Fun things to do under $20 in Melbourne

Got nothing but a lobster in your pocket? These money saving tips are your ticket to the best cheap things to do in Melbourne.

Ice skate after work, $17

Whether you’re an expert or beginner, strap on your skates for a night of fun at O’Brien Icehouse. Hit the ice on Tuesday nights and score discount entry to Australia's largest ice arena. Pre-book your spot online for $16,90, or purchase at the venue for $18.40. And yes, that includes skate hire!

Have a cute movie date night, from $7

Most cinemas have dropped cheap Tuesdays and discount tickets all together. But on Mondays thrifty film buffs can still head to the Kino Cinema, where tickets are $7 during the day or $10 at night. Meanwhile over at Cinema Nova in Carlton, all movie tickets are just $7 until 4pm or $10 in the evening.

Book in for sushi train aperitivo hour, from $8

Masterchef alum Poh Ling Yeow has done it again, revealing a gourmet take on aperitivo hour at QT. Visit between 2pm and 6pm on select days to watch cute sushi train-style carts whiz around with sweet and savoury treats aboard. Plates range from $8 to $15, starting with Szechuan eggplant, anchovy garlic (bagna cauda) fries and fried chicken bao. Don't skip dessert bites like chocolate cookie mess, apple miso turnovers and pandan coconut sago shots.

Belt out a tune at hidden coin booth karaoke, from $2 per song

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. You pay by the song, and it's cheaper to sing more!

Score cheap entry and a free drink at Melbourne Skydeck, $20

Enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Melbourne from the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower. Usually entry to Melbourne Skydeck comes in at $28, but if you visit during happy hour, you can get in for just $20! Head down between 4pm and 6pm, Monday to Thursday to save. The crew will throw in a free drink with your session too.

Snap a silly selfie in a Korean-style photo booth, $10

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.

Geek out over board games and pop culture trivia, $15

Roll the dice with your teammates at Fortress Melbourne. Book the crew in for Monday night trivia, featuring fun factoids and bizarre brainteasers to keep you on your toes. Book a table for 2 to 8 people for just $15! Or head down on Board Game Wednesday to pick from a selection of more than 80 board games. Join a hosted play session for $15, or bring your gang and play games in The Tavern for free.

Lol on a comedy crawl, from $10

Comedy isn't just for during the festival. These year-round rooms keep the laughter coming on the cheap. One of Melbourne's longest running spots is still going strong at Spleen Bar, every Monday night. See the likes of Ross Noble, Nina Oyama, Alex Ward, Ben Russell and more for just $10. Grab another tenner on Wednesday nights and head to The Toff for Hottest Comedy. Over at the Cooper's Inn, a standing Friday night sesh of fresh acts and familiar faces will set you back a mere $20.

Play glow-in-the-dark mini golf, $12

Add this to the list of Melbourne's most random activities: glow-in-the-dark mini golf, with a ute-themed course and a haunted dunny. It's quirky, kitsch, and most importantly, cheap! For just $12 a pop, work your way around a luminous 18-hole course. Don’t forget to drop into what is possibly the world’s smallest bar for post-putt refreshments.