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 Good323 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.59km from downtown
The location is great, and the cleanliness is good. However, the facilities are a bit old. The laundry room door couldn't be opened with the guest room card; I had to go to the front desk every time to ask staff to open it, which was a bit inconvenient. The pool is very small, only suitable for children to splash around. I've seen many reviews mentioning issues with the deposit, and I'm a bit worried as mine hasn't been refunded yet.😅FromAU$ 189
Great511 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.59km from downtown
The facilities are indeed quite old; everything is showing its age. Its main advantage is the location, which is excellent. It's close to all the major attractions, and getting to Chinatown for meals is very convenient. The breakfast is decent; for Western cuisine, it's quite varied, with some made-to-order options like porridge and eggs.FromAU$ 284
Great259 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.62km from downtown
Stayed here with a friend and had a wonderful experience. The hotel is in a great location with easy access to many places around the area. The staff were very welcoming, friendly, and always helpful throughout our stay. They made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. Overall, a pleasant stay and we would happily come back again.FromAU$ 226
Very Good186 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.FromAU$ 253
Very Good336 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.19km from downtown
The location is fantastic, right in Chinatown. Stepping out, you're surrounded by various Chinese restaurants and supermarkets, so there's no need to book breakfast. It's in the CBD, so many attractions are nearby, and a free tram stop is just a short walk away. The room is spacious and very clean. However, the service and amenities are just average. There's no water in the room; you have to go to the corridor to get it, and you need to bring your own slippers, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
The biggest drawback is also the location. Chinatown turns into a bar street at night. After 8 PM, the area gets very chaotic with teenagers, drunk people, homeless individuals, and sex workers, which can be a bit intimidating. If this bothers you, you might consider booking a hotel in a quieter neighborhood that's not as central or in an upscale area. If you do stay here, it's best not to go out after 9 PM, although it's very normal and great for exploring during the day. Overall, for this price in Melbourne city center, I think it offers good value for money.FromAU$ 183
Family friendly
Very Good424 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|1km from downtown
This hotel is perfectly located if arriving into Melbourne on the train from Sydney. The hotel let me check in early at no extra charge. I found the staff to be cheerful, pleasant and very helpful. The room was spacious and very clean. The coffee and tea facilities were in the room but hidden in the cupboard next to the fridge and the drinking glasses were stored in the fridge! (Never seen that done before). The swimming pool was a nice added bonus and breakfast, although very basic, was adequate. [I only stayed one night, any longer that breakfast would certainly be classed as extremely boring!😜]. I did enjoy my stay and for one or two nights would definitely stay there again.FromAU$ 110
Amazing23 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!FromAU$ 143
Very Good177 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.23km from downtown
We recently stayed at Novotel Melbourne on Little Collins, and overall had a comfortable and convenient experience.
The biggest highlight is definitely the excellent location in the heart of Melbourne CBD. It’s very easy to get around, with plenty of shopping, dining, and attractions within walking distance.
We arrived earlier than check-in time, and the staff kindly allowed us to store our luggage, which made things much easier. We were also offered a discounted breakfast option during check-in, which was a nice touch. The gym facilities were well-maintained, and we enjoyed using them during our stay.
The room was a bit more compact compared to other hotels we stayed at during this trip, but still clean and functional. Although we had requested a higher floor, we were assigned a lower-level room, which currently faces some construction.
One thing to note is that the lift system can be slightly inconvenient, as the reception is on Level 3 and requires a transfer between lifts. There were also a few instances where the lift didn’t respond as expected. Additionally, there isn’t a self-service laundry facility available.
Overall, despite a few minor inconveniences, we enjoyed our stay—especially because of the prime location and helpful service.FromAU$ 160
Very Good89 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.FromAU$ 132
Very Good211 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.88km from downtown
We recently stayed at The Windsor and had an absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish.
