Melbourne is one of the funkiest cities in Australia. From its cool architecture to its robust art scene with hip cafés and music, Melbourne is often considered the cultural capital of Australia. Its narrow lanes, covered in world-class street art, hide beautiful cafés and beer gardens.
The city and I mix well together and it’s my favorite spot in the country. With plenty of culture, activities, art exhibitions, and live music, you could easily spend over a week here and not get bored.
To help you plan your trip I want to share some of my favorite things to see and do Melbourne so you can make the most of your visit!
* Take a Street Art TourStart your trip off with a street art tour. Personally, I loved the tour by Melbourne Street Art Tours. It’s pricey at $69 AUD but the cost of the tour helps support local artists. I learned so much about the art scene in the city and developed a much deeper appreciation for why Melbourne attracts so many artists from around the world. I can’t recommend this tour enough.
If you’re on a tighter budget, take a free walking tour around the city instead. I’m Free Walking Tours offers a couple different free walking tours that will give you a fun and educational introduction to the city and its history. You’ll learn a lot about the city and get access to an expert local guide who can answer any questions you have. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
* Catch a Moonlight Movie in the ParkDuring the summer, there are nightly movies (most of them major Hollywood features) in the Royal Botanic Gardens. You can bring your own food and drinks (including alcohol) and have a cozy picnic while watching some great movies. Think of it like going to the drive-in but without the car. Just make sure to check the weather in advance and to bring a blanket to sit on as well as a sweater (it can get a little chilly sometimes). They will cancel if it rains a lot but not if it’s light rain so be sure to bring a rain jacket (or reschedule) if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
* Wander Queen Victoria MarketThis outdoor market is the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere. Made up of both indoor and outdoor areas and occupying two entire city blocks, Queen St, +61-3-9320-5822, qvm.com.au. Check the website for seasonal hours and events.
* Visit the State Library of Victoria
The State Library of Victoria is a historic institution that welcomes over 8 million visitors a year. Originally built in 1856, the library has grown into an event space that’s a source of pride for city residents. Come here before it opens and you’ll see a queue of people ready to pounce on the open desks. The famous central rotunda with its octagonal shape, original dark wood furniture, and book-lined walls is definitely something not to miss.
* Take the City Circle TramThe City Circle Tram is a free “hop-on, hop-off” service between Melbourne’s sightseeing attractions. The route includes Federation Square, the Old Treasury Building, Parliament House, and the Princess Theater. There’s a running recorded commentary as you pass or stop at a place of historical, cultural, or architectural significance. It’s a free, fun way to see the main sights and get a feel for the city without having to spend any money!
* Relax in Federation SquareRight along the route of the free City Circle train and across the street from Flinders Street Station lies Federation Square. Opened in 1968, this open square spans around 8 acres and serves up stellar people-watching. I like to take lunch here and just watch the city go by. Below the square on the river are also a number of restaurants and outdoor bars. In the summer, there are often all kinds of different events here as well.
* Visit the National Gallery of VictoriaLocated in Federation Square, the National Gallery of Australia is the largest, oldest, and most-visited art museum in the country (over 3 million people visit each year). It’s home to over 75,000 works including modern and contemporary art, sculptures, paintings, and works from aboriginal and indigenous artists. You can see pretty much everything in a couple hours. It’s one of the best free activities in the city.
* Wander the Royal Botanic GardensThe Royal Botanic Gardens covers 86 acres and is home to over 8,500 different plant species including flowers, shrubs, and trees from across the country and around the world. Hanging out here and wandering around is one of my favorite activities in Melbourne.
It’s walking distance from the city center and is a nice place to spend some time strolling around, relaxing, and reading. Free guided walks or self-guided audio tours are also available from the main visitors center.
* Admire Flinders Street StationOpened in 1854, Flinders Street Station is a major landmark and popular meeting place in central Melbourne. The station features Victorian architecture and large clock faces. It was the busiest railway station in the world in the 1920s and is said to currently be the busiest suburban railway station in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a lovely imposing building to admire — and free too!
* Enjoy the Café SceneWhile I’m not a coffee drinker (tea all the way!), even I could see that the café and coffee culture in this city is part of its soul. Everyone here loves to have coffee and a snack while doing some work or chatting in some arty café.
You can also take a café tour with Melbourne Coffee Tours or Café Culture Walk to learn more about why Melbournians love their cafés so much and then spend an afternoon with a good book at your new favorite spot.
* See the Como House and Gardens Over 160 years old, this regal estate blends a mix of classic Italianate architecture and Australian regency. It’s considered the best of the historic houses in the city and offers a rare glimpse at the luxurious and opulent life of high society in 19th century Australia. Guided tours are available for $15 AUD if you want to learn more about this beautiful mansion and its history.