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My 18 Favorite Things To Do In Melbourne

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    One of Australia's trendiest metropolises is Melbourne. It is generally agreed upon that Melbourne is Australia's cultural hub due to the city's hip architecture, flourishing arts scene, and number of lively cafés and music venues. These factors have contributed to Melbourne's reputation. Its charming cafés and beer gardens are tucked away down alleyways decorated with world-class street art.

    The city is the prefered location in the country since they get along well with its inhabitants. Moreover, you could spend a week or more in this city and never get bored thanks to all the museums, galleries, and concerts available.

    The following are some top recommendations for places to visit and activities to partake in for a while in Melbourne.

    Take A Street Art Tour

    Kick off your journey with a guided tour of the local street art scene. The tour with Melbourne Street Art Tours was fantastic. At a whopping AUD 69, it's not cheap, but every dollar goes towards helping local musicians and artists. They now have a much better understanding of Melbourne's art scene and its appeal to creative people worldwide. This is an experience. We would highly suggest it.

    If you're on a tighter budget, consider taking a free walking tour of the city. The city's history and culture can be learned in a fun and educational way on two different free walking tours, both led by Free Walking Tours.Benefit from the knowledge of a native guide who is well-versed in all areas related. Remember to leave a gratuity for your guide when you're done!

    Catch A Moonlight Movie In the Park

    All the major Hollywood releases are shown nightly in the summer at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Bring your food and drinks (including alcoholic ones) and have a picnic in the grass while taking in a great film screening. It's like going to a drive-in theatre, except you won't need your car.

    Just remember to pack a sweater and a blanket in case it turns out to be chilly (it can get a little chilly sometimes). Bringing a raincoat is recommended, or rescheduling if the weather doesn't cooperate; they will cancel if it rains heavily but will continue as planned for light rain.

    Wander Queen Victoria Market

    It is possible to shop in the biggest open-air market place in the southern hemisphere right here. It's like a flea market; a food market had a baby, with stalls selling everything from food to trinkets and taking up two blocks of a city.

    The food court is the most popular spot during the week, but on the weekends, the outdoor market area is bustling with shoppers and vendors alike.

    Get some free wine tastings at Swords Wines near the food court; the personnel is nice, and the wine is reasonably priced. Not to mention the jam doughnuts, which you must try. They've been a mainstay in the area for the past half-century!

    Visit The State Library Of Victoria

    Over eight million people visit the State Library of Victoria annually, making it one of the most visited libraries in the world. In addition, the library, established in 1856, has expanded to become a community gathering place.

    If you are an early bird, you will be able to enter the queue for the first open desks. The central dome is where all the action happens; it has an octagonal form, and within, you'll find classic dark wood furnishings and walls lined with books.

    Take The City Circle Tram

    Free "hop-on, hop-off" transportation between Melbourne's major tourist destinations is provided by the City Circle Tram. Federation Square, the Old Treasury, Parliament House, and the Princess Theatre are all stops along the way.

    Recorded narration provides background information as you travel to and from landmarks throughout history. 

    Relax in Federation Square

    Federation Square can be found directly along the free City Circle train route and across the street from Flinders Street Station. This open square, which opened in 1968, is around 8 acres in size and is a great place to people-watch.

    This is one of the favourite places to eat lunch and people-watch in the city. Numerous eateries and watering holes line the riverbank just below the court. Various events take place here throughout the summer.

    Visit The National Gallery Of Victoria

    The National Gallery of Australia, found in Federation Square, is the country's largest, oldest, and most-visited art museum (over 3 million people visit each year). Over 75,000 sculptures, paintings, and other artworks from modern and contemporary artists and aboriginal and indigenous artists can be found here. In just a few hours, you'll have seen everything of interest.

    It's among the city's finest no-cost entertainment options.

