There’s a lot to experience in Melbourne, so what you see and do depends on how long you’re in town. To complement part one of our Melbourne Travel Guide, this edition focuses on must‑see spots within the CBD—perfect for travellers on a tight schedule. Seeing everything on the list takes about three days, so feel free to mix and match based on your timeframe.
Melbourne is a city made for wandering: theatres, galleries, and gardens are minutes apart, while dining ranges from hawker-style bites to fine-dining icons. Chase skyline views along Southbank, explore museums near Carlton, and browse boutiques on Collins Street. Plan smart, use the free trams, and you’ll cover a lot in just a few days—without overspending.
Top Things to See and Do in Melbourne
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Southbank & Melbourne Skydeck
A modern riverfront precinct packed with restaurants, bars, and public art. Stroll the lively promenade, visit Crown for dining and shows, and ascend Eureka Skydeck for breathtaking city views.
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St Paul’s Cathedral (Flinders & Swanston)
A stunning 19th-century Anglican cathedral on Melbourne’s most famous corner. Step inside for soaring Gothic Revival interiors and a peaceful pause amid the CBD bustle.
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Flinders Street Station
Australia’s oldest train station and beloved city icon. Meet “under the clocks,” admire its heritage architecture, and use it as a perfect launch point for urban explorations.
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Federation Square
Melbourne’s cultural heart opposite Flinders Street Station. Home to galleries, events, and riverfront access, it’s a striking modern complex with dining for every budget and taste.
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Young & Jackson (Chloé Bar)
Historic pub, famed for Jules Lefebvre’s 1875 painting “Chloé.” Drop in for a drink and a look at this Melbourne icon, steps from Fed Square and Flinders Street Station.
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Melbourne Central & Shot Tower
The CBD’s largest mall sits over the train station, crowned by a glass cone encasing the 1888 Shot Tower. Great shopping, global eats, and a quirky hourly musical clock.
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Carlton Gardens & Royal Exhibition Building
A World Heritage garden with lakes, grand avenues, and wildlife. Tour the magnificent Royal Exhibition Building when available, then visit the adjacent, award-winning Melbourne Museum. -
Melbourne Museum
A modern, family-friendly museum with standout exhibits—dinosaurs, geology, and Melbourne’s story from the 19th century to today. Excellent value and easy to pair with Carlton Gardens.
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Collins Street, Block Arcade & Royal Arcade
Walk the “Paris end” for heritage facades and boutiques. Don’t miss the ornate Block Arcade and Australia’s oldest Royal Arcade—perfect for coffee, chocolates, and people-watching.
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Free Tram Zone & City Circle Tram
Within Melbourne’s CBD Free Tram Zone, ride without a ticket. The heritage City Circle Tram loops key sights—ideal for first-time orientation and quick hops between attractions.
Other Places to Visit or Do Around Melbourne (Top 5)
- Queen Victoria Market – Historic market for produce, gourmet bites, and souvenirs; great for budget lunches.
- National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) – Australia’s oldest public art museum, with free permanent collections.
- St Kilda – Beachside strolls, pier penguins at dusk, and cake shops on Acland Street.
- Fitzroy & Collingwood – Street art, vintage stores, indie galleries, and excellent coffee and bars.
- Shrine of Remembrance & Royal Botanic Gardens – Panoramic city views and serene garden walks.
Where to Stay in Melbourne
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Budget
- Spaceships Hotel/Hostels, Space Hotel, YHA Melbourne Central: clean dorms and private rooms, social vibes, and central locations.
- Typical range: AUD 35–70 (dorm), AUD 110–160 (private).
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Mid-Range
- Novotel Melbourne on Collins, Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Next Hotel, The Jazz Corner: comfortable rooms, good amenities, close to trams and major sights.
- Typical range: AUD 170–260.
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Luxury
- Park Hyatt Melbourne: grand rooms near Fitzroy Gardens, spa, and refined service.
- Crown Towers Melbourne, QT Melbourne, The Langham: luxe stays with premium dining and wellness.
- Typical range: AUD 350–700+.
Other Places To Stay In Melbourne
Travel Costs (Typical Per Person, Per Day)
- Accommodation:
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- Budget: AUD 35–70 (dorm), 110–160 (private)
- Mid-range: AUD 170–260
- Luxury: AUD 350–700+
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- Food & Drink:
- Budget: AUD 25–45 (bakery lunches, food courts)
- Mid-range: AUD 50–90 (cafés, casual dining)
- Luxury: AUD 120–200+ (fine dining)
- Transport:
- CBD Free Tram Zone: AUD 0
- Myki daily cap (zones 1+2): approx. AUD 10–11
- Activities:
- Many free (museums, gardens, galleries). Paid attractions: AUD 15–40+.
Suggested Budgets (Per Day)
- Shoestring: AUD 70–120
- Hostel dorm, free trams, markets/food courts, free sights.
- Comfortable: AUD 180–280
- Mid-range hotel, mix of cafés and restaurants, a paid museum or observation deck.
- Splash Out: AUD 450–800+
- Luxury hotel, fine dining, multiple paid experiences.
Money-Saving Tips
- Use the CBD Free Tram Zone and City Circle Tram to cut transit costs.
- Eat where locals eat: food courts (Melbourne Central, Emporium), markets (Queen Vic), Chinatown lunch specials.
- Enjoy free culture: NGV’s permanent collection, Fed Square events, Royal Botanic Gardens.
- Visit attractions on weekday mornings for shorter lines and occasional off-peak pricing.
- Book hotels and key attractions early (especially spring) to lock in lower rates.
How to Get Around
- Free Tram Zone (CBD): Ride trams free between Queen Victoria Market, Docklands, Flinders Street Station, and Spring Street.
- Myki Card: For travel beyond the free zone; daily caps keep costs predictable.
- Walking: The CBD grid is compact; most sights are 5–20 minutes apart.
- Rail: Flinders Street Station anchors suburban lines; handy for trips to Richmond, St Kilda (via tram), or beyond.
- Rideshare/Taxi: Useful late at night or to/from the airport (consider SkyBus for savings). Taxis and Uber are not cheap in Melbourne, so only use if you have to.
Best Time to Go
- Spring (September–November) is ideal: mild temps, blooming gardens, outdoor festivals, and cricket season warming up. Pack layers—Melbourne’s weather can shift quickly in a day.
- Summer can be hot and busy; autumn brings golden trees and steady weather; winter is cooler with great theatre and dining deals.
