MELBOURNE
Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, a dynamic city renowned for its hidden laneways, world-class dining, and passion for the arts and sport. It perfectly blends grand Victorian architecture with cutting-edge modern design.
This vibrant metropolis, on the shores of Port Phillip Bay, is famed for its diverse, multicultural atmosphere and high quality of life. It’s a place where you can find anything from quiet botanic gardens to packed stadiums.
Most Popular Attractions
City Core & Architecture:
Federation Square: Melbourne’s modern cultural hub and public gathering space, featuring bold, unique architecture.
Flinders Street Station: The city’s iconic, historic railway station, famous for its grand yellow facade and green dome.
State Library Victoria: Australia’s oldest public library, known for its stunning La Trobe Reading Room dome.
Royal Exhibition Building: A UNESCO World Heritage site and magnificent 19th-century structure, still used for exhibitions.
Parliament House of Victoria: A grand, historic building offering tours and a glimpse into state governance.
Block Arcade: A beautifully preserved 19th-century shopping arcade with a magnificent mosaic floor and period details.
Old Melbourne Gaol: A historic former prison where notorious Australian outlaw Ned Kelly was executed.
St Paul’s Cathedral: A prominent Anglican cathedral in the heart of the city, notable for its Neo-Gothic architecture.
Arts, Culture & Laneways:
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Australia’s oldest and most-visited public art museum, split between the international collection (NGV International) and Australian collection (Ian Potter Centre).
Melbourne Museum: The largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere, housing exhibits on natural and cultural history.
Hosier Lane: The city’s most famous laneway, a constantly evolving canvas of vibrant street art and graffiti.
ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image): Located at Federation Square, dedicated to film, television, and digital culture.
Queen Victoria Market: A sprawling open-air market, over 140 years old, famous for fresh produce, delis, and shopping.
Shrine of Remembrance: A commanding war memorial dedicated to Victorians who served in global conflicts.
Parks, Views & Modern Attractions:
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: Considered one of the finest Victorian-era landscaped gardens in the world, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): One of the world’s great sporting venues, home to cricket and Australian Rules Football (AFL).
Melbourne Skydeck (Eureka Tower): The highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere, offering panoramic city views.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: A large aquarium on the Yarra River, home to diverse marine life including sharks and penguins.
Yarra River: The central river winding through the city, popular for cruises, walking, and dining along Southbank.
Melbourne Zoo: Australia’s oldest zoo, offering a diverse range of animals in naturalistic habitats.
Luna Park Melbourne: An iconic amusement park on the St Kilda foreshore, known for its historic entrance and rides.
Day Trips & Regional Highlights:
Puffing Billy Railway: A historic narrow-gauge steam railway winding through the lush Dandenong Ranges.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade: Located south-east of the city, famous for the nightly ritual of Little Penguins returning to shore.
Healesville Sanctuary: A wildlife park focusing on native Australian animals in a bushland environment, located in the Yarra Valley.
Sovereign Hill (Ballarat): An immersive outdoor museum that recreates life during the 1850s Victorian gold rush.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Laneways and Street Art: Get lost in the labyrinth of Melbourne’s famous laneways like Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane to see world-class street art. Look for hidden bars and cafes in these narrow alleys.
Ride the Free City Circle Tram (Route 35): Hop aboard one of the vintage W-Class trams for a free, narrated tour of the city’s key sights and landmarks within the CBD.
Catch a Game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): Experience Australia’s sports obsession firsthand by attending an AFL (Australian Rules Football) match (March to September) or a Cricket match (summer months). Take a guided tour of the iconic stadium if no event is on.
Immerse Yourself in Coffee Culture: Discover why Melbourne is considered one of the world’s coffee capitals. Go on a dedicated coffee tour or simply sample flat whites and pour-overs at hidden specialty cafes in the CBD, Fitzroy, or Carlton.
