There's a reason Melbourne has been named the "World's Most Liveable City" for so many years running. There is nothing missing from it. This Melbourne itinerary will cover everything you need to know to make the most of your time in this magnificent city, where you can quickly travel from the city to the coast, from the highlands to the countryside.
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, a state in Australia's south-east, continues to attract visitors. Twelve million tourists from all over the world visit Melbourne every year, making it the most popular tourist destination in Australia.
Where To Stay In Melbourne?
It's easy to see why London and Paris are perennial favourites when you visit Melbourne, a cultural melting pot with distinctively contrasting neighbourhood characteristics. There is a vast variety of lodging options in Melbourne because the city is so large and growing. My top three hotel choices for this Melbourne trip are as follows:
Airbnb Mebourne, Australia — This is my prefered method of reserving lodging when I travel, and an apartment in Melbourne is ideal for seeing the city like a resident. In many cases, renting an apartment or condo in one of the city's suburbs is more cost-effective than staying in a hotel. These are some of my recommendations:
- Adorable Chalet Tucked Away in Bohemian (St Kilda)
- Sunny Warehouse Studio with NYC Vibe near Swan Street (Richmond)
- Penthouse Apartment with Panoramic Views (Melbourne CBD)
Day 1: Cafes and restaurants in alleyways
If you're visiting Melbourne from afar, the long flight there may have left you feeling fatigued and jet lagged. You can relax and refuel with some of Melbourne's world-famous coffee while you're here.
It's no exaggeration to state that Melbourne, with its sizable Italian community, is home to some of the best Italian cuisine in the world.
Famous for its picturesque laneways, Melbourne is home to some of Australia's finest restaurants and cafes. The heart of the city, known as Centre Place, is where you'll want to be.
Morning
Melbourne's bustling central business district is a great place to start your sightseeing. Flinders Street Station is conveniently located besides the free ride on the City Circle tram, which will take you all around the city to important attractions like Parliament House,St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Royal Exhibition Building.
After getting off the tram at Flagstaff Station, you may reach Queen Victoria Market in just five minutes on foot. The market's long history and wide selection of high-quality foodstuffs have made it a symbol of Melbourne.
The Borek Shop has some delicious spinach and cheese boreks, and Market Lane Coffee is a great place to have a cup of coffee. You can take the tram to get back to Federation Square. This region is the cultural epicentre of Melbourne, home to landmarks like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the Ian Potter Centre of the National Gallery of Victoria.
The Koorie Heritage Trust, a museum run by Aboriginal people and dedicated to conserving and promoting local Koorie culture, is also located in Federation Square. Intriguing artefacts, paintings, photographs, and oral history recordings can be found on display in the museum. Stop by some museums and galleries before having lunch at Chin Chin or Coda on neighbouring Flinders Lane.
Afternoon
It's easy to lose track of time wandering the cobblestone lanes that wind through Melbourne's core business area. These arcades and stairwells from the 19th century have been revitalised with world-famous street art, and you can find a hidden gem around every corner.
Entering from Degraves Street, which is packed with cafes and coffee shops, you will find the majestic Block Arcade, built in 1892. Many traditional businesses, including as jewellers and tailors, as well as the world-famous Hopetoun Tea Rooms can be found in the arcade.
In the afternoons, tourists can take in a game of cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground or go for a stroll in the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
Between March and September, there is a brief window of opportunity to pick up the rules of Australian Football. Melbourne's Chinatown can be found on Little Bourke Street, and the vast dining hall at Cookie at Curtin House is well worth a visit.
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar – Character, authentic Italian food, and great coffee—what that's you'll find at Pellegrini's. According to Pellegrini's, the first espresso machine in Melbourne was shipped to the store in 1954, "kicking off a citywide craze."
Proud Mary – We are honoured to serve as a voice for the people who grow and harvest coffee. Every year, we make the journey to see our farmers, ranchers, and other producers, as well as meet their families. There is a connection here. As we get to know one another, we learn what drives each person and how best to encourage one another. This physical representation facilitates communication and appreciation on both sides. Producers are the unsung heroes of the coffee industry.
Axil Coffee Roasters – Our mission from the beginning has been straightforward: to provide our customers with the finest coffee possible. Our staff is comprised of dedicated individuals that will go to any length to bring you the finest speciality coffee on the market. To guarantee we always have access to the finest beans, we are always expanding our network of reliable coffee suppliers.
Dukes Coffee Roasters – We are an Australian speciality coffee roasting business dedicated to perfecting the art of roasting the finest coffees from across the globe in accordance with our own unique and methodical roasting protocols. We're dedicated to supplying cafés and consumers in Australia with the finest variety of speciality coffees available, including those that are locally grown, sustainably harvested, and deliciously in season.