    Wander The Royal Botanic Gardens

    The Royal Botanic Gardens encompass 86 acres and are home to more than 8,500 unique plant species. These species include flowers, shrubs, and trees collected from all over the world. The favourite thing to do in Melbourne is to hang out in this area and go on walks around the neighbourhood.

    It is a fantastic area to spend some time roaming around, relaxing, and reading, and it is only a short distance away from the central business district of the city. The primary visitors centre also provides free audio tours that can be listened to on your own or during one of the guided walks.

    Admire Flinders Street Station

    Flinders Street Station, which was opened in 1854, is a major landmark and a popular gathering spot in the heart of Melbourne. Victorian-style buildings and massive clock faces can be found at the station.

    To this day, it remains the busiest suburban train station in the Southern Hemisphere and the busiest railway station in the world, having held that distinction in the 1920s. So it's free to look at and admire this magnificent structure.

    Enjoy The Café Scene

    melbourne-marriott-hotel

    Although We don't drink coffee, they can appreciate the significance of coffee and café culture to the character of this city. It's common practice for locals to get work done or catch up with friends over coffee and snacks at a hipster café.

    To find out why Melburnians spend so much time in cafés, you can take a trip with Melbourne Coffee Tours or Café Culture Walk.

    See The Como House And Gardens 

    Over 160 years old, this grand home is a stunning example of traditional Italianate architecture and Australian regency. It provides a unique look into the extravagant lifestyle of 19th-century Australian aristocracy and is often regarded as the city's finest historic home.

    If you are interested in the history of this stunning estate, you can take a guided tour for the low price of only $15 AUD.

    Visit The Immigration Museum

    The Old Customs House is now home to The Immigration Museum, showcasing exhibits on Australia's immigrant history since 1998.

    In 1788, Europeans began flooding into the nation, bringing their own cultural norms and driving out the indigenous people who had lived there for over 50,000 years.

    We found it fascinating to read of people who uprooted their life and set sail on a perilous journey in order to start a new one on the other side of the world.

    Hit The Beach

    St. Kilda has a beautiful beach where you may swim, sunbathe, and watch the sunset. The water is a bit chilly for the taste, but the beach is large and lovely, and it faces west, so the sunsets are spectacular.

    If you have your certification, there are numerous dive spots in the area, some of which are caves. For rental equipment, try The Zu Boardsports.

    Party in St. Kilda

    St. Kilda is the place to experience the best of Melbourne's renowned nightlife. The neighbourhood has many low-priced dining options, nightlife venues, and entertainment venues.

    Here you will find the seedier side of Melbourne life. (If you want to party with other travellers and even some locals, one of the favourite spots to go is Base Melbourne. The bar on the lower level is always packed, and the beverages are reasonably priced.

    Enjoy the Fitzroy Gardens

    Established in 1848, the 65-acre Fitzroy Gardens is a huge Victorian-era garden. It is one of the most renowned gardens in Melbourne, and the English gardens inspired the design that the city's early immigrants had left behind.

    Once a marsh, the land has been painstakingly transformed into a gorgeous, expansive garden. 

    Get Cultural At The Melbourne Museum

    The Melbourne Museum exhibits Australian social history, indigenous cultures, science, and environmental issues. The vast Bunjilaka Aboriginal Culture Centre, which exhibits aboriginal culture, art, and history, was the museum's highlight for me.

    They also provide a section for youngsters, ideal for anyone travelling with children. There are also frequent and temporary exhibitions, so check their website to see what's on during your stay.

    Go On A Wine Tour

    The region is a hotspot for wine tourism. The Mornington Peninsula, located just outside Melbourne, is well known for its excellent wine. It is only 45 minutes from the city and has more than 40 vineyards.

    The Yarra Valley is a common destination for day getaways (where most tours take you). It costs between $150 and 225 AUD per person for a day's journey from Melbourne if you don't have a car or don't want to stay overnight.