Wander through the Queen Victoria Market: Explore the southern hemisphere’s largest open-air market for fresh produce, artisan goods, souvenirs, and hot street food. Attend the Night Market if you visit on a Wednesday (seasonal).
Visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Explore the extensive collections at NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, which are the country’s oldest and most visited art galleries.
Take a Day Trip on the Great Ocean Road: Hire a car or join a tour to drive one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes, viewing the famous Twelve Apostles limestone stacks and other dramatic coastline features.
Watch the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island: Take a day trip to Phillip Island to witness the nightly spectacle of hundreds of Little Penguins waddling ashore from the ocean.
See the City from Melbourne Skydeck: Get a panoramic 360-degree view of the city and Port Phillip Bay from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform, located in the Eureka Tower.
Stroll the Royal Botanic Gardens: Escape the city bustle in this massive inner-city park, perfect for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or a guided tour to learn about native Australian and international plants.
Learn to Surf at URBNSURF: Experience the thrill of surfing at Australia’s first surfing park, an urban oasis where you can ride perfect, custom-made waves regardless of the ocean swell.
Explore the Old Melbourne Gaol: Step back in time and learn about the city’s dark history, including the famous bushranger Ned Kelly, at this former prison and museum.
Local Tips & Transport
The myki Card is Essential: The myki smartcard is your ticket for trains, trams, and buses in metropolitan Melbourne. You must “tap on” when starting your journey and “tap off” when finishing to ensure you pay the correct fare. The card itself costs around $4 USD and can be topped up at train stations, 7-Eleven stores, or myki machines.
Free Tram Zone: Travel is free on all trams within the designated Central Business District (CBD) Free Tram Zone. This includes trips to major stops like Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the Queen Victoria Market. You do not need to tap your myki card if your entire journey is within this zone.
Train Network: Melbourne’s train system is efficient for covering longer distances across the city and suburbs. The main CBD hubs are Flinders Street Station (the iconic landmark with the clocks) and Southern Cross Station (the main terminal for V/Line regional trains and airport buses).
Buses and Night Network: Buses fill the gaps between tram and train lines, especially in outer suburbs. On Friday and Saturday nights, a Night Network operates with all-night trains, trams, and late-night buses, offering a safe option for getting home after hours.
From the Airport: The SkyBus is the most popular express service, running frequently between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Southern Cross Station in the CBD. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also readily available, though tolls and airport surcharges apply.
Hook Turns: If driving in the CBD, be aware of the unique “hook turn” rule at certain intersections, where drivers turning right must position their car in the far-left lane and wait for the traffic signal to change before making the turn. This is to allow trams to pass unhindered.
Four Seasons in One Day: Melbourne is famous for its highly changeable weather. It is common for the temperature to drop by 10ºC to 15ºC (around 18ºF to 27ºF) in a single afternoon. Layering your clothes is always recommended—carry a light jacket even on a sunny morning.
Tipping is Not Mandatory: Unlike the US, tipping is not expected in Australian culture. If you receive exceptional service in a restaurant or cafe, a small tip will be appreciated but is not necessary for an employee to earn a living wage.
Sporting Capital of the World: Melburnians are passionate about their sport. Don’t be surprised to see people wearing team colours for the AFL (Aussie Rules Football), especially on Fridays and weekends during the season. Engaging in a conversation about local football is a great way to break the ice with a local.
Coffee Obsession: Coffee is an art form here, and the quality is very high. Do not order a regular “coffee” as it is not a standard order; specify what you want (flat white, latte, cappuccino, long black, etc.). Look for cafes tucked away in the laneways—the more hidden, the better.
The “CBD” and Laneways: Locals refer to the city centre as the CBD (Central Business District). The famous laneways are the heart of Melbourne’s culture, full of hidden bars, boutiques, and world-renowned street art. They are constantly changing, so exploring them is an activity in itself.
Hidden Gems
The Royal Arcade: Melbourne’s oldest surviving shopping arcade, offering stunning Victorian architecture and unique, high-end boutiques.
