The State of Victoria’s capital city is Melbourne, one of eight capital cities in Australia, and one of the fastest-growing economies and population of any city in Australia. One of the unmissable best things to do in Melbourne is to visit the CBD (Central Business District). From here, you will have easy access to many fantastic places to visit in Melbourne. In addition, countless great restaurants in Melbourne are focused in and around the CBD!

A stunning city layered in history, street art, literature, culture, sports, restaurants, and parks. Additionally, the city is known for its music, theatre, media, wine, beers, nature, and the many ethnicities that live here. Evidently, a combination of culture and a trendy lifestyle will keep you busy when looking for the best things to do in Melbourne! Wanna move, mate?

❗Check Covid protocols for each place.

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Explore nature indoors and outdoors in Melbourne

1. Melbourne Zoo

Visit the world’s top zoo attempting to battle extinction — especially guarding its 27 local species under threat. Since lockdown restrictions, you can only visit if you’ve booked tickets online.

2. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens

The RBGV leads research and study of natural environments and protection of unusual, endangered vegetation. Also, many of the best things to do in Melbourne are right here – visit, walk, shop, dine, explore, and more.

3. Sea Life Melbourne

Extreme dive with sharks or waddle with penguins — or do both! Queues here are standard during weekends and holidays, so make sure to plan your visit and book tickets online.

4. Fitzroy Gardens

Visit Fitzroy Gardens, easily accessible by public transport. Furthermore, this spot is just a 15-minute walk from Federation Square and a comfortable walking distance from the city center.

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Museums in Melbourne

1. Melbourne Museum

Another one of the best things to do in this city is to visit the Melbourne Museum. It houses Victoria’s natural environment, culture, history, and permanent and temporary collections.

Costs: AUD15 for Adults, AUD 10 for Seniors, Free for kids, museum members, and those with concessions.

2. Old Melbourne Gaol

The gaol is Victoria’s historical, only remaining penal establishment attracting hordes of tourists. Each cell has its individual prisoner’s history — definitely one of the best places to visit in Melbourne and tell everyone about afterward.

3. Immigration Museum

From the past to the present immigrants, all have a story to tell. Truly, one of the best things to do in the city is to discover more about it and the reason it’s the way it is.

Costs: AUD 15 for Adults, free for kids and those with concessions

Cultural Attractions in Melbourne

1. Koori Heritage Trust

An Aboriginal-owned and managed establishment since 1985. Distinctively indigenous Koori culture, crafts, and objects are on permanent display. What’s more, you can purchase Aboriginal handicrafts and gifts as souvenirs.

2. China Town

Located in the CBD, one of the places to visit in Melbourne when you’re hungry is China Town. Evidently, it’s the oldest, continuous Chinese settlement south of the equator. You’ll find many high-end and budget restaurants in Australia’s garden city-focused here.

4. Federation Square

The city’s most popular spot for restaurants, bars, cafes, and institutions that are one-of-a-kind. In fact, it is one of the must-visit places to visit in the garden city of Australia to discover, explore, eat, drink, watch, and more.

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Sports in Melbourne

Australia organizes some of the world’s elite sporting events — tennis, cricket, football, motorsport, and more. For this purpose, the Sports and Entertainment Precinct is a comprehensive stadia and sports venue, 3 km east of the city center. A good deal of the best things to do in Melbourne take place here, so sports fans shouldn’t miss it!

1. Melbourne Cricket Ground

Near to Melbourne Park and a part of the sports and entertainment area is the MCG. It may have cricket in its title, but this ground anchors many of the city’s great sporting events.

2. Australia Open

Prior to the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S Open is the Australian Open. Melbourne Park hosts the AO, annually in January here.

3. The Australian Formula One Grand Prix

Yes! the city’s Albert Park Circuit hosts the prominent sound of speed event.

Restaurants & bars in Melbourne

Australia is the country of the barbie (BBQ) and drinks! As an illustration, you’ll hear this term a lot — Cheers mate!

The city is a culinary, gastronomy foodie delight! Consequently, there are many restaurants in Australia’s garden city, and we’ve specifically selected a few for you to try.

1. Musou

An authentic Sichuan restaurant. In fact, you can order your customized stir-fry bowls or hot pots with your choice of ingredients. Markedly, one of the many contemporary restaurants in Melbourne offering fantastic food.

2. Argo Fishop

At a distance of 4 km – approximately 20 minutes by car or train – is North Fitzroy. Worth the trip, here you will find the best Australian and New Zealand fish’n chips restaurant. Moreover, you can eat Barramundi, Blue Grenadier, Atlantic Salmon, and other various fresh sea treats! One of the neatest local restaurants in Melbourne.

3. Riverland Bar & Cafe

Riverland Bar & Cafe is below Federation Square, beside the Yarra Riverbank. For this reason, locals gather here for the comfortable, relaxed atmosphere and the great Aussie Barbie (BBQ) and drinks.

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4. Arbory Afloat

From beach snacks and Nutella, strawberries, gingerbread & icing sugar pizza for dessert, to an extensive array of non-alcoholic beverages, wines, and cocktails, all afloat! Another one of the best things to do in Melbourne — chill, drink, and float on the Yarra River.

Shopping in Melbourne

One of the best things to do in this city is to shop locally. Read on further to know about shopping here.

1. Melbourne Central

The city’s dining and shopping mecca, for this purpose it’s an institution of Australian and international fashion names. Therefore, one of the best places to visit in Australia’s garden city for a unique shopping experience.

2. Queen Victoria Market

Every Wednesday, Queen Victoria Market hosts a Night Market with international entertainment and live music, street food, specialty shopping, and more. So, out of the many cool places to visit in Melbourne, we highly recommend a visit here.

3. Emporium

For high-end shopping, visit the Emporium. It also has a rooftop honey farm, free wi-fi, and some of the finest brand stores and restaurants of the city under one roof.

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