Melbourne is also known as the cultural capital of Australia. Over 4 million people live in the city, but you don't really notice this when you are in Melbourne. This is because the atmosphere of the city in Victoria is so relaxed that you don't feel like you're in a busy metropolis. It is a green city with many cultural highlights and special rooftop bars, where you can also drink the best coffee in the country.
Melbourne is a city that many travellers instantly fall in love with. The city's relaxed atmosphere, variety of neighbourhoods and many cultural highlights make it the ideal destination for a city break during your trip through Australia. Read our tips for visiting this vibrant city.
Sydney's 'rival'
Melbourne is the country's second city, behind Sydney. In terms of size, Sydney wins the battle, yet it is Melbourne that is known as one of the world's most 'livable cities'.
The city's breathtaking surroundings and beautiful sights combined with its charm and vibrant culture make it one of Australia's most enjoyable cities.
Melbourne doesn't have the famous sights like the Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, but the city more than makes up for that with its charm, vibrant culture and fine nightlife.
The Melbourne Sandridge Bridge
Melbourne by night
12x fun things to do in Melbourne
Even if you're not a big fan of art, you can have a great time in Melbourne. Think of the city's Victorian streets, neoclassical buildings and Gothic churches, as well as the modern part of the city.
The modern part of Melbourne includes Federation Square, RMIT University and the Eureka Tower (300 metres high).
#1 Visit the Fitzroy district
Also definitely a must visit is the hip Fitzroy district, not to be confused with the famous mountain in Patagonia. Through here runs Melbourne's cutest street, Bunswick Street.
On Bunswick Street, you will find many cute boutiques with second-hand clothes, as well as luxury shops with designer items, cosy restaurants and coffee shops. In the evening, head to St Kilda, where you can spot penguins around the beach pier.
TIP ♥ - a fun way to explore the city is by bike. You can easily rent a bike through the Bike Share. A bike costs $2.80 per day, $8 per week.
#2 Go to the Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden in Melbourne is one of the most beautiful and famous parks in the city. The botanical park is home to beautiful lakes, as well as large lawns and thousands of different species of omens and shrubs.
The park includes the National Herbarium of Victoria, where you can see as many as 1.2 million dried plants. There is also a 3.8-kilometre hiking trail known as 'The Tan' that runs through the garden. It's the ideal place to escape Melbourne's busy streets.
20x the most fun things to do
It is almost impossible to list everything there is to do in Melbourne. That is why we have written a separate blog on the best things to do in Melbourne. This will make your visit to this city even more fun!
The Royal Botanic Garden
#3 Discover the art capital
Melbourne is sometimes called Australia's art and culture capital, and for good reason. In fact, in the city you will come across beautiful street art in almost every street and alleyway, applied with graffiti to the initially boring brick walls.
The murals on Hosier Lane are especially worth checking out. These paintings change almost every day and always respond to the political and cultural developments of the moment.
Melbourne is also home to the National Gallery of Victoria, where you can admire extraordinary Aboriginal art and modern Australian art.
The city is the ideal place for lovers of art and culture, as well as lovers of greenery and nature.
TIP ♥ - the National Gallery of Victoria has different shows every week
#4 Chinatown
In the mid-nineteenth century, gold was discovered in Melbourne and for this reason, the city's population increased significantly.
The Gold Rush also brought many Chinese to the city, who established Chinatown in 1851. This district still exists and is now one of the oldest Chinese neighbourhoods in the world.
#5 Flinders Street Station
One of the most famous landmarks in Melbourne is Flinders Street Station. This street, with its iconic station, is a must-see in Melbourne. At the end of the nineteenth century, the city fell into decline, but in the 1930s (twentieth century), the city began to recover.
Flinders Street Station became the busiest station in the world and, by 1940, the city even had the largest tram network of the time. More skyscrapers appeared, more and more migrants came to the city and so Melbourne became a multicultural city.
TIP ♥ - also check out the Williamstown district across the Westgate Bridge.
The famous intersection of Flinders Street Station
#6 Go to the State Library of Victoria
The State Library of Victoria is an impressive library. It is a huge building with a domed reading room where natural light enters through the domed roofs. Also called the La Trobe Room, it is a popular place to enjoy reading a book.
You'll find more than two million books in the collection and when you're through there, you can also browse one of the thousands of newspapers, manuscripts, audio, video and digital material.
TIP ♥ - there are free guided tours of this library
#7 Visit one of the many festivals
If there's anything good to do in Melbourne, it's to visit one of the many festivals held here throughout the year. They are usually free festivals.
For example, in March you have the Moomba Festival, Australia's biggest free festival, with fireworks, a parade and carnival.
