Do you need the best bucket list ideas for the Melbourne trip? To make your journey more comfortable, we’ve come with 12 best things to see in Melbourne city if you are planning for fun, exciting and offbeat experiences on your Melbourne trip.
Melbourne, the second-largest city in Australia, and it is the capital of Victoria; being one of the most European cities in Australia, Melbourne, is a picturesque place with so much to offer to visitors.
Additionally, the city is a dynamic metropolis, with an exciting city centre, lush green parks, and mountain ranges where you can enjoy Australian nature at its finest.
It has been voted the world’s most livable city seven years in a row, and it is undoubtedly a beautiful destination for both foreign and interstate visitors.
The immense tram network of Melbourne offers a free city circle that takes you to the majority of Melbourne’s attractions.
With that said, here are our top suggestions for actually unique things to do in Melbourne that will give you a little more perception of this beautiful city.
And maybe you’ll get a few ideas for your next trip to Melbourne! Furthermore, just to help you out, we’ve tried to add the best places to stay in Melbourne.
Now that you’re thinking about what to do in Melbourne, you can’t go wrong with these places!
12 Best Things to See in Melbourne City
1- Royal Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are on top of the list of best things to see in Melbourne city and are probably the most famous of the places to visit in Melbourne.
Botanic Gardens are situated in the heart of Melbourne; moreover, it provides a peaceful environment, tranquillity, and greenery, located outside the hustle and bustle of the city.
They cover 36 hectares, which bend towards the river with trees, garden beds, lakes and lawns with over 8,500 plant types, a mix of Australian species and exotic.
The gardens are a popular spot for visitors to attract nearly two million visitors each year.
The entrance of the gardens is free, and with many events occurring in the gardens year, it is today an international draw card.
The gardens are a beautiful place to explore a vast range of plants, also escape the bustle of the city, or to have a picnic.
Make sure that when you are in Melbourne, you take some time out to visit them yourself.
Book Here the Melbourne Hop on Hop off Bus Tour, Enjoy the Best of Views of City
2- Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo opened in 1862 and held the distinction of being Australia’s oldest zoo. It is located within Royal Parkville, which is approximately 4 kilometres north of the centre.
The zoo is home to more than 320 animal species from all around the world, most of which are free to roam in areas that mimic their own natural habitats.
Undoubtedly, It is one of the greatest attractions in Melbourne.
Melbourne zoo welcomes you to have a great wildlife experience, and it is the places where you can spot the best Australian, Southeast Asian, and African wildlife.
They have got Koala, Wombats, Kangaroo, Tiger, Elephants, Baboons, Meerkat, Giraffe as well as Zebra, also the most significant animal Rhino and many more animals.
You can meet all the incredible animals in Melbourne zoo.
Note: The zoo is only limited up to 2500 visitors per day. All zoo visitors require booking an online ticket in advance.
3- Enjoy The View From Eureka Tower Sky deck
Eureka Tower is a skyscraper standing at 298 meters, locates in South Bank in Melbourne City.
In the last ten floors of the building, the observatory deck “Eureka Skydeck 88” takes up one level.
And it is known as the Melbourne’s highest viewing spot from the top in the Southern Hemisphere since the building had publically opened in 2006.
Some of the windows are lined with real 24-carat cold, symbolizing the historic Eureka Stockade gold miner’s rebellion in Australian history.
When Eureka Tower was finished, it was the biggest residential building in the world currently it is a residential building with the most floors in the world.
The Skydeck contains 30 viewing points to help visitors identify lots of important moments in Melbourne together with many free binoculars, which makes it one of the best things to do in Melbourne city.
Book Your Ticket to Eureka Tower Skydeck for Best Views
4- Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Melbourne
The hot air balloon ride is an excellent addition to the list of things to see in Melbourne city. It is a peaceful but most thrilling and unforgettable experience you can ever have.
Besides the occasional burst of flame to gain altitude, it’s an incredibly quiet experience.
There is so much to see and no barrier between you and seeing a beautiful landscape.
Melbourne sunrise balloon ride will make it easy to see the magnificent aerial views of the city and suburbs.
Also, you will see the sights of Melbourne that very few people have seen in the morning.
