Melbourne is a city that rewards curiosity—an ever-evolving blend of grand Victorian facades, cutting-edge design, world-class coffee, and a thriving arts and sports culture. I grew up in Melbourne and have seen the city evolve over the years to a more inclusive, sustainable, and endlessly curious place—one that celebrates festivals, footy, food, and the arts with equal passion. In this Melbourne travel guide, you’ll discover a city of lane ways sprayed with colour, hidden bars humming late into the night, and waterside promenades where the skyline glitters after dusk. Melbourne’s neighbourhoods each have distinct personalities: the stately CBD and Treasury precinct; eclectic Fitzroy and Collingwood; Bayside St Kilda; and the sports mecca around the MCG. Food is a civic obsession, from fresh pasta on Lygon Street to hawker-style bites at Queen Victoria Market. The tram-bell soundtrack and ritual of footy season are as Melburnian as the flat white. Museums, galleries, and festivals fill the calendar year-round, but spring brings a special buzz with marquee sporting events. Whether you’re here for culture, cuisine, or competition, this Melbourne travel guide helps you plan smarter, spend wisely, and see more—without missing the city’s spontaneous magic.
Top Things To See & Do In Melbourne
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
A serene urban escape with sprawling lawns, ornamental lakes, and themed gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is perfect for picnics, jogs, and guided Aboriginal Heritage Walks. Explore the Arid Garden, Fern Gully, and Guilfoyle’s Volcano, or simply wander among 8,500+ plant species. It’s a tranquil counterpoint to the CBD’s buzz.
Shrine of Remembrance
This monumental memorial honours Australians who served in war. Climb to the balcony for panoramic city views, then explore the Galleries of Remembrance to discover personal stories, artifacts, and immersive displays. Time your visit for the daily Ray of Light ceremony, when a beam illuminates the word “Love” on the Stone of Remembrance.
Eureka Skydeck
Ride high to the Eureka Skydeck for Melbourne’s most thrilling views, 285 meters above the Yarra River. Floor-to-ceiling glass and the daring “Edge” experience—where you step into a glass cube suspended outside the building—deliver heart-pounding perspectives. Sunset and blue hour visits offer unforgettable cityscapes and dazzling night lights.
Melbourne Zoo
Just minutes from the CBD, Melbourne Zoo blends lush habitats with conservation storytelling. Meet lions, orangutans, and native icons like kangaroos and koalas. Don’t miss the Trail of the Elephants and Keeper Talks. It’s a family-friendly day that highlights wildlife welfare, sustainable practices, and the zoo’s role in global species protection.
Old Treasury Building
One of Melbourne’s finest gold-rush era buildings, the Old Treasury explores the city’s explosive growth and social history. Exhibits unpack boom-and-bust stories, immigration waves, and political milestones. Step into original blue stone vaults once used to store gold. Architecture lovers will appreciate the Renaissance Revival design and meticulous restoration.
Queen Victoria Market
A beloved institution since 1878, “Vic Market” brims with fresh produce, deli treats, coffee, souvenirs, and street-food favourites. Join a food tour, graze your way through artisan cheeses and cured meats, or browse local crafts. Seasonal night markets add live music, global eats, and a festive community vibe.
MCG & Australian Sports Museum
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is a sporting sacred ground—home to epic AFL clashes, Boxing Day Tests, and cricket legends. Stadium tours grant access to player areas and media rooms. Inside, the Australian Sports Museum combines interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and immersive zones that bring AFL, cricket, and Olympic history to life.
Other Places To Visit
Federation Square
Fed Square is Melbourne’s cultural heart, known for its bold architecture, open-air events, and riverside location. It hosts ACMI, public screenings, festivals, and pop-up activations year-round. Grab a coffee, people-watch on the steps, or use it as a perfect launchpad to explore the nearby laneways and the Yarra promenade.
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International)
Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, NGV International showcases everything from European masters to contemporary installations. Highlights include blockbuster exhibitions, the Great Hall’s stunning stained-glass ceiling, and a strong design program. Free permanent collections make it an easy cultural win within walking distance of the CBD.
