The best 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.

Geek out over unlimited board games, $5

Wednesday is everyone’s favourite board game night at Fortress Melbourne. Roll the dice with your teammates and play unlimited board games for just $5. With 100 to choose from there's bound to be something for everyone in your group – from family favourites to complex strategy games.

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.

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.

Get the giggles at a stand-up gig, $12

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 $12.

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.

$10 Tuesdays at Transport

Happy hour is old news – Transport has introduced an entire happy day! Pop in any time on Tuesdays to order off the Mexican-inspired $10 menu. That includes nachos, tacos and yes, margaritas, for just $10 a pop. Pool cash with mates for a taco taster plate to work through all the flavours.

Ice skate after work, $18.50

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 $18.50. And yes, that includes skate hire!

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!

Snap a 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.