    Take A Day Trip To Phillip Island

    Phillip Island is a popular weekend getaway for city dwellers, as it is only two hours away (connected to the mainland by bridges). In addition, the island is well-known for its koala refuge, large seal colony, and the nightly penguin parade, in which thousands of penguins return from the sea to nest.

    Although the island's population of 7,000 makes it possible to visit in a day, there are so many interesting places to see and activities to do. Therefore, we recommend staying at least one night.

    Melbourne is a city that never stops giving: it has excellent museums, beautiful parks and beaches, and numerous chances for day trips. You certainly won't get bored when visiting here. This is the most beautiful place in Australia (and for a good reason). If you visit for any length of time, you will adore the local cuisine, restaurants, bars, beaches, and green spaces. This is a city that does not let you down!

    How To Spend 2-3 Days In Melbourne, Australia

    The second-largest city in Australia, Melbourne, has a lot of personalities thanks to its artistic culture and gritty allure. In addition to museums, parks, street art, and world-class shopping, the city's never-ending network of lanes and streets is home to an array of unique restaurants, cosy cafes, and quirky bars.

    Some people even rank Melbourne as the best place to live in the entire world. (You suppose it didn't factor in the weather?)

    But what is Melbourne's main draw? Specifically, the cuisine.

    Top Places To Explore In Melbourne

    Here are some of our favourite restaurants, day trips, and attractions in the Melbourne area. The ideal length of time to spend in Melbourne.

    Degraves Street

    During lunch hour, hundreds of locals and visitors go to this pedestrian-only, "European" street to peruse the hole-in-the-wall eateries, boutique businesses, and street art. 

    What are our suggestions? You can have a delicious meal at the Little Den, a cup of coffee at Degraves Espresso Bar, and a sugar rush from Little Cupcakes. Just a short distance from Flinders Street Station, the lively scene of Degraves Street is not to be missed.

    Lygon Street

    Wanting to reach out to any and all Italian romantics out there! Leafy One of Melbourne's best food districts may be found on Lygon Street in the Carlon neighbourhood. A diverse neighbourhood with several outdoor cafés and restaurants serving Italian fare. Lygon Street is the site of Australia's largest annual outdoor street celebration, the Lygon Street Festa, and has a substantial European population. The sidewalks of Lygon street are lined with tables and chairs, making it a great area to grab a bite to eat on a warm summer afternoon.

    What are our suggestions? The genuine Italian cuisine at Papa Ginos & Tiamo. Each of these eateries has refined its craft in business for almost 20 years. Both the pasta and pizza at Seasons Provedore and DOC are excellent. Ensure you save room for the sweet finish. Pidapipo Gelateria is the only gelato shop on that street worth visiting. 

    South Bank

    The atmosphere at South Bank is much more sophisticated than in the rest of the city. From here, you can see all of Melbourne's central business district, which is where the tallest buildings and biggest companies are. In addition, you can visit the luxurious Crown Casino, which is worth exploring. Take some money with you.

    Along Melbourne's South Bank, you'll find some of the city's best dining options, including Neil Perry's, Rockpool (steakhouse), Spice Temple (Chinese), Dinner by Heston (degustation meal), and The Deck Restaurant (modern Australian with a view). So take a stroll down the river even if you have no intention of visiting the South Bank.

    Queen Victoria Markets

    When it comes to food, the Queen Victoria Markets are second to none. The Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, so if you're visiting Melbourne, you should stop by at least once—make sure you're hungry! A visit to Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market is not just a culinary excursion but also a cultural and historical one. The abundance of bakeries, delis, spice shops, coffee houses, tea merchants, and artisanal chocolate shops will keep you occupied for hours.

    A sizable food court serving, among other things, Greek, Sri Lankan, and Italian fare is also available. The "Boreks" store is worth a visit if you want to try one of their Borek pastries. One of the most well-liked and affordable spots to eat in the marketplace. What a steal—$3 gets you a pastry filled with spicy lamb filling in Australia. (Vegan options are on the menu as well!)

