Fun things to do in Melbourne
Only have one day in Melbourne and unsure what things to see or do? Maybe a return visit? I’ll let you in on how I would spend a perfect day in Melbourne as a local. On top of that - all the Melbourne attractions I mention in this post are FREE!
Start your day early by grabbing coffee and some picnic supplies from a local market. Now there’s a big debate on which are the best markets in Melbourne. My two favourite markets are Prahran or South Melbourne rather than Queen Victoria Market. Once you have your supplies, head to the Royal Botanic Gardens for your picnic. Coming in Winter? Sleep-in and stick to having your food and drink at the market itself.
The Gardens are huge and span all the way from the suburb of South Yarra right into the CBD. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful park in Melbourne, with themed gardens, a picture perfect lake, and rolling hills perfect for a picnic spot. A site many locals never actually visit - other than for school excursions- is also found within the park: The Shrine of Remembrance. If you’re visiting from overseas, or not, it offers a lot of insight into Australia’s role in World War history, is in a very impressive building, and is free to visit (paid tours optional).
Or if art is more your thing than history, from the Gardens you can walk or tram to the NVG Melbourne. The NGV is Melbourne’s best art gallery. It’s big, very accessible, and permanent exhibitions are free. It also offers art from all periods and includes famous international artists (your Picasso’s etc) as well as spotlighting Australian and Indigenous art. While you could easily spend hours here, we’re limited on time this day so stroll through or pick a section to focus on. Insider tip -people often over look the garden out the back, but it’s truly beautiful - perfectly quaint, calm but marvellous.
Walk across the bridge into the city. Now, you have 2 options - stay in the city limits or wander somewhere a little more local.
For our city option, check out Hosier Lane, a classic Melbourne tourist spot for street art, then make your way back down to Swanston Street - keep your eyes peeled for more art in other less popular alleyways (P.S. Australia is not like New York in the movies - you can wander in an alley safely). Swanston is like most main city streets - sometimes gritty, but full of action. It’s a great representation of Melbourne’s cultural melting pot too with lots of Asian run eat, drink and shop options further up. You’ll also find the stately State Library Victoria which is free to visit for it’s exhibitions or just a look. Or, across the street from the library is Melbourne Central Shopping Centre for some retail therapy. Once the evening hits, there’s no shortage of great places to eat. Hit up a wallet friendly stall on Swanston or for somewhere a little swanky and very Melbourne, try Movida, Bomba, or Dessous (bookings advised).
However, I would hop a tram and head to the area of Fitzroy instead to do Melbourne like a locall. The tram will stop right on the main street - Brunswick Street. This street is full of grungy art and pubs but also higher-end, unique shopping finds (including Zetta Florence for some fun but lovely souvenirs). End the day with the hard to beat sunset views from Naked for Satan’s Rooftop. Yes the name is bonkers, but I assure you the name does not reflect the place! The food is good there but you’re also spoilt for choice - Little Hop tacos is a fave but there’s Indian, Japanese, French bistros, kebabs - whatever you want, it’s there.
Night owl? Hit me up in the comments below with your vibe and I’d be happy to recommend some post-dinner options!
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