Melbourne is a city of endless charm, blending modern sophistication with rich cultural history. Known for its vibrant laneways, world-class coffee, and stunning natural attractions, this guide focuses on the most iconic and unique experiences that should top your list when exploring things to do in Melbourne
Introduction to Melbourne: A Vibrant Fusion of Culture, Nature, and Adventure
Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria in Australia, is a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. Known as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne offers a dynamic mix of art, food, sports, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. Whether you’re drawn to its artistic laneways, diverse dining scene, or stunning parks and gardens, Melbourne promises an unforgettable experience.
Why Visit Melbourne?
- Cultural Hub: Melbourne is often referred to as the cultural capital of Australia, with an abundance of museums, galleries, theaters, and festivals. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) are just a couple of places where you can immerse yourself in Australian and international art and media.
- Gastronomic Paradise: From world-class restaurants to trendy cafés and street food, Melbourne’s food scene is as diverse as its people. Whether you're indulging in Italian cuisine in Lygon Street, savoring modern Australian flavors in the city’s best dining spots, or exploring Melbourne's famous laneway eateries, food lovers will find a culinary haven.
- Sporting Capital: Melbourne is also the sporting capital of Australia. Home to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), it is the city to visit for major sporting events, including the Australian Open (Tennis), AFL (Australian Football League), and Formula 1 Grand Prix.
- Breathtaking Nature: While Melbourne is a bustling metropolis, it’s also a city surrounded by natural beauty. The Royal Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful retreat, and a short drive away, the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island provide stunning coastal landscapes and wildlife experiences.
Discover Federation Square and Surrounds
Federation Square is Melbourne’s beating heart, where locals and visitors alike gather to experience art, culture, and events.
Melbourne, Australia + Lygon Street + Royal Exhibition Building + Federation Square + Melbourne War Memorial Half Day Tour
Up to AU$ 4
Duration:3hrs
Available from Jan 7
|
ID + E-Voucher
from AU$ 90.45
Book Now >
1. Dive into Melbourne's vibrant inner city, exploring iconic landmarks and uncovering its fascinating history and unique neighborhoods.
2. Join a half-day journey across Melbourne's urban highlights, guided by an expert who reveals the city's distinctive charm.
Highlights
| Attraction | Details |
| Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) | An interactive museum celebrating film, TV, and digital media. Ideal for movie buffs and creatives. |
| National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Ian Potter Centre | Dedicated to Australian art, from Indigenous works to contemporary masterpieces. |
| St. Paul’s Cathedral | A stunning Gothic Revival church, perfect for photography and peaceful contemplation. |
Where to Eat Nearby
- Cumulus Inc.: A modern bistro offering European-inspired dishes.
- Chin Chin: Melbourne’s iconic spot for Southeast Asian fusion.
Where to Stay:
- The Westin Melbourne: Luxury accommodation steps away from Federation Square.
- Adina Apartment Hotel: Ideal for families or extended stays with self-contained apartments.
Wander the Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Free entry
No.17 of Best Things to Do in Sydney
4.7/5
|
Recommended sightseeing time:1-3 hours
Free
Book Now >
Highlights
| Activity | Details |
| Punt Rides on Ornamental Lake | Relax on a traditional punt boat, gliding through serene waters surrounded by lush greenery. |
| The Ian Potter Children’s Garden | A fun, interactive space for kids to explore. |
| Aboriginal Heritage Walk | Learn about Indigenous culture and the significance of plants to their traditions. |
Pro Tip: Visit early morning for a tranquil experience and great photo opportunities.
Where to Eat Nearby
- The Terrace Café: Light meals with picturesque garden views.
- Jardin Tan: A French-Vietnamese fusion café located within the gardens.
Where to Stay
- The Langham Melbourne: Overlooking the Yarra River, this luxurious hotel is a short drive away.
- Quest Southbank: Perfect for families or groups with self-contained apartments.
