Iconic Melbourne experiences
Ready to make up for lost time in the city? Check out these iconic Melbourne experiences on your next city adventure, from street art and laneway bars to shopping and shows.
Drink world-class coffee on every corner
How could we start with anything other than coffee? Order it from an impossibly small hole-in-the-wall, with a side of cult-status katsu sando or served in an edible biscuit cup. Try it spiked with butterscotch at Baguette Studios, sip $2.50 filter until midnight at Butcher's Diner or grab a cup in the no-photo zone that is Dukes. Then tour your way through Melbourne's best accessible cafes and bakeries.
Explore epic art exhibits without spending a cent
Melbourne is filled with world-renowned museums, independent galleries and edgy artist-run spaces, and some of the best exhibits are free every day. See our city's creative talent on show at NGV Australia’s Ian Potter Centre. Explore the history of film at ACMI, with free entry to the Story of the Moving Image. Then head to the Australian Music Vault to see rare footage and music memorabilia, from Kylie's fits to Nick Cave's notebooks.
Discover hidden street art
Melbourne is renowned for its street art, but the good stuff is hidden in the city’s nooks and crannies. Meyer's Place is home to a glorious green Mike Makatron mural, as is Gallagher's Lane. Duckboard Place boasts Melbourne's last Banksy, Drewery Alley offers up a floating apparition that glows at night and the mysterious Melbourne cat stencil can be seen all over town - but out fave is in Liverpool Street. Find all this and more on a self-guided walk, or let the experts guide you around on a street art tour.
Eat dumplings in Chinatown
Melburnians are totally devoted to dumplings. Ideally enjoyed among the bright lights and spicy scents of Chinatown. Devour these bundles of joy at HuTong, or the city outpost of renowned Tim Ho Wan. The queue outside Shanghai Street is often long for good reason, but don’t worry, it moves quickly.
Snap a classic photo
Pause on bustling heritage Princes Bridge and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Yarra. To the east, there’s Fed Square’s contemporary architecture. Plus acres of parkland and the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground. Look west to see the river lined with skyscrapers. And the Arts Centre spire and iconic Flinders Street Railway Station.
Visit Little Italy on Lygon Street
Lygon Street has long been known as Melbourne’s Little Italy. A short tram ride from the central business district, it’s still the place for a taste of la dolce vita. Favourites include Tiamo, Brunetti, Donnini’s Restaurant and King & Godfree. Taste your way up each level to K&G’s rooftop bar, Johnny’s Green Room, for panoramic views of the city. And add Italian staples from Pidapipo Gelateria and Leonardo’s Pizza Palace.
Drink in a hidden bar
Many visitors never discover some of Melbourne’s best bars. That’s because they’re hidden down laneways and behind secret doors. Favourites include basement level Bar Margaux, with a Paris-meets-New York vibe. Peruse the epic cocktail menu at prohibition-style bar Eau de Vie. Pop in for a natty wine at Cathedral Coffee, located in a late-night nook of the Nicholas Building. Don’t blink, or you’ll miss Chuckle Park, an open-air bar off Little Collins Street.
See a show in a stunning old theatre
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to big shows in Melbourne. Be enchanted by Disney's very own, Beauty and the Beast the Musical at Her Majesty's Theatre. Get inspired by the queen of rock with Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at The Princess Theatre from September. Discover more theatre and shows.
Rediscover Melbourne's most beautiful shops
Go retro at Vintage Sole and Reina, or find curated designer fashion at Christine on Collins. Make it super local and ethical at Queen Victoria Women’s Centre’s SHOP! Boost your mood at flower-lined wonderland Pollon, and hunt for your next great read at Melbourne's most beautiful book stores. Find more beauty in our guide to Melbourne's most Instagrammable shops.
More iconic Melbourne experiences
Melbourne's most iconic restaurants
Book in an unforgettable night out at some of Melbourne's best restaurants.
Chinatown’s most iconic restaurants
These restaurants are some of the oldest and most loved in Melbourne's famous Chinatown precinct.
Melbourne's most iconic shops
These iconic Melbourne shops are home to some of the city's most colourful retail characters
Hidden gems of Kensington
Head into Kensington and discover these hidden cafes, bars, pubs, breweries, boutiques and more.
Hidden gems to visit in Carlton
Explore hidden cafes, epic attractions and under the radar restaurants.
Hidden gems to visit in North and West Melbourne
Discover plant-lined warehouse cafes, cult-status bakeries and vintage boutique wonderlands.
Hidden gems to visit in Docklands
From secret wine bars to amazing art galleries, Docklands offers more than meets the eye.
Last updated on Wed 28 Aug 2024
Discover more
Experiences that make you a true Melburnian
Plenty of Melbourne’s attractions are well known. Here's our guide to getting off the beaten track.
The District Docklands
Open-air shopping precinct with attractions, entertainment, dining and fresh food.
Nicholas Building
This historic building is home to an eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques and artists.