Top 14 experiences to have in Melbourne

You’ll need more than just a few days to truly explore Melbourne. In this expansive Australian city with a European flair, sleek skyscrapers coexist with historic Federation buildings. Creativity spills into the streets, while the suburbs offer serene green areas, a vibrant café culture, and picturesque beach scenes, complemented by the diverse cuisine of its multicultural residents. This city is rich with layers and histories waiting to be discovered.

Start your journey at Federation Square – a vibrant center for exploring the city's key attractions. Then, grab a coffee to-go and venture further to experience even more of Melbourne's iconic offerings. From highbrow culture to everyday life, here are the must-do activities in Melbourne.

1. Discover the finest coffee in Melbourne

Italian immigrants ignited a passion for exceptional coffee here, and now Melburnians excel in the art of espresso. While it may spark a diplomatic incident to say it, Melbourne is the coffee capital of the Antipodes—and possibly the globe.

You can find a superb cup of coffee almost anywhere in Melbourne, but the city's coffee legends are located at spots like Seven Seeds in North Melbourne, Proud Mary in Collingwood, Market Lane Coffee in Prahran Market, Wide Open Road in Brunswick, St Ali in South Melbourne, Monk Bodhi Dharma in St Kilda, and both Patricia and Pellegrini's in the city. When we say almost everywhere, we truly mean it.

Planning Tip: These days, the flat white – the signature coffee of the Antipodes – can be enjoyed globally, but experiencing it in Melbourne is a true delight. Seven Seeds and its partner Brother Baba Budan are excellent starting points. Also, try the 'magic' – a double ristretto topped with steamed milk.

2. Capture Melbourne's murals and street art

Few things scream Melbourne as loudly as a graffiti-laden lane or a building showcasing an expansive public mural. The most iconic and photographed of these is Hosier Lane, with the adjacent Rutledge Lane feeling like an extension of this vibrant public art gallery.

There are numerous other streets adorned with street art to explore throughout the city and its outskirts. In contrast to the gritty allure of these artistic lanes, charming Victorian arcades invite shoppers into their elegant interiors.

Planning Tip: For a deeper understanding of the city's street art scene, consider joining a tour with Melbourne Street Tours, the first of its kind led by street artists.

3. Discover the National Gallery of Victoria's two campuses

The state gallery boasts an impressive collection that's too vast for its stunning modernist location in Southbank, necessitating a division between two sites. The primary building, NGV International, features treasures from renowned artists throughout history, representing a wide range of cultures.

The second site, NGV Australia, is housed in the Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square, bringing notable local art to the city’s core. The Aboriginal collection is particularly noteworthy, including significant pieces like Hannah Brontë's video installation Umma’s Tongue – molten at 6000°. While both galleries are free to enter, donations are appreciated.

Planning Tip: Stay updated on the NGV Friday Nights website – these ticketed events are packed with fun, featuring music, bars, dining, and extended access to highlighted exhibitions.

4. Discover Aboriginal bush medicine at the Royal Botanic Gardens

Spanning 38 magnificent hectares along the south bank of the Yarra River, the Royal Botanic Gardens are a prime example of Victorian-era landscaping excellence. In addition to beautiful displays of native Australian plants, you’ll find mature exotic trees and themed gardens dedicated to roses, succulents, herbs, and ferns.

If you have the opportunity, consider booking the Aboriginal Heritage tour to explore Indigenous plants and discover how Melbourne evolved into a city filled with lush parks and gardens. Throughout the day, picnickers relax on the expansive lawns while children flock to the garden designed for young adventurers.

Planning tip: On summer evenings, visitors find comfort in the gardens while enjoying moonlight cinema or theater performances under the stars. Visit the gardens' Moonlight Cinema page for details on upcoming events.

5. Spend a leisurely afternoon at Abbotsford Convent and Gardens

No nuns remain—singing, flying, or otherwise—at this 19th-century convent in Abbotsford, but you’ll find plenty of artistic souls mingling among the historic buildings, which have been transformed into studios, galleries, cafes, a bakery, a bar, and a vegetarian restaurant where patrons contribute by donation.

Melburnians visit for the regular markets and to wander along the riverside grounds. Nearby, the Collingwood Children's Farm offers city kids a chance to encounter various farm animals, from guinea pigs and goats to cows. If you're with children, this is a fantastic way to spend a laid-back afternoon in a green oasis.

6. Stroll along St Kilda’s lively foreshore

While the beach itself isn't the primary attraction, visitors flock to St Kilda for its quirky charm, epitomized by the slightly eerie yet captivating clown face at the entrance of Luna Park, a nostalgic amusement park. As you walk along St Kilda Foreshore, you'll navigate around rollerbladers and cyclists, enjoying the fantastic atmosphere on sunny days with bustling outdoor cafes and beer gardens lining the waterfront.

Enjoy a coffee and capture a photo at the tip of St Kilda Pier, which provides a stunning panoramic view of the Melbourne skyline. If you're lucky, you might even spot one of St Kilda's delightful residents: the little penguins that make their homes among the rocks of the breakwater.

