many offer discounted meals with each drinks purchase. The people are relaxed and happy on a Sunday.

13. Visit the Museums and Galleries

Melbourne is a cultural city with a lot of world-class museums and galleries. Some of the most popular museums to check out are the Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Get cultural and learn about Australian history and see some of the most impressive artwork in the city.

If you enjoy modern art, consider taking a street art tour.

14. Take the kids to the zoos

If you’re traveling with kids and they love wildlife, there are some fantastic zoos they will love.

The Werribee Open Range Zoo offers a safari-like adventure. It is home to several African animals such as giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. Because these animals need a lot of space to roam, the park offers them just that, and visitors get the wild safari adventure.

Another popular zoo is Melbourne Zoo, which is the primary zoo in Melbourne. It’s located within Royal Park in Parkville, and is considered a world-leading zoo.

Melbourne Zoo actually owns Werribee Open Range Zoo, as well as Kyabram Fauna Park, and Healesville Sanctuary.

Get your ticket for Melbourne Zoo here! and book a ticket for Werribee Open Range Zoo here!

15. Watch the sunset over the Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is one of the most important monuments in Melbourne. The shrine was unveiled in 1934 as a memorial to those who have been lost in the first World War.

It is located in the Kings Domain Gardens shortly after the war ended, and is widely visited each year on 25th of April for Anzac Day, and on Remembrance Day on the 11th of November. The monument looks beautiful and peaceful at sunset, which is the best time for reflection.

16. Catch a show at Arts Centre Melbourne

If you love watching musicals and performing arts, then be sure to visit the Arts Centre, Melbourne, the best venue in the city to watch a play or musical.

The Arts Centre is an arcade of performing arts venues. The State Theatre is the most popular theatre and has over 2,000 seats. Here you can see some of the biggest names, acts, and performances in the city. Unlike most theatres, the State Theatre is underground and has one of the largest stages in the world.

17. Admire the street art on Hosier Lane

Hosier Lane is Melbourne’s ever-changing open-air gallery. If you love street art, you will love this street – walls explode with colour, creativity, and attitude.

It’s more than just a photo op though, it’s where local artists leave their mark and express themselves creatively. Every visit feels like a new story because in Hosier Lane isn’t static, it’s always changing, evolving, and unapologetically Melbourne.

18. Check out Melbourne’s beaches

Just outside the city of Melbourne are many beautiful beaches. The aforementioned St. Kilda Beach, just a tram ride from the CBD, is the most popular beach as it’s so easy to get to. It buzzes with a lively mix of sunbathers, kite surfers, people-watching, and penguin-spotters at dusk.

Venture further along to Port Phillip Bay to find quieter stretches and hidden gems like Brighton Beach, which is known for its iconic colorful bathing boxes which create an Instagram-worthy moment. The Mornington Peninsula’s beaches deliver rugged cliffs, sweeping surf, and hidden coves, ideal for adventurous swimmers or surfers.

19. Admire La Trobe reading room in the State Library of Victoria

For that gorgeous photography backdrop, peep inside Melbourne’s State Library and check out the La Trobe Reading Room, which is a grand circular space, crowned by an iconic domed ceiling and lined with tiered balconies. It has a hushed elegance, surrounded by rare books and historic manuscripts, and is full of architectural splendor.

Natural light filters through the dome, casting a warm glow over the rows of polished wooden desks, making it the perfect backdrop for photography.

20. Explore the Old Melbourne Goal

History buffs will want to step back in time at Old Melbourne Gaol, one of the city’s most atmospheric historical sites. Wander through narrow cell blocks, peering into the stark cells that once held notorious criminals, including the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly.

The eerie corridors, creaking wooden floors, and haunting displays of gallows and artifacts bring 19th-century Melbourne’s gritty past to life. You can take guided tours and learn about the stories of crime and punishment.

21. Take the kids to Luna Park

Luna Park is jam-packed with nostalgic thrills. It’s where the iconic smiling entrance promises fun for all ages.

