10 Things to Do in Melbourne at Night

Melbourne is one of the most famous cities in Australia, the most populated of the country and one of the most popular among tourists, so it offers many activities to do during the day, but also during the night.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Melbourne at Night

Noche en Melbourne |©asheshwor

If you plan to visit Melbourne, you must take into account that it is one of the most visited cities in the world and also the most populated in the country. In it, therefore, you will come across a large number of tourists throughout the year, but you will also find activities to do at all hours, even after sunset, as this destination has one of the most interesting nightlife offers in Australia.

Some of the best things to do in Melbourne at night include taking a dinner cruise on the Yarra River, visiting the hidden bars that are popular in the city, browsing the Queen Victoria flea market, enjoying the nightlife on Chapel Street and taking a street art tour.

1. Take a ride on a dinner cruise on the Yarra River.

Yarra River by night|©Wajahat Mahmood
Yarra River by night|©Wajahat Mahmood

Taking a dinner cruise on the Yarra River at night in Melbourne is an unforgettable experience. This river meanders through the heart of the city, providing a unique and captivating perspective of the iconic cityscapes.

As the sun sets and the city lights come on, embarking on a cruise excursion allows you to enjoy breathtaking views and a romantic atmosphere. On board the vessel, you will be greeted and led to your table, where a delicious multi-course dinner prepared by expert chefs awaits you. An experience that is often included among the best gastronomic tours in the city.

As you savor your meal, you can take in the nighttime splendor of Melbourne as it unfolds around you. The illuminated buildings, distinctive bridges and riverside parks will come alive with a dazzling display of lights reflecting off the calm waters of the river.

In addition to the delicious food and scenic views, many cruises offer live entertainment. You can enjoy music shows, dance performances or even variety artists who will amaze you with their talent during the cruise.

Book a Melbourne cruise

2. Tour the Queen Victoria Night Market

Night Market|©BENJAMIN
Night Market|©BENJAMIN

Touring the Queen Victoria Night Market in Melbourne is a vibrant experience that combines nighttime energy with culinary and artisan diversity. Held every Wednesday night, this market offers a wide variety of food stalls, live music and handcrafted goods to enjoy.

At the market you'll find food stalls tempting you with delicious aromas and a wide range of culinary options from local dishes to international flavors. You can enjoy street food, delicious sweets and refreshing drinks while immersing yourself in the local culture, as well as participating in gastronomic tours that will take you through the market's best options.

As you explore the site, you can delight in performances by local musicians who fill the atmosphere with their talent. The sound of live music mixes with the laughter of the people and creates a festive and welcoming atmosphere that is worth getting to know, even if you are planning a short stay in the city. If that is your case, here is a list of things to do during 3 days in Melbourne.

In addition to food and music, the Queen Victoria Market also offers a wide selection of handmade products. From jewelry to clothing, art and handmade goods, you'll have the opportunity to find unique treasures and support talented local artists and artisans.

Join a food tour in Melbourne

3. Take a night tour of the city

Melbourne at night|©Phill
Melbourne at night|©Phill

Taking a night tour of Melbourne is an exciting way to discover the city's attractions in a magical and captivating atmosphere. During the night, Melbourne is transformed into a scene full of bright lights and a vibrant energy that invites you to explore its wonders.

One of the attractions that you can discover during the night tour is the Eureka Tower, known as Melbourne Skydeck. At 297 meters high, this iconic tower offers a panoramic view of the illuminated city. From the top, you can admire the glittering skyscrapers and glimpses of the Yarra River running through the heart of Melbourne.

Another must-see attraction is the National Gallery of Victoria during its evening hours. This museum houses an extensive collection of art and fascinating exhibits. During the night, the lights highlight the works of art and create a special atmosphere that will allow you to appreciate the beauty and creativity in every corner, so it is also one of the best activities to do with children in Melbourne.

In addition, you can enjoy an evening stroll along Southbank Street, where you will find a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes. The street is illuminated with bright lights and offers a lively night scene. You can enjoy a delicious dinner, have a drink in a stylish bar or simply stroll along the waterfront as you watch the lights reflect on the river.