Wander Melbourne’s Laneways
Melbourne Laneways Discovery Running Tour
Up to AU$ 4
Duration:2hrs
Departs from Melbourne
|
E-Voucher
AU$ 84.59
Book Now >
Must-Visit Laneways
| Laneway | What Makes It Special |
| Hosier Lane | Famous for its ever-changing street art and vibrant graffiti walls. |
| Degraves Street | A bustling laneway with cozy coffee spots and boutique shopping. |
Where to Eat Nearby
- Brother Baba Budan: Renowned for Melbourne’s best coffee and quirky hanging chair décor.
- Betty’s Burgers: A casual, delicious spot for American-style burgers.
Where to Stay
- QT Melbourne: A trendy hotel with a rooftop bar and stylish interiors.
- Citadines on Bourke Melbourne: Great for travelers seeking modern serviced apartments.
Visit the Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo combines family-friendly fun with conservation efforts, housing animals from across the globe.
Melbourne Zoo + Carlton Gardens + Melbourne Old Gaol + Yarra River + Flinders Street Station one-day tour
Up to AU$ 4
Tour with Private Driver
Duration:8hrs
|
E-Voucher
AU$ 729.82
Book Now >
Highlights
| Exhibit | Details |
| Trail of the Elephants | A lush Asian village with playful elephants. |
| Gorilla Rainforest | A captivating habitat for Western Lowland Gorillas. |
| Australian Bush | Meet kangaroos, koalas, and other native Australian wildlife. |
Where to Eat Nearby
- The Zoo Café: Casual dining inside the zoo for quick meals.
- Pope Joan: A nearby café offering hearty, locally sourced dishes.
Where to Stay
- Park Hyatt Melbourne: Luxury accommodation close to the zoo and city attractions.
- Oakwood Premier Melbourne: A boutique option blending charm with modern comfort.
Drive the Great Ocean Road
A must-do day trip or overnight excursion, this iconic coastal route offers jaw-dropping views and unforgettable stops.
Great Ocean Road Day Tour
Up to AU$ 4
Departs from Melbourne
Duration:8hrs
|
E-Voucher
AU$ 63.33
Book Now >
Highlights Along the Route
| Stop | Why It’s Special |
| Twelve Apostles | Towering limestone pillars emerging from the ocean. |
| Loch Ard Gorge | A stunning cove steeped in shipwreck history. |
| Apollo Bay | A picturesque seaside town with delicious seafood options. |
Where to Eat Nearby
- Dooleys Ice Cream (Apollo Bay): A must-stop for locally made ice cream.
- Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant: Fine dining with breathtaking coastal views.
Where to Stay
- RACV Torquay Resort: Luxury accommodation perfect for starting your Great Ocean Road adventure.
- Apollo Bay Eco YHA: A sustainable and budget-friendly stay for travelers.
Weather and Best Time to Visit Melbourne
Melbourne is known for its unpredictable weather, with the city often experiencing “four seasons in one day.” Here’s a quick guide to what to expect in each season:
- Summer (Dec - Feb): Warm temperatures (14°C to 26°C). Great for outdoor activities like exploring gardens and beaches.
- Autumn (Mar - May): Mild weather (11°C to 20°C). Perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the fall colors.
- Winter (Jun - Aug): Cool temperatures (6°C to 14°C). Ideal for indoor activities like museum visits.
- Spring (Sept - Nov): Mild with occasional rain (9°C to 18°C). Great for outdoor explorations.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer is best for outdoor activities.
- Autumn and Spring offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
- Winter is great for cozy indoor experiences.