Auction Rooms – We're all about quality, attention to detail, delicious food, and chill vibes. When you add in the breathtaking scenery, we will have no trouble giving you an event to remember.
You've landed in the right place to satiate any appetite after enduring the "meal" from hell served on board. From its earliest days, Melbourne has been a cultural melting pot, and this has influenced not only the city's coffee, but also its cuisine. We tourists appreciate it very much!
Though Melbourne's Chinatown is located in the city's central business district, we recommend making your way there tonight for some of the most magnificent Asian cuisine in Australia.
Once you arrive, don't waste any time and head straight to the highly recommended Shanghai Dumpling House. Tourists and locals alike go to this dilapidated structure for a taste of the authentic Shanghai fried noodles, Chinese broccoli, and pork dumplings served here. In the end, it will be a good decision for you.
Day 2 : To Unwind By The Water In South Yarra And St. Kilda
If you happen to be in Melbourne during the spring or summer, you're in luck, as going to the beach is a hugely popular activity not only among locals but also among tourists.
Head down to historic St Kilda, a coastal neighbourhood of Melbourne a short distance from the city. One of the city's famous trams will take you from the central business district, so you can cross it off your list, too.
As day two in Melbourne comes around, you will have lots of things to do on your Melbourne travel schedule at St Kilda, a beautiful coastal district only a 20-minute tram ride from the Melbourne CBD.
This region offers you the ability to pick between many restaurants and pubs and has a wonderful beach and pier to explore.
Visit one of the many cafes serving breakfast, most of which are clustered along Fitzroy Street. Try Staple Providore & Café or Fitzrovia.
If you feel like it, spend a few hours at Luna Park enjoying the rides and shows. This amusement park first opened in 1912 and features rides, games, and entertainment. Tickets are best bought on the spot at the park.
After you've rode all the rides you want, head to the most famous beach in Melbourne and layout in the sun to soak up some rays, if weather permits.
From Fitzroy Street, a centre for dining and nightlife, to Acland Street, home to achingly hip restaurants and pubs and the iconic Luna Park, the St. Kilda Esplanade stretches along the shore.
If you are lucky enough to visit St Kilda on a Sunday, the Esplanade Market extends the length of the road and overlooks the sea, selling everything you could imagine. Take a plunge in the water, soak up some Aussie sun, wander down St Kilda Pier and view the penguins. Just remember some serious-strength SPF Because the sun Down Under is notoriously harsh.
St Kilda is full to the brim with amazing bars and clubs, and a night out here is like no other. When it's a warm summer evening, the air has a certain carefree, hippy feel to it that words can't quite capture.
An additional highlight of a visit to St. Kilda Beach is a stroll down the beach's magnificent pier. It's possible that if you take a stroll on it, you'll observe some Fairy Penguins scuttling around the rocks nearby.
Walk over to the Esplanade Market if you're in St. Kilda on a Sunday to peruse the wares of local artisans. You may even test out some new plant-based options at a vegan market held on the first Sunday of the month.
There should be plenty of opportunities to get your blood pounding over your two days in Melbourne. Now that you've climbed the Eureka Skytower on day 2, how about skydiving over St. Kilda Beach? On your way down, you'll be able to look out over the beach from above, getting a bird's-eye view of the sand, water, and beachgoers below.
If you'd rather take it easy, Brighton Beach has 96 famed bathing boxes where you can relax for the day.
These were originally constructed for beachgoers who were not permitted to swim naked or roam the beach alone in their swimwear so that they could still enjoy the ocean while bathing in privacy.
Pick your favourite from the array of brightly coloured and individually designed floats, and take some time to unwind in the water.
If things get messy during your day or night out in St. Kilda, take Chapel Street in Windsor back to your hotel for what could be the dirtiest, nastiest, and most hilarious time of your life at Revolver. There are countless underground rooms blasting everything from hip hop to electronic and techno, making for an unforgettable evening.
Morning
The chicest spots in all of Melbourne may be found in the wealthy neighbourhood of South Yarra. Two Birds One Stone is a popular breakfast place, featuring delicacies like ricotta pancakes with fresh figs, marmalade syrup, pistachio cream, and toasted sunflower seeds to get your day started.
The suburb's middle is split down the middle by Chapel Street, which is lined with shops. The Prahran neighbourhood can be reached by the continuation of Chapel Street. Explore the unique shops of Greville Street after a visit to the popular Prahran Market, known for its gourmet delis and fresh food.
