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.

Ice cream and milkshakes under $4, 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 $2.20 and comes in a king-size cone. If you’re feeling thirsty, grab a strawberry shake for $3.90. 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.

$5 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. $5 gets you three songs. 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.

Melbourne's cheapest coffee from $3, various locations

These local legends keeping the prices low every day. At Melbourne Central's Urban Fox you can pick up a cup for $3 after 12pm. Just add $1 for alternative milk. Otherside has dropped its pricing to offer a standard $3.40 across all small coffees and $3.80 for a large. That means no extra cash needed for alt milks or an extra shot! At Melbourne's adorable new Tram Cafe, the prices are as retro as the tram itself, starting at $3.60.

$3.99 DIY instant noodles, Pantre

Create the pot noodles of your dreams with Pantre's custom bowls. Starting at just $3.99 for the instant noodles you can add on all the ingredients your heart desires. Perhaps $1 kimchi, or a marinated egg for $2.50. There are meat options too, starting at $6 for slow-cooked Wagyu or crispy chicken.

Cheap street food from $2, various locations

Need a snack but only got a fiver? Pizza Pizza Pizza is famous for its $5 slices of NYC-style pie from a city hole-in-the-wall. Dan's Deli in Queensberry Street is slinging $2 hashbrowns. Crispy, crunchy and the perfect little pick-me-up, you can even afford to grab a couple. Make it a Carlton cheap food crawl with $5 tacos at La Cabra. They're available every taco Tuesday from 5pm.

$5 happy hour drinks, Claypots Barbarossa

Grab a table at seafood restaurant Claypot Barbarossa for $5 beer and wine during happy hour. It runs every day from 3pm to 5.30pm and you can choose from any of the tap beers and house wines. 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.