Welcome to Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia! Nestled in the southeastern corner of the continent, our city boasts a unique blend of urban sophistication, diverse cultures, and a laid-back Aussie vibe. From its iconic laneways adorned with street art to its world-class cafes and thriving sports scene, Melbourne has something to offer every traveller.
But don’t just take our word for it! In this Melbourne City Guide, we explore the ins and outs of our vibrant home. As leaders in Melbourne Day Tours and Private Tours in Melbourne, we have provided local insights, advice, and recommendations in the sections below to help you make the most of your time here.
Scroll down to get started! And if you have any questions for the Show Me Melbourne team, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Let’s start by finding our bearings. Melbourne is located in the state of Victoria, on the southeastern coast of Australia. Sitting on the shores of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate and stunning waterfront views. The city is divided into distinct regions, each with its own character and charm, from the bustling Central Business District (CBD) to eclectic neighbourhoods like Fitzroy and St Kilda.
Melbourne is around 714 km/444 miles from Sydney as the crow flies, which is either a 10-hour drive or a more palatable one-and-a-half-hour fight.
Melbourne is famous for its renowned laneways filled with street art and hidden bars, world-class coffee and culinary scenes, outstanding shopping for all budgets, and an unmatched sports calendar. We pack all of this and more into our Melbourne Day Tours and customisable Private Tours in Melbourne, ensuring you get the complete experience!
The city’s diverse and distinct neighbourhoods offer a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage, from the bohemian streets of Fitzroy to the bustling Chinatown. Art lovers will delight in Melbourne’s thriving art scene, with galleries like the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) showcasing works from around the world.
Sound like your kind of city? We’re not surprised! And this is only an introduction to all the amazing things Melbourne is known for. We take a closer look at some of the best things to do in Melbourne later in this guide.
Melbourne experiences four distinct seasons (sometimes in a day!), so however you like your weather, you’ll find it here. For many travellers, the best time to visit Melbourne is spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Summers (December to February) are hot and humid, while winters (June to August) are chilly and wet. The hottest month of the year is usually January, with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). July is typically the coldest month with an average of 10°C (50°F).
Melbourne’s high season is between December and March, coinciding with the summer heat, long daylight hours, and Christmas and New Year festivities. As the peak tourist season, accommodation, flights, and vehicle rental costs are at their highest.
The shoulder seasons in Melbourne are March to May and September to November — spring and autumn. At these times of year, the weather is cooler but still pleasantly mild. There are also fewer tourists in the city, meaning lower costs and shorter queues! The city’s parks will either be blooming with renewed life or turning shades of yellow, red, and orange. Either way, you can see a kaleidoscope of colours!
Melbourne’s low season is the winter months of June, July, and August. The weather is chilly with gusts of sharp wind and occasional rainfall, so be sure to layer up and wear a waterproof coat! Tourist numbers and travel costs will be at their lowest, so this is the ideal time to visit for anyone looking to manage a tighter budget.
So, what should you do when you’re here? Where to begin? Melbourne has hidden gems and popular attractions around every corner. To help you start planning your experience, we’ve listed some of our favourite things to do in Melbourne below.
Most of central Melbourne’s treasures are hidden off the tram-lined thoroughfares in shaded laneways and bustling arcades. In fact, the laneways bisecting the CBD contain cafes, boutique shops, and vibrant street art that many visitors miss!
Looking for laneway recommendations? Some of the best spots in the heart of Melbourne include Centre Place, AC/DC Lane, Hardware Lane, Degraves Street, and Hosier Lane. And keep an eye out for the entrances to the CBD’s gorgeous arcades, with their intricate mosaics, elegant and varied architecture, and, of course, tempting shops and boutiques! Some of the best in the city are Block Arcade, Cathedral Arcade, and Royal Arcade.
But to dig beneath the surface with a local expert, look no further than our Melbourne Hidden Bar Walking Tour. The bars we visit are not just laneway bars — they are genuinely hidden! Your guide will share quirky information about Melbourne as you immerse yourself in the true spirit of our city.
Melbourne is a sport-loving city, so you have opportunities to watch world-class action year-round. The Australian Open takes place at Melbourne Park, part of the Sports Precinct, every January. Then, in March, there’s the Australian Formula One Grand Prix with the world-famous Melbourne Cup horse race held in November. And don’t forget the Boxing Day test on December 26th!
But for a truly authentic Melbourne sporting experience, catch a game of Aussie Rules Football at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG, or the ‘G). Footy is a sight to behold in person, especially at such a prestigious venue. The AFL season runs from March to September, culminating in the Grand Final. Fancy seeing the bounces, bumps, and brawls? Find out more about watching Live Aussie Rules Football with a Local Host.
Show Me Melbourne has plenty more tours for sports fans too! For starters, check out our Sports Lovers Walking Tour, Melbourne Sports Lovers Bus Tour, and Half-Day Racehorse Tour.
Melbourne takes its coffee very seriously. It’s a bit of an obsession. But after a visit to one of our many specialty cafes, you’ll understand why. The coffee scene consists of established giants and an ever-changing cast of startups. And you’re just as likely to find exceptional cafes in the suburbs as in the heart of the city. Oh, and many places serve up delicious brunch fare and pastries alongside their artisanal brews.
