Federation Square: This is Melbourne's cultural heartland; a bustling hub that hosts 2000 events a year, from exhibitions to concerts, to shows and festivals. This is a great place to begin your journey and soak up Melbourne's vibe.
Queen Victoria Market: Eat, shop, explore, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Melbourne. With over 600 traders selling everything from fresh produce to clothes, jewelry, Australian souvenirs, and handmade crafts, Queen Victoria Market is an experience not to be missed.
State Library Victoria: With over 2 million books and items and an impressive reading room, this library is an essential cultural stop for visitors with a love of history or architecture.
Luna Park: An amusement park with a carnival atmosphere that has been around since 1912. Take a spin on the historic roller-coaster known as the Scenic Railway or the world's oldest continually operating wooden rollercoaster.
St. Kilda Beach: With its wide, sandy beach, watersports, and promenade cafés and restaurants, this is the perfect place for a swim, a stroll, or a coffee-stop in the sun.
Brighton Beach: For picture-perfect postcard views of the city, head to this iconic, colorful beach with its line of 82 historic bathing boxes. Take a dip or relax on the sand before heading back to the city.
Melbourne Museum: View watch displays of Indigenous culture, Australia’s unique flora and fauna with a visit to Melbourne Museum.
Carlton Gardens: The heritage-listed Carlton Gardens provide lush greeneries right at the heart of Melbourne’s bustling city centre.
Fitzroy: This neighborhood is famous for its street art, vintage shops, and alternative music scene. Wander the streets and laneways to discover quirky boutiques, stylish cafes and cool bars.
Eureka Skydeck: Take in magnificent views of Melbourne from the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere.
Southbank Promenade: offers Southbank offers a variety of dining options, shops and cultural exhibitions, as well as a relaxed riverside atmosphere in tune with the city it sits next to.
Yarra River Cruise: Take a cruise the Yarra River from Southbank, and enjoy stunning views of Melbourne's skyline, as you learn about the Yarra River's history, culture, and architecture.
Melbourne is a very walkable and cycle-friendly city, with an extensive public transportation network which includes buses, trams, and trains. You can purchase a myki card at most train stations, convenience stores or online for public transport. For travelers wanting more flexibility, taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
A taxi from the airport to the city center for two people typically costs around $60-80 AUD and takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Alternatively, the Skybus airport shuttle service costs $20-25 AUD per person and takes around 45 minutes to an hour.
If you have extra time in Melbourne, you might consider visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, National Gallery of Victoria, or taking a day trip out to the beautiful Yarra Valley wine region.
If you have less time in Melbourne, you might consider skipping some of the Museum, Carlton or Fitzroy activities.
Melbourne has two main airports: Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Avalon Airport (AVV). Melbourne Airport is located 14 miles north-west of the city center, taking around 30-40 minutes by taxi or Skybus shuttle, with domestic and international flights. Avalon airport is located 30 miles south-west of Melbourne city center and takes around 45-50 minutes by car or shuttle bus, with domestic and regional flights.