Sydney may have all the major tourist attractions, but Melbourne is often recognized as Australia’s cultural capital. The two cities have a friendly rivalry but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy both. Melbourne was founded in 1835 by European migrants from modern-day Tasmania.
Today it is the gateway to further adventures along the Great Ocean Road and to Tasmania. The city has a thriving festival culture, including the Melbourne Festival and music festivals like Big Day Out. It’s also easy to get around by free trams and by foot.
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The Neighborhoods of Melbourne
Melbourne’s “CBD” or central business district is where the major tourist attractions are found, like the State Library of Victoria, but it’s the neighborhoods that make visitors and locals alike fall in love with the city. However, don’t miss the laneways of this area with cozy cafes and surprising artwork.
St. Kilda and Brighton are two popular beach suburbs. St. Kilda is the artsier of the two, with hip cafes, Luna Park, and a connection to the city via tram. The Palais Theatre is an icon within the community, as both a live music venue and movie theater. Brighton is known for its colorful bathing houses, pictured above. The affluent area also has the city’s best kitesurfing.
Brunswick was traditionally a working class suburb for immigrants from Greece and Italy. It’s become popular with the millennial crowd, who flocked for the affordable cost of living. The pubs of Sydney Road and Lygon Street art especially popular, such as Retreat Hotel and Temple Brewing Company.
Fitzroy is another hip suburb where you’ll find some of the best street art around. Lygon Street also has Melbourne’s best Italian restaurants, making it the unofficial “Little Italy.” This area is also where most of the Fringe Festival takes place. Victorian cottages line the streets.
Chinatown around Little Bourke Street in the CBD is a must-see part of the city. Learn about the neighborhood’s history at the Chinese Museum before grabbing a bite at one of many Chinese eateries. In fact, it was here that the dim sum dumpling was first created.
For more on Melbourne’s neighborhoods, follow my friend Girl Tweets World.
Melbourne Restaurants and Cafes
Melbourne has a diverse array of eateries spanning just about every part of the world. And while there are award-winning restaurants that will set you back a small fortune and require reservations, there are just as many affordable eats. Centre Lane is a great place for a quick, cheap bite.
Shanghai Street Dumpling & Mini Juicy Bun– Recommended by my Walk Melbourne guide, I waited 30 minutes to get into this place and ate my weight in dumplings.
Las Chicas– Open for breakfast and lunch, this favorite cafe uses sustainable, local ingredients. Coffee, smoothies, avocado toast, and breakfast burritos are all menu highlights.
Brunetti Carlton– In the heart of Lygon Street, Brunetti sells everything an Italophile could want from pasta to pizza to pastries. They also have a full wine and cocktail menu for your Aperol Spritz fix.
Cafe Lua– This cozy Carlton cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily. Menu favorites include the huevos rancheros, avocado toast, and shakshuka. Local art covers the wall. Bring your own mug if you’re taking to go!
The Little Mule Company Pty Ltd– Melbourne is full of hip coffee shops, but this is one of my favorites. The minimalist cafe has daily specials, along with their pour over coffee. Sandwiches and pastries are also on offer.
Manchester Press– Colorful fruit bowls, heaping hotcakes, and craft coffee make this laneway cafe an Instagrammer’s dream. Ask the baristas for recommendations on single origin varieties.
Amigos– Once the only Mexican restaurant in St. Kilda, Amigos is now one of many. But this spot has authentic guacamole, tacos, and an extensive menu of tequilas. There are also vegetarian and vegan options.
Matcha Mylkbar– A friend recently posted from this hip cafe, which has vegetarian food resembling a work of art. The entirely plant-based menu features burgers, smoothies, bowls, and vegan eggs.
Humble Rays Melbourne– Brunch is taken to another level at this colorful Carlton cafe. Enjoy whimsical desserts and pastries with your local coffee.
Seven Seeds Specialty Coffee– Nearby is this coffee roaster with a number of shops around town, including Brother Baba Budan. But this outpost has eggs Benedict, pancakes, and their signature blend of coffee.
For more on the best eateries in Melbourne, follow Broadsheet.
Melbourne Bars and Nightlife
I had limited nightlife experience in Melbourne, apart from a few nights at the Retreat Hotel mentioned earlier. But since my visits in 2011 and 2014, the city has gained dozens of cocktail bars and dives.
Cherry– Equal parts music venue and dive bar, Cherry has has hosted countless acts over the years. They’re located on the appropriately-named AC/DC Lane.
Rooftop bar– The appropriately named bar is one of many in town, open daily. Splurge on a signature cocktail and take in the views of Melbourne. It’s got a burger and taco restaurant downstairs.
Berlin Bar– Reminiscent of the funky spots in the German capital, this bar serves fun, themed cocktails and a menu with items like cheese plates and currywurst.
Naked For Satan– Looking for Spanish tapas to share between friends? Enjoy these cheap eats as you sip on traditional cider, infused vodka, beer, and wine.
Black Pearl– This creative Fitzroy bar is a popular late night spot with stunning cocktails. They have bites like sausage rolls and an upstairs speakeasy called The Attic.
Le Bon Ton– Inspired by New Orleans, the menu has fried chicken and barbecue like you might find in the American South. Most of the beer menu comes from the US and the cocktail menu has items like the Hurricane and Sazerac.