Buy tickets for Melbourne Skydeck

4. Enjoy the nightlife on Chapel Street

Chapel Street|©hugo p
Chapel Street|©hugo p

If you want to discover Melbourne' s nightlife, you can't miss Chapel Street. This artery, located in the South Yarra neighborhood, offers a wide range of bars, clubs and restaurants to suit all tastes and styles.

At nightfall, Chapel Street is filled with lights and music, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere. You can start the night in one of the many bars and enjoy a wide selection of drinks, from elaborate cocktails to craft beers. If you prefer something quieter, you will also find wine bars and cozy pubs to relax and enjoy a more intimate atmosphere.

For music and dance lovers, Chapel Street has several nightclubs offering a variety of genres and styles. From electronic music to pop, rock or Latin music, there are options for all tastes. You can dance until the wee hours of the morning and enjoy performances by local and international DJs, especially if you plan to visit Melbourne during the summer.

Chapel Street is also known for its diverse culinary scene. You can find a wide selection of restaurants offering different types of cuisine, from international dishes to gourmet options. Also, if you want a different experience near this area, across from the Botanic Gardens is the Melbourne Ice Bar, one of the city's main attractions and a sure way to add more fun to your evening tour.

Book a Melbourne Ice Bar Tour

5. Discover Melbourne's street art on a guided tour.

Painting, Hosier Lane, Melbourne|©Catherine Gilbert
Painting, Hosier Lane, Melbourne|©Catherine Gilbert

Discover Melbourne's street art on a guided evening tour will allow you to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant and creative world. Melbourne is world-renowned for its street art scene, and exploring it at night will allow you to appreciate the works in all their glory under the city lights.

During the tour, you will visit iconic street art sites, such as Hosier Street and the famous Melbourne Arts Centre Arches. Hosier Street is a graffiti lover's paradise, with colorful and expressive murals adorning the walls. Each artwork tells a story and showcases the talents of local and international artists.

Another place you'll discover is AC/DC Lane, a narrow graffiti-filled street that is considered one of the meccas of street art. This street pays homage to the famous Australian rock band AC/DC and is a must-see for street art lovers. The murals and artwork on this street showcase the creativity and rebellious spirit of this destination.

The tour will also take you to explore Melbourne's back alleys and hidden streets, where you will discover hidden gems of street art. From small nooks and crannies to large side wall murals, every corner of the city tells a visually stunning story.

Book a Melbourne Street Art Tour

6. Dine at a restaurant with a panoramic view

Restaurant in Melbourne|©Bars Melbourne
Restaurant in Melbourne|©Bars Melbourne

Dining at a panoramic view restaurant in Melbourne is a unique dining experience that combines delicious food with breathtaking views of the city. Melbourne has a wide selection of restaurants that offer panoramic views of the iconic cityscapes and illuminated skyline.

These restaurants, located on the top floors of the city's tallest buildings, give you 360° views that take in much of the skyline. These options are very popular with visitors to Melbourne during Christmas, as it allows you to enjoy the city fully illuminated.

Another option is to dine at a site located on the banks of the Yarra River. These restaurants offer a unique perspective, overlooking the river and the city's iconic buildings. You can enjoy a romantic dinner or an elegant meal while admiring the beauty of Melbourne lit up at night.

In addition, some restaurants are located in iconic locations, such as near the Melbourne Botanic Gardens or in the Southbank area. These places allow you to enjoy an exceptional culinary experience while appreciating the harmony between nature and urban architecture.

7. Walk through the Theater District and attend a show.

Melbourne: Forum Theatre|©Larry Myhre
Melbourne: Forum Theatre|©Larry Myhre

To tour the Theatre District and attend a show in Melbourne is to immerse yourself in the cultural and artistic effervescence of the city. This vibrant district, located in the heart of the CBD, is known for its historic theaters and world-renowned theatre scene.