The hotel is truly beautiful, with so much character, elegance, and history. From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm, welcoming, professional, and attentive, making us feel valued throughout our stay.
Our room was spacious, immaculate, and incredibly comfortable, with every detail thoughtfully considered. The location is also perfect, making it easy to explore Melbourne while enjoying the charm and luxury of this iconic hotel.
What stood out most was the atmosphere—The Windsor offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comfort that is hard to find elsewhere. It was the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy a special getaway.
Thank you to the entire team for making our stay so memorable. We will definitely be returning and highly recommend The Windsor to anyone looking for an exceptional Melbourne experience.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐FromAU$ 148
Gym
Great617 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.35km from downtown
This hotel is great for budget-conscious families. First off, it's quite affordable and comes fully equipped, except for disposable toothbrushes, slippers, and combs. You can get free still water on the second floor, so once you buy a large bottle and have a kettle, you don't need to buy more. Secondly, it's within walking distance of many city walk attractions, saving you a considerable amount on transportation, and the pickup point for day tours is also very close. Lunch service isn't really available, and there was one lady who only knew one Chinese word, but all the staff were patient and polite and absolutely capable of helping guests with their problems. Lastly, the accommodation environment is very quiet, and the night view from the window is excellent. There are surprising graffiti art pieces on the small street next door. Overall, the safety is high, which is why we didn't hesitate to re-book this hotel during our time in Australia. Finally, a small suggestion: there were many fingerprints on the hotel room doors, indicating some blind spots in cleaning that need improvement. The breakfast selection was too limited; it would be great to have more variety. Overall, it's already excellent and worth recommending!FromAU$ 113
Very Good538 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.FromAU$ 78
Very Good171 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.46km from downtown
Our group of four guys stayed at Oaks Melbourne on Market Street for one night before picking up our campervan for a road trip, and it turned out to be an excellent choice.
The location is fantastic, right in the heart of Melbourne CBD and within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, bars, and the Yarra River. It was very convenient for us to explore the city and enjoy a good meal and drinks without worrying about transportation.
We booked a spacious apartment-style room, which was perfect for a group of friends travelling together. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-equipped with a kitchen, living area, and laundry facilities. Having the extra space made it much more enjoyable than staying in a standard hotel room.
The staff were friendly and efficient during both check-in and check-out. The building itself is well maintained, and we appreciated the indoor pool and gym facilities, even though we only had a short stay.
The only minor drawback was that some parts of the apartment showed signs of age, but everything was functional and clean, so it did not affect our stay.
Overall, Oaks Melbourne on Market Street offered great value for money, an excellent location, and plenty of space for a group of friends. We would definitely stay here again on our next trip to Melbourne.FromAU$ 134
Very Good423 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.54km from downtown
My stay at Brady Hotel Central Melbourne was absolutely fantastic! The biggest highlight has to be its superb location – incredibly close to the subway entrance, making it super easy to get around. For foodies like me, it was even better: the hotel is surrounded by all sorts of restaurants and eateries. There's so much variety, and you don't even have to go far to find great food. The room itself was very comfortable, and the overall facilities and service were top-notch. It's rare to find a hotel in Melbourne with such convenient transport links and amazing food options nearby. It offers excellent value for money, and I highly recommend it!FromAU$ 172
Very Good703 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.55km from downtown
The location is great and overall we had a very pleasant stay. The staff were all very friendly and helpful.
However, housekeeping gave us a different surprise on both days. 😂
On one day, the card we had inserted in the room’s power slot was taken away.
Another night, at around 11pm when we were getting ready for bed, we realized there was no duvet in the room. We called the front desk and were told that they had run out of duvets. Thankfully, the staff responded very quickly and brought us a brand-new, unopened duvet.