Heartbreaker– Dance your cares away at the dive bar where you can pick out jukebox tunes from the 60s and beyond. Sip a Negroni and cozy up in the space’s dark corners.
The Retreat Hotel- I have fond memories of my visit to this bar with winding spaces in the pub and gardens. Catch a live music act over a few beers.
For more on Melbourne’s nightlife scene, check out Time Out’s guide.
Things to Do in Melbourne
Melbourne’s attractions may not be as well-known as those in Sydney, there is plenty to see in the cultural capital. Best of all, many are completely free to visit.
State Library of Victoria– More than just a stunning home for thousands of volumes, there’s also a museum with items like Ned Kelly’s famous knight suit and other items related to Australia.
National Gallery of Victoria– Wander the free galleries at this top notch art museum, which also has a ticket-only changing exhibit space. The complex includes the international building and the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square.
Shrine of Remembrance– Built to honor the sacrifice of the Australian troops, it serves as both a memorial and museum about the various conflicts and their histories.
Gardens– The city shines with green spaces that are the perfect places to spend the day. Carlton Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, and Fitzroy Gardens are just a few.
ACMI– The Australian Centre for the Moving Image covers all aspects of film, digital arts, video games, and other forms of moving images with interactive displays and rotating exhibits.
Eureka Skydeck– See the city from the observation deck of the highest building, which has a glass platform where you can see beneath your feet. You can also mail a postcard from the country’s highest mailbox.
Luna Park– Spend a fun afternoon riding the rides at the city’s famous St. Kilda theme park.
Tours- There are dozens of great tours that focus on different parts of the city. I personally enjoyed my evening kayaking tour (book here) and coffee tour with Walk Melbourne. You can also check out the street art tour and free walking tour.
Shopping in Melbourne
In Melbourne you’ll find both the big name brands (H&M anyone?) but also independent boutiques. The markets are where they really shine, though, selling everything from food to vintage goods.
Queen Victoria Market– This historic shopping from 1878 center runs the gamut with merchandise, from food to clothing to artisan goods. There’s also a weekly night market with live music.
Fossil Vintage– You might not be able to ship home these gorgeous vintage home furnishings, but it doesn’t hurt to look!
Lost and Found Market– This massive warehouse is full of all sorts of vintage goodies, including clothing, furniture, books, and records. Don’t be afraid to dig!
SO:ME Space– Makers from around the city come together for the permanent stalls at this South Melbourne market. Shop for sustainable, handmade, and vintage items for unique souvenirs.
Where to Stay in Melbourne
Trendy accommodations can set you back upwards of $400 per night, but thankfully there are also a few properties that look chic without costing you too many “pineapples” (aka hundreds).
Space Hotel– After an unpleasant hostel experience on my first visit, I was pleased to find this stylish mix of dorms and private rooms with a rooftop patio, full kitchen, and location near all the sights.
Summer House Backpackers– Located in St. Kilda, this modern hostel has four, six, and eight bed dorms with ensuite bathrooms. There’s two bars, including one on the roof, as well as free WiFi, storage lockers, and a kitchen. It’s a short tram ride from the CBD.
Adelphi Hotel And Spa– This small, mid-range features 34 colorfully designed guest rooms, a rooftop pool, and an award-winning restaurant in their basement. It’s located in Flinders Lane, home to the city’s most famous street art. They’ve also got a number of environmentally-friendly features.
Ovolo Laneways– Inspired by the city’s laneways, the minimalist rooms at this hotel have cozy linens, Apple TV, coffee making facilities, and free WiFi, breakfast, snacks, happy hour, and laundry.
QT Melbourne– This chain of design hotels has a Melbourne outpost in the heart of the CBD. Styled as “industrial chic,” there are standard rooms and suites. QT has its own restaurants and rooftop.
NOTEL– If you’re ready to splurge, you won’t believe this accommodation made up of Airstream trailers on a rooftop. It comes equipped with luxe toiletries, a mini fridge, and a “secret” entrance.
Airbnb– Another good option is renting an apartment in one of the trendy neighborhoods.
Jayne has also featured some of her favorite hotels here. Time Out named their picks here.
Transportation in Melbourne
Melbourne is smaller in scale than Sydney, making it much more walkable. You can also rent a bicycle for the day, which have docking stations all over town.
The free City Circle tram, which makes a loop of the city in each direction, is a great way to get around. It stops by Flinders Street Station and the Docklands. There are also paid trams that loop around the city, as well as buses. Trains come and go from Flinders Street and Southern Cross stations.
Visitors to Melbourne can also fly into one of two airports. Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is around 20 minutes from the city and can be accessed by the Skybus from Southern Cross which runs constantly and costs around $22 AUD. Avalon Airport is less than an hour from Melbourne and services budget airlines. Shuttle buses cost around $50 and arrive at Southern Cross Station.
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Hi Caroline. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful tips. I referred to this post on a recent trip to Melbourne. We missed Queen Victoria Market which was a major bummer, but loved Naked for Satan (caught an amazing sunset on the rooftop) and Seven Seeds (for an awesome brunch). Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
I was there during spring (sept) 2019. It was an amazing city. Feel like want to go again but in fall season. Luv melbourne so much.