10 of the coolest things to do in Melbourne

It’s no mystery why Melbourne is known as the cultural capital of Australia. The moment you set foot in the city, you feel it: a palpable energy emanating from its many bars, cafés and boutiques, as well as from its year-round art, design, theatre and sporting events. 

This city has much to captivate: renowned museums, galleries and markets keep you busy during the day, while late-night eateries and intimate bars keep you entertained at night. 

While it’s nearly impossible to distil Melbourne’s top attractions into one list, we’ve chosen 10 must-visit places that will allow you to get a sense of the city’s soul. 

1. Soak up the art at National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The NGV is dedicated to showcasing historical and contemporary Indigenous, Australian and international art. It spreads across multiple sites: the NGV International, the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, and a soon-to-come The Fox: NGV Contemporary – set t o be the largest contemporary museum in Australia once completed in 2028. Head over to NGV International on a Friday night, when the gallery stays open late for drinks, food and live music. Check NGV’s socials and website for the most updated schedule of events. 

2. Interact with on-screen exhibits at ACMI 

Step into the history of film, television, and video games at ACMI , which offers a unique look at screen culture from the origins of the moving image to what it has grown into today. The flagship exhibition, The Story of the Moving Image takes viewers on an interactive journey from when the camera was invented to the next frontier of on-screen art. Each visitor is given a Lens, a device that allows you to “collect” your favourite creations and view them at home. Other seasonal exhibitions take deep dives into topics such as the impact of women on and off screen, the work of Indigenous artists or the medium of the video game on moving visual arts.

3. Immerse in nature at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne 

Spread across 38 hectares, the Melbourne Gardens offer an immersion into nature mere minutes from the bustle of the city. There are many ways to enjoy the grounds, from walking tours to open-air minibus rides – just be sure to check online to see what’s on ahead of your visit. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk is a fascinating exploration of the Gardens, which are an important site for the local Kulin Nation people. With an Indigenous guide, you can learn more about native plants, their uses, and their connection to country. 

4. Eat, drink and shop at Melbourne’s Markets

Melbourne is home to three Victorian-era markets, the most famous of which is the Queen Victoria Market . A heritage-listed site, this massive open-air market has been a hub for small businesses for over 140 years. You’ll find more than 600 traders offering everything from locally roasted coffee to handmade jewellery, plants and books. Prahran Market and South Melbourne Market are well worth a visit too; the grilled cheese toasties from Maker & Monger and croissants from Agathé are to die for. Grab a coffee from Market Lane Coffee; the business has an outpost at each market. 

5. Wake up early for coffee crawls

If you’re a caffeine junkie, you can rest easy in Melbourne, with countless cafés and roasteries to satisfy your cravings. If it’s a no-nonsense cuppa you’re after, head to Disciple Roasters’ cellar door in Brunswick, where coffee is only served black so you can fully appreciate the flavour profile of the beans. Patricia , a standing-only coffee shop in the CBD, has a simple menu (black, white, or filter), but its coffee packs a punch. If you want a café that also comes with exceptional food and ample space (and, let’s be real, one that looks good in photos) head to local legend St Ali . 

6. Head on a Yarra River cruise

No licence is needed for you to captain your own boat and cruise along the Yarra River on a GoBoat , a safe and simple-to-operate electric boat. Skippering your own boat is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, see some of the best places in Melbourne, or simply enjoy an outdoor picnic with friends and family. If you’d prefer not to self-drive, you can also opt for a guided tour with tour operators On a Boat . 

7. Shop at Melbourne’s coolest boutiques and markets

Melbourne is well-known for its cool boutiques selling vintage clothing, local labels, vinyl records, books, and more, and many shoppers flock to Collins Street, Bourke Street Mall, Emporium, Melbourne Central, and the Block Arcade for their fix of retail therapy. If you’re after designer goods, go to the “Paris-end” of Collins Street; you can also check out High Street in Armadale for a great selection of international and local labels. Last, but not least, make sure to visit Rose St. Artists’ Market , a collective of local designers and artists in Fitzroy. 

8. Hang out in Melbourne’s laneways

Exploring the city’s laneways always feels magical; each one you turn down is buzzing with charming bars and restaurants. One of our favourites is Serai , serving modern Filipino food cooked over a wood-fired grill. Melbourne institution Flower Drum is just off Little Bourke Street, serving up delicious Cantonese fare. The intimate Bar Ampere, legendary speakeasy Eau de Vie and Beneath Driver Lane, a cocktail bar in an old bank vault, are some of the best spots for a drink. 

9. Spend a day in Fitzroy 

This suburb continues to beat all other Australian contenders in vying for the title of world’s coolest neighbourhoods, and it’s not hard to see why. Filled with a dizzying assortment of boutiques, bars, cafés, restaurants and shops, Fitzroy can seem intimidating, but we’ll make it easy for you. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at café and bakery Faraday’s Cage , then fuel up at Industry Beans or Burnside before exploring the boutiques along Brunswick, Gertrude, Johnston and Smith Street. For lunch, grab a chicken sandwich from Hector’s Deli . Before dinner, sample a house-infused vodka and take in the city views at the Naked for Satan rooftop. Dinner at wine bar Napier Quarter is essential.    

10. Visit the famed Melbourne Cricket Ground 

Looking for fun for the whole family in Melbourne? The MCG is hallowed ground for sports lovers, as it’s the largest stadium in Australia, playing host to the most popular national pastimes, depending on the season.  Whether it's your first game of Australian football (AFL) or your fiftieth, the energy is always electric, seating over 100,000 people at once. Come summer, the MCG is the home of cricket, including the iconic Boxing Day Test Match. When there’s not a match on, sports geeks can also visit to learn about the history of the MCG througha private tour, or by exploring the Australian Sports Museum.