Packing Tips for Melbourne's Weather
| Season | Clothing | Tips |
| Summer | Light clothes, hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, light jacket for evenings | Pack sunscreen and a light jacket for cooler evenings. |
| Autumn | Layered clothing, light sweater, rain jacket/umbrella, comfortable shoes | Be ready for occasional rain and temperature changes. |
| Winter | Warm clothes (jackets, scarves, gloves), waterproof shoes, layers | It can be chilly, especially with wind, so pack a warm jacket. |
| Spring | Layered clothing, light sweater, jacket, umbrella, comfortable shoes | Prepare for fluctuating weather and occasional rain. |
Getting Around Melbourne
- Public Transport: Use the Myki card for trams, trains, and buses.
- Walking: Many attractions like Federation Square, laneways, and gardens are within walking distance.
- Biking: Melbourne is bike-friendly with dedicated lanes. Use Melbourne Bike Share for rentals.
Hotel Recommendations in Melbourne
Melbourne is known for its diversity, and this is reflected in the wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to unique boutique stays. Whether you’re visiting for a cultural exploration, a family vacation, or a weekend getaway, here are some top hotel recommendations located near the best things to do in Melbourne.
Melbourne
5 star
Very Good327 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.59km from downtown
The hotel's location is excellent. Being in the free zone, there are different tram lines passing by both in front and behind the hotel, making it incredibly convenient to get anywhere. 👍
Although the hotel is quite old, the facilities are well-maintained, 👍 clean and hygienic. 👍 The rooms are also very bright and spacious.
To my surprise, when I first entered the room, there was a welcome message on the TV screen! 🤗
What I appreciated most was the large round table, where the whole family could sit together and eat. 👏👏👏 However, there were only two dining chairs, plus the computer chair, so we were still short one chair. On our first day, we tried calling housekeeping for a long time, but no one answered. We then called the front desk, who said they would follow up, but nothing came of it. On the third day, because we needed more toilet paper, we called the front desk again. A staff member brought the tissue, and we also mentioned that we needed an extra dining chair. That staff member called someone who seemed to be from the engineering department. He checked the style of the existing chairs and then brought over a chair of the same style. 🙏 It turns out they had to match the style! 😅
One thing to note is that even though the bathroom has a wet/dry separation, water easily splashes out of the bathtub when showering, getting the floor wet.
I highly recommend the steakhouse downstairs, 7 Alfred – it's absolutely delicious! 😋From€ 117
Great514 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.59km from downtown
I stayed at the Grand Hyatt from 1st Aug to 9th aug in a yarra river view room. The check in was seamless, room was large and spacious. However a few arises raised throughout t he stay. The room was made but bedsheets not changed even after 3 nights. I had to call in to the guest concierge to get them to change the sheets in the middle of the night. Reason my son has respiratory issues and is allergic to dirt and dust. We were informed that housekeeping only starts on 4th day morning 9am and we had to wait the next day. The hot water connection was also bad in the room.whenever I was showering in the main standing shower and my wife came in to use the common sink to wash my son's milk bottles. The moment she turns on hot water from the sink, the hot water from the shower area would automatically be cut. I would feel shots of ice cold water sprayed onto me whilst soaping or in midst of shower. Not a pleasant experience. I highlighted upon check out but the receptionist lady Daphene was instead thinking I did not know how to to operate a shower tap. She was clearly not listening and even her trainee standing behind her was giggling at the nonsense. Lastly Daphene automatically wanted to charge me on the deposit for the full stay despite it was fully paid on Trip.com. when I told her it was already a paid stay she told me she didnt have it on record as it was a 3rd party stay. What a disgrace of a hotel and bad customer serviceFrom€ 205
Great254 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.62km from downtown
The overall experience leans towards a high-end boutique hotel style. The location is excellent, close to Collins Street, making it very convenient for getting around. The rooms are well-designed, modern, and tasteful, with comfortable bedding and good soundproofing. The service is professional yet unobtrusive, making it ideal for business travelers or those seeking a touch of quality.From€ 155
Great558 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.96km from downtown
The hotel is in the city center, which makes getting around very convenient. However, the entrance is quite small and easy to miss. The decor and design style really capture a Melbourne vibe – it's minimalist yet very artistic. The room wasn't huge, but it was perfectly adequate, and I'd say it offers good value for money. I had requested a quiet room when booking, but on the first night, the Indian guy at the front desk assigned me a room close to the train tracks. I have to commend Trip.com here. After I reported the issue, they immediately contacted the hotel and helped me switch rooms. The customer service representative was incredibly diligent and responsible, proactively following up until the problem was resolved. She definitely deserves praise!From€ 162
Very Good185 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.71km from downtown
The location is fantastic! It's just a short walk to Chinatown and within walking distance of the exhibition center. The hotel rooms are clean, hygienic, and comfortable.From€ 174
Family friendly
Very Good426 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|1km from downtown
Mixed Experience: Great property, but terrible front desk service and communication
I recently stayed at this property, and while the physical facilities and overall environment were quite lovely, my stay was completely tarnished by a deeply unpleasant interaction with the front desk team on my final day.
