How to spend 24 hours in Melbourne at Christmas

From sun-up to sundown, there’s always something special on the horizon in Melbourne. Here’s the ultimate 24-hour itinerary to get the most out of a day in the city this Christmas season.

6am: start at the market

Start your day at Queen Vic Market, and join early-rising food-lovers seeking the best local produce. To fuel your market meander, grab a flaky croissant from Andrew’s Bread Shop. Add a fresh piece of fruit from the Fontana Brothers.

7am: find early morning coffee

It’s time for some caffeine, and you’re in the right place for Market Espresso or Market Lane. Or take a comfortable morning stroll to early-openers Vacation Cafe, Her and Bobby's Coffee.

8am: wander beautiful gardens

Take your traveller for a leafy walk. Follow tree-lined avenues in World Heritage-listed Carlton Gardens. Or go for a wander through Flagstaff Gardens. It was established in the 1860s on Melbourne’s highest point.

9am: discover the ultimate Christmas decor

Head into Ambiance Christmas shop and discover some of the city's most unique and precious Christmas decorations. We're talking Australiana style hanging ornaments, traditional nut cracker dolls, and gorgeous little elves to fill your shelves. It's located just a short walk from the Queen Victoria Market in the traditional market building.

10am: have an iconic Melbourne brunch

That rumbling’s not a tram, it’s your tummy saying it’s brunch time. Check out what’s hot at Melbourne’s newbies. Maybe Asian fusion at Budapest Cafe, or a toasted panini at Queensmith Baretto. To stick with the classics, drop into an iconic laneway cafe like Journal, Quarter or Vertue. You’ll need to join the queue to feast on yuzu-filled croffles at Bakemono or legendary croissants at Lune.

11am: find free art and outdoor experiences

For a spot of culture, explore the history of film at ACMI. Enjoy free entry to the Story of the Moving Image. Head to the Royal Botanic Gardens to punt on the lake or take a free guided walk.

12pm: book a long lunch or try a cheap eats food crawl

Settle in for a midday banquet at a signature Melbourne restaurant. Try hawker-style dining at Chin Chin or timeless Italian at Grossi Florentino. Choose from pan-Euro favourites at The European. For cheaper but tasty eats, fill up on noodles at Udon Yasan, sushi train fun at Sushi Hotaru or a $5 slice at laneway fave Pizza Pizza Pizza.

3pm: check into one of Melbourne's best new hotels

Check in to your swish new digs for the night. Style has plenty of bling at W Melbourne, and Chocolate Hour’s a don’t-miss treat at Mövenpick on Spencer. You’ll find all the latest openings in our best new hotels article.

4pm: explore hidden laneways and city secrets

Grab some me-time, and relax into pre-dinner pampering at Pala Salon. Or get all your Christmas shopping done at some of the city's coolest laneways and arcades. In the Nicholas Building, find vintage threads at RetroStar. Ride the lift at Curtin House to browse books at Metropolis, cult outfits at dot Comme and streetwear at PAM. Track down the best hidden spots on the self-guided iconic laneways and arcades walking tour or see the city's hidden treasures and archives when you book a free visit to Melbourne's Art and Heritage Collection.

5pm: find happy hour deals and rooftop bars

At happy hour, go luxe with oysters and champagne at Chancery Lane. Or view Melbourne from above on a tour of the city’s rooftop bars. Start on the seventh floor at the open-air bar at Curtin House. Discover a greenhouse oasis on Farmer’s Daughters’ rooftop, and a hidden laneway bar topping Sojourn.

7pm: eat at the best new restaurants

Melbourne’s dinner menu is dazzling, so narrow the field by trying somewhere new. Dine in a stunning old bluestone at Reed House. Johnny, Vince & Sam's for old-school Italian perhaps, or try Northern Thai curries at Khao Melbourne. Then add new Filipino spots Askal and Serai to your list too.

8pm: take a date to ice-skate or seek out free festivals

Rug up and embrace the chill with a lap around the ice rink. Whether you’re an expert or beginner, strap on your skates for a night of fun at O’Brien Icehouse. Sessions run until 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights. If you're low on cash, see what free festivals might tickle your fancy.

9pm: be immersed in Christmas lights and decorations

Be mesmerised by traditional decorations on a stroll through the city. The giant Christmas tree at Fed Square and the Myer Christmas Windows draw visitors from near and far. Spot festive nutcrackers, giant presents and adorable bell swings. Then roam through the laneways to see them aglow with twinkling lights.

10pm: have a late-night pool comp

Grab your crew and head up to one of Melbourne's many hidden pool lounges. Neon-lit ICue lounge at QV stays open until 2am and Chinatown's Room 8 is open until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights. More billiards fun awaits at underground spot Pulo, a subterranean spot for pool, darts and more.

12am: take an old-school portrait in a retro photo booth

Near the corner of Flinders and Elizabeth Streets is a 24-hour photo booth hailing from the good old days before the world went digital. Pop in a coin, step inside, take a seat and wait for the cue before you strike a pose. It'll spit out the perfect keepsake of your night in Melbourne to treasure forever.

Where to party until 3am

Keep the party going with luxury surround-sound karaoke at Ocean 12. On Fridays and Saturdays, play after-hours arcade games at B Lucky. Give shuffleboard a try at Ballers Clubhouse, or roll the dice with board games at Fortress. Any night of the week, bliss out to sounds from the curated vinyl playlist at Her Music Room.

Where to eat until 3am

When you get the post-midnight munchies, leave room for fromage and frites at Bar Margaux. They're open until 1am. Snack on oysters and caviar at glamorous Gimlet. The kitchen closes at 11.30pm. but the doors stay open until 1am Friday and Saturday. Or dig into spicy skewers as you swing on unique bench chairs at Panda BBQ, open until 3am!

Bring it home to the hotel

Is that really the time? Make your way back to your hotel to beat the dawn. Treat yourself to a luxe suite at Crown Towers and cool off with a dip in the pool. Hotel NO your Airstream-with-benefits comes with a private spa overlooking Flinders Lane. Or make a splash and see the sun rise from W Melbourne’s decadent pool, open to guests 24/7.