This historic amusement park, perched on St Kilda’s foreshore since 1912, is packed with vintage rides, from the rickety Scenic Railway to carnival-style dodgem cars. Wander along the boardwalk, grab a candy floss or hot dog, and enjoy a slice of historic whimsy.

Is Melbourne worth visiting?

There really is something for everyone in Melbourne, no matter what your budget or tastes are. Melbourne is known for being one of the most liveable cities in the world, with a vibrant music, arts, and theatre scene. For that reason, it’s definitely worth visiting.

Compared to other cities in Australia, it’s known for being really easy to get around; especially on the Melbourne tramway system. The streets are very easy to navigate.

It’s also famous for its abundance of shopping and dining experiences that are like no other city in Australia. Shopping strips like Chapel and Fitzroy Streets and Sydney and Bridge Roads have attracted many visitors to the city wanting to part ways with their dollars.

Getting to and around Melbourne

The city is laid out on a very easy-to-navigate grid. The public transport system will get you to anywhere you may need to go, despite the odd cancellation.

The most common way to get around is by the tram network, which runs through the entire city. There’s even a free tram service, known as The City Circle Tram, which is a zero-fare service just for tourists – it connects to all the major attractions in Melbourne such as the parliament house, old treasury building, and Docklands waterfront.

If you don’t use the tram, there is a bus and metro network, which uses the same ticket as the tram. If you’re heading to St Kilda, get the 96 tram – it runs express along an old train line, it’s a short tram ride and will save you quite a bit of time.

If brave enough, you can also bike around Melbourne – it’s a common way to get around and bike lanes make it easier. It can be a little daunting cycling around the city, especially with their trains and strange hook turns. If you are not a confident rider, I would not recommend it. Perhaps enjoy the cycle path along the coast in the St Kilda area! It’s a great way to enjoy Melbourne’s beaches.

Getting to CBD from Melbourne Airport

The Sky-Bus offers a regular shuttle service 24/7 direct to Southern Cross Station in the city. They also offer a hotel drop off and pick up service – ask for details at the counter.

A taxi to the city costs around $50-$60, depending on what time of day you’re travelling. I am generally very happy to stick with the Sky-Bus, unless I have returned from a long day at work interstate.

Best time to visit Melbourne

Autumn (march – May) to early winter (June – July) is the best time to visit Melbourne. The weather is at its sunniest at this time of year, and there is generally a lack of weather extremes that occasionally hit in summer and winter.

Having said that, the weather is nowhere near as bad as other Australians would have you believe. Melbourne has a reputation for being a rainy city, but it’s usually a light rain or drizzle, so don’t let that put you off. I love this city all year round.

Where to stay in Melbourne

For first-time visitors, the CBD (Central Business District) is hard to beat: you’ll be within walking distance of laneways, galleries, and the tram network, making it a perfect base for sightseeing.

If you crave a more bohemian vibe, Fitzroy is full of street art, vintage shops, and café culture, while St Kilda has a seaside energy, sunset cocktails, and a lively nightlife scene.

You can browse hotels and vacation rentals in Melbourne in the following interactive map:

Final thoughts

Melbourne is a quirky and vibrant city known for its music, art, and cultural scene. As the capital of Victoria and the gateway to Great Ocean Road, you can bet that some most iconic attractions in Southeastern Australia reside here in Melbourne.

For anyone who has never visited the city before, we hope this guide has given you some ideas on what to see and do. The locals are also only too happy to recommend things to do and give you directions.

More Melbourne Travel Tips

Looking for more inspiration about Melbourne? Check out these other posts:

• Exciting Places to visit near Melbourne (Less than three hours away)
• Why have we not heard of Wilsons Promontory National Park?
• Highlights of the Great Ocean Road Drive in Australia
• Beaches in Melbourne to Visit Once You’re Done with the City
• There’s Something About Marysville, Victoria
• Things to do in Melbourne with kids
• Best Places to eat in Melbourne
• Visit Hosier Lane for Grafitti Art
• Best accommodation in Melbourne – budget to luxury
• A stay at Mantra Southbank – family friendly accommodation

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