A Travel Guide to Melbourne, Capital of the State of Victoria, Australia

Melbourne, capital of the state of Victoria, has nearly everything you can look for in a must-visit city.  Melbourne has stunning laneways, iconic landmarks, mesmerizing street art, scenic botanical gardens and stunning beaches. Melbourne offers delectable cuisine, delicious seafood, amazing coffee culture, colorful markets, captivating night markets, mouthwatering restaurants and eye-catching art galleries and museums. 

Melbourne is famous for its everlasting festivals, luxurious shopping precincts, luxurious and affordable hotels, diverse and comfortable public transport, friendly people and extremely safe streets. Moreover, you will find glorious cultural attractions, wonderful religious temples, cathedrals, and mosques, unique hiking spots, and the best sports venues in Melbourne.

Are you planning to visit Melbourne? Planning a trip to Melbourne can be a bit daunting. But I am here for you. I have been living in Melbourne for years. And in this detailed travel guide, I have given all the essential information, based on my wide personal experience, you need to plan your Melbourne trip. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in!.

Melbourne is the mesmerizing capital of the state of Victoria, Australia. It is located in the south-eastern part.  Melbourne covers an area of 9,993 km². Melbourne is surrounded by Port Phillip Bay, Mornington Peninsula, West Gippsland, Yarra Valley and Macedon Ranges. It has a population of 5,207,145. This is 19% of the total population of Australia. 

Melbourne was once the land of Aboriginal Victorians. They occupied this land for over 40,000 years. The Boonwurrung, Wathaurong and the Wurundjeri were the custodians of Melbourne at that time. In the early 19th century, it became a penal colony of the British empire. A British penal settlement was built at Port Phillip in 1803. But Melbourne was founded originally in 1835 when the free settlers from Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) arrived here. Melbourne became the capital of the state of Victoria in 1851.

Nowadays, Melbourne stands as a financial hub of Australia. It is ranking 32nd globally in the Global Financial Centres Index. It is in the list of the top 10 most liveable cities since the 2010s. Melbourne is among the safest cities in Australia. The people of Melbourne are very friendly. It is among the top 50 happiest cities worldwide. Melbourne is also the second best city in Australia. 

Melbourne is a magnificent city with a lot of iconic tourist attractions. Melbourne is an alluring city that has something for everyone. Millions of visitors visit Melbourne each year to experience its diverse culture, thriving arts scene, delicious seafood, amazing cultural heritage, mesmerizing events and beautiful landscapes. Melbourne Airport, also known as the Tullamarine Airport is the main entrance to the city. You can enter the city through the port of Melbourne too. And as soon as you step here, be ready to embark on an adventure filled with excitement and unforgettable experiences.

I have been living in Melbourne for years. And based on that experience, I will give you several pro tips. These tips will be very helpful for you when you’re in Melbourne.

You can visit Melbourne at any time of the year. But I don’t recommend visiting in winter and summer. In winter (June to August), it is extremely cold. The temperature can drop to nearly 6°C in winter. So you will not be able to enjoy the outdoor scenic views and activities. In Summer (December to February), the weather is pleasant. But Melbourne is literally overcrowded. 

As per my experience, I recommend that the best times to visit Melbourne are during Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May).  During these seasons, the weather is mild. And the city is not that much crowded. The gardens and parks are in their full bloom. And Melbourne offers beautiful scenery, turquoise beaches and pleasant walks.

The Myki Card is a literal blessing in Melbourne. I use it regularly in my daily journeys. And it has saved me a lot of time and money. It is very essential for getting around. Read more details about the Myki card in the guide later. You will have to use it while traveling on trains, trams, and buses. Simply tap on and off the card. And that’s enough. Myki card is a convenient way to travel on public transport. So I propose that you get your Myki Card as soon as you reach Melbourne. And it will save your time, energy and money while navigating around Melbourne.

