Best Things To Do in Melbourne

Melbourne is one of the most outstanding global cities in the world, with a great standard of living, lots of cultural offerings and varied attractions. Here I tell you 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 of the country and was also the national capital until it was displaced by Canberra. Currently, it is one of the most representative cultural destinations in Oceania and was chosen several times as the best city in the world to live. 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 eclectic architectural design of the city on a guided tour, getting to know the Yarra River during a cruise, taking a hot air balloon flight at sunrise, going on an excursion along the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 Apostles, visiting the Queen Victoria Market and swimming at the beaches of St. Kilda. Join me to review the itinerary!

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

View of the city at night|©Damien
View of 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 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 the guide, but will usually include City Hall, Eureka Tower, St. Francis Church, the Rialto Building and the Old Post Office.

In Melbourne you will be surprised by the disparity of architectural currents that coexist in nearby spaces. From Victorian and Edwardian to modernism and contemporary architecture, each building tells a unique story and reflects the vision of its time.

In addition to 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 will be able to visit emblematic halls, impressive lobbies and enjoy panoramic views from observation decks located in 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 tour on the Yarra River in Melbourne is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to admire the beauty of the city from a unique perspective. Along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking views of iconic landmarks as you cruise along the tranquil waters of the river, especially if you do so 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 of 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 onboard entertainment options such as live music or special performances, as many cruises include these as well. Undoubtedly, thanks to these details, this could also be considered one of the best activities to do with children 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 more extensive option that will allow you to explore different areas of the river and its surroundings. Either way, getting to know Melbourne from the river will seem like a breathtaking experience.

Book a Melbourne River Cruise

3. Take a balloon flight at sunrise in Melbourne

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

Taking a hot air balloon flight in Melbourne is a magical experience that will allow you to enjoy spectacular views and experience the thrill of flying above the city. With the sky filled with warm colors 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 tranquility. As you float in the sky, you can take in the beauty of Melbourne from above, with its skyscrapers, parks and rivers unfolding before your eyes, while enjoying one of the most popular attractions of this destination.

One of the advantages of taking a balloon flight at sunrise is the tranquility you experience during the flight. The fresh morning air, the gentle breeze and the 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 breakfast after the flight. You can indulge in a delicious gourmet breakfast in a delightful setting, sharing stories with other passengers and the balloon team, or get close to the city for some of Melbourne's best food tours.

Book a balloon flight at sunrise

4. Take a tour of the Great Ocean Road

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

If you want to live one of the best experiences around Melbourne, you can't miss a tour along the Great Ocean Road, a journey that will take you along one of the most spectacular coastal routes in the world. 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 like Lorne and Apollo Bay, each stop offers a unique opportunity to explore and marvel at the region's natural beauty along 150 miles 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. In addition, if you visit Melbourne during Christmas time you can also discover the eve decorations in the local countryside.

In addition to the breathtaking views and wildlife, the Great Ocean Road also has numerous options for outdoor activities. You can go on scenic hikes, bike rides, enjoy paradisiacal 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

Touring the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne 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.

In the market you will find a vibrant atmosphere full of colors, aromas and sounds. You can browse the aisles filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood, gourmet products and sweets. It's the ideal place to sample local flavors and discover unique ingredients for your meals.

In addition to fresh produce, Queen Victoria Market also houses a wide variety of specialty stores, from clothing and accessories to arts and crafts. You can wander around and explore the various stores, find unique souvenirs or simply enjoy a day of shopping. In addition, if you visit Melbourne during Christmas you will find one of the most outstanding Christmas markets in the region.

The market is also famous for its wide culinary offer. 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 gastronomic 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. Attend a cricket match, 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 fervor 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 for more than 100,000 spectators, this venue is the perfect setting to enjoy a cricket match in a vibrant atmosphere. There you can join the local fans and experience the intensity of every ball, every run and every wicket.

In Melbourne you can witness cricket matches of different levels, from international matches to local competitions. You can enjoy exciting matches in the Big Bash League, which takes place in the summer months and features top 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 activities for children, there are options 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

Seeing the beaches of St. Kilda in Melbourne is a must-do experience for those looking to enjoy the sun, sand and seaside atmosphere. This iconic area of Melbourne offers a wide variety of activities and attractions to suit all tastes.

St. Kilda Beach is the perfect place where you can 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. There you can stretch out on the beach, soak up the sun or simply enjoy a pleasant stroll along the coast.

In addition to the beach, St. Kilda has a vibrant cafe, restaurant and bar scene along the famous Fitzroy Street. You can enjoy delicious food, specialty coffees and refreshing cocktails while taking in the ocean views.

Another iconic St. Kilda attraction is the St. Kilda Pier, which features a large Ferris wheel called The Giant Sky Wheel. Riding 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 Eureka Tower observation deck is an experience not to be missed during your visit to the city. With a height of 297 meters, this tower offers panoramic views of the metropolis and its surroundings.

From the observation deck you can enjoy 360° views that take in the skyscrapers of the financial district, Port Phillip Bay, the city's parks and gardens, as well as the mountains in the distance.

In addition to the spectacular views, the 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.

Eureka Tower is a perfect place to take stunning photographs of Melbourne. Also, since this site is open until 10pm, you can take in the nighttime views of the city and enjoy one of the best things to do in Melbourne at night.

Buy tickets for the Eureka Tower viewing platform

9. Visit Fitzroy and Chapel Street, Melbourne's fashionable areas.

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

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

Fitzroy is a bohemian and creative neighborhood noted for its alternative atmosphere and art scene. Here you'll find a wealth of vintage fashion stores, independent design boutiques and unique art galleries. Stroll the streets full of street art and explore the clothing, accessories and decor stores to discover unique and stylish pieces.

On the other hand, Chapel Street is known as one of the most famous shopping streets. From luxury fashion stores to department stores, this street has everything you need to update your closet. Besides shopping, this artery is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars, so you should not miss this neighborhood, 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 nightclubs for a night of fun and entertainment.

Book a street art tour in Melbourne

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 vicinity. This iconic park, located in St. Kilda, has been a favorite attraction for residents and visitors alike for decades.

At Luna Park you will be greeted by an iconic entrance shaped like 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 breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay.

In addition to the roller coasters, Luna Park offers a wide variety of rides and attractions, such as the carousel, bumper cars and spinning cups. Younger children can also enjoy dedicated areas, with rides and attractions designed especially for their fun and safety.