The one-hour hot air balloon ride is a well worth experience as you will enjoy the breathtaking views during this peaceful flight.
And if you are a photographer, there are many opportunities to take the best shots moreover the balloon tour ends with the glass of Champaign and includes breakfast.
Book Here the Ticket of Melbourne Hot Air Balloon Tour Today
5- Melbourne Free City Circle Tram
Melbourne has the most extensive urban streetcar network. It has over 250 km of track over 500 trams, over 24 routs, 1763 stops, and two hundred million passengers a year ride these trams.
But if you are riding them just within the city centre, they are entirely free.
Which means if you are riding within the Central Business District, just get on and then get off you don’t need to pay and you don’t need to tap anything.
Tram No.35 City Circle, hop on this free service anywhere and anytime to see the sights of Melbourne.
The City Circle route is serviced by world-class heritage trams that run every 12 minutes and 48 minutes entire loop.
The free trams are the best for tourists because they have the audio guide and tell you what you are looking at, and it takes you to the majority attractions of the city.
Including Melbourne Zoo, Docklands, Federation Square, City Museum, Aquarium, Parliament House, and goes on.
It is one of the free things to do in Melbourne! It does not get much better than that.
6- Dandenong Ranges National Park
The Dandenong Ranges is a picturesque mountain range on the outskirt of Melbourne, and it is a perfect place for walkers, cyclists, hikers nature loves, and bird watchers.
Kookaburras, Cockatoos, Crimson Rosella, and other native birds call this place home.
Additionally, this park has many clear water streams, waterfalls, lush green landscape, and a large scale of hiking trails.
There are also more than 400 species of plants in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Moreover, the park is a tranquil escape in less than an hour from the central business district of Melbourne, and the whole environment is really good for the body and soul.
You can be in this beautiful tall majestic mountain forest or also called ancient cool temperature rainforest, surrounded by tree ferns and beautiful sassafras blinds.
Book a Train Tour Passing Through Dandenong Ranges National Park
7- Queen Victoria Market
This is another significant attraction in Melbourne and the only remaining 19th-century market in Central Melbourne.
Queen Vic Market is actually the place of wholesale fruit and vegetable market and livestock market.
It’s a massive open-air market located in Southern Hemisphere; the market is open every day of the week excluding Mondays and Wednesdays.
The market is fully crowded at night time, it’s great to see the people of all cultures and backgrounds here, and they have got all types of food here.
In fact, it’s an important food hub in Melbourne!
Moreover, on Wednesday evening in summer months, there is a night market that offers dining, bars, live entertainment.
And a variety of other stalls such as clothes, shoes, accessories, electronics, and much more.
8- What to do in Melbourne? Explore Fitzroy Gardens
Every year Fitzroy Garden is visited by over two million people, including locals and international visitors because this garden is one of the major attractions in Melbourne City.
The most distinct features of this garden are the beautiful trees that have been planted along the pathway.
In this garden, some trees are native Australian like the flame tree and the spotted gum.
The river fountain is one of the first significant sculpture in this garden, and here you will see a man carrying an open clamshell on his shoulders.
Furthermore, The conservatory inside Fitzroy Garden is the favourite tourist activity in Melbourne; it provides a tackle of floral display.
This tiny building measures 30 by 50 there are five separate displays.
And each year the shows are admired by tourist, schools and anyone who want to immerse themselves in a moment of floral beauty.
Another famous place to visit is Captain Cooks’ Cottage situated near to The Conservatory.
Book Your Ticket to Melbourne Complete City Waking Tour
9- Melbourne Roof Top
We love a rooftop bar with great views of the city in a peaceful environment because it is more fun drinking on a rooftop.
Melbourne city has many spots for a drink under the sun or the starry sky.
From the city’s hotspots to the beautiful suburbs, the Melbourne Rooftop Bar offers the magnificent views that you shouldn’t miss.
Below are some of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne and definitely worth a visit.
– Good Heavens
– The Rooftop at QT
– Rooftop Bar
– Johnny’s Green Room
– Imperial Hotel
– Palmz Rooftop Bar
10- Go on Yarra River Cruise
Still, wondering where to go in Melbourne? Well, one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Melbourne is by the Yarra river cruise (as in this photo). An incredible view, isn’t it?