Melbourne is a modern city. So most of the shops, boutiques, restaurants and malls accept credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payments. I have been living here for many years. And I never had any problem with cashless payments. But, I always keep a small amount of cash with me. It is because some small vendors and local markets may not accept cards. So I urge you to carry a small amount in Cash. And keep the rest in your cards. And you will be good to go.

Melbourne is a melting pot of people from diverse cultures. They have different cultural backgrounds. So there is no specific dress code to wear. I wear different types of clothing and have never had any issue with that. I recommend you wear casual clothing in public places, malls and markets. You can wear beachwear in coastal areas like St Kilda beach. But remember not to go shirtless in public places. Wear something of your choice. And you will fit right in.

Melbourne is among the safest cities in the world. I have been here for quite a few years, and I never felt any threat or danger while walking around the streets. Melbourne is ranked as the ninth least-risky city for tourists across the globe. The people of Melbourne are very welcoming, friendly and helpful to the visitors. Public transport is very convenient and safe. I still recommend you be aware of your surroundings. But altogether, Melbourne streets are very secure for both day and night outings.

You can opt for different options like shuttle buses, taxis, or rideshare services while going from the Airport to the City. But I will strongly recommend you to go for the SkyBus service. SkyBus is the quickest, safest and most convenient service to go from the airport to the city. It will take you in roughly 22 minutes to the Southern Cross Station in the city center. And from there, you can easily run to any part of Melbourne.

Melbourne is a hub of beautiful botanical gardens and wildlife. I urge you to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Victoria and the Melbourne Zoo. There, you will find a unique variety of flora and fauna. But, you should respect and take care of the local animals. You should also follow the guidelines in national parks. Melburnians are very friendly and have deep respect for their animals and plants. So you should do it too. And enjoy the natural beauty to the fullest.

One of the best things about Melbourne is the abundance of free WiFis. I have been in Melbourne for years and I never had any connectivity issues. You will find these free WiFis in many public areas, cafes, restaurants, hotels, boutiques, malls, shops and public libraries. So as soon as you arrive here, open up your WiFi. And you will be connected 24/7 with your loved ones while navigating the city.

You can get to Melbourne by air, train, bus and cruise ships.

I strongly urge you to take a flight to Melbourne if you are coming from another country. It is more convenient and comfortable. Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the main gateway to Melbourne city. It is the second busiest airport in Australia. It is located in the northwest of the city center, about 20 kilometers away.

All major international airlines provide flights to Melbourne. These airlines include:

Qantas, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Air New Zealand, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korea Air, American Airlines and many offer flights to the Melbourne airport. 

Some budget airlines also provide flights to Melbourne at a very affordable price. These airlines include:

Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Tigerair, Rex, Scoot and VietJet. 

I propose you check out an airline as per your requirements from Google Flights or Kiwi.com. Book a ticket for that airline. And it will drop you into one of the happiest cities of the globe. 

If you prefer to opt for a unique, adventurous and more scenic route to Melbourne, then I recommend you to go for a ship. You can get into Melbourne by ship with ease. Many ships from Los Angeles, Hawaii, Seattle, New York, New Zealand, Tasmania, Holland and San Francisco etc come to the Port of Melbourne. These ships include:

 The famous Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, Holland America Line’s Noordam, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, Oceania, Carnival Splendor, P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer and Norwegian Jewel. You can take more information and book the tickets from their mentioned links. Choose a ship. Book its ticket. Then board on your desired ship. And it will drop you off on the alluring Port of Melbourne. From there, I urge you take a taxi and it will drop you off at the city center.

You can travel from different cities of Australia to Melbourne via train. Southern Cross Station is the main station of Melbourne for regional and intercity trains. 