Out of nowhere, I received a phone call from a male staff member demanding to know why I hadn't checked out. His tone was extremely unfriendly, defensive, and accusatory. When I politely explained that my booking was confirmed through the following day, instead of simply double-checking their own records, he insisted their system showed otherwise and rudely demanded that I come down immediately, threatening that we would be removed from the property if I didn't.
When I went down to the front desk with my confirmation in hand, it turned out to be an internal error on their end. While they did eventually offer a resolution to fix their mistake, the male staff member never even bothered to offer a basic apology for his aggressive attitude, false accusation, or the disruption caused to my stay. Accusing a paying guest of overstaying and threatening eviction due to a fault in your own system—without even saying ”sorry”—is completely unacceptable and highly unprofessional.
It is a real shame because the hotel itself is nice, clean, and well-located. However, customer service is about how you handle issues when they arise, and the front desk staff’s lack of courtesy, accountability, and basic manners left a very bitter taste in my mouth. I hope management addresses this staff member's behavior and system communication errors, as guests deserve to be treated with respect, not hostility.From€ 83
Great32 Reviews
Carlton|0.34km from downtown
We stayed at this Crowne Plaza with our little one and it was a comfortable and stress-free experience from start to finish. The room was clean and odor-free, and the soundproofing was good, so our child wasn't disturbed. The staff were friendly and patient, and they really thought about the challenges faced by families with children, paying attention to many small details. The location is excellent, making it easy to visit city attractions. With its comprehensive amenities, it's suitable for both short stays and longer visits. I genuinely recommend it to families!From€ 122
Very Good176 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.23km from downtown
Best location in the city central heart of melbourne. Staff there were friendly & helpful. Hotel was simple & clean. Valet parking was easy but fees were slightly expensive. Rent a car for only 3 days to drive out the outskirts of the city. Alot of retail & fnb outlets nearby. But driving around that area can be abit challenging especially alot of vehicles during busy period & alot of hook turns. Overall pleasent place & location to stay. Free trams to go around the area.From€ 118
Very Good87 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.19km from downtown
The location of the Hotel are on a good spot, where are really close to tram. So you don’t have to walk yourself to dead. The room was cleaned. However, there are only a few things for me to point out. One issue that has been quite frustrating is the room keycard. It has made it a bit inconvenient to access the elevator.From€ 83
Very Good339 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.19km from downtown
The rooms were very clean and beds were huge! Very comfortable and the place was convenient and very central. The only issue we had was locating the hotel. We had problems finding it as the GPS could not get us to it. However, we were very grateful that Ayden who worked at the Concierge - offered and took the initiative to walk with us and guide us from where we parked our car which was a 10min walk away, to drive our luggage to the hotel lobby. We are thankful for such great and wonderful service!From€ 137
Gym
Very Good631 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.35km from downtown
i got the corner room which i feel is certainly sizeable for my room type. the room is clean and up to my standards, including the bedsheets and duvet.
