There is something about Melbourne that just excites and enthralls every first-time visitor, making it an ideal destination for those craving adventure and relaxation and everything in between.
From the dizzying maze of colorful laneways to the sumptuous treats you can sink your teeth in at the Queen Vic Market, this dynamic yet charming city along the coast of the Australian State of Victoria is teeming with art, history, and culture, bringing a unique treat to the senses that will make you want to visit again and again.
So whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a laid-back traveler, you are sure to find something to fall in love with in Melbourne. Here, we round up the top 15 things you should absolutely do in the city center (and its surrounding suburbs!) on your first visit:
Sample local delights at the Queen Vic Market
Let’s start with the obvious because a visit to Melbourne won’t be complete without sampling all the delicious goodies available at the beloved Queen Vic Market. Fresh seafood, artisanal cheese, savory sausages, divine desserts–you name your craving, the Queen Vic Market most likely has it! In operation since 1878, this beloved market is open only on select days of the week and is best visited on the weekend.
Address: Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Official Website: qvm.com.au
Visit the historic Flinders Street Station
A true icon of the Melbourne CBD, the majestic Flinders Street Station allows you to take a step back in time with its eclectic design that has endured more than a century and a half. A good number of Melbourne’s train journeys still cross this station. Tours for history junkies are also regularly conducted. If you’re just passing by, though, feel free to click a photo with the station’s iconic façade, just beneath the clocks.
Address: Corner Flinders Street and Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000
Take in the lush greenery at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
If you’re a fan of everything horticulture or enjoy taking leisurely walks in the midst of a verdant setting, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria-Melbourne is the place to go. Founded in 1846, this historic 38-hectare garden is home to over 8,500 species of plants from around the world, including various kinds of cacti and succulents, roses, herbs, and even rainforest flora!
Address: Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Official Website: rbg.vic.gov.au
Turn pages at State Library Victoria
Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, State Library Victoria is a great place to get some peace and quiet when you’re getting overstimulated by the city’s hustle and bustle or if you just want to curl up in a corner with a good read. Known as Australia’s oldest library, this 19th-century wonder is a must-visit for bookworms of all ages.
Address: 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Official Website: slv.vic.gov.au
Discover Australian Art in Federation Square
Also known as “Fed Square” this hub of art and culture is located in the heart of the city. It draws architecture fans from near and far for its distinctive design, which takes the deconstructivist style, featuring geometric shapes positioned in various angles, forming a wonderfully unique structure. Home to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and the Ian Potter Centre–an art gallery that houses the Australian part of the art collection of the National Gallery of Victoria–Federation Square is a fantastic place to check out for a good dose of Australian art.
Address: Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Official Website: fedsquare.com
Try waterside dining at Docklands
This modern harbor is an excellent spot for waterside dining, whether it’s for a date or for some quality time with the family. All kinds of restaurants line the harbor, offering a variety of flavors to tickle the taste buds. For the ultimate Docklands dining experience, come over for dinner and admire the Melbourne city skyline illuminated by colorful lights.
Address: Docklands, VIC 3008, Australia
Shop till you drop at The District
Within Docklands, you’ll find the sun-lit, open-air shopping complex The District–every shopaholic’s wonderland. Here, you can pick up pieces from Australian apparel brands like Hidden Agenda, Ally Fashion, City Chic, and more! If you are leaning towards the more familiar names, though, it also has shops like H&M and Uniqlo.
Address: 440 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
Official Website: thedistrictdocklands.com.au
Enjoy some me time at Library at the Dock
If you like quiet places with a view, then Library at The Dock is a place that you should certainly check out! This wood-and-glass building overlooking the harbor is one of the four official community hubs of Melbourne and is a walking distance from all the action at Docklands. It offers free reading materials and spaces for recreation.
Address: 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
Official Website: melbourne.vic.gov.au/library-at-the-dock
Marvel at sea creatures at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium offers both education and entertainment to visitors from all age groups! Its biggest draws include Pinjarra The Mega Croc, the Penguin Playground, and different kinds of sharks, including the spiral egg-laying Port Jackson reef sharks! Foodies fascinated by marine life might also want to place a reservation for the underwater dining experience.
Address: King St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Official Website: visitsealife.com/melbourne
Say hello to the resident animals of the Melbourne Zoo
Just some 4 kilometers north of the city center, Melbourne Zoo gives visitors a chance to see over 3,000 animals across 243 species in themed zones, reminiscent of their natural habitats. See kangaroos, giraffes, elephants, tigers, and more in an ethically operated environment. With a pledge to fight wildlife extinction, Melbourne Zoo—under non-profit conservation organization Zoos Victoria—commits itself to educating guests on the importance of animal welfare and protection.
Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
Official Website: zoo.org.au/melbourne
Get lost in Melbourne’s laneways and arcades
Among Melbourne’s most unique features are its laneways and arcades. These exciting streets are brimming with artsy cafes, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars, and kitschy shops–among many others. If you’ve got limited time to explore the city, hit the most popular laneways like Degraves Street and Centre Place, Manchester Lane, and The Nicholas Building.
Official Website: whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/attractions-and-sights/laneways-arcades
Check out colorful street art
For the most vibrant and Insta-worthy souvenir photos, be on the lookout for art-themed laneways like the famous ACDC Lane (named after Australia’s prized rock band AC/DC) and Hosier Lane. Make sure to wear your best #OOTD for that million-dollar shot!
Official Website: whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/attractions-and-sights/laneways-arcades
Have a taste of Australian wine in Yarra Valley
Escape to the east of Melbourne’s CBD and breathe in the fresh breeze of Yarra Valley. This charming wine region invites you to spend a day touring vineyards, tasting world-class wines, and having a fill of delicious gourmet dishes. If a day is not enough for you to enjoy the countryside, book a staycation! Lodging options range from quaint cottages and holiday houses to luxe resorts and hotels.
Official Website: visityarravalley.com.au
Spend a lazy day at St. Kilda Beach
Dubbed as Melbourne’s most popular beach, the 700-meter St. Kilda Beach is for certified beach bums! You can just lay a mat to stretch out on the sand and sunbathe or take a quick dip in the cool waters. For some refreshments, head on over to the pier or to any of the bars and restaurants of the St Kilda Sea Baths.
Address: St Kilda Foreshore, St Kilda, Victoria, 3182, Australia
Hop on rides and play sideshow games at a retro theme park
Walk into the giant mouth of Mr. Moon at Luna Park Melbourne–Australia’s oldest amusement park–and enter a world of retro rides and games. First opened in 1912, Luna Park Melbourne continues to thrill guests young and old with attractions like Sky Rider, a 20-meter high ferris wheel; Supernova, a 32-meter spinning swing tower; and The Great Scenic Railway–the world’s oldest continually operating roller coaster.
Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda, VIC 3182, Australia
Official Website: lunapark.com.au
BONUS!
Think we’ll stop at 15? Here’s one more experience in Melbourne that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Watch the parade of penguins on Phillip Island
The penguins of Phillip Island are stars in their own right, and you can watch them march into the sunset! Your visit will also help support Phillip Island Nature Park’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Phillip Island’s native habitats are protected and well cared for.
Address: 1019 Ventnor Road, Ventnor, 3922, Australia
Official Website: visitphillipisland.com.au
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