Cheapskate's guide to Melbourne

Enjoying the best of Melbourne doesn’t have to cost the earth. Try our insider tips to wine, dine and enjoy more for less in the city.

Ice skate for less than $20

Looking for a cheap rainy-day activity? Give ice skating a go at O’Brien Icehouse. On Tuesdays entry comes in under $20 including skate hire when you book tickets online. Whether you’re a beginner or an ice-skating pro, the Olympic-sized rink offers an epic day of fun.

Grab the best happy hour deals

Time things right, and a chilled cocktail could be yours at a bargain price. Get dumplings for $1 a pop at Magic Mountain Saloon. Mix and match fillings like pork and chilli or mushroom with basil and peanut. Wash them down with an ice cold pint or glass of wine for $11. Or get selected spritzes for $16. Available every Tuesday to Friday, from 3pm to 6pm.

Find the last cheap movie night

Most cinemas have dropped cheap Tuesdays and discount tickets all together. But you can still score a deal every Monday at Cinema Nova. Tickets are $8 before 4pm, so you can catch the latest Oscar-winning flicks on the cheap. Can't get out of work early? Evening sessions clock in at just $11 a ticket. Choose a later session and grab a happy hour drink in the Nova Bar from 4pm to 6pm.

Feast on the best cheap eats

On the lookout for a budget lunch? Stop by the new Vietnamese diner Saigon Square and try one of the specials. Order the beef pho or broken rice with pork chop for $11. Or follow the office workers to Soi 38 for $12 boat noodles. A tenner can also get you a mouth-watering kim-cheese jaffle at Three Drops or roast duck banh mi at VB Rolls for 50 cents more. In a hurry? Tokui Sushi offers fresh and affordable hand rolls for $3 each.

Try unlimited yoga classes

Unwind and stretch your way through two weeks of unlimited yoga at Yoga Corner. Available to new yoga students, the intro offer is just $55 for all the yoga you can squeeze into your schedule. After the two weeks, drop-in classes are $30. The practice is made up of balance and movements to workout both your body and mind.

Free and cheap laughs at Comedy Fest

The world’s best comedians are heading to Melbourne for the 40th International Comedy Festival. Lock in a month of laughs without breaking the bank. Score discounted tickets by catching a preview show or going on cheap Tuesdays. Bringing your crew? Book as a group to save. Or for the best value, grab a laugh pack and get 10% off three or more eligible performances.

Score discounted theatre tickets

If you've always dreamed of winning the lottery, here's your chance. Snatch up last-minute tickets through TodayTix. You'll find some of Melbourne's biggest shows. Halftix also offers solid deals for shows across the city. Get in before they close and pick up cheap entry to events at the Athenaeum Theatre, Comedy Theatre and more. Then set an alarm for Tuesday at 12pm. Arts Centre sells discounted tickets for a 12-hour window every week.

Get exclusive offers on Melbourne events

Want to stay up-to-date on things to see and do in Melbourne? The weekly What's On Melbourne newsletter showcases the best free events, new restaurants and more. Keep an eye out for discounted tickets to blockbuster events. Think festivals, live music and theatre shows. Subscribe here for updates every Wednesday.