I actually don’t recommend taking the train option for Melbourne. It is because The Overland is the only direct train coming to Melbourne from Adelaide. For other cities, you will have to board on one train and then change into another. Some trains stop at multiple stations. So it will waste both your time and energy. For instance, the train option for Perth to Melbourne is to take the Indian Pacific from Perth to Adelaide. And then catch the Overland from Adelaide to Melbourne. The NSW Trainlink XPT goes from Melbourne to Sydney. But it stops at three regional stations: Seymour, Benalla and Wangaratta. But if you still want to consider that option, then you can find different train routes and buy their tickets here.

So if you are traveling domestically from a city of Australia to Melbourne, then I will recommend you to go for the bus option. Bus is a very budget-friendly option for local travelers. Several bus companies offer their services from different locations to Melbourne. These locations include:

Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Byron Bay, Albury Wodonga, Echuca, Moama, Griffith and Hobart. Some of these bus companies include:

 V/Line coaches, Greyhound Australia, Firefly Express, Premier Charters, Murrays Coaches and SkyBus. If you are coming to Melbourne from within Victoria, then I urge you to go for the V/Line. It is a government-owned bus service and is very comfortable and budget friendly. It navigates on a variety of routes connecting Melbourne to surrounding towns. For more information about the routes of these buses and their tickets, click on the company’s link mentioned before or here and enjoy.

One of the many reasons why I recommend travelers to add Melbourne in their must-visit-list is its diverse and efficient public transportation systems. You can navigate around Melbourne using different means like trains, trams, buses and taxis. I recommend you to buy a Myki card from the airport. You will use it for getting on and off the public transport. And it will save your money, time and energy.

Myki Card is a true blessing in Melbourne. You can use your Myki card in different forms of Public transport like trains, trams and buses. And it will save you a good amount of money. I got my Myki Card the day I entered Melbourne. And it has not disappointed me ever in all these years. You can get your Myki card from the Myki machines installed in Terminals 2, 3 and 4 of the Melbourne Airport. But you can not use your Myki card on the SkyBus. So you will have to buy a separate ticket while traveling from the airport to the city center with Skybus. Myki card works in buses like Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour, Latrobe Valley, and Warragul. 

Myki card is not free. A full fare Myki card (for individuals age 17 or above) will cost you 6 AUD. A child fare Myki card ( for children aged 4-16) will cost you 3 AUD. And a concession fare Myki card (for Australian seniors, students and Victorian Healthcare card holders) will cost you 3 AUD. Children of 4 years and less than 4 can travel for free and don’t need a Myki card in the state of Victoria. I urge you to register your Myki card with your information at the following website.

For more information about Myki card, call 1800 800 007.

And if you use too much public transport in Melbourne, then I will strongly recommend you to buy the Myki pass. Myki pass allows you to use unlimited public transport for a specific amount of time. If you are staying in Melbourne for a week, then go for the 7 days pass. And enjoy free public transport for the whole week. You can buy a pass anywhere between 28 to 365 days.

The train network in Melbourne is diverse and extensive. Melbourne trains network consists of 16 lines, each one having a different name like Lilydale, Craigieburn, Flemington Racecourse line, Pakenham, Victorian Railways, Sunbury line, Glen Waverley line, Sandringham, Upfield line, Alamein line and Caulfield. These lines navigate across 222 railway stations, covering the whole city and the surrounding suburbs. You can see the complete list of these trains, their tickets and routes here. The trains navigating the Melbourne city are handled by Metro Trains Melbourne, while V/Line (the government of Victoria trains) handles the long intercity journeys from Melbourne.

You will use your Myki card or your Myki Pass on these trains. Tap it on and off. And you will be good to go. Moreover, you must follow the rules and regulations of the train station:

Ensure the safety of yourself and your belongings

Don’t eat or drink in the train

Don’t eat or drink in the train

Don’t bring helium balloons to the trains or stations

Respect the elders and give them seats

Don’t wear red, yellow or green clothing. 

For more rules and regulations, click here. Follow them. And enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of Melbourne.

