The best things to do under $20 in Melbourne

Explore the museum

$18

You're never too old to walk among the dinosaurs and learn about the natural world. Entry to the Melbourne Museum is $18 for adults, and gets you access to the multisensory gallery, Our Wondrous Planet. Come face-to-face with a towering elephant and polar bear. Then dive into the ocean and delve underground as you roam through glowing installations.

Spend happy hour at Heartbreaker

$5 to $15

This classic dive bar is slinging some of Melbourne's best happy hour deals. Head into Heartbreaker on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for a cheap night on the town. From 5pm to 7pm you can score $5 pizza slices, $15 cocktails or $10 wine and pints. Crack out the cue stick for a friendly game of pool, or stick around for drag bingo every Tuesday.

Celebrate taco night

$18

Join the Sunday taco social club at Crane Bar & Lounge. The good vibes kick off from 1pm with DJ sets, $16 margs and of course, taco specials. Grab one for $7 or 3 for $18. There's pork carnitas, beef birria or a vegan mushroom birria to choose from. The margarita menu is stacked too. Try roasted pineapple, passionfruit, mandarin or classic and give it a kick with spicy tequila.

See famous costumes up-close

$20

Get a slice of Aussie performing arts history at Encore! This exhibition is home to the iconic gold hot pants worn by local treasure Kylie Minogue in her Spinning Around music video. Plus 49 more fascinating objects including Midnight Oil's drum kit and looks worn by legendary Australians. Think ornate costumes, puppets, set models and more.

Geek out over unlimited board games

Free

Wednesday is everyone’s favourite board game night at Fortress Melbourne. Roll the dice with your teammates and play unlimited board games, totally free. That leaves plenty of budget to burn on bevs and snacks! With 100 to choose from there's bound to be something for everyone in your group – from family favourites to complex strategy games.

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!

See the sunset from a Ferris wheel

$17

$17 will get you a ticket to ride Melbourne's newest Ferris wheel. Located right next to the river and soaring 35-metres into the sky, Skyline Melbourne offers up the most stunning views. There's plenty to do on solid ground too. Play a round of mini golf at the Australian-themed course for $12. Or grab a bite to eat from the food trucks at the base of the wheel.

Snap a selfie in a Korean-style photo booth

From $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.

Ice skate after work

$19.50

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 to tear up the ice for just $19.50. And yes, that includes skate hire!

Get the giggles at a stand-up gig

From $12

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 $12. Keep the laughter coming on the cheap over at Comedy Republic. The Tuesday night show is just $15 and there are happy hour deals.

Have a cute movie date night

From $8

Most cinemas have dropped cheap Tuesdays and discount tickets all together. But on Mondays and Tuesdays, thrifty film buffs can still head to the Kino Cinema, where tickets are $12. Meanwhile over at Cinema Nova in Carlton, all movie tickets are just $8 until 4pm or $11 in the evening on Mondays.