Stroll through its cobblestone laneways, lined with street art and buzzing coffee shops, where the air is thick with the scent of freshly brewed espresso and the chatter of locals enjoying their laid-back lifestyle. Today, it's a city that seamlessly blends its rich historical roots with a thriving food scene, making it a perfect destination for both cultural exploration and culinary adventures.
Do Melbourne the way locals do: start slow at Dandenong Ranges National Park, eat where the regulars do at Thai Town Melbourne, let the evening run long at State of Grace.
Top things to do in Melbourne
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Queen Victoria Market
Longtime market selling food, clothing & more in a historic landmark spanning 2 city blocks.
Check tours & tickets2
National Gallery of Victoria
Public gallery with vast, varied collection of noted Australian and international art and artefacts.
Check tours & tickets3
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens
36-hectare botanic garden founded in 1846, planted with Australian species and non-native gardens.
Check tours & tickets4
Melbourne Museum
Modern building of an institution founded in 1854 containing dinosaur and regional history exhibits.
Check tours & tickets5
Carlton Gardens
Landscaped Victorian-era park now containing the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum.
Check tours & tickets6
Melbourne Skydeck
Gold-plated observation deck on the 88th floor with panoramic city views & a protruding glass cube.
Check tours & tickets7
Puffing Billy Railway
Historic 1900 steam train with open-air carriages & routes within the scenic Dandenong Ranges.
Check tours & tickets8
Fitzroy Gardens
Historic 26-hectare site in city centre with model Tudor village, tree-lined walking paths & cafes.
Check tours & tickets9
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Interactive multilevel aquarium housing 10,000+ animals, including sharks & saltwater crocodiles.
Check tours & tickets10
ACMI
Noteworthy institution celebrating film, television and gaming with exhibits, screenings and events.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Thai Town Melbourne
Curries, noodles & other Thai street-food style dishes presented in a kitschy, vibrant setting.
Website12
The George on Collins
Contemporary dishes with an Asian-inspired twist in an upmarket restaurant & bar.
Website13
Dodee Paidang
Bustling eatery dishing up classic Thai street food, including curries, noodles & whole fish soup.
Website14
Supernormal
Communal benches & an open kitchen create a buzzy setting for Asian-inspired cuisine.
Website15
Bourke Street Mall
Lively pedestrian- & tram-only road lined with department stores, boutiques & eateries.
Website16
Pastuso
Peruvian bar and grill with dark wood and geometric tiles, for ceviche and pisco-based cocktails.
Website17
Chin Chin
Relaxed restaurant with an Asian-inspired menu & local art exhibits above a cocktail bar with DJs.
Website18
The Hardware Société
French toast and baked eggs are staples at this compact, rustic-chic breakfast cafe with warm vibe.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Melbourne
Advertisement
Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Go West Tours
Check tours & tickets20
Bunyip Tours - Sightseeing Melbourne
Check tours & tickets21
Welcome to Travel | Melbourne
Check tours & tickets22
ON A BOAT
Check tours & tickets23
Melbourne River Cruises
Yarra River cruises passing major Melbourne landmarks, plus trips to colonial-era Williamstown.
Check tours & tickets24
Spirit Of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Dandenong Ranges National Park
This scenic forested area filled with birds offers multi-use trails, picnic areas & a playground.
Website26
Brimbank Park
Bird-filled green space with trails for walking & cycling, plus a river, playground & picnic areas.
Website27
Warrandyte State Park
Riverside park with leafy trails & wildlife including kangaroos, popular for bushwalking & canoeing.
Website28
Darebin Parklands
Walking & biking trails among wattle trees, gum trees & creeks, plus picnic areas with BBQ stations.
Website29
Newport Lakes Reserve
Tranquil, bird-rich parklands with walking tracks, lakes & kids' play equipment, plus BBQ spots.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
State of Grace
Restaurant and cellar bar with kitsch decor including a mounted giraffe, for Modern European food.
Website31
Section 8
Buzzy open-air bar with drinks served from a shipping container, DJs and graffiti-covered walls.
Website32
Beneath Driver Lane
Cocktails, spirits & French bites in an old-timey underground hangout with live music on weekends.
Website33
Everything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
The whole guide on one map
Every numbered pick above, pinned. Tap to pan, zoom, and plot your day.
SightsFoodToursOutdoorsAfter dark
Tips from travelers
No tips yet. Been to Melbourne? Yours goes first.
Roam planner Turn this into your personalized Melbourne itinerary Build my Melbourne dayMore guides
Some links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.