I love the Melbourne trams personally and I strongly urge you to roam around the city by trams instead of trains. Trams are the most convenient and comfortable option for navigating around Melbourne city. The tram network in Melbourne is the safest, affordable and quickest. And traveling on trams in Melbourne city center is completely free. Melbourne is famous for its trams. Melbourne has the largest operational urban tram system in the world. The Melbourne tram system consists of more than 500 trams, navigating around 24 routes and 1700 stations. You can see these routes and stations here. The tram system runs in an area of more than 250 kilometers. 

These trams are convenient, comfortable and iconic for traveling in the city. Melbourne is divided into two zones for the trams. Zone 1 consists of the central business district (CBD) and inner suburbs while zone 2 includes the outer suburbs. So the Melbourne tram network covers most of the city. The best part is that traveling via trams in the central business district (CBD) is completely free. So you won’t need your Myki card here. But the trips outside the CBD are not free. So you will have to simply tap on and off your Myki card. And you will be good to go.

Local buses in Melbourne are another good option for navigating around the city. These buses include the Kinetic Melbourne, Dysons, Ventura Bus Lines, Melbourne Bus Company, SkyBus, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour, Latrobe Valley, and Warragul. These buses operate on 346 routes. The special night bus system works on Friday and Saturday night on 10 routes. SkyBus is the most convenient option for traveling from Melbourne Airport to the city center. You can find these buses’ schedules and their routes, from Google Maps or the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website. You can use your Myki card on most of these buses. But you can not use it on the SkyBus. So you will have to buy a separate ticket for it.

Taxis are readily available in Melbourne. The cars are new and the drivers are friendly. But I don’t recommend using a taxi for getting around Melbourne. Instead of them, I urge you to use public transport like trams and buses. Public transport is faster, convenient, comfortable and affordable, sometimes free. But if you want a car by hook or by crook, then you can run towards Uber. Ubers are more comfortable and affordable than local taxis. They accept cashless payments and you can use the Uber app to book a ride.

There are two best accommodation options I recommend for you to stay in Melbourne. If you like hustle bustle and you prefer to be in the heart of the city, then I urge you to stay in the Central Business District (CBD). You can stay in a different range of hotels, as per your budget, from luxurious Grand Hyatt and Crown Towers to more affordable Ibis and Travelodge. If you prefer a more relaxed and trendy atmosphere, then I propose you to stay in Fitzroy or Carlton. Here, boutique hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts offer a unique experience close to cafes, galleries, and parks.

Moreover, Melbourne offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. So you can opt for any of the following options;

If you want to experience the ultimate luxury, then I urge these best hotels in Melbourne for you;

The Ritz-Carlton, a luxury 5 stars hotel, offers a chic restaurant, an indoor pool, a spa and iconic harbor views at $404 a night.

This 5 star hotel offers luxurious rooms & suites with a casino, restaurants, and international designer shops, at $343 a night.

This is another 5 stars hotel offering luxurious rooms and suites, a fine dining restaurant, and a day spa at $397 a night.

The Grand Hyatt Melbourne, another 5 star hotel, offers luxurious accommodation with a variety of restaurants, bars, a spa and fitness center at $384 a night.

If your budget is a bit tight, then the best hotels I recommend in Melbourne for you include;

Dorsett Melbourne offers stylish and spacious rooms, a restaurant, a rooftop pool and stunning city views at $164 per night.

The Olsen Melbourne is a paradise for art enthusiasts. The hotel itself is a wonder of art. It offers amazing chic rooms, acclaimed Stillwater at the Pier restaurant, and delicious seafood dishes at 191$ a night.

This is also an excellent option that provides modern and well-equipped apartments with stunning river views for $191 a night.

And if your budget is low, then you need not to worry. I have some very good options for you as well. 

This hotel offers comfortable rooms with a shared kitchen, dining area, and free Wi-Fi for $62 a night.

This is another amazing hotel offering compact rooms with minifridges at $75 per night.

