Melbourne has some of the most funky cities in Australia. Melbourne, with its hip music and cafes as well as its vibrant art scene, is often referred to as the cultural capital of Australia. The narrow streets, which are covered with world-class street artwork, conceal beautiful cafes, beer gardens, and pubs.
It’s my favorite place in the country. You could easily spend a week in this city and never get bored. There is a lot of culture and activities to do, as well as art exhibitions and live music.
Melbourne is a European-style city that attracts backpackers and younger travelers who enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Melbourne is a fun and exciting city with a lot to offer. I have compiled a list of things you can do to plan your trip and save money.
Street Art Tour
A street art tour is a great way to start your vacation. Melbourne Street Art Tours was my personal favorite. The time is expensive at 75 AUD, but it helps to support local artists. I learned a lot about Melbourne’s art scene and gained a deeper understanding of why it attracts artists from all over the world. This tour is fantastic.
Take a walking tour of the city for free if you are on a budget. I’m Free Walking Tours provides a variety of free walking tours to give you an educational and fun introduction to the city. You will learn about the city, and you’ll have access to a local expert guide who can answer your questions. Don’t forget to tip the manual when you finish!
Catch a Moonlight Movie at the Park
The Royal Botanic Gardens hosts nightly films (mostly Hollywood blockbusters) during the summer. Bring your food, drinks, and alcohol to enjoy a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Imagine going to a drive-in but without a car. Check the weather and bring a blanket or sweater to sit on (it can be chilly at times). If it rains heavily, they will cancel the event. However, if there is only a drizzle or rain, they won’t. So bring a raincoat (or reschedule if necessary) in case of bad weather.
Wander Queen Victoria Market
The largest outdoor market in the Southern Hemisphere. The market is divided into indoor and outdoor sections and occupies two city blocks. It’s a mixture of food vendors and knickknack sellers — think of it as a combination of a flea market and a food market. The food hall is the most popular during the week. However, on weekends, outdoor vendors fill the space.
Swords Wines offers free samples in the food court. The staff is friendly, and the wine prices are reasonable (I purchased two bottles to enjoy in the park). Don’t forget the jam donuts. The jam donuts have been there for more than 50 years.
Summer Night Market is a must-see during the warmer months. The popular night market is open every Wednesday between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. (November 23 to March 15). Live music and a variety of food stalls are available for free.
Visit the State Library of Victoria
The State Library of Victoria, a historical institution, welcomes more than 8 million visitors each year. The library was built in 1856 and has evolved into a venue that is a pride of the city. You’ll find a long line of people waiting to grab the desks before they open. It’s not worth missing the famous central dome, with its octagonal form, dark wood furniture, and book-lined wall.
City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram offers a free service that allows you to hop on and off at any of Melbourne’s major attractions. The route includes Federation Square as well as the Old Treasury Building and Parliament House. The commentary is recorded as you stop or pass by places of cultural, architectural, or historical significance. This is a fun, free way to get to know the city and see its main attractions without spending any money.
Relaxation in Federation Square
Federation Square is located directly across from Flinders Street Station and along the route for the free City Circle Train. This open square, which spans 8 acres, was opened in 1968 and is a great place to people watch. It’s a great place to eat lunch and watch the city. There are also several restaurants and bars located on the river below the square. There are also many different events in the summer.
Visit the National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Australia, located in Federation Square, is Australia’s largest, oldest, and most visited art museum (over 3,000,000 people see it each year). Over 75,000 pieces of art are on display, including sculptures, paintings, and aboriginal and Indigenous artists’ works. In a few hours, you can see almost everything. This is one of the most popular free activities in the entire city.
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Gardens is an 86-acre garden that contains over 8,500 plant species from around the world, including trees, shrubs, and flowers. One of my favorite things to do in Melbourne is wander and hang out at the Royal Botanic Gardens. The city center is within walking distance, and it’s a great place to relax, read, and stroll around. The main visitor center offers free guided tours or audio tours.
Admire Flinders Street Station
Flinders Street Station, which was opened in 1854 and is a popular meeting place for central Melbourne residents, is a landmark. Victorian architecture, large clock faces, and a Victorian style characterize the station. In the 1920s, it was the world’s busiest station. It is now the most active station for suburban trains in the Southern Hemisphere.
Enjoy the cafe Scene
Although I am not a coffee lover (I prefer tea), it is a fact that this city has a strong cafe and coffee culture. Even though I’m not a coffee drinker (tea all the way! ), it was clear that this city’s cafe culture and coffee culture is ingrained in its very soul. Everybody loves to drink coffee and snacks in a cafe while working or chatting. Melbourne’s version of flat white is the ‘Magic.’ It has espresso coffee but less milk added than a café latte and less foam than a cappuccino. This Melbourne version of the Flat White is Sydney’s (although Kiwis dispute this).
Please take a tour of the cafes with Café Culture Walk and learn why Melbournians enjoy their restaurants. Then, spend an afternoon reading a book in your new favorite restaurant.