7. Embrace nature at CERES Community Environment Park

Residents of Brunswick visit this green oasis for organic produce and the Saturday flea market, but CERES (pronounced 'series') also serves as a public park and community environmental center. If sustainability interests you, there's a bookstore, organic cafe, and permaculture nursery on the premises. Educational tours delve into themes like renewable energy, sustainable architecture, urban farming, and ecotourism.

Families with children can enjoy seeing the chickens, a small playground, and occasional workshops designed for kids. CERES is adjacent to Merri Creek, where the greenery extends. Wander north or south through bushland that has been restored over the years with Australian native plants, but watch out for speedy cyclists.

8. Reserve your spot for Melbourne’s finest dining experiences

Melbourne is celebrated for its outstanding hospitality scene, influenced by immigrants from around the globe and warmly embraced by an appreciative local community. While you'll find unforgettable cheap eats in neighborhoods throughout Melbourne, the city also boasts a selection of high-end restaurants that frequently receive accolades on the international dining stage.

At the top of the list is Attica in Ripponlea – a frequent contender in the World's 50 Best Restaurants rankings – known for its innovative contemporary cuisine that features unique Australian ingredients. It's highly recommended to book well in advance.

Planning Tip: For additional dining suggestions, check out recommendations from Visit Melbourne and the Australian Good Food Guide.

9. Discover Melbourne’s western districts

Melbourne’s bustling docklands, marked by towering cranes and stacks of containers, separate the city’s central business district from the vibrant western suburbs. A quick 12-minute train ride to Footscray, Seddon, or Yarraville (or a 30-minute off-road bike ride) will transport you to this hidden slice of urban life.

Once a solidly working-class area, this region has gradually gentrified over the past decade, yet it retains a rich mix of migrant communities that bring global flavors to local tables, offering everything from hearty Italian dishes to authentically spicy Vietnamese and Ethiopian cuisines.

Families will enjoy visiting the Scienceworks interactive science museum and the scenic Williamstown Beach, while those without children can explore the bohemian bars, unique shops, and al fresco cafes scattered throughout 'the west,' where you can unwind and experience a distinctly non-touristy atmosphere.

10. Explore Melbourne’s rich history at the Melbourne Museum

This captivating museum, housed in a striking modern structure in the center of Carlton Gardens, showcases Victoria's cultural, social, and natural history. Highlights include an impressive Indigenous section, a lush forest within the atrium, and the revered remains of Australia's beloved racehorse, the New Zealand-born Phar Lap.

Nestled alongside the museum is the stunning Royal Exhibition Building, constructed in 1880 for an international exposition and later repurposed in 1901 to host Australia's inaugural parliamentary session.

11. Enjoy a cult classic at the iconic Astor cinema

As one of Melbourne's cherished landmarks, the Astor screens double features along with a variety of new releases, art-house films, classics from directors like David Lynch, Jane Campion, and Orson Welles, and cult favorites like Tron, Goodfellas, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The entire Astor experience, with its plush seating and art deco decor, along with the grand staircase in the foyer, whisks you back to an era of enigmatic film stars and memorable cinema nights.

Planning Tip: Catch an early show to leave time for exploring St Kilda’s local spots, like Saint George (offering pub fare and cocktails in the Tavern) and the Esplanade Hotel (also known as The Espy, great for live music).

12. Discover the history of the Anzacs at the Shrine of Remembrance

Resembling an ancient Greek temple, this secular shrine serves as a significant civic monument for those who perished in WWI. It hosts Anzac Day ceremonies on April 25, and on Remembrance Day, a beam of light through the ceiling highlights the word 'love' at the precise moment of the signing of the armistice (11am on the 11th of November). The views from the monument's summit are spectacular, and a museum is located underneath.

13. Indulge in gourmet delights at Queen Victoria Market

This iconic market offers gourmet goods by the truckload. With over 600 vendors, 'Vic Market'—as locals call it—is the largest open-air market in Australia, drawing thousands of shoppers each day. Wander through fresh produce stands, listening to the lively calls of fishmongers and fruit sellers, or explore the stunning deli hall featuring everything from creamy cheeses and fresh dips to organic wines, Polish sausages, and kangaroo biltong. Don’t forget to grab a picnic and head to the nearby Flagstaff Gardens for lunch.

Planning Tip: From November to February, the Summer Night Market transforms the area on Wednesday evenings with food stalls, drink vendors, and vibrant music and dance shows. A Winter Night Market takes place on Wednesday nights in June and August, and another special Wednesday market coincides with the Melbourne Fringe in September and October.

14. Catch a game at 'The G' – the Melbourne Cricket Ground

While it may not win awards for aesthetics or architectural design, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG, or simply 'The G') holds a special place in the hearts of many Melburnians, symbolizing their dreams of Grand Final success for their cherished local footy teams.

If attending a cricket match or an Australian Football League (AFL) game isn't possible, engaging guided tours are offered, allowing access to many hidden areas. Finish your visit with a stop at the fantastic Australian Sports Museum located within the stadium.