From here, you can reach St. Kilda beach in 15 minutes via taxi (or 30 minutes via tram), where you can take in the sights along the esplanade and historic St. Kilda Pier before indulging in a slice of cake from one of Acland Street's renowned bakeries.
Afternoon
There is a tram that leaves from St. Kilda and returns you to the heart of the city in about 30 minutes. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia's oldest gallery and features works by Australian and international artists in a variety of mediums. One alternative is to take a ride along the Yarra River and experience Melbourne from a different angle.
Try the Vietnamese in Richmond, the Italian along Lygon Street in Carlton, or the Spanish on Johnston Street in Fitzroy, three of the city's many unique dining districts.
The area around Brunswick Street is often buzzing with people because of all the great restaurants, bars, and rooftop terraces that can be found there. Naked in the Sky, located atop Naked for Satan, is a great spot to take in the sights and try some of the best city views while sipping on some of the house-infused vodka.
Day 3 : Wander Chapel and Burker Street
Prahan
Begin the day with some window shopping on Chapel Street in the Prahan neighbourhood. You can find some wonderful fashions to wear for the remainder of your trip and beyond at the numerous unique stores selling clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Bourke Street Mall
There's a lot that can be fit into a three-day Melbourne agenda. And if you don't feel like going to Prahan, the Bourke Street Mall is just there as an alternative. As one of Melbourne's central business district's busiest thoroughfares, Bourke Street has just about every type of business imaginable. The pizza at Ca Da Vin is delicious, and you can wash it down with one of their more than 50 wine options for lunch.
Melbourne Emporium
You should include Melbourne Emporium in your sightseeing plans if you are interested in a wide variety of high-end shopping opportunities. You can get the latest fashions and accessories at high-end retailers like Coach, Chanel, and Hugo Boss.
Many eating establishments provide welcome respite when hunger strikes. Gyoza Gyoza and Unabara Lobster & Oyster Bar are two restaurants that offer pay-per-plate eating and are known for its authentic Japanese dumplings, lobster, and oyster delicacies.
Melbourne Central
Melbourne Central is one of numerous shopping centres in the city, and it has both affordable goods and delicious dining alternatives.
Cheap clothing and accessories may be found at stores like Ally Fashion, Cotton On, and Just Jeans before you try the fries at Lord of the Fries, which claim to be flawless despite not using chemicals or frozen potatoes. Totally plant-based, that's what it is!
DFO South Wharf
Doesn't sound like anything fits your needs, does it? Then you should check out the DFO South Wharf stores, where you can save as much as 70% off the retail price of name-brand goods.
Some high-end brands can be purchased at reduced costs thanks to outlets like Adidas and Coach. Spend your hard-earned cash on a traditional German meal and a few rounds of beer at Munich Brau Haus's Oktoberfest celebration.
Vintage Shopping In Melbourne
If you're more interested in secondhand stores and retro styles, you may find them on Brunswick and Smith streets in Fitzroy, as well as at the Chadstone Fashion Mall.
You can locate one-of-a-kind items at any of the many shops selling vintage clothing, albums, and books.
Melbourne Seasonal Events
- When the month of November rolls around, the Melbourne Cup is held. There is little doubt that this horse race is one of Australia's most anticipated annual events. Every year on the first Tuesday of November, Australians stop what they're doing and gather around the television to watch "the race that stops a nation." Attendees, in true Aussie spirit, often partake in some liquid refreshment during the day while watching the race, which often necessitates the wearing of formal attire.
- Each year in March, as a part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the World's Longest Lunch takes place, where guests dine at a table measuring 500 metres in length. Learn more by visiting the official website of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
- March is the month of the regional World's Longest Lunch, so if you don't get a seat at the Melbourne Longest Lunch, don't worry! Even in smaller cities and towns outside of Melbourne, the longest lunch is held. Last year, I went to one in Yarra Valley, and it was wonderful.
Conclusion
Melbourne has been named the "World's Most Liveable City" on multiple occasions. More than 12 million international and domestic tourists visit Melbourne each year, making it Australia's most visited city. Hotels in Melbourne are many due to the city's size and rapid expansion. The food and drink scene in Melbourne is second to none in the country. The city centre beats at Centre Place.
Located in the heart of historic downtown Melbourne, Queen Victoria Market is home to a wide array of delicious treats and a rich cultural heritage. The Italian fare and coffee at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar are second to none. Melbourne's Chinatown can be found on Little Bourke Street, and a visit to Cookie at Curtin House is a must. Chinatown in Melbourne is home to some of the finest Asian restaurants in all of Australia. Coffees of the highest quality are roasted by Dukes Coffee Roasters, an Australian enterprise.
