Welcome to Melbourne: Australia’s Cultural Capital
Melbourne doesn’t need to shout—it whispers, and you’re hooked. It’s not about beaches or postcard landmarks; it’s about stumbling into a hidden bar, overhearing a busker’s melody, or sipping a flat white that redefines coffee. I’ve called Melbourne home, and every laneway feels like a story waiting to unfold. This 7-day guide is your key to the city’s soul—its art, music, food, and creative chaos. From Fitzroy’s gritty galleries to the Yarra’s floating bars, let’s explore the Melbourne locals love.
Whether you’re here for the coffee, the culture, or just to feel the city’s pulse, this itinerary blends must-dos with offbeat gems. Get ready to say “Melb’n” like you mean it.
Where to Stay: Heart of the Action
For first-timers, Melbourne’s CBD is the place to be. You’re steps from free trams, Flinders Street Station, and the Yarra River, with bars, cafes, and galleries at every turn. Fitzroy or Southbank are great alternatives—both are a quick tram ride away and packed with vibe. I once stayed in a tiny Southbank apartment, waking up to skyline views and walking to laneway cafes in minutes.
Skip St Kilda unless you’re set on backpacker vibes. Its beach is overhyped—muddy water and crowds don’t scream “paradise.” For real coastal beauty, save your energy for a day trip to Sorrento or Portsea, but you’ll need a car for that.
- QT Melbourne: A quirky, art-filled hotel in the CBD with rooftop drinks. Rooms from A$200–A$350/night, perfect for couples or solo travelers.
- Space Hotel: Budget-friendly in the CBD with dorms (A$40–A$60) and private rooms (A$100–A$150). Rooftop gym and central location are big wins.
- Airbnb in Fitzroy: Cozy apartments near Brunswick Street. Expect A$120–A$200/night for a studio with local charm.
Pro Tip: Get a myki card (A$6, plus top-up) for trams, trains, and buses. The CBD’s Free Tram Zone saves cash, but tap on/off outside it. Melbourne’s weather flips fast—pack layers and a collapsible umbrella.
Your 7-Day Melbourne Itinerary
Day 1: Laneways, Lattes & Laneway Bars
Kick off in the CBD’s laneways, Melbourne’s beating heart. Wander Hosier Lane for vibrant street art—graffiti changes weekly, so it’s always fresh. Grab a flat white at Dukes Coffee Roasters (A$5–A$6); their single-origin brews are a local obsession. Get lost in Degraves Street or Centre Place, where cafes spill onto cobblestones and buskers strum.
Evening means Eau De Vie, a hidden speakeasy in Malthouse Lane. Look for the unmarked door—inside, it’s 1920s New York with killer cocktails (A$20–A$25). I sipped a smoked whiskey sour here once, feeling like a mobster. Book ahead; it’s intimate. Budget A$30–A$50 for drinks and snacks—this is Melbourne’s welcome.
Insider Tip: Laneways are busiest at lunch (12–2 PM). Explore early or late for quieter vibes. Wear comfy shoes—cobblestones aren’t heel-friendly.
Day 2: Fitzroy, Melbourne’s Creative Soul
Take tram 11 or 96 to Fitzroy (A$5 with myki, free from CBD edge). Brunch at Proud Mary on Oxford Street—try the potato hash with poached eggs (A$20–A$25). Then hit Brunswick Street for vintage shops like Hunter Gatherer and quirky bookstores. Pop into NGV Australia at Federation Square for Indigenous art if you’re nearby (free entry).
Evening is for Naked for Satan in Fitzroy. The rooftop has skyline views, and downstairs, buy a drink to score A$4 pintxos (mini pizzas, sliders). Later, catch live music at Bar Open—think indie bands or jazz in a divey setting (free or A$10 cover). I caught a local act here once, and the crowd’s energy was electric.
Day 3: Parks, History & Floating Bars
Start slow at Fitzroy Gardens, a green oasis east of the CBD (tram 48 or 75, A$5). Visit Cook’s Cottage (A$8), a quirky reconstruction of Captain Cook’s UK home. It’s small but oddly charming—I loved the 18th-century vibe. Stroll through the gardens’ massive trees and flowerbeds.
Walk along the Yarra River to Ponyfish Island, a bar floating under a bridge. Grab a craft beer (A$10–A$12) and soak in city views. It’s a summer staple—I spent an afternoon here with mates, watching boats glide by. Dinner at Chin Chin in Flinders Lane (A$30–A$50 pp) for bold Asian fusion—book early.
