Fun things to do for $5 and under in Melbourne

Feeling the pinch like never before? We’ve pulled together a bunch of cheaper-than-cheap eats, drink deals and fun activities that will cost you a mere $5 or less.

$2 ice cream and $4 bubble tea, Mixue

Viral ice cream shop Mixue has just landed on Elizabeth Street, and its ready to dish out budget-friendly soft serve. Deliciously creamy, this popular dessert is only $2 and comes in a king-size cone. If you’re feeling thirsty, grab the signature bubble tea for only $4. Best of all, it's open until 10pm to cater to your late-night sugar cravings.

$5 feeds, Heart of Carlton

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a decent feed for $5, which is why Heart of Carlton really is the low-price gem of Melbourne’s inner north. The husband-wife duo behind this local spot is here to serve you big bowls of pasta, homemade soups and hearty curries for just a fiver. The atmosphere is priceless too, with live music on the piano and a cosy fireplace to keep you warm.

$2 karaoke, Kono

Private karaoke rooms and the odd open mic night are pretty well-known in Melbourne. Mini coin-operated singing booths? Not so common. Enter Kono, a hidden gem lined with disco-lit nooks perfect for solo or small group singing. Regulars can be heard singing along to BUZZ ballads in perfect Korean, but there’s a bumper book of English tunes to pick from, too. Pay $2 per song or $5 for three!

$5 drinks, Amphlett House

Heading out and only got a fiver? Luxe restaurant and bar Amphlett House boasts one of Melbourne's cheapest happy hours. Beer drinkers can sip $5 schooners of Better Beer Lager or Beechworth Pale Ale. For the wine lovers, there's pinot grigio and sangiovese from Domus Vini. All $5 a pop, every day from 4pm to 6pm.

$5 noodles, Udon Yasan

Build your own bowl at Melbourne's cheapest Japanese noodle bar. The bowls from Udon Yasan at 186 Bourke Street start at under $5 for flavours like teriyaki chicken, sukiyaki beef or bean curd. Customise your bowl with all your favourite noodle toppings. Add on tempura, kimchi and soft-boiled eggs for $1 to $2 each. Then go hard at the self-serve garnish station.

$4 oysters and mezze platters, Claypots Barbarossa

Yes, you can have fancy shellfish without breaking the bank. Grab a table at seafood restaurant Claypot Barbarossa for $4 oysters and mezze platters. And if you’re coming on a Friday, stick around until 6pm for free live music.

$5 beers, Momo Station

Tucked away in Capitol Arcade is Momo Station, a tiny Nepalese joint serving easy-on-the-wallet beers. For just $5 add a cold one (brewed in Nepal of course) to your order of momos – traditional steamed dumplings filled with your choice of buffalo, chicken, beef or pork.

Information correct at time of writing - always check ahead with the venue to confirm costs.