Must Do Melbourne

Melbourne is as well known for its laneways, coffee shops, and fine restaurants as it is for its sophisticated cultural offerings. Our Melbourne day tours take you from the central business district to the neighbouring suburbs exploring the sights of this marvellous city. Cross the Westgate Bridge to explore the Werribee Mansion and surrounds, visit the brightly coloured bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, and relax as your tour guide regales you with stories about Victoria’s fascinating history.

What to do on a day out in Melbourne

Melbourne is a UNESCO city of literature so you could start your shopping at one of the many bookshops. Visit the State Library and find a range of fiction an non-fiction books by Victorian authors at the gift shop. Sign up for the historical tour of the whole library and learn about the benefactors who made the collection possible.

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has an extensive permanent collection and exhibits world renowned artworks on an ever changing schedule. Australian art is shown at the Federation Square site, and international pieces are a short walk across the bridge at the larger gallery on St Kilda Road.

Museum Victoria is located just beyond the city centre. Jump on one of Melbourne’s iconic trams and ride straight to the front door. The Immigration Museum and Scienceworks are also great places for kids and adults to absorb some knowledge and culture.

Where to eat in Melbourne

Wander the food hall at the Queen Victoria Market and sample cheese, dips, olives, fresh bread, pizzas and flavours from all over the world. If you’re self-catering, this is the best place in town to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. Melbournians love to purchase a coffee made from freshly ground beans and chat as they do their market shopping here.

Showcasing the bountiful produce of Gippsland from a classy space in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Farmers Daughters has a deli, a restaurant and a rooftop bar, and offers a delicious journey through regional Victoria. From seafood and salads, through to hearty mains and decadent desserts, you’ll taste Gippsland in every mouthful.

Where to drink

Degraves St is the heart of Melbourne’s coffee culture. Drop in to Il Tempo or The Quarter for your favourite brew and a slice of pizza or try Piccolina for a gelato that will transport you to the streets of Europe.

Along the riverside at Southbank there are a range of excellent bars and pubs. Try Hopscotch for a large dining and drinking space, and sit either indoor or out, depending on Melbourne’s weather. Edwin Wine Bar and Cellar, located on the ground floor of Shadowplay by Peppers has a curated list of Victorian wines. For those who can’t decide which side of the river to drink at, Ponyfish Island is actually in the middle.

Gimlet is Andrew McConnell’s latest venture in the heart of the city. This very stylish cocktail bar and restaurant has a classic European vibe. From oysters to the full caviar service, this is a special occasion destination. Nearby you’ll find Little Lon Distillery which offers small batch gins and masterclasses so you can blend your own.

 

Where to stay

Melbourne has accommodation options at every price point. From hostels, to serviced apartments, to five star luxury hotels, you can take your pick.

Vibe Hotel Melbourne is brilliantly located for exploring Melbourne’s laneways as well as access to public transport and the lively Southbank boulevard alongside the Yarra River.

Lancemore Crossley Street opened in 2021 in the arts precinct at the top end of town. With a theatrical ambience, this hotel offers excellent proximity to restaurants and has a private rooftop bar, just for guests.

For affordable family accommodation stay at The Somerset on Elizabeth. Right in the shopping district of Melbourne Central, you’re close to the train station and apartments are cosy and comfortable.

What’s your special place Melbourne?

Share some of your favourite things about Melbourne in the comments.

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