10 Things to Do in Melbourne

Melbourne is one of the most outstanding global cities in the world, with a high standard of living, a wide range of cultural offerings and a variety of attractions. Here are the best things to do in this destination to get to know it in depth.
10 Things to Do in Melbourne

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Melbourne is one of Australia's most important cities. It is the most populous city in the country and was also the national capital until it was replaced by Canberra. Currently, it is one of the most representative cultural destinations in Oceania and has been voted several times as the best city in the world to live in. If you are planning a trip to this destination, here you will find the best information to discover it.

Among the best activities you can do in Melbourne are enjoying the city's eclectic architectural design on a guided tour, exploring the Yarra River on a cruise, taking a hot air balloon flight at sunrise, going on an excursion along the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 Apostles, visiting the Queen Victoria Market and swimming at the beaches of St. Kilda. Join me as we review the itinerary!

1. Marvel at the city's architectural design on a guided tour

View of the city at night|©Damien
View of the city at night|©Damien

Marvel at the architectural design of the city's buildings on a guided tour of Melbourne. It is a fascinating experience that will allow you to appreciate the rich history and diversity of styles that this destination has to offer. The city is full of great architectural works, from modern skyscrapers to carefully preserved heritage buildings.

A guided tour of Melbourne's buildings will give you the opportunity to discover the evolution of architecture over the years and learn about the architects and designers behind these creations. The tour will depend on the itinerary set by the guide, but will usually include City Hall, Eureka Tower, St. Francis Church, the Rialto building and the old Post Office.

In Melbourne, you will be surprised by the disparity of architectural styles that coexist in close proximity. From Victorian and Edwardian to modernism and contemporary architecture, each building tells a unique story and reflects the vision of its time.

In addition to appreciating the beauty of the buildings, a guided tour will also allow you to explore the interior of some of them, discovering their interior spaces and architectural details. You can visit iconic rooms, impressive lobbies and enjoy panoramic views from viewing platforms located in the tallest buildings.

Book a guided tour of Melbourne

2. Enjoy a cruise on the Yarra River

Yarra River, Melbourne|©Owen Allen
Yarra River, Melbourne|©Owen Allen

Enjoying a cruise on the Yarra River in Melbourne is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to admire the beauty of the city from a unique perspective. Throughout the tour, you can enjoy breathtaking views of iconic landmarks as you sail along the calm waters of the river, especially if you do so during the Melbourne summer, when the weather is pleasant.

During the cruise, you will be able to appreciate the fascinating contrasts that the city has to offer. From the modern skyscrapers that rise above the skyline to the beautiful parks and gardens that line the river, each view will give you a new perspective on the city.

In addition to the breathtaking views, Yarra River cruises also offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience for the whole family. You can enjoy a gentle breeze as you sail, and even entertainment options on board, such as live music or special performances, as many cruises also include these. Without a doubt, thanks to these details, this could also be considered one of the best activities to do with children in Melbourne.

One of the advantages of taking a cruise on the Yarra River is that there are different options available to suit your preferences. You can opt for a short one-hour cruise or choose a longer option that will allow you to explore different areas of the river and its surroundings. In any case, seeing Melbourne from the river will be a breathtaking experience.

Book a cruise in Melbourne

3. Take a hot air balloon flight at sunrise in Melbourne

Hot Air Cold Morning|©Costa Kontos
Hot Air Cold Morning|©Costa Kontos

Taking a hot air balloon flight in Melbourne is a magical experience that allows you to enjoy spectacular views and experience the thrill of flying over the city. With the sky filled with warm colours and the sun slowly rising on the horizon, this flight offers a unique and memorable perspective.

At dawn, the hot air balloons rise gently into the air, giving you a feeling of serenity and tranquillity. As you float in the sky, you can contemplate the beauty of Melbourne from above, with its skyscrapers, parks and rivers unfolding before your eyes, while enjoying one of the most popular attractions of this destination.

One of the advantages of taking a balloon flight at dawn is the tranquillity you experience during the flight. The fresh morning air, the gentle breeze and the absence of noise allow you to enjoy a relaxing and silent flying experience, in perfect harmony with nature.