#8 Shop at the Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market is an unmissable highlight Melbourne. The building in which the market is held is nothing special, but the market is extra fun. Once you walk through the historic barns of the Queen Victoria Market, you'll find fresh produce, souvenirs, residential wares and much more.
It's a fun place to wander through if you're looking for special souvenirs or just a fun day out. The market is open on:
Monday - closed
Tuesday - 6:00 to 14:00
Wednesday - 5:00 to 10:00
Thursday - 6:00 to 16:00
Friday - 6:00 to 14:00
Saturday - 6:00 to 15:00
Sunday - 9:00 to 16:00
TIP ♥ - there is a night market every Wednesday between November and April.
State Library of Voctoria
The famous market
#9 Drink the best coffee in the world
Although the best coffee often comes from South or Central America (think countries like Colombia or Costa Rica), you'll find the best coffee in the world in Melbourne. Although, of course, that also depends on the judges and your own taste.
Melbourne beat many of the world's most renowned coffee cities, such as Rome and Vienna, for the title so a cup of coffee in this city is a must. The city also positions itself as the coffee city.
TIP ♥ - you can find the best coffee in Patricia on Little Bourke Street
#10 Check out the street art
Melbourne is known for its street art and is considered one of the best cities in the world to see street art. Cities like Medellin in Colombia or Rio in Brazil are also great destinations.
The municipality has designated certain areas where street artists are allowed to apply street art. A great idea if you ask us as street art gives the streets a much nicer look.
Besides, street art is a prime option for budding artists to gain experience in the artistic side of graffiti.
Moreover, you have a street art tour run by artists They don't just take you to see the most beautiful works. They also tell you a lot about the artwork and the artist.
#11 Take a day trip to the Dandenong Ranges
The Dandenong Ranges is a beautiful mountain area on the outskirts of Melbourne. It is a perfect place for hikers, cyclists and nature lovers and popular with day-trippers. It is mostly locals who come here to relax or exercise.
The beautiful scenery makes it a popular destination among tourists who stay in Melbourne for longer periods of time. You will find many charming towns nearby and also some nice accommodation if you want to stay there for several days.
An old steam train also runs here. The Puffing Billy Steam Train.
#12 Visit the National Gallery of Victoria
One of the best museums in the country is the National Gallery of Victoria, also often called NGV. Housed in a huge bunker-like building, it houses an extensive collection featuring not the least of artists.
Among other things, you will find a self-portrait by Rembrandt here. It is also home to Picasso's Weeping Woman, which was the victim of an art heist in 1986.
Best places to stay in Melbourne
Victoria's bustling city of Melbourne offers a plethora of accommodation options, each with its unique charm and character. One of the most vibrant areas to consider staying in is the iconic Lygon Street, where history, culture, and comfort seamlessly blend.
If you're seeking a stay that exudes local authenticity and charm, the hotels on Lygon Street present a captivating choice at https://www.hotelsinvictoria.net/en/near-lygon-street-dr1864264/. This renowned street is adorned with a rich history, featuring an array of eateries, boutiques, and cultural spots that embody Melbourne's dynamic spirit. With various accommodation options nestled in this cultural hub, you'll find yourself at the heart of Melbourne's vibrant atmosphere.
For a truly indulgent experience, the Westin Melbourne Hotel stands as a luxurious haven amid the city's dynamic backdrop. This esteemed hotel provides an oasis of tranquility with its upscale amenities and elegant décor. With its central location, The Westin grants easy access to Melbourne's iconic attractions while offering a serene retreat after a day of exploration.
Whether you're drawn to the allure of Lygon Street's cultural offerings or the opulent comfort of The Westin Melbourne Hotel, your stay in this charming area is bound to be a memorable one. Embrace the best of Melbourne's hospitality and culture as you immerse yourself in the heart of the city's energetic ambiance.
Fitzroy
Fitzroy is one of the nicest neighbourhoods to stay in. With its historic-looking centre, friendly Aussies and sights within walking distance, it is one of the most popular areas. You'll also find plenty of cosy restaurants and bars.
Southbank
Do you prefer to stay in the hustle and bustle of city life? Then Southbank is for you. Southbank is close to the Business District zen is known for its many restaurants and hotels. You'll also find many attractions like the National Gallery of Victoria, Hamer Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre, Malthouse Theatre, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
The State Liberty of Victoria at Southbank
Best travel time in Melbourne
The best travel time to go to Melbourne is during the months of September to December. The city is located in the south-east of Australia and during this period it is quite dry in the south-east of the country.
There is also a pleasant temperature in September to December, so you can take in all the city's sights without experiencing extreme cold or heat.
March and April are also good months to travel to Melbourne, as these months are also generally drier and have pleasant temperatures.