Melbourne’s Lasagna di Carne, Whole roast lamb shoulder, Fish Dumplings and God Fire Ramen are the best dishes you can ever have. I had the unbelievable experience of eating them at 1800 Lasagne, Cumulus, ShanDong Mama and Hakata Gensuke and their taste left me in awe. I strongly recommend you to try these dishes. And their taste will remain in your mouth for months.

Melbourne offers a diverse range of delectable dining and delicious cuisine experiences, but some of the dishes are must-to-try. I have been eating them for years. And their taste amazes me each time. The list includes the Crispy eggplant with red spiced vinegar by Lee Ho Fook, Laksa paired with refreshing lychee soda by Laksa King in Flemington, Lasagna di Carne by 1800 Lasagne, Peking Duck by Flower Drum, Croissant by Lune, Greek Souvlaki (lamb or falafel) by Jimmy Grants, Whole roast lamb shoulder by Cumulus, Cheeseburger by Butcher’s Diner, Italian Gelato by Pidapipó Gelateria, Fish of the day by Bacash, Fish Dumplings by ShanDong Mama, Tajarin with rabbit ragu by Alta Trattoria and God Fire Ramen by Hakata Gensuke. Must visit these restaurants (links mentioned). eat these dishes and you will never forget the delight they give to your taste buds.

If you are a Vegan lover, then  Melbourne has some of the best options for you too. Many restaurants provide innovative and unique vegetarian dishes. I had the ultimate experience of eating crispy eggplant shawarma and za’atar cauliflower at Smith & Daughters, a vegan restaurant in Fitzroy. And the taste they provide left me speechless. Another recommended and best option is Three Bags Full, a bakery which offers vegan pastries and cakes. If you prefer vegan fast food, then I will urge you to visit Vegie Bar. Vegie Bar offers some of the best vegan burgers and wraps you can get. Higher Ground, Lentils As Anything, Cumulus Inc, Brother Baba, The Green Man’s Arms and Green Goddess are some other options you can consider (check their links). And trust me, they will not disappoint you.

And if you are a dessert lover, Melbourne is non less than a paradise for you. If you adore gelato, I recommend you head towards the Gelato Messina Fitzroy. Here, you can have some of the best gelato you could imagine. Another best option for gelato lovers is the Pidapipo Gelateria. Here you can have the gelato combined with innovative and unique flavors. To taste the best Pavlova of the globe, run towards the Hopetoun Tea Rooms. I tasted their Pavlova years ago but I still feel its taste in my mouth. Their Cobblers and Crumbles are also remarkably tasty. For the best cakes and pastries, my personal favorite is the Chemnitz Patisserie. Must try them and their taste will leave you in ewe. Rong Cha provides some of the best Thai desserts I have ever had. For cheesecake, I propose you visit Brunetti. And you will remember it for years.

Melbourne has a legendary coffee culture. And if you are a coffee enthusiast, then you can have some of the finest coffee here. The best places for coffee in Melbourne include Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters, Wide Open Road, Industry Beans, ST ALi, Brother Baba Budan, Aunty Peg’s, Market Lane Coffee and Acoffee. I propose you must visit them (Links mentioned), and you will love the taste they provide. 

Melbourne also has a variety of street food options. For street food, my personal favorite is the Queen Victoria Market. You can try different dishes here, from sizzling kebabs to freshly made paella. And they are delectable. Another best place with amazing street food is Carlton. Lygon street, also known as little Italy is the heaven of Pasta Perfection. You can eat the best Italian pizzas, pastas and other dishes here. And they offer the yummiest taste. I urge you not to miss the South Melbourne Market and Chinatown as well. You can have some of the best gourmet food stalls, dumplings, pastries, Chinese street food, bao buns, and noodle soups here. And you will remember their taste forever.

Melbourne offers everything you want to eat, and all of them are absolutely wonderful. Must try all of these dishes. And you will never forget the amazing taste they offer.

