Most travellers only spend a few days in Melbourne as it’s a common belief that there’s nothing much to do, but they can’t be more wrong! There are lots to do in Melbourne, whether you’re an arts aficionado or foodie. While some activities (cough eating out) are certainly not cheap, there are still many affordable alternatives and FREE things to do in the city!
Here is my personal guide to some of the best things you can do in Melbourne, based on personal experience!
Café hopping
Coffee is everywhere in Melbourne, which is also no surprise that cafés seem to be in almost every corner of the city.
They have lots of good options for coffee, thanks to the good-quality beans available. Brunch options are also pretty varied and delicious.
Don’t forget to try Melbourne’s specialty coffee – the magic, which is a coffee made with a single shot of espresso and topped with milk.
Shopping at Coles
Checking out grocery stores may sound strange, but Coles is where you need to go if you want to stock up on cheap food & drinks!
We bought Nutri-Grain (a protein cereal not stocked in Singapore). We even got around to buying Chobani yogurt tubs & drinks, because they were so cheap!
You might also consider getting drinks and fruits here because it’s much cheaper than having them in restaurants & cafes.
Visiting South Melbourne Market
Melbourne has no lack of markets for you to visit. While I was not impressed by Queen Victoria Market and its touristy wares, I was actually rather enamoured by South Melbourne Market.
While some people may think that visiting such local markets is a very touristy thing to do (not wrong, since some shops really seem to be catered towards tourists), South Melbourne Market was quite the exception. You can tell that the locals do come here for grocery shopping, buying fresh poultry and seafood, and also having a hearty meal at some of the restaurants around the market.
Read my full review of South Melbourne Market here.
Buying cheap vitamins
No idea why Australia manufactures so many vitamins, but it’s great because you get to stock up on vitamins in Melbourne for cheap!
I had to buy quite a few prenatal vitamins here, and they were definitely cheaper than if I were to buy them in Singapore. I would say maybe about SGD 10 cheaper?
Chemist Warehouse is where most people go to buy their vitamins and other personal care items, although certain vitamins may be cheaper in Coles. So take the time to do your homework!
Spending a full day at Melbourne Museum
I’m a huge fan of visiting museums at every city I visit, but none has impressed me as much as Melbourne Museum has.
At around SGD 10 per person, there is so much to learn and view at this museum that it took us one whole day to view most of the exhibits. And we were still not done by the time it was about to close!
They show everything ranging from Melbourne’s history to dinosaur & insect exhibits. Everything was so deeply fascinating and interactive.
My personal favourite is the Mini Mega Model Museum, though I’m not sure if it’s just a temporary pop-up, so visit it while it’s still on!
Read my full review of Melbourne Museum here.
Learning about wildlife at the Melbourne Zoo
I was actually quite surprised to learn that Melbourne had a zoo that was only 30 min away from the CBD. For a zoo that is located in the city, it was quite comprehensive and didn’t feel too cramped or restrictive. This was despite it being rather crowded from all the visitors.
While they had a lot of animals in residence, many of the animals were busy napping or hibernating during our visit. A bit of a bummer, but maybe you’d have a better experience!
Read my full review of Melbourne Zoo here.
Exploring the aesthetic State Library Victoria (free!)
Most tourists come here for the ‘gram (lots of people posing, pretending to be reading books etc.)
However, the library also hosts some interesting exhibits that you shouldn’t miss out on. We managed to view Beyond the Book: A Digital Journey through the Emmerson Collection, Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis, and Searching for Sanctuary: A journey of survival by Barat Ali Batoor.
The last one on the artist’s journey as a Hazara asylum seeker was very moving – highly, highly recommend!
Celebrating screen culture at ACMI (free!)
I saw lots of good reviews online about this museum and was not disappointed at all!
Priding itself as the museum of screen culture, universe of film, TV, video games and art, it’s one of the BEST displays of the important progress made in this industry.
Bonus: they have a few arcade machines for you to try out the vintage games, including Street Fighter – lots of fun for the whole family!
Read my full review of ACMI here.
Taking free tram rides around the CBD (free!)
Melbourne’s cable tram network is a distinctive feature of the city. We ended up taking the tram throughout the whole time we were in Melbourne, instead of the bus or railway.
The best part? Travelling in the CBD area is actually FREE! You can read more about the Free Tram Zone here.
Catching a show at Regent Theatre
The first activity we booked in Melbourne before our trip was none other than watching Wicked at the Regent Theatre.
The Regent Theatre actually used to be a picture palace built in 1929. It was closed in 1970, but then restored and reopened in 1996 as a live theatre in Collins Street.
It frequently hosts some of the world’s best theatre productions. I strongly encourage checking out what’s on at Regent Theatre during your time in Melbourne!
Admiring art pieces at National Gallery of Victoria (free!)
Founded in 1861, National Gallery Victoria (NGV) is Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum.
The museum boasts a large collection ranging from Asian historical artefacts to modern satirical pieces (like this porcelain burger lol).
