Are you visiting Melbourne for the first time? Or do you want to discover the city afresh with the lens of a local? This local guide to Melbourne explores the must-visit landmarks, budget-friendly travel spots, free attractions, and unique experiences. Read on to get started.
Top attractions to visit in Melbourne, recommended by locals
If you are new in the city, check out this section of our Melbourne City guide to discover the must-visit attractions. Plan your itinerary to feature the hidden shops in Melbourne, markets, and free sightseeing spots recommended by those who know it best.
Federation Square
- Address: Corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne, VIC
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours; individual venue times vary
- Entrance fee: Free; charges may apply for specific events or exhibitions
This is Melbourne’s vibrant cultural scene that hosts events, galleries, and dining options.
Queen Victoria Market
- Address: Queen St, Melbourne VIC
- Opening hours: Daily 6 am to 3-4 pm. Closed on Mon and Wed.
Visit this longtime market to explore food options (meats, artisan cheeses and baked bread), clothing and specialty goods.
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
- Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006
- Opening hours: Daily 10 am to 5 pm.
- Entrance fee: Mostly free, but some exhibitions may require a ticket.
This public gallery is known for its collection of Australian and international artefacts. It is a must-visit for the art lovers.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
- Address: Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
- Opening hours: Daily 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.
- Entrance fee: Free except for special events.
This 36-hectare botanic garden is populated with Australian species and non-native plants. A visit to this botanic garden is one of the best things to do in Melbourne.
Melbourne Skydeck
- Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank
- Opening hours: Daily 12 noon to 10 pm.
- Entrance fee: Varies from $20.40 (children) to $39.60 for adults.
The Melbourne Skydeck is a beautiful spot to enjoy 360-degree views of Melbourne, especially at sunset. Ride to the 88th floor and soak in the stunning scenes of the city and beyond.
Melbourne Museum
- Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC
- Opening hours: Daily, 9 am to 5 pm.
- Entrance fee: Free for children, seniors ($10) and adults ($15).
Visit this Museum in Melbourne to explore regional history exhibits and geological items. Dinosaurs are particularly popular with kids.
Block Arcade
- Address: 282 Collins St, Melbourne
- Opening hours: Daily 8/ 9 am to 5/ 6 pm.
- Entrance fee: Free for children, seniors ($10) and adults ($15).
This is one of the must-visit retail shops located in a 19th-century arcade. Explore the many restaurants and shops in this building as you marvel at the architecture and décor elements.
Best things to do in Melbourne, like a local
Discover Melbourne’s vibrant culture with these essential Melbourne travel tips. Explore the city’s hidden laneways, markets, and iconic coffee spots.
Stroll along the city’s picturesque riverfront
Explore Melbourne’s Yarra River by kayaking/cycling along the Main Yarra Trail. If you love to unwind in nature, you can enjoy birdwatching at the Yarra Bend Park. These activities offer a local perspective of the city’s natural beauty.
Explore Melbourne’s iconic city laneways
Central Place and Degraves Street are great places to get a glimpse of the city’s vibrant culture. Crossley Street, which features some of the best boutique stores in Melbourne, is another must-visit spot.
Browse the vintage and thrift shops in Fitzroy – Melbourne’s hippest neighbourhoods.
Some notable spots within this trendiest neighbourhood include the Lost and Found Market and Vintage Sole, known for its specialty selection of retro clothing. Expect to see unique fashion pieces and accessories during your visit.
Best restaurants and bars in Melbourne, recommended by locals
If you are in for the best bites or a night out of drinks, fun and exploration, below are some of Melbourne’s top-rated bars and restaurants.
Movida
- Address: 1 Hosier Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
- Opening hours: Daily 12 noon to 10: 30 pm
- Price range: $80-$120 per person.
- Best for: Spanish tapas plates and wines
This Spanish restaurant serves the best selection of Spanish dishes in a chic setting.
Attica
- Address: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea VIC 3185, Australia
- Opening hours: Daily 6 pm to 10 pm, but closed on Sun and Mon.
- Price range: $200 per person.
- Best for: taco dishes and kangaroo skewers.
Attica is a fine-dining restaurant serving Australia’s modern cuisine in a warm and relaxing setting.
Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar
- Address: 23 Oliver Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Opening hours: Daily from 11:30 am to 11 pm
- Price range: $80 -$100 per person.
- Best for: Asian dishes and cocktails.
This restaurant serves specialty Asian dishes in a welcoming space. The cocktails are top-notch, and the service is swift and professional.
Pearl Chablis & Oyster Bar
- Address: L1 Shop 108/200 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Opening hours: Wed-Sat: 5 pm to 11 pm.
- Price range: $100 -$200 per person.
- Best for: Oysters, sandwiches and wines.
This restaurant is a must-visit if you are looking for a relaxed space to enjoy modern European dishes and an assorted wine list.
Life’s Too Short Bar
- Address: Tribeca Arcade, Shop 2/412 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne VIC
- Opening hours: Wed-Sun: 3/ 4 pm to 11 pm.
- Price range: $50 -$100 per person.
- Best for: Gin Cocktails and wines.
This fun-filled small bar is known for its great cocktails and rare selection of wines. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, so prepare to make new friends.
Top hidden laneway cafe shops in Melbourne, recommended by the locals
Below are some of the city’s finest hidden cafes, cherished for their artisanal pastries and expertly crafted coffee.
UNION KIOSK
- Address: 10 Howey Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Opening hours: Daily from 8 am to 3 pm.
- Price range: $10 to $40 per person.
- Best for: vegan-friendly breakfast and coffee.
Visit this café to enjoy delicious food and coffee. You will also find reasonably priced dairy-free drinks and vegan food options.
Brother Baba Budan
- Address: 359 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC
- Opening hours: Thurs to Sat: 7 am to 6 pm
- Price range: $10 to $30 per person.
- Best for: specialty coffee and pastries.
Brother Baba Budan is known for its rustic décor, hanging chairs and delicious specialty coffee.
Captains of Industry
- Address: 1/2 Somerset Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Opening hours: Thurs to Sat: 9 am to 5 pm
- Price range: $20 to $40 per person.
- Best for: Fresh pastries, coffee and funky vibe
This cafe is a hidden gem in Melbourne, serving coffee and fresh pastries in a serene atmosphere.
Bakemono Bakers
- Address: 273 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Opening hours: Daily 7:30 am to 3 pm.
- Price range: $20 to $50 per person.
- Best for: Fresh Japanese pastries.
Bakemono Bakers and Coffee Shop on Lonsdale Street serves some of the best bites and lattes. Try their cream-cheese garlic bread or their signature blueberry custard Danish.
MAKER Lt Bourke
- Address: 387 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Opening hours: Daily 7/ 8 am to 4 pm.
- Price range: $20 to $60 per person.
- Best for: coffee and pastries
Stop by this beautiful café with welcoming staff to taste the best latte and toast.
Choose your best place to stay in Melbourne with L’abode Accommodation.
As you plan your trip to Melbourne, you want to secure a comfortable and convenient accommodation option. Always pick a location close to major attractions and one that also offers the best amenities possible.
At L’abode Accommodation, we offer a broad range of stylish properties, from city apartments to beachfront houses. Whether you prefer an apartment building close to a major road system or a secluded farmhouse in the city suburbs, we have you covered. Contact us today, and let us welcome you to one of our accommodation homes in various locations in and around Melbourne.