Just some of the spots worth your consideration include Patricia Coffee Brewers, Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters, Industry Beans, St Ali, Proud Mary, and Dukes.
For a quieter time, explore the historic State Library of Victoria, covering one whole city block. Opened in 1856, this beautiful building is home to a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and artifacts. The latter includes armour worn by the notorious outlaw Ned Kelly.
But the jewel in the crown is the grand La Trobe Reading Room. This beautiful octagonal space has the dual distinction of being a popular place for quiet study and a famous Melbourne tourist attraction!
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) holds one of Australia’s most impressive and distinguished public art collections. And it’s free to enter! The NGV’s collection is spread between two buildings on either side of the Yarra River; NGV International is in Southbank while the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is in Federation Square north of the river.
Be sure to check for limited exhibitions and special events during your visit. For example, NGV Friday Nights offer later opening hours with entertainment inspired by the current exhibitions.
Melbourne’s art scene is anything but confined to museums. The thriving street art scene in Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, and Croft Alley is always changing and always eye-popping. Marvel at the skill and vision of the artists as they turn brick walls into masterpieces.
Shop till you drop at Melbourne’s premier shopping destinations! Whatever kind of shopping trip you have in mind, you can find it here. But while Chadstone may be Australia’s largest shopping mall, it’s the independent retailers that steal the show.
Swing by Fitzroy on a weekend for the diverse offerings of Rose Street Market before heading to Gertrude Street for unique local fashion. You can also find thoughtful, locally produced gifts at Clementine’s on Degraves Street, while the Koorie Heritage Trust in Fed Square sells authentic Victoria aboriginal souvenirs.
If you want a local-led tour of outlets, discount shops, and sales, as well as some of Melbourne’s most popular shopping areas, the Bargain Hunting and Bubbles Tour is calling your name! Find out more about this customisable shopping trip.
Walking the streets and marvelling at Melbourne’s architectural landmarks is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. Just some of the highlights include the iconic Flinders Street Station, the majestic Royal Exhibition Building, the grand Hotel Windsor, and the art deco wonder that is the Manchester Unity Building.
If you love history and architecture, we think you’ll appreciate our Melbourne’s Earliest Buildings Walking Tour. We visit nine buildings constructed before the population explosion of the Gold Rush of the 1850s, guiding you through Melbourne’s fascinating past.
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the essence of Melbourne than walking its streets, seeing its famous sights and hidden gems, and all while learning about its fascinating history and culture. On our Essential Melbourne Walking Tour, you can see our city through the eyes of a local.
If you really want to know what makes Melbourne tick, this is the walking tour for you. We visit some of the places mentioned in this section, so read through the itinerary to find out more.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in the lush greenery of the Royal Botanical Gardens, home to a diverse collection of plants and wildlife. Established in 1846, this 38-hectare site is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. You can admire the 8,500 plant species on display or join the locals in stretching out on the grass with a picnic.
Soak up the sun at St Kilda Beach, Melbourne’s most famous seaside destination, known for its golden sands and vibrant pier with its skyline view. Visitors and locals alike flock out of the city to St Kilda to play on the beach, indulge in the nightlife, or visit the historic Luna Park.
St Kilda is also home to gorgeous Victorian and Spanish Mission architecture, while cinema lovers will love the Astor Theatre. This art-deco cinema is a step back in time and a go-to spot for cult film screenings.
Browse the stalls at Queen Victoria Market, where you’ll find everything from fresh produce and gourmet delicacies to handmade crafts and souvenirs. This Melbourne icon is a treat for the senses. It heaves with seasonal produce, baked goods, artisan cheeses, charcuterie, coffee, wine and much more.
The market also holds seasonal Night Markets in the summer and winter. Staying open until 10 PM, it’s the perfect place to treat your tastebuds to mouthwatering street food from around the world.
Melbourne is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse culinary scene that reflects its multicultural population. From hidden laneway eateries to upscale dining establishments, there’s something to suit every palate.
This means that there is no “best” place to eat in Melbourne. Ultimately, it depends on what you’re hungry for! But we’ve provided some recommendations below to help you make the right call.
Melbourne offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, or cozy bed and breakfasts, you’ll find plenty of choices in Melbourne’s diverse neighbourhoods.
Getting around Melbourne is a breeze, thanks to its efficient public transportation system and walkable city centre. With a registered and topped-up myki card, travel in Melbourne is even more seamless and convenient too.
On trains and buses, you have to tap on and tap out, but on trams, you only need to tap on. And if your journey starts in the Free Tram Zone but then moves outside the permitted boundary, remember to tap in!
Visit the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website for all the information you need.
We hope you have found this Melbourne City Guide inspirational and informative! Our guides have a true passion for the place we call home, so we’d love to show you around. Browse our range of Melbourne Day Tours and Private Tours in Melbourne to find the perfect fit for your needs.
The Show Me Melbourne team is here to help however we can, so please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.