In addition to the views, many sunrise balloon flights in Melbourne also include a post-flight breakfast. You can enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast in a charming setting, sharing stories with other passengers and the balloon crew, or head into the city to enjoy some of Melbourne's best food tours.

Book a sunrise balloon flight

4. Take a trip along the Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road|©Matt Dougherty
Great Ocean Road|©Matt Dougherty

If you want to have one of the best experiences around Melbourne, don't miss a tour of the Great Ocean Road, a journey that will take you along one of the most spectacular coastal routes in the world. This road winds along rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and breathtaking natural landscapes, offering panoramic views that will take your breath away.

During the trip, you can stop at various points of interest along the way. From the famous rock formations of the 12 Apostles to charming coastal towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay, each stop offers a unique opportunity to explore and marvel at the natural beauty of the region along 240 kilometres of asphalt built on the edge of the cliffs.

The Great Ocean Road is also known for its wildlife viewing opportunities. You may have the chance to see koalas in their natural habitat, exotic birds and, if you are lucky, even migrating whales during the right season. In addition, if you visit Melbourne during Christmas, you can also discover the festive decorations in the rural areas of the region.

In addition to the stunning views and wildlife, the Great Ocean Road also offers numerous options for enjoying outdoor activities. You can go on scenic walks, bike rides, enjoy idyllic beaches and savour the local cuisine in the restaurants and cafés along the way.

Book an excursion along the Great Ocean Road

5. Visit the Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market|©David Redfearn
Queen Victoria Market|©David Redfearn

Visiting Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed during your visit to the city. This iconic market, with over 140 years of history, is one of the most popular destinations for lovers of food, fresh produce and local culture.

The market has a vibrant atmosphere full of colours, aromas and sounds. You can stroll through the aisles lined with stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood, gourmet products and sweets. It is the ideal place to sample local flavours and discover unique ingredients for your meals.

Aside from fresh produce, Queen Victoria Market is also home to a wide variety of specialty shops, from clothing and accessories to arts and crafts. You can stroll around and explore the various shops, find unique souvenirs or simply enjoy a day of shopping. What's more, if you visit Melbourne during Christmas, you'll find one of the region's most outstanding Christmas markets there.

The market is also famous for its wide range of culinary offerings. You can enjoy a variety of options, from fast food stalls to restaurants serving international cuisine, which you can discover on your own or on food tours. Don't miss the opportunity to try local dishes, such as the famous German pork sausages or delicious Australian meat pies.

Book a food tour in Melbourne

6. Attend a cricket match, one of Australia's national sports

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Victoria|©Pranav Bhatt
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Victoria|©Pranav Bhatt

Attending a cricket match in Melbourne means immersing yourself in the passion and excitement of one of Australia's national sports. Melbourne is known for its fervour for cricket, and watching a match in one of the city's iconic stadiums is a unique experience.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is Melbourne's most iconic stadium and one of the largest in the world. With a capacity of over 100,000 spectators, this venue is the perfect setting to enjoy a cricket match in a vibrant atmosphere. There you can join the local fans and experience the intensity of every ball, every run and every wicket up close.

In Melbourne you can watch cricket matches at different levels, from international matches to local competitions. You can enjoy exciting Big Bash League matches, which take place during the summer months and feature renowned players from around the world.

In addition to the game itself, cricket stadiums in Melbourne often offer a wide variety of dining and entertainment options to complement the experience. From food trucks serving delicious food to activities for children, there are options for everyone at a cricket match.

7. Discover the beaches of St. Kilda

Sunrise at St Kilda Beach|©James Billingsley
Sunrise at St Kilda Beach|©James Billingsley

Visiting the beaches of St. Kilda in Melbourne is a must for those looking to enjoy the sun, sand and coastal atmosphere. This iconic area of Melbourne offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for all tastes.

St. Kilda Beach is the perfect place to relax in the sun and enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea. With its long stretch of golden sand, it is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. There you can stretch out on the beach, sunbathe or simply enjoy a pleasant stroll along the coast.