in terms of location, it's in the heart of the cbd and an absolute bargain for the price point. it's about a 2-3 minute walk from the tram stop but do take note it's a slight uphill, nothing crazy though. there's also food options just below the hotel which is extremely convenient.
the service is excellent with friendly staff.
in terms of amenities, it has the basics - cups, towels, etc. the water heater seems a little faulty as it fluctuates between cool and warm but again, this is something i find manageable.From€ 63
Very Good556 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.74km from downtown
Location: easy 3-6 min walk to Southern Cross station and the skybus station which made reaching the hotel from melbourne airport extremely convenient (~40 mins). It's close to many cozy and prolific cafés for breakfast/brunch, lunch. Ease of access to gift shops, electronics, and post boxes as well.
Amenities: Gym is available. Laundry with washers and dryers are also available but prepare coins.
Security: Staffed during the day, and the automatic doors in the main hotel entrance could only be opened with keycards at night. Good safety.
Service: Hospitable staff. Had issues with my room and they were happy to assist.
Room: I booked the single room. Quaint and tiny. Room's very dark and quiet at night. Great sleep. Bathroom is equipped with heat lamps and exhaust fans which made super comfortable for a winter stay. Didn't use the AC much but I tried it out just to see that it worked. Runs well even though it's a bit noisy if you're sleeping. Towels and sheets mostly clean. I noticed some stains on the bedding once but otherwise good.From€ 60
Very Good172 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.46km from downtown
My parents and I stayed at Oaks Melbourne on Market from 24 to 26 July, and we had a wonderful experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel genuinely welcomed and well looked after.
A special thank you to Fardin and Betty for their exceptional service. My luggage was lost in transit on my flight from Sydney to Melbourne, which was understandably stressful. I explained the airline’s delivery arrangements to Fardin, and he was incredibly helpful throughout the process. He kept me informed, provided updates, and promptly let me know when my luggage arrived at the hotel. His attentiveness and reassurance made a worrying situation much easier to manage.
Betty also provided outstanding customer service and made both me and my family feel incredibly welcome. Her warmth and hospitality added a personal touch to our stay and left a lasting impression.
The room itself was comfortable and relaxing. The bed was very comfortable, and having a bathtub was a lovely feature after a long day exploring Melbourne. The hotel’s location is also extremely convenient, right in the heart of Melbourne CBD and within easy reach of restaurants, shops, public transport, and many of the city’s attractions.
Thank you to the entire team at Oaks Melbourne on Market, especially Fardin and Betty, for making our family stay so enjoyable. We would happily stay here againFrom€ 115
Very Good422 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.54km from downtown
1. The hotel's location is excellent. It's in the city center, and you can reach any attraction within a 10-15 minute walk or by taking the free light rail.
2. The rooms are well-equipped with basic amenities. Both rooms were spacious, and the beds were very comfortable. The hotel has coin-operated washing machines and dryers. In the room, there's a TV, refrigerator, microwave, kettle, and cutlery. There was plenty of space for our luggage and a stroller, even for our group of four, which included a 4-year-old child.
3. We stayed for two nights. After the first night, there was only about a third of the toilet paper left, and the cleaning staff didn't replenish it in the morning. We had to use our own tissues midway through, which was a bit inconvenient.From€ 107
Very Good714 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.55km from downtown
Overall, not a bad stay despite the various pain points. Expected more from a hotel tied to Ascott though.
Pros:
Located right infront of a free tram zone in the heart of CBD. Easily accessible to variety of places - mostly walkable.
Pretty big room - has a separate living room
Has a kitchenette as well as cabinet filled with cutleries, cooking pots & pans.
