Best 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.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

Best Things To Do in Melbourne

Luna Park, St. Kilda, Melbourne |©Eer & Ing

Melbourne is one of the most important cities in Australia, it is the most populated city in the country and was also the national capital until it was displaced by Canberra. Nowadays, it is one of the most representative cultural destinations in Oceania and has been chosen 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.

Some of the best things to do in Melbourne include enjoying the city's eclectic architectural design on a guided tour, taking a cruise on the Yarra River, taking a hot air balloon flight at sunrise, hiking the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 Apostles, to uring Queen Victoria Market and swimming on the beaches of St. Kilda. Join me to check out the itinerary!

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

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

Marvel at the architectural design of the city's buildings on a guided tour of Melbourne 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 filled with great works of architecture, 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 provided by your guide, but will usually include City Hall, Eureka Tower, St Francis Church, the Rialto Building and the Old Post Office.

In Melbourne you'll 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.

As well as 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'll be able to visit iconic halls, impressive lobbies and enjoy panoramic views from observation decks on the tallest buildings.

Book a guided tour of Melbourne

2. Enjoy a cruise along 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 allows you to admire the beauty of the city from a unique perspective. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of iconic landmarks as you cruise along the tranquil waters of the river, especially if you do it during Melbourne's summer when the weather is balmy.

During the cruise, you'll appreciate the fascinating contrasts the city has to offer. From the modern skyscrapers rising on the skyline to the beautiful parks and gardens lining the river, each view will give you a new perspective on the city.

In addition to the breathtaking views, cruises on the Yarra River also offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience for the whole family. You can enjoy a gentle breeze as you cruise, and even enjoy on-board entertainment options such as live music or special performances, as many cruises include these as well. No doubt, thanks to these details, this could also be considered one of the best things to do with kids 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. Either way, experiencing Melbourne from the river is sure to be a breathtaking experience.

Book a Melbourne River Cruise

3. Take a sunrise balloon flight in Melbourne

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

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

At sunrise, the hot air balloons rise gently into the air, giving you a sense of serenity and tranquillity. As you float through the sky, you can take in the beauty of Melbourne from above, with its skyscrapers, parks and rivers unfolding before your eyes as you enjoy one of Melbourne's most popular attractions.

One of the advantages of a sunrise balloon flight is the tranquillity you experience during the flight. The fresh morning air, gentle breeze and absence of noise will allow you to enjoy a relaxing and quiet flight 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 indulge in a delicious gourmet breakfast in a charming setting, sharing stories with other passengers and the balloon team, or head into the city for some of Melbourne's best food tours.

Book a sunrise hot air balloon ride

4. Take a tour of the Great Ocean Road

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

For one of the best experiences around Melbourne, you can't miss a tour of the Great Ocean Road, which takes you along one of the world's most spectacular coastal routes. This road winds along rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and breathtaking natural scenery, offering panoramic views that will take your breath away.

During the tour you can stop at various points of interest along the way. From the famous 12 Apostles rock formations 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 cliff-side asphalt.

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're lucky, even migrating whales during the right season. And if you visit Melbourne at Christmas time, you'll also be able to discover the eve decorations in the local countryside.

In addition to the stunning views and wildlife, the Great Ocean Road also has plenty of options for outdoor activities. Take scenic hikes, bike rides, enjoy heavenly beaches and indulge in local cuisine at restaurants and cafes along the way.

Book a Great Ocean Road Tour

5. Tour the Queen Victoria Market

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

A tour of Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market 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, smells and sounds. Stroll the aisles lined with stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, seafood, gourmet products and sweets. It's the ideal place to sample local flavours and discover unique ingredients for your meals.

As well as 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 wander around and explore the various shops, find unique souvenirs or simply enjoy a day of shopping. If you visit Melbourne at Christmas time, you'll also find one of the region's most prominent Christmas markets.

The market is also famous for its extensive culinary offerings. You can enjoy a wide variety of options, from fast food stalls to restaurants with international dishes, 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 the delicious Australian meat pies.

Book a food tour in Melbourne

6. Catch a game of cricket, one of Australia's national sports.

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

To attend a cricket match in Melbourne is to immerse 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 at 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 place to enjoy a cricket match in a vibrant atmosphere. Join the local fans and experience the intensity of every ball, every run and every wicket up close.

In Melbourne you can watch cricket at a variety of levels, from international matches to local competitions. Enjoy exciting matches in the Big Bash League, which takes place in the summer months and features big-name 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 with delicious food to children's activities, there is something for everyone at a cricket match.

7. See the beaches of St Kilda

Sunrise at st kilda beach|©James Billingsley
Sunrise at st kilda beach|©James Billingsley

Visiting Melbourne's St Kilda Beaches is a must-do experience for those looking to enjoy the sun, sand and coastal vibe. This iconic area of Melbourne offers a wide variety of activities and attractions to suit 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. Here you can stretch out on the beach, soak up the sun or simply enjoy a pleasant stroll along the coast.

As well as the beach, St Kilda has a vibrant cafe, restaurant and bar scene along the famous Fitzroy Street. You can enjoy delicious food, speciality coffees and refreshing cocktails while taking in the sea views.

Another iconic St Kilda attraction is the St Kilda Pier, which features a large Ferris wheel called The Giant Sky Wheel. Climbing on 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 Melbourne's skyline from the Eureka Tower observation deck.

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

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

From the observation deck you can enjoy 360° views taking in the skyscrapers of the CBD, Port Phillip Bay, the city's parks and gardens, as well as 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 on the outside of the building, giving you the sensation of floating above the city.

The Eureka Tower is a perfect place to take stunning photographs of Melbourne. Also, as the site is open until 10pm, 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 viewing deck

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

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

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

Fitzroy is a bohemian and creative neighbourhood noted for its alternative vibe and arts scene. Here you'll find a wealth of vintage fashion shops, independent design boutiques and unique art galleries. Stroll the streets lined with street art and browse the clothing, accessories and décor 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 boutiques to department stores, this street has everything you need to update your wardrobe. Besides shopping, this artery is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars, so this neighbourhood is not to be missed, even if you are planning a 3-day stay in Melbourne or even less.

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

Book a Melbourne Street Art Tour

10. Have fun at Luna Park amusement park.

Luna park|©Les Butcher
Luna park|©Les Butcher

Having fun at Luna Park amusement park is a thrilling experience not to be missed during your visit to the Melbourne suburbs. This iconic park, located in St Kilda, has been a favourite attraction for residents and visitors alike for decades.

At Luna Park you will be greeted by an iconic entrance in the shape of a giant mouth, transporting you to a world of fun and entertainment. The park features a wide variety of rides, from dizzying roller coasters to classic fairground rides, 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 as you enjoy the breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay.

In addition to the rollercoasters, Luna Park offers a wide variety of rides and attractions, such as the carousel, bumper cars and spinning cups. The little ones can also enjoy dedicated areas for them, with rides and attractions designed especially for their fun and safety.