10 Unmissable Things To Do In Melbourne

Melbourne is proudly one of Australia’s hippest and coolest cities. It is unique and full of character and charm that can offer up some of the trendiest bars, most fantastic restaurants, and a mix of scenery from street art to natural wonders. 

You will not be hard pushed for things to do in this marvelous metropolis the hardest thing will be finding the time to fit everything in. Make the most of your stay in Melbourne and go prepared with a list of things to see and do. Planning your vacation is one of the best ways to make it as stress free as possible. Here are some of the highlights of Melbourne to include in your itinerary.

Cafe culture 

When it comes to cafe culture and sipping on an espresso your mind immediately takes you to some of the European cities lined with outdoor cafes, bakeries, and coffee shops. However, if you were to look for a city to rival the likes of Paris and Rome then Melbourne is the place. Known as the coffee capital of the world Melbourne serves up some of the most prestigious cups of coffee. 

You won’t be hard pushed to find a great cup of coffee, with plenty of baristas populating the coffee shops and cafes that line all of Melbourne's streets. If you find a bad cup of coffee you will be one first to do so. 

Wine and dine

It is not just coffee that you can expect to enjoy while in Melbourne. This cosmopolitan city is home to some of the quirkiest bars and most incredible restaurants. There is something to suit all budgets and all tastes in Melbourne, from homemade street food to fine dining haute cuisine. The bar scene is no different and you can expect to experience rooftop city bars, hidden bars, sports bars, wine bars, and local pubs. So start your night in a Melbourne CBD bar and simply walk your way through the city's best bars and restaurants.

Flinders Street Station 

Flinders Street Railway Station is a historic landmark that you will find on postcards and in tourist literature. It is the poster piece of Melbourne’s historic roots and is found in Melbourne’s central business district. This magnificent building was opened in 1910 and showcases some of the finest Victorian architecture. Inside the building, you will find one of the busiest railway stations, food and drinks outlets, and a small shopping area. It is a cultural symbol that Melnbournians take pride in and that should not be missed.

Federation Square

When visiting Flinders Street Railway be sure to cross the road to Fed Square. Fed Square is a prestigious venue that always finds favor with locals and tourists. The square hosts festivals, events, and art exhibitions throughout the year and is a sight to behold. It is also lined with cafes and restaurants for you to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

Melbourne’s street art

One thing that Melbourne is renowned for is its street art. The city council deliberately designated areas of the city to be covered in colorful street art. You can expect to see high-quality graffiti-style art across buildings and city walls giving the city a modern and edgy vibe that is appreciated by tourists and locals alike. Set aside a few hours of your day to make the most of this completely free activity, alternatively you can partake in a street tour that is run by local street artists to appreciate and understand the creativity and inspiration behind Melbourne’s infamous street art.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Nestled amongst Melbourne’s urban metropolis is this lush and scenic space of peace and tranquility. Just a short walk from the city center you will find the Botanical gardens which are home to thousands of different plant species and offer up the perfect spot to take some much-needed time out from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you can sit back and relax in the shade of the trees, take a boat around the lake or simply sit and bask in the Aussie sun. It is the best place in the city to take stock and unwind. 

Shopping

Just like every thriving city, Melbourne is a renowned shopping hub where you can shop until you drop. Regardless of your style or budget, there is a shopping district to suit you. For those on a budget be sure to visit Bridge Road for the outlets and budget-friendly food retailers. If you are looking for something a little more left-field and alternative then the Fitzroy area is the place for you. Alternatively, if you want high-end shopping then head over to Chapel Street, where you might even bump into a famous face or two.  

Queen Victoria Market 

While on the subject of shopping Melbourne’s markets are another hot spot not to be left out, with Queen Victoria Market taking the top spot. This market is a favorite amongst tourists and has been a pride of Melbourne since 1878. Here you can expect to find trinkets and souvenirs and some of the best food stalls in the city. Take your time to wander amongst the stalls, sample the different food dishes, and marvel at the Victorian architecture. 

Old Melbourne Gaol 

Australia has a fascinating history and the city of Melbourne is no exception. This now-closed Gaol can take you back in time to the 1800s and offer you an insight into the life of Australian convicts. This former prison was the execution place of criminals, including Ned Kelly, and will leave you aghast at some of the conditions experienced by prisoners. The museum provides a wide range of tours and experiences but if you are looking for something that is a little bit different and have the stomach for it then try the Ghost tour. 

Melbourne SkyDeck 

If you want to take in the city in all its glory you will be hard pushed to find a better spot than the Melbourne Skydeck. Here, you can marvel at the city on another level with a 360-degree view from one of the tallest buildings in the world.

Photo by Dmitry Osipenko on Unsplash