Hosier Lane & Melbourne Laneways
Melbourne’s lane ways are an ever-changing canvas of street art, espresso bars, and hidden boutiques. Hosier Lane is the headline act—its walls layered with murals, stencils, and paste-ups. Wander through nearby Degraves Street, Centre Place, and AC/DC Lane for laneway dining, indie shops, and the city’s creative pulse on full display.
Tip: Cluster sites by area to minimise travel time—many CBD highlights are walkable or within the Free Tram Zone. This Melbourne travel guide recommends booking timed tickets (Eureka, MCG) during peak weekends.
Melbourne Travel Guide Tips
Travel Costs (Average, per person, in AUD)
- Accommodation (per night):
- Hostel dorm: $360
- Budget hotel: $170 We recommend the Atlantis Hotel. Have stayed here once and is very comfortable and affordable, plus it’s close to Southern Cross railway station.
- Mid-range: $280 For mid-range, we recommend Quest Southbank. Great location if you want to explore Southbank promenade and close to Crown Casino
- Upscale: $500+ For total luxury, you can’t go past the Park Hyatt Melbourne. Has been my favourite hotel for special occasions in Melbourne for many years. You won’t be disappointed.
Where To Stay In Melbourne
- Food & Drink (per day):
- Budget: $45 (bakery breakfasts, market lunches)
- Mid-range: $90 (cafés, casual dinners)
- Splurge: $200+ (fine dining, wine bars)
- Transport:
- Myki card: capped at $11 per day and $7.60 on weekends and public holidays (Zone 1+2)
- Airport transfer: $25 (SkyBus), $70 ride-share/taxi
- CBD – Free trams
- Activities:
- Museums/galleries: Free–$30
- Eureka Skydeck: ~$236
- MCG tour: ~$30
Suggested Budgets (Per Day, AUD)
- Shoestring: $110
- Hostel dorm, market meals, Free Tram Zone, free museums/parks.
- Mid-range: $280
- Comfortable hotel, café brunches, one paid attraction, tram/train travel.
- Luxury: $650+
- Premium hotel, tasting menus, private tours, theatre/sport tickets.
It’s best pre-booking big-ticket items during spring events to lock in prices.
Money-Saving Tips
- Use the Free Tram Zone within the CBD; tap on/off only outside the zone.
- Eat at Queen Victoria Market or Asian food courts for value-packed meals.
- Seek free culture: NGV (main), State Library, many city galleries and festivals.
- Book combo tickets (Eureka + attractions) and look for early-bird online rates.
- Stay slightly outside the CBD (e.g., Southbank/ Docklands) for better hotel deals.
- BYO water bottle; free public fountains are common in parks and stations.
- Visit during shoulder seasons for lower rates—late autumn to late winter.
How To Get Around
- Trams: Extensive network; CBD’s Free Tram Zone is ideal for short hops.
- Trains: Fast for suburbs and venues like the MCG (Richmond/Jolimont stations).
- Buses: Fill gaps between tram/train lines and reach the zoo easily.
- Myki: Required for public transport; buy at stations, 7-Eleven, major stops.
- Rideshare/Taxis: Handy late night or to/from the airport if splitting fares.
- Bikes & E-Scooters: Dedicated paths along the Yarra and through parks.
- Walking: Compact CBD and laneways reward strolling; this Melbourne travel guide recommends comfy shoes.
Best Time To Go
Spring (September–November) is prime. The city buzzes with:
- AFL Finals Series at the MCG (September) with electric citywide energy.
- Spring Racing Carnival, including the Melbourne Cup (early November).
- Mild weather, blossoming gardens, and packed event calendars.
Summer brings festivals and beach days (St Kilda) but higher prices. Autumn is crisp and cultural; winter is cosy, with truffle menus and museum time. We think spring is best for atmosphere plus marquee sport and racing.
See other places to visit in Victoria here