Day 4: Abbotsford Convent & Rowboat Romance
Head to Studley Park Boathouse (tram 16 to Kew, then bus 200/207, A$5–A$7 total). Rent a wooden rowboat (A$40/hour for two) and float along the Yarra—it’s pure romance or just plain fun. I rowed here with a friend, laughing as we dodged ducks. Nearby, Abbotsford Convent is a historic gem with gardens, an animal farm, and cafes like Lentil as Anything (pay-what-you-feel vegetarian, A$10–A$20).
Back in the CBD, dine at Cumulus Inc. for modern Australian dishes (A$40–A$60 pp). The open kitchen and buzz make it a Melbourne classic.
Day 5: Live Music & Late Nights
Melbourne’s music scene shines at Cherry Bar in AC/DC Lane. This gritty rock venue (A$10–A$20 cover) hosts local bands or DJs spinning classics. It’s had visits from rock legends but stays low-key—I caught a punk set here that had the crowd roaring. Drinks are A$10–A$15.
Keep the night going at Heartbreaker in the CBD, a retro dive with jukebox tunes and cheap whiskey (A$8–A$12). It’s less polished than Eau De Vie but all fun. Expect to spend A$20–A$40 for the night.
Day 6: Coastal Escape to Sorrento or Portsea
Rent a car (A$50–A$80/day) and drive 1.5–2 hours to Sorrento or Portsea on the Mornington Peninsula. These beaches have clear water and coastal cliffs—way better than St Kilda. Swim, hike the Millionaires Walk, or lunch at Sorrento Hotel (A$20–A$40 pp). I spent a day here swimming and felt worlds away from the city.
Alternatively, take the Sorrento–Queenscliff ferry (A$24 one-way, 40 minutes) to explore Bellarine Peninsula. Back in Melbourne, grab dinner at Supernormal in the CBD for Asian-inspired dishes (A$30–A$50 pp).
Day 7: Art, Shopping & Chill
Spend your final day at Southbank or the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) (free for general entry, A$20–A$30 for exhibitions). Wander Queen Victoria Market for souvenirs (A$5–A$20) or snacks like hot jam donuts (A$2). I always grab a coffee at the market’s Market Lane (A$5).
End with a meal in Chinatown at ShanDong MaMa for handmade dumplings (A$15–A$25 pp). If the sun’s out, one last drink at Ponyfish Island seals the week with Yarra views.
See Melbourne Through My Eyes
A Melbourne City Walkthrough my YouTube channel for updates.
Common Tourist Mistakes to Avoid
Melbourne’s easygoing, but a few slip-ups can derail your trip:
- Expecting Beach Vibes: Melbourne’s not Sydney. St Kilda’s beach is average—save your beach day for Sorrento or Portsea.
- Tram Fares: The CBD’s Free Tram Zone is great, but tap your myki outside it (A$5/trip). Inspectors are strict—fines start at A$200.
- Ignoring Weather: “Four seasons in a day” is real. Pack a jacket and check the forecast; summer can hit 40°C, winter dips to 5°C.
- Skipping Reservations: Popular spots like Chin Chin or Eau De Vie book out. Reserve 1–2 weeks ahead, especially weekends.
- Pronouncing It Wrong: Say “Melb’n” to blend in. “Mel-bourne” screams tourist.
Pro Tip: If you’re lost in the laneways, look for street signs on walls. Google Maps can lag in the CBD’s narrow alleys.
Bonus Tips for Your Melbourne Adventure
- Public Transport: Download the PTV app for tram, train, and bus times. A myki card (A$6) is essential; top up at 7-Eleven or stations.
- Tipping: Not mandatory, but rounding up (e.g., A$22 to A$25) for great service is common. Baristas don’t expect tips.
- Coffee Culture: Order a “flat white” or “long black” to sound local. Cafes open early (7 AM); try Seven Seeds for a morning hit (A$5–A$6).
- Events: Check What’s On Melbourne for festivals, gigs, or markets. Summer brings open-air cinemas; winter has art biennales.
- Stay Curious: Melbourne rewards exploration. Chat with baristas, follow a mural to a hidden bar, or join a market crowd—that’s where the city shines.
Final thought: Melbourne’s a city of layers—history behind cafes, music in basements, and stories in every laneway. It’s not about beaches (go to Sydney for that). It’s about culture, character, and coffee that’ll ruin you for anywhere else. Wander, sip, listen, and let Melbourne unfold. You’ll leave planning your next trip.