From the Melbourne Central Business District, St. Kilda takes only 20 minutes on the tram. Various amusements and activities may be found in Luna Park, which first opened in 1912. Esplanade Market runs the length of a road and looks out over the water. The Esplanade Market is a great place to go shopping on a Sunday in St. Kilda. Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach are so well-known that there are 96 of them. The underground rooms of Revolver feature electronic, house, and hip hop.
NGV is Australia's first art museum. The Yarra River provides a relaxing and scenic ride through the heart of Melbourne. Retailers of every description can be found along Bourke Street Mall. In terms of dining options, you can choose between Lord of the Fries and Unabara Lobster & Oyster Bar. The streets of Brunswick and Smith in Fitzroy are known for their vintage clothing and secondhand stores.
In March, people from all over the world sit down to eat at a table that is 500 metres long. Across Australia, it's the residents of smaller towns who enjoy the leisurely pace of a longer lunch.
Content Summary
- The "World's Most Liveable City" title was rightfully awarded to Melbourne.
- The capital of Victoria, Melbourne, continues to be a popular tourist destination.
- More than 12 million international and domestic tourists visit Melbourne each year, making it Australia's most visited city.
- These are the three best hotels in Melbourne, in my opinion:
- Airbnb Australia-Mebourne The best way to experience Melbourne is from the comfort of your own apartment.
- Suburban apartment and condo rentals are often more cost-effective than hotel stays.
- Some of the best Italian food in the world comes from Melbourne's significant Italian community.
- Many of Australia's finest restaurants and cafes may be found tucked away in Melbourne's alleys.
- The city centre beats at Centre Place.
- In only five minutes, you can stroll from Flagstaff Station to the bustling Queen Victoria Market.
- Getting to Federation Square is easy thanks to the trams.
- World-renowned street art has revitalised these 19th-century passageways and stairwells.
- Cafe-lined Degraves Street serves as the entrance to the 1892 Block Arcade.
- Melbourne's Chinatown can be found on Little Bourke Street, and a visit to Cookie at Curtin House is a must.
- Pellegrini's offers more personality, authentic Italian food, and excellent coffee than Starbucks.
- The multicultural background of Melbourne's residents has influenced the city's coffee and cuisine.
- It is recommended that you visit Shanghai Dumpling House immediately upon arrival.
- The South Yarra and St. Kilda Waterfront on Day 2 Relaxation
- In the warmer months, beach trips are common for residents and visitors alike in Melbourne.
- As a beachside suburb of Melbourne, St. Kilda is a popular destination for tourists.
- One can also enjoy a leisurely stroll down the pier at St. Kilda Beach.
- The Esplanade Market is a great place to go shopping on a Sunday in St. Kilda.
- Climb the Eureka Skytower on day one, and then skydive over St. Kilda Beach on day two.
- Some of Melbourne's trendiest hangouts may be found in South Yarra in the morning.
- Explore Greville Street after sampling the gourmet delis and local fare at Prahran Market.
- The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia's oldest art museum and features works by both local and foreign artists.
- Visit Melbourne from a different angle on a sail down the Yarra River.
- Visit the Burker Street Window shop on Chapel Street and see the sights in Praha.
- To Shop at the Bourke Mall
- In just three days, you can cram a lot into Melbourne.
- The Bourke Street Mall is close by if you'd rather shop than hang out in Prahan.
- A variety of upscale stores can be found at the Emporium Melbourne.
- DFO South Wharf offers discounts of up to 70% off on designer brands.
- The annual Melbourne Cup race is held in November.
- Melbourne, Australia hosts the World's Longest Lunch at a table measuring 500 metres in length every March as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
- Don't stress if you can't score a table at Melbourne's Longest Lunch.
FAQs About Visiting Melbourne
- Check out Flinders St Station and Federation Square. ...
- Have a Poke Around the Laneways. ...
- Tour the MCG. ...
- Visit the National Gallery of Victoria. ...
- Check out the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens. ...
- Grab Dinner at Chinatown. ...
- Collingwood. ...
- Take a Street Art Tour.
The best times to visit Melbourne are between March and May and September and November. These shoulder seasons feature moderate temperatures and tourist crowds, plus lower airfare rates.
Victoria is a great place to visit for a weekend—or long weekend—escape in British Columbia. The city is quite small, so most of the main attractions lie within walking distance of each other in the city center.
Multicultural Melbourne frequently tops the list of the world's most livable cities. Visit this vibrant city at the head of Port Phillip Bay, and you'll see why. Australia's second largest metropolis exudes an unmistakably European feel.