Are you confused about what and where to go shopping in Melbourne?. I got your back. Melbourne has a wide variety of things you can buy. 

If you want to take back unique and iconic Souvenirs with you, then I urge you head towards the Queen Victoria Market. The Queen Victoria Market has innovative and unique shops offering local Australian souvenirs like boomerang-inspired keyrings, coasters, magnets, Aboriginal art, handcrafted goods, local products, apparels and unique gifts. Queen Victoria Market also offers a variety of edible items from fresh local products, gourmet food products, specialty cheeses, baked goods, iconic coffee and tea shops, patisseries and premium chocolates to Australian fashion labels and high-end beauty products. 

My personal favorite is Royal Arcade for Souvenirs. Royal arcade has historic arcade houses offering Australian-made products, Australian honey, beauty products, fashion accessories, sheepskin rugs, boomerangs, koala plushies, Ugg boots, cosmetics and other souvenirs. Must visit Melbourne Central too. It is a shopping offering a mix of international brands like Adidas, Nike, H&M, Uniqlo, Zara, Ralph Lauren, Ray-Ban, Sephora, The Body Shop, Apple and Hoyts Cinemas and local brands like Country Road, Cue, Witchery, Sass & Bide and Mimco. It also has souvenir shops offering cool souvenirs like warm scarf, beanie and gloves made from Australian wool, high-quality leather products, such as bags or wallets and boomerangs. 

For premium quality fashion, clothes and cosmetics items, Chapel Street, South Yarra is the best. Chapel Street has a diverse range of boutiques, from high-end premium designers to luxury trendy labels. You will find high quality clothing chains like Uniqlo, COS, Gap, Forever New, H&M, Zara, Witchery and premium independent boutiques like Scanlan Theodore, Zimmermann, Alice McCall and Dion Lee offering premium brands and vintage clothing. Bourke Street Mall is another popular place offering a mix of international and local brands. From fast fashion to luxury labels, you’ll find something to suit your style and budget. Must explore Emporium Melbourne and Chadstone Shopping Centre luxurious jewelry, clothing and other accessories. 

For upscale shopping, I encourage you to visit Collin street. Collins street has a variety of luxury stores like David Jones and Myer, offering different designer labels, beauty products, cosmetics and high-end fashion labels. Collin street also has flagship stores of international luxury brands such as Chanel, JD Sports, The North Face, Mimco, Lorna Jane, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Prada. You should explore Crown Melbourne for luxury boutiques, exclusive dining options, and world-class entertainment. Crown Melbourne has premium brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Burberry, Cartier, Rolex, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo and Bvlgari. Visit them and you will love the products. 

For book lovers, The Paperback Palace is a paradise. You can find a variety of second hand books, rare finding books and bestsellers here. I urge you to visit Metropolis Books too. Here you will find a treasure of books on art, design, literature, design and culture. Must visit these places and you’ll never forget them. The links of each of the places are already mentioned. For more details, explore my specific blog on “top places to go Shopping in Melbourne”.

I have been living in Melbourne for years. And trust me, Melbourne has some of the best scenic views, stunning beaches, mesmerizing colorful botanical gardens and iconic attractions to visit. Remember that this is only a trailer- the whole movie is yet to be seen!. I urge you to visit my detailed guide on the top visiting attractions of Melbourne (future blog idea) and plan your journey as per it. 

No Melbourne trip is literally perfect without visiting Federation Square. Federation square is located in the heart of Melbourne. It is home to the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and a number of art galleries, cafes, and outdoor events. Must visit it and enjoy different events and delectable coffee there. I propose that you visit the Royal Botanic Garden too. It is a lush oasis in the city, with a wide range of plant species, tranquil lakes, and walking paths. Some other must visit Melbourne’s attractions include:

The Melbourne Museum, The Royal Exhibition Building, National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Australian Centre for, Contemporary Art (ACCA), Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, Union Lane, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Chisholm Lane, Great Ocean Road, The Twelve Apostles, Lorne, Brown Alley  and Apollo Bay.

