Melbourne is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. There are plenty of things to do and see in this vibrant city, so in this article, I will help you to look at the best things to do in Melbourne as a tourist.
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1. Street Art Spotting
Melbourne is known for its great street art scene. You can find many graffiti and murals along famous laneways such as Hosier Lane, Union Lane, AC/DC Lane, and Degraves Street. They are great places to pose for photos.
2. Explore Laneways and Arcades
You can get lost in Melbourne’s CBD, many laneways and arcades that are packed with tiny bars, hidden restaurants, alfresco dining, offbeat shops and street art. Popular alleyways are the Degraves Street, Block Arcade, Cathedral Arcade, Royal Arcade, Hardware Lane, and Tattersalls Lane.
3. Visit Markets
You can learn about daily local life, enjoy delicious food, or buy survivors at one of Melbourne’s most famous markets. Queen Victoria Market, located in Melbourne CBD only a few minutes walk from Melbourne Central and Flagstaff Garden, is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.
Esplanade Market in St Kilda and South Melbourne Market are located a bit further from the city center, but they are easily reachable by tram. South Melbourne Market is especially a food lover’s paradise.
4. Go shopping
Melbourne has many shopping centers and arcades for shopaholics. In the Melbourne CBD, you can go shopping at Bourke Street Mall, where you can find brands like Zara, H&M, Myer and David Jones. If you are tired of shopping, there are often street performances outside where you can sit, watch, and rest.
Melbourne Central, Emporium Melbourne, and Collins Street are other popular shopping destinations in the city center. Outside of the CBD, you can take the train/tram/ bus to shop at Chapel Street, Chadstone Shopping Centre, DFO South Wharf, and The District Docklands.
5. Explore Parks and Gardens
There are abundant beautiful parks and gardens in Melbourne where you can relax, sunbathe, and have picnics. You can find Alexandra Gardens along the Yarra River. Carlton Gardens in the north of the CBD is the location of the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum.
The historic Fitzroy Gardens is located in East Melbourne and is home to the Cooks’ Cottage. Or you can take the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, take a boat ride on Ornamental Lake in the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Flagstaff Gardens is also a popular hang out green space for many people.
6. Enjoy Coffee Culture
Melbourne is famous for its cafe culture. There are tons of famous cafes around every corner and street of the city. You can try cappuccino, latte, and flat white at popular shops like Seven Seeds, ST. ALi Coffee Roasters in South Melbourne.
7. Skydeck at Eureka Tower
For sweeping of the city and the River, you can book a ticket for access to the observation deck of the Eureka Tower, the tallest building in Melbourne. Located in the South Bank, the tower can be enjoyed both day and night. The Skydeck opens daily from 12-10pm. The general ticket is $28/ adult.
8. National Gallery of Victoria
National Gallery of Victoria is a famous art museum in Melbourne, and is a must-see for art lovers. You can admire lots of interesting artworks here. Just be prepared for lots of walking. It opens everyday from 10am to 5pm. The main entrance is free to enter, but you need to buy a ticket at some exhibits.
9. Shrine of Remembrance
Shrine of Remembrance is located right next to the Botanic Garden, and is a must-see for those who are interested in history and architecture. It also has stunning views of the city’s skyscrapers. The area is free to enter.
10. Flinders Street Station and Federation Square
Flinders Street Station is a major transportation hub of Melbourne city center. It is the oldest train station in Australia and an iconic landmark of the city.
Located right next to the Flinders Street Station is the Federation Square, a popular location of many public events. There is always something happening in this area.
11. State Library of Victoria
The State Library of Victoria is one of the best free things to do in Melbourne. It is a great place for bookworms or those who are interested in history and architecture. The Dome is an Insta-worthy masterpiece
12. Learn history at museums
If you are history buffs, you can check out the Immigration Museum and Melbourne Museum. You can learn more about the history of the city and Victoria State as well.
Immigration Museum is open from Saturday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, closed Friday. It is located on Flinder Street and the ticket is 15$. You can spend one to two hours exploring it.
13. Visit one of the city’s beaches
Melbourn is known for its beautiful beaches. There are many beaches just a short train ride from the CBD. You have St Kilda Beach, Brighton Beach, Elwood Beach and Black Rock Beach.
These beaches are great for swimming, sunbathing, and watersport. St Kilda Pier is a great place to spot little penguins, while Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes, a great place for photography.
14. Take the tour of Melbourne Cricket Ground (Marvel Stadium)
Melbourne Cricket Ground is the world’s largest cricket ground. You can take a guided tour of this stadium to learn more about the sporting culture of Melbourne.
15. Watch a show at The Regent Theatre/ Princess Theatre
The capital of Victoria is known for its theater scene, so if you want to watch performances and late-night cabaret shows, check out the famous Regent Theatre or Princess Theatre.
16. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife
Melbourne is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. Areas like Fitzroy and CBD are packed with bars, pubs, rooftop bars, and nightclubs that open until early morning.
17. Admire churches’ architecture
If you are interested in architecture, there are several famous churches within the city center for you to explore. They are St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Michael’s Uniting Church and the Scots Church.
18. City Circle Tram
City Circle Tram is free trams in Melbourne CBD, that take you to the main thoroughfare of the city center, and stop at popular tourist spots like The Queen Victoria Market, Parliament House, Federation Square, Docklands, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
19. Take a Day trips
There are so many day trips from Melbourne. You can take trips to Great Ocean Road for stunning beach scenery, Yarra Valley for wine, Dandenongs for peaceful mountain scenery, Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade, Mornington Peninsula to relax in its hot springs.
See more:
- 10 Best hotels in Melbourne
- 3-5 days in Melbourne Itinerary
- 4 Best areas to stay in Melbourne for tourists
These are my 19 best things that you can do within Melbourne CBD and day trips to nearby attractions. They include both free and paid activities that I think it is well worth to visit and explore.
What do you think about my list of the best things to do in Melbourne? Do you want to add anything to it? Feel free to let me and others know in the comment box below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.