    Our Favourite Restaurants in Melbourne

    burgers-melbourne

    Although our time in Melbourne was brief, we packed in a lot of restaurant visits. These are the restaurants we recommend the most highly. If only there were more resources available to us.

    • Naked for Satan: It's probably the best rooftop in Melbourne, if not the best. This restaurant/bar is spread over several floors, and it features a rooftop with amazing city views (and heaters for the winter) and plenty of space for large groups and tasteful furnishings. The place to go! Check out these more Melbourne rooftop bars.
    • Little Hop: In close proximity to Naked for Satan is one of the best tiny taco places around. Affordable and upbeat!
    • Om Nom: Calling all dessert lovers! If you can not choose, spend $59 on the trio of desserts. They're insane (in a good way) in terms of the detail they feature.
    • Chin Chin (shown above): Asian fusion, most notably Thai. Wait times at this restaurant have been known to reach two hours. For an additional $69, we advise going with the "feed me" option. They devise a menu of options to suit your tastes. In addition to a massive quantity, there is a wide array of options.
    • Higher Ground: Modern brunch spot with Instagram-worthy fare.
    • The Garden State Hotel: Great for a night out with coworkers or a fancy pub dinner. Explore the hotel's many different regions before deciding where to stay.
    • Rooftop Bar: The best and most well-known rooftop bar in town. The ascent requires you to climb seven stories. Also available during the summer is an outdoor theatre where you can watch movies under the stars. Keep an eye out for tickets, please.
    • Sir Charles: Are there any restaurants where every item on the menu sounds tantalising to you? And this is one of them! Where to get the best brunch in town. Make sure to order the spicy scrambled eggs! A little further out in Fitzroy, you'll find the residence of Sir Charles.
    • Supercharger: Supercharger is a vegetarian and vegan eatery found at the Emporium Mall's food court. Healthy alternatives and "build your own" bowls are abundant. Affordable, tasty, and nutritious, what more could you want?
    • Cup of Truth: CBD's tucked-away Espresso Bar is housed in a historic subterranean arcade.

    Hosier Lane + Croft Alley + AC/DC alley 

    These may not be food-related, but that doesn't mean that everything has to be about food (or does it?). Melbourne's street art is well known throughout the world, and its legal position helps to create the dynamic, metropolitan environment we see today, where artists are free to paint in public areas. So even though they are crowded with tourists, these three lanes in the CBD are worth a stroll. The most well-liked laneway for street art in Melbourne is Hosier Lane, which attracts hundreds of tourists every day.

    The artwork that covers the entire wall space and even the trash cans give Hosier Lane a vivid and vibrant vibe. Likewise, the murals are extraordinarily colourful, distinctive, and dynamic. Melbourne Street Tours provides more information about the context and history of Melbourne's underground culture, but even without them, what's in front of you will be impressive to the eye.

    Conclusion

    A vibrant arts culture and hip architecture have made Melbourne Australia's cultural capital. Hidden in narrow alleyways lined with some of the world's best street art are quaint cafés and beer gardens. Tour the local street art culture with a professional guide if you like, or take a self-guided walk.

    The food court in Melbourne, Australia, is the southern hemisphere's largest open-air market. One of the world's most popular libraries, the State Library of Victoria, is located in Melbourne.

    One of Australia's most popular art museums is the National Gallery of Australia. There are around 8,500 plant species at the Royal Botanic Gardens, which cover 86 acres. For decades, Flinders Street Station has been the busiest suburban train station in the Southern Hemisphere.

    The Immigration Museum is housed in the former Customs House and features exhibits on Australia's immigration history. The Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne are one of the city's most popular parks.

    For city people, Phillip Island is a favourite weekend destination, given it is just two hours away (connected to the mainland by bridges). Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city. As a result of its rich artistic tradition and gritty allure, it is home to a large number of distinct individuals.