State Library Victoria’s La Trobe Reading Room: A magnificent, domed reading room that is a favourite for photographers and history buffs.
The Shrine of Remembrance: Victoria’s most significant war memorial, offering a moving experience and beautiful views of the city skyline from its steps.
St Kilda Pier Penguin Colony: Visit the breakwater at St Kilda Pier just after sunset to see a colony of tiny Little Penguins returning to their nests.
Top Restaurants
Cumulus Inc. [$30-$50] – An enduring Flinders Lane institution from Andrew McConnell, famed for its all-day dining, vibrant atmosphere, and modern European-influenced Australian menu, particularly its breakfast and shared plates.
Supernormal [$30-$50] – A chic and lively restaurant offering a creative mash-up of Asian cuisines (Japanese, Chinese, Korean) with a distinctly Melbourne flair; the New England Lobster Roll is a cult favorite.
Coda [$30-$50] – Tucked away in a basement on Flinders Lane, this spot offers elegant and inventive French-Vietnamese cuisine and is known for its incredible wine list and sleek, urban setting.
Tonka [$30-$50] – Set in a hidden laneway, this modern Indian restaurant delivers bright, refined flavours using contemporary techniques in a stunning, light-filled space.
Embla [$30-$50] – A rustic-chic wine bar and restaurant on Russell Street known for its wood-fired oven cooking and ever-changing, seasonal menu of simple but superb European-style dishes.
Marion Wine Bar [$30-$50] – The sister venue to Cutler & Co., offering a more casual and approachable experience with a focus on exceptional wine and simple, seasonal food cooked over a hearth.
Host Dining [$35-$55] – A North Melbourne gem known for its warm, contemporary space and a thoughtful menu that often surprises diners with innovative takes on classic European dishes.
Etta [$35-$55] – A stylish neighbourhood bistro in Brunswick East, celebrated for its bold, seasonal menu with a focus on shared plates and an excellent, approachable wine list.
Tipo 00 [$30-$45] – A small, bustling osteria known for crafting some of Melbourne’s best pasta, with a simple, focused menu that elevates traditional Italian techniques.
I D E S [$40-$60] – Chef Peter Gunn’s sleek Collingwood restaurant, offering a set menu that is constantly evolving and pushing creative boundaries with modern Australian cuisine.
Farmer’s Daughters [$35-$55] – Celebrates the produce of Victoria’s Gippsland region across three levels (Deli, Restaurant, and Rooftop), focusing on a true farm-to-table experience with an open-fire kitchen.
Gimlet at Cavendish House [$40-$70] – An elegant, grand European-style brasserie and cocktail bar in a beautifully restored 1920s building, offering sophisticated food and a memorable, glamorous experience.
Di Stasio Città [$35-$60] – A sleek, contemporary space in the CBD that offers a refined take on Italian dining, with a strong focus on art and design, creating a unique atmosphere.
Aru [$40-$65] – An innovative restaurant blending Southeast Asian flavours and Australian native ingredients, with a focus on cooking over fire in a dramatic, minimalist space.
Amphlett House [$30-$50] – A modern pub with a quality food offering, moving beyond typical pub grub with refined dishes and a great selection of local beers and wines.
The Waiters Restaurant [$20-$40] – A classic, no-frills Italian joint hidden upstairs in the city, famous for its old-school service, simple food, and late-night hours (cash only).
Butcher’s Diner [$15-$30] – A late-night, no-nonsense spot that’s a rite of passage for many Melburnians, offering exceptional burgers, quality cuts of meat, and house-made sausages.
Jim’s Greek Tavern [$25-$45] – A Collingwood legend known for its raucous, convivial atmosphere, no-menu approach, and generous portions of traditional Greek food (BYO wine is a must).
France-Soir [$35-$60] – An iconic, bustling bistro in South Yarra that has been serving authentic, classic French food—steak frites, onion soup, and more—for decades.