Overall, we still enjoyed our stay!FromAU$ 144
Swimming pool
Great190 Reviews
Melbourne|1.12km from downtown
Check in late, room was wrongly assigned, booked a bigger room with added extra bed for my 3 boys was give a small room with no xtra bed, we booked a king bed room, was assigned a twin bed bigger room. We have to wait another half hour or more to change rooms and added the extra bed to the already small room for my kids. Then the reception said our rooms comes with breakfast without us asking which was also heard by my wife as well as her colleague, in which we thought it was complimentary after the wrongly assigned rooms. My kids enjoyed the breakfast as I normally don’t eat breakfast and but the follow night, I went down to the reception to ask if check out time can be extended which the same lady said she can extend it to 12pm, which we are glad, then I just told her the breakfast was enjoyable by my family and thank her for recommending them to us and also the complimentary offer. She check again on her computer then and a bit unsure and ask her senior colleague Austin to see if it was complimentary and that already raise my suspicion but her colleague said it is fine he will waive the charges if that happens as we already went through so much trouble with them. I felt relieved, thanking both of them , I went back to my room.
At 11:40pm, my wife has already asleep and me almost to, the phone rang which startled my wife and myself , we answered and the same lady was on the line stating that they need to charge the breakfast for both days.
I was a bit annoyed with this as we have already taken our breakfast for the first day which was offered to us as complimentary and then later in the middle of the night said we are charged ! The best part was as a 5 stars well known establishement, she tried to haggle with us on the price by saying she can offered some discount and then later she can give 50% discount for already consumed breakfast.
My wife was furious and change her PJs and then we head down to the reception to settle this once and for all in the middle of the night.
In the reception, we directly spoke to her supervisor whom heard of her offering us the complimentary breakfast in which he straight away cancel the charge for the morning breakfast and offer us a discounted breakfast the following morning. It was all a farce and inconvenience as well unreliability with their services which makes us go through so much stress for our family holiday.
Anyway, we decided not to take up the offer and have to inform our children of the cancellation which disappointed them of course, but we think this whole incident is unfair. They said when we booked we choose no breakfast but the communication was it was complimentary for us for the disarray of arranging the room when we first check in. Besides we did not ask but was offered and said how good the breakfast was by your own staff. Also we did not extend our check out time as we were worried that they will charged us as we are totally have non confidence of what the staff said and actual offerings
As my wife and myself are regular travellers, and normally we like to enjoy better accommodations, this is the first time these kind of incidents happen to us and at first we thought to booked Hyatt chain of hotels in our incoming Vietnam and Taiwan trip but we would be sceptical to do so after this.
Please don’t get me wrong, the hotel is very nice, cleanliness , location and even food (our breakfast on day1) but the services was a let down to us and it is not about costs, it is about integrity and what been offered and not fulfilled and blame the clientele as well as the whole timing to disrupt the peace and enjoyable period of the guest.FromAU$ 394
Great62 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.52km from downtown
The hotel is in a great location, close to Chinatown and Thai Town, with plenty of restaurants nearby. It’s also close to the tram, making transportation very convenient. The room is spacious and comes with cooking facilities.FromAU$ 141
Very Good53 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.9km from downtown
The car park is challenging to access, it took me awhile to get the lift door opened and to get in, really need to align the car properly. The room itself is comfortable, with great views of crown tower. The pots are not cleaned well though. The washer and dryer comes in handy. Good place to stay on the whole.FromAU$ 98
Very Good1057 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Docklands|0.82km from downtown
The Melbourne Stays Apartments is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. The Melbourne Stays Apartments is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Docklands. Boasting a convenient location, the hotel is just 1km from Town Hall Railway Station and 18km from Essendon Airport. Being just minutes away from Southern Cross Metro Station allows guests to explore the city with ease. After a long day of sightseeing, guests can retire to the comfort of the hotel. Guests of this Docklands hotel can make use of the parking facilities. Outstanding8 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District Melbourne|0.95km from downtown
Location was excellent with tram stops within a few minutes walk. Kevin was very helpful and responsive with any questions we had.FromAU$ 165
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