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.

A person's hand holding a coffee cup
Puzzle's edible cup

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.

A woman standing in front of a tall mural in a laneway
Nick Azidis' Highlander Lane mural

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.

A train station lit up at night
Flinders Street 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.

People sitting in a narrow bar under lanterns.
Chuckle Park

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.

A woman walking through a shopping arcade
Cathedral Arcade

More iconic Melbourne experiences

Melbourne's most iconic restaurants

Melbourne's most iconic restaurants

Book in an unforgettable night out at some of Melbourne's best restaurants.

Iconic Lygon Street restaurants

Iconic Lygon Street restaurants

There's more to Melbourne's Little Italy than just pizza.

Chinatown’s most iconic 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

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

Hidden gems of Kensington

Head into Kensington and discover these hidden cafes, bars, pubs, breweries, boutiques and more.

Hidden gems to visit in Carlton

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

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

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

Only In The City

The best free and cheap family activities

The best free and cheap family activities

Find family-friendly fun and free events in Melbourne.

Melbourne's best rainy day activities for kids

Melbourne's best rainy day activities for kids

Find the best indoor family activities during the school holidays.

11 reasons to leave work on time

11 reasons to leave work on time

Get the best happy hour deals, cheap tickets to amazing shows and more.

Discover more

Experiences that make you a true Melburnian

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

The District Docklands

Open-air shopping precinct with attractions, entertainment, dining and fresh food.

Nicholas Building

Nicholas Building

This historic building is home to an eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques and artists.