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar [$15-$25] – An authentic, old-school Italian cafe on Bourke Street, famous for its neon sign, counter seating, and serving simple pasta and excellent coffee since 1954.
Lune Croissanterie [$10-$20] – While not a restaurant, this Fitzroy bakery is an institution, known globally for crafting some of the world’s best croissants. It’s a must-visit for breakfast.
Grossi Florentino Cellar Bar [$30-$50] – The ground-floor, more casual part of the famed Grossi Florentino, offering classic Italian food in a warm, timeless setting, popular for a quick-yet-quality lunch.
Movida [$35-$55] – One of Melbourne’s pioneering Spanish tapas bars, located in a famous laneway, offering authentic and high-quality Spanish dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Bar Lourinhã [$30-$50] – A bustling, intimate venue on Little Collins Street, known for its superb Euro-centric bar food and wine list, with a strong Iberian influence.
Bluebonnet Barbecue [$25-$45] – Widely regarded as serving some of Melbourne’s best American-style low-and-slow barbecue, perfect for meat lovers in a relaxed, rustic setting.
The European [$30-$50] – A classic European bistro next to the famous Windsor Hotel, offering refined comfort food and a fantastic spot for a pre-theatre or late-night meal.
Pho Hung Vuong 2 [$15-$25] – A no-frills, highly-regarded spot in Richmond’s “Little Vietnam” precinct, famous for its authentic, flavorful, and incredibly popular beef pho.
Misty Pot [$20-$35] – A tucked-away Korean diner in West Melbourne offering comforting, hard-to-find Korean dishes like Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) in addition to classics.
Chin Chin [$30-$50] – A hugely popular and bustling Southeast Asian restaurant that has become a Flinders Lane landmark, known for its bold flavours and vibrant, energetic atmosphere.
Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar [$30-$50] – Located in a chic basement, this restaurant offers pan-Asian street food and flavors in a sleek, modern setting, perfect for sharing.
Rice Paper Scissors [$25-$40] – Offers delicious, affordable Southeast Asian street food with a focus on sharing, known for its “feed me” menu and popular chilli dishes.
Hochi Mama [$25-$40] – A vibrant and popular spot with a lively atmosphere, serving modern Vietnamese and South-East Asian street food with playful cocktails.
Daughter in Law [$30-$45] – A rule-breaking, “unauthentic” Indian restaurant by chef Jessi Singh, offering bold, contemporary flavours in a colorful and fun setting.
Shu Restaurant [$25-$45] – Offers creative, plant-based modern Sichuan cuisine in Collingwood, delivering the punchy flavours of Sichuan without the meat focus.
Yaowarat [$15-$30] – A hidden gem in Chinatown that brings Thai and Chinese street food together, inspired by Bangkok’s Yaowarat strip, often open late for affordable, flavourful dishes.
Manzé [$30-$50] – A North Melbourne restaurant celebrating the rich, complex flavours and cooking techniques of Mauritian cuisine in a warm, welcoming space.
Borsch, Vodka and Tears [$25-$45] – A quirky, enduring Windsor spot offering comforting Polish food, extensive vodka selections, and a unique, intimate atmosphere.
Mamasita [$25-$45] – A long-standing CBD favourite for modern Mexican, known for its excellent tacos, famous street corn, and extensive tequila and mezcal list.
Nori Maki [$35-$60] – A secret sushi bar tucked away in an arcade, offering premium sushi and omakase sets crafted by an ex-Nobu head sushi chef.
Il Bacaro [$35-$55] – Located on Little Collins Street, this Venetian-inspired venue offers a refined, simple approach to Italian food, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Longrain Melbourne [$35-$55] – Set in a stunning converted horse stable, this venue serves contemporary, high-quality Thai dishes, great for shared banquets and big groups.
Hutong Dumpling Bar [$15-$30] – Located in Market Lane, this place is famous for its delicious and authentic xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and other traditional Chinese dumplings.
