8 reasons to leave work on time

As we ease back into working in the office again, let’s not forget to factor in some city me-time. These great after-work ideas will have you logging off at 5pm in no time.

Catch a glorious Melbourne night market

The weather is cooling down and Melbourne's night markets are heating up. Chinatown's laneway market is back on Fridays from 16 April, taking over Heffernan Lane until the end of the year. Wander beneath twinkling lanterns to discover hawker-style stalls, BBQ skewers, delicious desserts and more. Or stop the hump day struggle and knock off at the Queen Victoria Market's mini night market series. Think fave foodie stalls, mesmerising performers, silent disco fun and endless good vibes.

Learn an instrument at The Music Gym

Time for a new hobby? Book in for a 45-minute after-work class at The Music Gym. Try group lessons in guitar, piano or voice that end with a jam. Numbers are limited to six but you can book private lessons if you’re shy. Give it a go with a single one-off lesson or take the plunge and sign up for a 10-lesson package. No need to drag your axe into town, as all instruments are provided.

$10 Aperol cocktails at Brunetti

Ease your way into the evening with a $10 Campari or Aperol spritz at Brunetti Flinders Lane. Team with pizza by the slice topped with prosciutto and mozzarella, and one of those cakes. Oh, those cakes.

Take the ultimate Melbourne spin class

Is your head spinning with spreadsheets and schedules when you leave the office? To clear your head, get your active wear on and get down to Bodhi & Ride. Marrying mindfulness and an endorphin-filled bike workout, this spin class will refresh body and soul. With the lights dimmed and RnB classics blasting, the 45 minutes of cycling fun will go by in a breeze.

Last-minute live show deals 

Halftix at Town Hall has daily discounted tickets for shows across the city. So you could be in for an evening of comedy or theatre, ballet or a musical. Get in before they close at 4pm and pick up cheap entry to the likes of the Butterfly Club, Malthouse Theatre, The Comic’s Lounge and more.

Thirsty Thursday half price cocktails

Knock off at five on the dot and score at The George. A host of cocktails are half price every Thursday, from classic margaritas to the exotic One Night in Paris. That's a mix of vanilla vodka, Alize Gold French passionfruit liqueur and white rum. Pair with vibrant Asian-inspired dishes and be sure to hang around until late for vibey DJ beats.

$12 happy hour cocktails

Where better to take five after work than Time Out at Fed Square. Shake off the cobwebs with an espresso martini, priced just $12 after 3pm. The double wake-up shot of caffeine is shaken and stirred with vodka and Kahlua. Or try one of Time Out’s mocktails, maybe a Berry Nice with berries and cranberry juice. Pair with a share plate of their famous fat chips dipped in housemade chilli aioli.

Late-night shopping

Beat the weekend crowds by getting a dose of retail therapy after work. Emporium Melbourne, David Jones and Myer in Bourke Street Mall are open until 6pm or 7pm weeknights, or 9pm on Thursday and Friday. Stores in Melbourne Central and QV Melbourne also leave their doors open until 7pm, and 9pm on Friday. And you can fit in an after-work shop at H&M at the GPO. When you’re done, Ca de Vin is a perfect dinner spot in nearby Postal Lane.