Melbourne is one of the most exciting cities in the world. It’s impossible to be bored on your trip to Melbourne, with its multitude of sites to see and things to do. There’s always something happening at anywhere and at any given time in Melbourne. To make your Melbourne holiday a truly exciting one, we recommend that you fill your itinerary with these activities.
Get some culture at one of Melbourne’s many museums
It’s customary to visit the museums in the city you’re visiting, but in Melbourne, the experience is truly worth it. The permanent collections at the National Gallery of Victoria alone can keep you fascinated, and there are plenty of others to check out, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the Melbourne Museum, and Museum Victoria.
Soak in some sunshine at Melbourne’s green spaces
One of the many charms of Melbourne is it’s not overwhelmingly full of buildings. The city has devoted hectares of land to parks, gardens and other green spaces, all popular for strolling, cycling, picnics and barbecues. Among the green spaces, you must visit in Melbourne are the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Carlton Gardens, and the Fitzroy Gardens.
Get lost in the laneways and arcades
The major streets of Melbourne’s Central Business District are connected to each other through a network of laneways and arcades following the Hoddle Grid. These laneways and arcades have become culturally significant and have become homes to many shops, boutiques, galleries, and street art. Many of the arcades are ornately decorated, like the Gog and Magog statues of Royal Arcade and the stained glass ceiling of Cathedral Arcade. You can spend hours exploring these laneways and arcades.
Ride the City Circle Tram
One of the most convenient ways to get around Melbourne’s CBD is to ride the City Circle Tram. The tram runs along the outer edges of the Hoddle Grid and passes by many of Melbourne’s attractions on the CBD and the Docklands. Riding the tram is free, too.
Tour Melbourne’s restaurants
Melbourne is a city of gastronomic delights, the result of the availability of fresh organic ingredients, the city’s proximity to the sea and to the Yarra wine region, and Melburnian ingenuity. Splurging on food is extremely worth it in Melbourne, but you can easily find good and filling eats in the city even on a small budget.
Drink coffee
Melbourne is considered to be one of the best coffee cities in the world. The neighbourly vibe of the city’s coffee shops, the fact that Australia grows its own coffee, and the fact that Melbourne is in the forefront of coffee roasting and brewing innovation in the country all contribute to the quality of the city’s coffee culture. Don’t stop at the city’s signature flat white. Try the other exotic blends too, preferably while enjoying brunch.
Shop at Queen Vic
Queen Victoria Market is a Melbourne institution. Though primarily a marketplace for fresh produce, meats and deli, Queen Vic has almost everything you can think of. No visit to Melbourne is complete without paying homage to Queen Vic.
Conquer your fear of heights at Eureka Tower’s The Edge
Imagine standing inside a glass cube suspended 300 meters from the ground. If you’re afraid of heights, you probably won’t be able to take it. But you can at least make the attempt by visiting The Edge, the aforementioned glass cube accessible from the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower.
Watch footy live at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds
AFL is serious business in Melbourne. Some even consider footy as Melbourne’s official religion. Whether you’re an Australian rules football fan or not, you should experience watching a footy game live at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds, if only to witness how rowdy the fans can get at cheering on their favourite team, jeering the opposing team, and heckling the refs. There could even be a brawl if you’re (un)lucky. If you are looking to visit other cities in Australia, make sure to check out other guides from us as well!
Which one is your favourite suggestion? It’s impossible to get bored in Melbourne. So book your trip to there right now.