Izakaya Den [$30-$50] – A subterranean Japanese bar and diner known for its creative, modern Izakaya dishes and fantastic late-night vibe.
Flower Drum [$60-$100] – A celebrated institution for high-end Cantonese fine dining, known for its impeccable service and classic, refined dishes like Peking duck.
Attica [$150-$250+] – Widely regarded as one of Australia’s best restaurants, offering a multi-sensory and highly creative modern Australian tasting menu experience in Ripponlea.
Vue de Monde [$150-$250+] – Located on the 55th floor of the Rialto building, offering a luxury modern Australian dining experience with incredible views of the city.
Reine & La Rue [$60-$100] – Housed in the grand, heritage-listed Cathedral Room, this venue offers an elegant French fare that highlights the best Victorian produce in a breathtaking setting.
Amaru [$100-$150+] – A sophisticated and intimate modern Australian restaurant in Armadale, offering a carefully crafted, high-end seasonal tasting menu.
Nobu [$60-$100] – Located at Crown Melbourne, offering the signature, world-renowned new-style Japanese cuisine with a blend of classic Japanese techniques and Peruvian influences.
Society [$60-$100] – An elegant, lavish dining precinct with multiple concepts, known for its classic, refined European-inspired menu and opulent setting.
Sepia [$80-$120] – A unique dining experience offering a creative and modern degustation menu with Japanese influences, focusing on seafood and fine technique.
Bistro Guillaume [$50-$80] – A refined bistro at Crown, inspired by classic French Bistronomy, offering a polished yet approachable French fine-dining experience.
Ishizuka [$120-$180+] – An exclusive, basement Japanese restaurant offering a traditional 16-course Kyoto-style Kaiseki menu in a stunning, intimate setting.
Osteria Ilaria [$40-$70] – The sister venue to Tipo 00, offering a slightly more refined and contemporary approach to Italian dining with regional dishes and an extensive wine list.
The Atlantic [$50-$90] – Located on Southbank, this is one of Melbourne’s premier seafood restaurants, known for its quality produce and sleek, modern atmosphere.
Stokehouse [$60-$100] – A beautiful beachfront institution in St Kilda, offering high-end, contemporary Australian cuisine with stunning ocean views.
Omnia Bistro and Bar [$40-$70] – A polished South Yarra spot offering a European-inspired bistro menu with refined, seasonal dishes and excellent service.
Lalor [$40-$60] – A highly-regarded, modern restaurant focusing on contemporary Australian food with a strong commitment to seasonal, local produce.
Hell of the North [$40-$60] – A charming, slightly hidden French-inspired bistro in Fitzroy, known for its excellent service and focus on classic bistro dishes with a modern twist.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Black Pearl: A Fitzroy institution on Brunswick Street, this long-standing bar is where many of Melbourne’s best bartenders go to perfect their craft or grab a superb late-night martini. It has a cozy main bar and an upstairs space, The Attic, for table service and a curated menu.
Eau De Vie: Located down a discrete laneway on Malthouse Lane in the CBD, this award-winning, semi-prohibition-style speakeasy is renowned for its theatrical approach to cocktails—shaking, freezing, or setting drinks on fire. It also boasts a dedicated whisky room.
Caretaker’s Cottage: A truly unique spot nestled behind Wesley Place Church in the CBD, this tiny, intimate venue was once an actual caretaker’s cottage. It’s cool, unpretentious, and consistently lands on international “best bars” lists for its expertly crafted drinks.
Above Board: Tucked away in Collingwood, this tiny, highly-acclaimed bar focuses entirely on the craftsmanship of the drink. With limited seating all facing the bartender, it’s an intimate experience offering world-class cocktails without the pretension.
Gin Palace: Located on Russell Place in the CBD, this specialist basement bar has been a Melbourne favorite since 1997. As the name suggests, it offers an extensive menu of gin-based cocktails and martinis, served in a plush, late-night setting.