It took us very long to go through every single exhibit (at least, I think we managed to). However, it was well worth the visit and time spent!
Learning more about Chinese Australian immigration history
It’s difficult to miss all the Chinese faces you spot walking around Melbourne, and it’s little surprise that the diaspora takes up a huge percentage of the city’s population.
The Museum of the Chinese Australian history is a fascinating look into the origins of Chinese in the country during the gold rush. It also details how they adapted to life in a very foreign land and what the community looks like now.
Popping by The Rose Street Artists’ Market for crafty finds
Check out Melbourne’s best artists, designers, crafters and makers at Fitzroy’s iconic Rose Street Market, which is open only on weekends.
They have everything ranging from small knick-knacks, fashion accessories, to pottery – all proudly hand-made!
Exploring the well-stocked bookstores
This might be a personal favourite, but I LOVED spending time at Melbourne’s bookstores.
From Dymocks at Collins234 (might be the most well-stocked bookstore I’ve visited thus far) to smaller local stores, there’s definitely a book in here that you’ll love.
It might also be a currency thing, but I find that generally most books here are much cheaper than those sold in Singapore and even on Amazon. They also run huge promotions on certain titles, which is worth checking out.
Buying film & cameras at FilmNeverDie
We found this nifty store near our hotel and thought it would be good to check it out, since film was getting difficult (& expensive) to buy in Singapore.
They not only stock the basics (Kodak & Fujifilm), but also some other indie brands.
Developing your film here is also pretty affordable and fast (same day, if not 2-3 days)!
Enjoying cheap K-BBQ buffets
While eating K-BBQ in Singapore can burn a hole in your wallets, the K-BBQ in Melbourne is typically buffet-style – and at between AUD 30 – 50 per person!
They also serve pretty good cuts of beef and pork, sometimes seafood as well, which makes the money spent very worth it.
Relaxing at St Kilda Beach (free!)
St Kilda Beach is Melbourne’s most famous beach! It is typically a buzzing hive of fitness activity and home to a weekly market, the iconic pier and heated Sea Baths.
Even if fitness is not your thing, you can always enjoy a good fish and chips with beer at one of the restaurants along the beach. They’re surprisingly affordable, especially with their special promotions.
Read my full review of St Kilda Beach here.
Strolling down South Wharf (free!)
South Wharf is an inner-city suburb just outside the CBD. A bit similar to Clarke Quay in Singapore, it boasts a beautiful view of the river and is where you can expect to do riverside dining.
Don’t forget to check out DFO South Wharf as well for heavily discounted items from your favourite brands.
Take a one-day tour on the Great Ocean Road
I cheated a little with this one as it’s not technically in Melbourne, but you definitely should take the chance to hit the Great Ocean Road.
It offers most stunning views – and sometimes, you might be able to catch glimpses of koala bears and kangaroos!
Related Posts:
- Melbourne Food Guide 2024 – Cafés, Restaurants, Bars etc.
- The Best Coffee Shops in Melbourne (That Locals Actually Love)
- Top 8 Things to Do in Jeonju (tried & tested!)
- Top 8 things to do in Jeju during winter (tried & tested!)
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FAQ: Best Things to Do in Melbourne
Quick answers to common Melbourne travel questions — tap to expand!
Melbourne is packed with great things to see and do! Classic highlights include exploring the city’s laneways and street art, visiting Queen Victoria Market, wandering along Southbank, discovering coffee culture in Fitzroy and Collingwood, and spending time at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Don’t miss cultural gems like the National Gallery of Victoria or the Melbourne Museum if you’re interested in art and history.
Absolutely! Melbourne is very welcoming for first-time travellers. The city is easy to walk around, has excellent public transport, and there are plenty of attractions for all interests — from food and coffee to art, sport, and nature.
Melbourne’s free tram zone in the CBD makes it very convenient to explore central areas without paying for a ticket. For places further out (like St Kilda, Fitzroy, or the beach suburbs), trains, trams, buses, rideshares, or bikes are all easy options.
Melbourne’s food scene is legendary! Start with market eats at Queen Victoria Market, brunch in laneway cafés, and multicultural dishes in suburbs like Richmond and Footscray. You’ll find excellent espresso everywhere — ask for a “short macchiato” or “flat white” to fit right in! Melbourne also has vibrant night markets and a growing craft beer and cocktail scene.
Yes, generally! Central Melbourne and popular neighbourhoods like Fitzroy, Carlton, and St Kilda are busy and well-lit at night. Standard travel safety tips apply — stay aware of your surroundings, stick to main streets, and keep belongings secure.
Melbourne has a lot to explore even if you only stay 2 or 3 days, but a 4–5 day trip lets you see more neighbourhoods and take day trips to places like the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island (for penguins!) or the Yarra Valley wine region.
Melbourne is famous for “four seasons in one day,” so it’s wise to carry a light jacket and umbrella throughout the year. Even in summer, sudden showers can pop up, and in winter it’s cool and crisp.
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