Melbourne is a literal heaven for beach lovers, sun bathing geeks and surfing water sports enthusiasts. My personal favorite for surfing and Sunbathing is St Kilda Beach. St Kilda Beach is at the top of my must-visit- beaches list due to its beautiful palm trees, golden sand, live music, arts and culture activities,and excellent surfing and sun bathing conditions. You can visit Luna park from here, which is very near to St Kilda Beach. Other best beaches include Brighton Beach, Elwood Beach, Half Moon Bay, Altona Beach, Williamstown Beach, and Phillip Island. Must visit these stunning beaches and be ready to elevate your experience to the highest levels.

Melbourne has some of the best night markets. The most famous among them are:

Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Night Market, Docklands Night Market, Richmond Night Market, Hawthorn Night Market, Preston Market and Coburg Night Market. Among them, my favorite is the Queen Victoria Market. Here, you can try a wide range of food items, enjoy live music and performances, and buy some souvenirs too. 

The best restaurants and cafes in Melbourne include Hardware Societe, Proud Mary, Top Paddock, Chin Chin, Attica and Lygon Street food shops. My personal favorite is Lygon street, where I enjoy the best Italian food in the city, with a lot of trattorias and pizzerias to choose from. I recommend you to visit them all. And experience the unbelievable.

Melbourne also offers wonderful religious sites for visitors, the best among which is the St. Paul’s Cathedral. You should visit these amazing attractions too;

A few other top notch attractions, I strongly recommend you to visit, include;

You can find all these places on Google Maps or by clicking on their mentioned links.

The best and most iconic events in Melbourne are the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March-April), the Melbourne Cup Carnival (November), White Night Melbourne (August), New Year Evening (31 December) and Chinese New Year (January-February). 

In the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the whole of Melbourne turns into a hub of laughter and entertainment. The Melbourne Cup Carnival (November) is a prestigious horse racing event that includes fashion and dining. On New Year’s Eve, the whole of Melbourne shimmers with amazing fireworks. Chinese New Year Festival is also celebrated with enthusiasm and excitement in January-February.

Some other famous events of Melbourne include;

I urge you to experience these events. And you will amaze with the joys they offer.

One day is too little to explore the whole of Melbourne. But if you only have one day in hand, I recommend you to start early in the morning with a visit to Federation Square. Next, head towards the Royal Botanic Gardens. Then move towards the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Have your lunch at a nearby café or restaurant and explore that iconic sporting venue. Move on fast and spend your afternoon visiting the National Gallery of Victoria. Next, I propose you to take a stroll through the laneways and arcades, admiring the street art. Must watch the sunset from Eureka Skydeck. And end your day with a great dinner at one of the restaurants on Southbank. And you have explored enough of Melbourne.

If you have two days, then I urge you to add a visit to St Kilda Beach and the St Kilda Esplanade Market. Explore them in the morning. Then you can visit the Melbourne Zoo. You should spend your afternoon in Fitzroy. Next, move on to your dinner in the mesmerizing Chinatown, and that’s all you can have.

For a three-day trip (the one I personally recommend the most), I recommend you to spend two full days in Melbourne as per the above suggestions. For your third day, make a trip to the scenic Great Ocean Road. Next, move on to the alluring Yarra Valley and enjoy some of the finest coffee and wine there. Then visit the Dandenong Ranges, and you will be done with all the eye-catching iconic views.

If you have four or more days in your hands, then I recommend you to explore more of Melbourne’s surrounding areas. You should visit Phillip Island to see the famous penguin parade. It’s something you cannot experience anywhere else. You should also take an amazing and scenic drive to the Mornington Peninsula. I urge you to spend a day at the Grampians National Park for some hiking and wildlife spotting. And you will never forget that. For further details, explore my detailed guide on how to plan your Melbourne journey and enjoy.