Nick and Nora’s Melbourne: A lavish, Roaring ’20s-themed temple of decadence on Flinders Lane in the CBD. It specializes in Champagne and ostentatious cocktails, bringing early 19th-century glamour to the city’s bar scene.
Lui Bar: Perched high above the city in the Rialto Tower, this bar offers stunning, panoramic skyline views from the CBD. Located on the 55th floor, it’s the perfect spot for a swanky, high-altitude cocktail.
1806: A classic cocktail bar with a sense of history and theatre, located on Exhibition Street in the CBD. Named after the year the word ‘cocktail’ was first immortalized, it offers a deep dive into the history of mixed drinks.
Berlin Bar: This hidden cocktail bar, found in the heart of the CBD, is cleverly split into ‘East’ (grungy) and ‘West’ (fancy) Berlin, merging opulence with a wartime aesthetic.
Beneath Driver Lane: A moody, effortlessly cool subterranean bar on Driver Lane in the CBD. This venue features rustic arched bricks, candlelight, and a sophisticated, New York speakeasy vibe.
Rooftop at QT: This popular rooftop bar sits atop the QT Hotel in the CBD and offers an all-weather retractable roof, expansive views, and a great spot for after-work drinks or a sunset cocktail.
Byrdi: An ambient and peaceful oasis near Melbourne Central on La Trobe Street. This spot is known for its creative, modern cocktails that focus on seasonal and local Australian ingredients.
GoGo Bar: Located beneath the popular Chin Chin restaurant in the CBD, GoGo Bar is always busy and makes for an excellent meeting place with its vibrant, high-energy atmosphere.
StoryVille: A fairytale-themed bar located on Lonsdale Street in the CBD, offering a unique and fantastical experience. Beeline to the Narnia-inspired section for a cocktail in an imaginative setting.
Inflation Nightclub: A centrally located club on King Street in the CBD, offering multiple rooms and different music styles, including house, commercial, and RNB, making it a popular high-energy late-night destination.
Level 3 Nightclubs (Crown Melbourne): Situated on Level 3 of the Crown complex in Southbank, this area features multiple high-energy clubs like Co., often playing a mix of old school RNB, Hip Hop, and Commercial House music, perfect for party seekers.
Glamorama Nightclub: Located on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, this is an underground nightclub that has traded for years, delivering a dedicated experience for fans of house and techno music.
The Den: This basement cocktail bar within the Crown Melbourne complex in Southbank offers a charming vibe reminiscent of the Golden Era and New York bar culture, often featuring late-night DJs in a lounge setting.
Club Retro: Located in the heart of the CBD, this is one of Melbourne’s longest-running and most iconic nightclubs, featuring multiple floors and a mix of retro and current chart music for pure fun.
The Toff in Town: Situated on Swanston Street in the CBD, this venue is a hybrid bar and club, popular for live music, cabaret, and DJ sets in a stylish space, often staying open late on weekends.
Lulie Tavern & Full Moon Fever Rooftop: Found on Swan Street in Richmond, this spot hosts intimate date nights and lively dance parties, with a ’70s rock-and-roll vibe, especially on the rooftop.
Holy Diver: Located in Collingwood, this club is popular for its rock/metal vibes, making it a great place to kick off before catching a gig at nearby music venues.
The Peel: A long-standing, well-known late-night venue in Collingwood that’s particularly popular with the LGBTQIA+ community, hosting regular themed parties and dance events.
Brown Alley: Located on Lonsdale Street in the CBD, this large club is known for hosting international DJs and offering a diverse range of electronic music genres across its multiple levels and outdoor terrace.
Solace Bar: Found down a laneway in the CBD, Solace is a new bar and club with a strong emphasis on delicious drinks, a world-class sound system, and brilliant artistic curation, ensuring a premium dancing experience.
The Workers Club: A beloved venue on Fitzroy Street in Fitzroy, primarily known as a live music venue, but it also hosts late-night DJs and dance parties, offering a more casual, high-energy atmosphere.