In addition to the beach, St. Kilda has a vibrant scene of cafés, restaurants and bars along the famous Fitzroy Street. You can enjoy delicious dishes, specialty coffees and refreshing cocktails while taking in the sea views.

Another iconic attraction in St. Kilda is the St. Kilda Pier, which features a large Ferris wheel called The Giant Sky Wheel. Riding this Ferris wheel will give you breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the ocean. In addition, the pier is home to a variety of food stalls and attractions to entertain the whole family.

8. Discover the Melbourne skyline from the Eureka Tower observation deck

Eureka Tower, Melbourne, Australia|©ats_500
Eureka Tower, Melbourne, Australia|©ats_500

Discovering the Melbourne skyline from the Eureka Tower observation deck is an experience not to be missed during your visit to the city. Standing at 297 metres tall, this tower offers panoramic views of the metropolis and its surroundings.

From the observation deck , you can enjoy 360° views of the skyscrapers of the financial district, Port Phillip Bay, the city's parks and gardens, and the mountains in the distance.

In addition to the spectacular views, Eureka Tower offers an interactive experience through its Edge Experience. This thrilling attraction allows you to walk on a glass platform suspended outside the building, giving you the feeling of floating above the city.

Eureka Tower is a perfect place to take stunning photographs of Melbourne. What's more, as it is open until 10 p.m., you can take in the night-time views of the city and enjoy one of the best things to do in Melbourne at night.

Buy tickets for the Eureka Tower observation deck

9. Visit Fitzroy and Chapel Street, Melbourne's fashion districts

Fitzroy Street|©mr goikoetxea
Fitzroy Street|©mr goikoetxea

Visiting Fitzroy and Chapel Street in Melbourne will allow you to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant fashion and style scene. These two areas are known for their wide variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars that attract both locals and visitors.

Fitzroy is a bohemian and creative neighbourhood known for its alternative vibe and arts scene. There you'll find a wealth of vintage fashion shops, independent design boutiques and unique art galleries. You can stroll through the streets filled with street art and explore the clothing, accessory and homeware shops to discover unique and stylish pieces.

Chapel Street, on the other hand, is known as one of the most famous shopping streets. From luxury fashion stores to department stores, this street has everything you need to update your wardrobe. In addition to shopping, this thoroughfare is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafés and bars, so don't miss this neighbourhood, even if you're planning a 3-day stay in Melbourne or even less.

Both areas are also famous for their lively nightlife. Fitzroy has a large number of bars and clubs where you can enjoy live music and cultural events, while Chapel Street offers a wide selection of bars and nightclubs for a night of fun and entertainment.

Book a street art tour in Melbourne

10. Have fun at Luna Park amusement park

Luna Park|©Les Butcher
Luna Park|©Les Butcher

Having fun at Luna Park amusement park is an exciting experience that you can't miss during your visit to the Melbourne area. This iconic park, located in St. Kilda, has been a favourite attraction for residents and visitors for decades.

At Luna Park, you will be greeted by an iconic giant mouth-shaped entrance, which will transport you to a world of fun and entertainment. The park has a wide variety of attractions, from dizzying roller coasters to classic fairground games, offering thrills for all ages.

One of Luna Park's most popular attractions is the Scenic Railway roller coaster, Australia's oldest wooden roller coaster. Climbing aboard this classic ride will take you on a thrilling adventure full of twists and turns while you enjoy breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay.

In addition to roller coasters, Luna Park offers a wide variety of games and attractions, such as the carousel, bumper cars, and spinning teacups. Younger children can also enjoy areas dedicated to them, with games and attractions designed especially for their enjoyment and safety.

Reviews from other travellers

4.8
· 22789 Reviews
  • A
    A.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Wonderful experience, I would come back without hesitation.
  • Y
    Y.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Beautiful gardens, very well organised.
  • I
    I.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    Good, although the car park is a bit crowded.
  • R
    R.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Beautiful place, unforgettable views and aroma.
  • H
    H.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Quiet place, ideal to go with children.