    Additionally, the city's ever-expanding network of lanes and streets is home to a wide variety of restaurants. In terms of food, the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne is the best in the world.

    As the largest open-air market in southern hemisphere, Queen Victoria Market is a must-see. When it comes to eating out in Melbourne, the city's South Bank is a great place to start. It's safe to say that Naked for Satan is one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne. One of the best small taco joints in town is Little Hop. It's a terrific place to go out with colleagues for drinks or a classy pub meal.

    Sir Charles is the best rooftop bar in town and the most well-known. Known around the world, Melbourne's street art is a major factor in creating the vibrant, urban environment we witness today. Hosier Lane, Melbourne's most popular laneway for street art, draws hundreds of visitors each day.

    Content Summary

    • One of Australia's trendiest metropolises is Melbourne.
    • It is generally agreed upon that Melbourne is Australia's cultural hub due to the city's hip architecture, flourishing arts scene, and number of lively cafés and music venues.
    • The following are some top recommendations for places to visit and activities to partake in for a while in Melbourne.
    • Kick off your journey with a guided tour of the local street art scene.
    • The tour with Melbourne Street Art Tours was fantastic.
    • If you're on a tighter budget, consider taking a free walking tour of the city.
    • The National Gallery of Australia, found in Federation Square, is the country's largest, oldest, and most-visited art museum (over 3 million people visit each year).
    • The Royal Botanic Gardens encompass 86 acres and are home to more than 8,500 unique plant species.
    • Flinders Street Station, which was opened in 1854, is a major landmark and a popular gathering spot in the heart of Melbourne.
    • Over 160 years old, this grand home is a stunning example of traditional Italianate architecture and Australian regency.
    • Established in 1848, the 65-acre Fitzroy Gardens is a huge Victorian-era garden.
    • Go On A Wine TourThe region is a hotspot for wine tourism.
    • The Mornington Peninsula, located just outside Melbourne, is well known for its excellent wine.
    • Melbourne is a city that never stops giving: it has excellent museums, beautiful parks and beaches, and numerous chances for day trips.
    • The atmosphere at South Bank is much more sophisticated than in the rest of the city.
    • When it comes to food, the Queen Victoria Markets are second to none.
    • A visit to Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market is not just a culinary excursion but also a cultural and historical one.
    • The most well-liked laneway for street art in Melbourne is Hosier Lane, which attracts hundreds of tourists every day.
    • Melbourne Street Tours provides more information about the context and history of Melbourne's underground culture, but even without them, what's in front of you will be impressive to the eye.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia, known for its music, art centres and museums, and celebration and expression of art. It has been ranked, year after year, the most 'livable city' and it's not hard to see why.

    Here are some popular parks open in Melbourne:
    • Catani Gardens.
    • Flagstaff Gardens.
    • Carlton Gardens.
    • Docklands Park.
    • Fitzroy Gardens.
    • Kings Domain.
    • Queen Victoria Gardens.
    • Treasury Gardens.
    • Melbourne's famous tramway system is the largest outside Europe and the fourth largest in the world. ...
    • The world's first feature film, the Story of the Ned Kelly Gang was filmed and made in Melbourne in 1906.
    • Melbourne had the first gay and lesbian radio station in the world.

    This is an efficient method of travelling to destinations such as Melbourne Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, or Herring Island Park, amongst others.

    This river serves as the backdrop for some different celebrations and events that take place throughout the year. It's well worth your time if you find yourself in Melbourne, Australia! The Yarra River in Melbourne as the sun goes down.

    Explore Melbourne's iconic locations, and while you're there, keep an eye out for comedy and live music performances offered for free inside hallowed halls. Utilise the City Circle Tram, free Wi-Fi, and Free Tram Zone to their fullest potential.

    The City Circle Tram service offers an easy and cost-effective way to travel within the core business district of Melbourne. Vacationers can use it, people working in offices, people shopping, and families.

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