As you walk through the Theatre Quarter, you'll find yourself surrounded by impressive Victorian buildings and illuminated marquees announcing the evening's performances. You can admire the unique architecture of the theaters while soaking in the artistic atmosphere that permeates the streets in an area that is often included in the tours of Melbourne's best tours.

Inside the theaters, you will have the opportunity to attend a wide variety of shows, from musicals and plays to ballet and opera. Melbourne is known for its diversity and artistic quality, and the theaters in the Theatre Quarter offer an eclectic program to suit all tastes.

Attending a show in Melbourne is an experience that awakens the senses. You can enjoy talented actors, dancers and musicians brought to life on stage. The passion and professionalism of the artists will transport you to imaginary worlds and make you experience intense emotions.

Book a guided tour of Melbourne

8. Visit the city's hidden bars

The Croft Institute Behind Bar|©Eddie Malone
The Croft Institute Behind Bar|©Eddie Malone

One of the best things to do in Melbourne at night is to visit the hidden bars of this cosmopolitan city, which is famous for its hidden bars, where the intimate and exclusive atmosphere will transport you to another world. Discovering these hidden bars will take you into a labyrinth of flavors, creative cocktails and enchanting atmospheres.

One of Melbourne's best kept secrets is the Croft Institute Bar. Located in an unnamed alleyway, this speakeasy has a scientific laboratory theme, with test tubes and lab equipment adorning the place. There you can enjoy delicious inventive and experimental cocktails in an intriguing and fun atmosphere.

Another standout is Eau de Vie, a speakeasy-style bar located behind a hidden door in the CBD neighborhood. Upon entering, you 'll feel transported back to the Prohibition era with its 1920s décor and speakeasy atmosphere. The highly trained staff will amaze you with creative and high quality signature cocktails.

For lovers of themed bars, Berlin Bar is a must visit. Located in a narrow alley, this bar recreates the atmosphere of iconic Berlin during the Cold War. From the music to the decor, every detail immerses you in a unique and fascinating experience.

Book a tour of Melbourne's hidden bars

9. Enjoy live music on Brunswick Street.

Rainy Night, Brunswick Street|©Andrew S
Rainy Night, Brunswick Street|©Andrew S

Brunswick Street, located in the Fitzroy neighborhood, is known for being the epicenter of the city's music scene. There you will find a wide variety of bars and venues that offer live music of different genres and styles after sunset.

In this artery you can hear the energetic sounds and guitar chords resonating from the locals. From jazz and blues to rock and indie music, there are options for all musical tastes. Choose from cozy, intimate venues or immerse yourself in the energy of bars with live music.

The bars on Brunswick Street not only offer high-quality live music, but also a relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy a craft beer or a cocktail while you let yourself be carried away by the music. Many of these venues also have dance floors where you can move to the music or just enjoy the performance from the comfort of your seat, like at Curious Melbourne.

In addition to the bars, you'll also find record stores and recording studios along Brunswick Street. This further reinforces the musical atmosphere that permeates the place. You can browse the stores and discover rare musical gems or even have the opportunity to witness a recording session in action.

10. Try your luck at the Crown Casino!

Crown Casino|©Paolo Rosa
Crown Casino|©Paolo Rosa

Want to immerse yourself in a world of thrills and entertainment? Then you can try your luck at the Crown Victoria Casino, which is considered one of the most sophisticated and elegant in the world.

At this gambling site you can find everything from classic blackjack and roulette tables to innovative slot machines, in a site that offers a wide range of games of chance for all tastes and experience levels.

However, the Crown Victoria Casino is not only about games of chance. You can also enjoy a wide variety of shows and events on its stages. From live concerts to comedy shows and musicals, the casino offers diverse programming that perfectly complements the excitement of gaming.

In addition to gaming and entertainment, the casino features a variety of high-quality restaurants and bars. You can indulge in a gourmet dinner in an elegant restaurant before trying your luck at the gaming tables. Or relax with a drink in one of the themed bars and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of the casino.