Service was rather nice very helpful in various issues and also can receive packages. (However, one staff wasn’t very nice to us but very nice to the Caucasian couples who cut in front of us. Our keycard were locked for some reason and went to her for help - verification wasn’t very thorough like the other staff & when we feedback that our keycard that was left in the room was taken away after housekeeping she was unbothered - could seriously be a safety issue esp for ladies if the housekeeper was shady. Thankfully our check-in staff had deactivated it for room access and made it only usable for electricity)
Laundromat was rather cheap - AUD6
Cons:
Place is a little hard to spot - doesn’t have a big entrance door that is spottable.
Hallways of the rooms looks kind of old - felt shady (but that’s just exterior, inside itself is fine)
Housekeeping is only done every 3 days - left our takeaway bags & trash for 3 days and there was cockroach nymph. Not super thorough in cleaning too (we left an iron board infront of the desk that covered the dustbin and it wasn’t emptied, had to use a paper bag to hold our thrash - but again also seem like a pro cause they don’t touch your things?)
Although filled with amenities but also doesn’t seem to be filled? - no bowls, no dishwasher & soap (please bring/buy your own to wash)
Only rain shower head available, no second detachable shower head. No bidet.
Room walls are quite thin - can hear the outside easily but am not easily bothered. (Good for those who cares to take note)
On the last day, aircon had issue - kept turning on & off on its own (quite loud that I heard it during my sleep (I’m a light sleeper))
Also, they got no memory foam pillows & beds were rollable. No locks so our beds were constantly moving around.
Bring adapters!! - not a big con & should be well prepared but they only have wall outletsFrom€ 107
Swimming pool
Great192 Reviews
Melbourne|1.12km from downtown
Subtle yet luxurious, with friendly staff, including a Chinese-speaking receptionist. The doormen were also excellent, helping me pinpoint locations for taxis since ride-sharing apps default to no parking at the hotel. I had to verbally communicate with the driver upon arrival, and everyone here is very willing to help. The rooms are spacious, and bottled water, small soaps, and other amenities are replenished during turn-down service.From€ 218
Great63 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.52km from downtown
Had a fantastic stay in Melbourne's Chinatown area. The staff were incredibly helpful and always smiling, especially the young Vietnamese receptionist who made our check-in and overall stay extra special! The room was clean, spacious, and came with a full kitchen. The balcony also offered a charming view. With a variety of restaurants downstairs and just across the street, the location was super convenient. Highly recommend!From€ 93
Very Good56 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.9km from downtown
The hotel is clean and very busy during the morning time. Dont say about the reception area because it just too crowded. The fact that they provide luggage storage before check in also very helpful for us. The only cons is the hotel is too busy and full with people, there were people open/close the door non stop for 10minutes with loud voices in front of our room around 5pm.From€ 72
Very Good96 Reviews
Chapel Street South Yarra|0.14km from downtown
The stay was very comfortable, perfect for a family. My child goes to school nearby, so it was a family visit. There are also many supermarkets and restaurants close by, making it convenient for shopping and cooking!From€ 105
Very Good3180 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Docklands|0.82km from downtown
Melbourne Stays Apartments provides flawless service and all the necessary facilities for visitors.To facilitate your arrival and departure, you can pre-book airport transfer services prior to checking in.When arriving by car, you'll be grateful for the on-site complimentary parking at apartment. The apartment offers reception assistance, including express check-in or check-out, to ensure guest satisfaction.Whether you're here for an extended stay or simply require fresh garments, the apartment ensures your cherished travel attire remains spotless and accessible with the convenience of dry cleaning service located on the premises. The apartment's daily housekeeping ensures an excellent option for your stay. Visitors staying at Melbourne Stays Apartments have the option to receive groceries in their room for meal preparation, courtesy of the unique service provided by the apartment.Throughout the day, engage in the entertaining activities available at Melbourne Stays Apartments.Unwind and conclude each day delightfully by stopping by hot tub, steam room, spa and sauna, ensuring a soothing experience.Unwind by the pool at apartment and cherish a leisurely moment. Guests who enjoy maintaining their fitness regimen while on holiday can visit the fitness center provided by apartment.FAQs about things to do in melbourne
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