Cheap things to do under $10 in Melbourne

Live luxe for less with Melbourne's best cheap movie nights, low-cost date ideas and fun arcade activities.

Sip on a cute mini martini

Cathedral Coffee is that quintessential 'if you know, you know' type of Melbourne bar-cafe-arcade lunch spot. There's myriad reasons to visit at any hour, but the best one has got to be the $10 martini. Order up and score a chic mini martini on a silver platter, complete with a fat green olive.

Take a pic in a retro photobooth

You can't go to the city without visiting the retro Flinders Street Station photo booth. For just $8 you can have your own black and white photo strip to take home. Or check out the newly-restored 1980s booth outside Cinema Nova. It's nestled near the escalators in Lygon Court and also cost $8.

Tour the Fitzroy Gardens

Discover all the hidden secrets of one of Melbourne's most beautiful gardens on a guided tour. Explore iconic landmarks like the Model Tudor Village and adorable Fairies Tree, then learn about the history of this green space. Tours are $10 and can be customised to suit your individual needs.

Share a coffee and cannoli set

Romanticise your next coffee date at Cannoleria on Lygon Street. Grab a seat outside or perch up at the bench and order the traditional Italian Moka pot and cannoli, served up on a chic silver platter. The sets are $5.50 per person and come with a freshly piped Sicilian dessert each. The minimum order is two serves but we don't think you'll have trouble finding a friend to indulge with!

Play ping pong at a gamers happy hour

Get the party started at Ballers Clubhouse. From 4pm to 7pm Tuesday to Friday you can find find loads of fun under $10. Challenge your mates to $7 games including club darts, ping pong and shuffleboard. Grab $7 pizzas and $10 pints. Then break out into song with $10 karaoke. There's also a happy hour for night owls every Friday and Saturday night from 11pm until close.

Try Korean jaffles

Looking for a new cheap eats spot? Enter Three Drops Cafe, tucked away inside the unassuming lunch haven that is Capitol Arcade. The team serve up some of Melbourne's thickest and fluffiest shokupan toasties, stuffed with Korean-inspired fillings. We recommend trying the giant $10 kim-cheese, filled with kimchi and two kinds of cheese. More of a sweet tooth? Get one overflowing with Nutella or pistachio spread.

Feast on a cheap eats rice bowl

If you're looking for a big budget feed, make a beeline for Ta-ke Don at 265 Little Collins Street and grab a $10 rice bowl. Choose from no-fuss classics like chicken katsu with Japanese curry. Or up your spice game and tuck into the deep fried tofu with Thai chilli and basil. Love fried chicken? Don't skip the chicken karaage bowl with teriyaki sauce.

Snap a selfie in a Korean-style photo booth

Korea's selfie sensation has landed in Melbourne and yes – it's dog-friendly! Take a tenner to Hama Film and stage a mini photoshoot with your pals. There's a ridiculously cute range of props, from avocado helmets to sparkly sunnies, and five rooms to choose from. Customise your pics on the screen and immortalise your day out in print.

Head to the movies on a Monday

Most cinemas have dropped cheap Tuesdays and discount tickets all together. But you can still score a deal every Monday at Cinema Nova. Tickets are $8 before 4pm, so you can catch the latest award-winning flicks on the cheap. After the movie, grab a happy hour drink in the Nova Bar from 4pm to 6pm. Prices go up to $11 for the evening sessions, so we recommend knocking off work early!

Try a fancy lobster roll

Lobster isn't just for fancy occasions. Leave home with loose change and try HotLob's lobster rolls for $7.80. Try one with lemon and dill sauce or truffle cheese. There are also loads of other fillings on the menu to choose from. Think spicy prawn, scallop and seaweed or soft-shell crab. Find this tiny shop at 28 Elizabeth Street.

Order Melbourne's best cheap beer

Time things right, and an icy cold beer can be yours at a bargain price. Visit The General Assembly for $8 schooners from 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday. Historic pub the Metropolitan Hotel has a cracking happy hour every Monday to Friday. Get in from 4pm to 6pm to enjoy house wines, spirits and schooners of tap beer all for just $8 a pop.