Exploring the city by foot is a better way, but sometimes it can be tiresome for some visitors
Therefore, taking the Yarra cruise offers stunning views of Melbourne and its major attractions.
Also, it offers picturesque scenery because the cruise will take you through the famous sights and attractions.
And help you to discover the city in a distinct way that you have never seen before.
Moreover, the tour is full of fantastic views you will feel the beautiful fresh air, the sound of water and unobstructed views to take a lot of photos.
Yarra river cruise is one of the best things to see in Melbourne City. This cruise tour is a favourite activity of couples, social gatherings, or friends.
Book your ticket here for the Yarra River Cruise, quick and easy purchase
11- Penguin Spotting in Melbourne
Did you know you can see the Penguins in Melbourne, and that is free of cost?
Head to ST. Kilda in Port Philip which is a popular place for spotting the fairy penguins known as the world smallest Penguins.
Best of all, you don’t need to book a tour or pay to watch these penguins. They live in a smaller colony on St. Kilda Pier, home to 1,400 little penguins.
Penguins usually can be spotted before sunrise when they head to sea or after sunset when they are ready to come back to the colonies.
However, the best time to see the penguins is during the sunset because you have enough light, unlike sunrise as they leave very early, and you will not be able to see them due to the low light of the moon only.
Also, during sunset, the St. Kilda gets packed with visitors, so you better come a little early and get the right place.
Penguin spotting is one of the best things to see in Melbourne city.
Book Here the Ticket to Philip Island Wildlife Tour
12- National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria, generally known as NGV, is an art museum in Melbourne, which is Australia’s oldest, largest, and most visit art museum since 1861.
Every year NGV is visited by over three million visitors and has 77,000 objects.
NGV is a world of beauty, art, and creativity. In this stunning museum, you can view exhibitions and permanent collections by local artists as well as international artists.
Apart from its permanent collections, there are exhibitions and special events such as the annual Melbourne winter masterpieces series.
The museum’s collections are in two buildings, the Ian Potter Center in Federation Square and the main building to St. Kilda Road, both sites are daily open.
Where to stay in Melbourne
If you are visiting Melbourne for the first time and don’t know where to stay? Dont worry, I have done some hard work for you to choose the best hotel to stay in.
Since Melbourne is a major tourist city in Australia, it has many options for hotel and accommodation with all the facilities.
Including Wi-Fi, spacious room, air-condition, perfect location, free parking, excellent customer service, and breakfast.
Click on the Hotel name to check out the availability and rates on Booking.com.
You can book in advance to get the best price on rooms, easy booking, low cost, and free cancellation.
1- Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne (Luxury Hotel)
This is a luxury city centre with an impressive look and even better location, with many famous tourist landmarks such as the Melbourne Central, sea life Melbourne and the Royal Exhibition Building.
The hotel offers smoke-free guest rooms with comfortable amenities.
That includes a restaurant, bar in the lounge, indoor pool, rooftop terrace, breakfast available fitness centre, parking, 24 hours front desk service, housekeeping, free Wi-Fi, babysitting or child care, as well as a private bathroom.
The rooms are well designed and fantastic city views, you can choose yours from various options. This hotel is special in its own way.
Click here for the availability of rooms and the latest price.
2- Great Southern Hotel Melbourne (Budget Hotel)
This is a very modern, stylish, and conveniently located in a central neighborhood, and it has easy access to the metro.
The Hotel has spacious, neat and tidy rooms with comfortable beds.
The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne has 7k+ reviews from visitors worldwide for its outstanding service and CBD location in the southern bank.
Rooms are equipped with all the great amenities such as modern shower, hairdryer, coffee, iron, and 24hrs security.
Click here for the availability of rooms and the latest price.
3- Best Western Melbourne City (budget Hotel)
It is another budget hotel in the heart of Melbourne; they have modern rooms and an excellent everyday room cleaning service.
Moreover, the Hotel is close to Sothern Cross tram station, and it is an excellent place to explore the city by train.
Also, they have café and a restaurant in a lounge the Hotel offers breakfast and much-needed amenities, with over 1k reviews it is an excellent choice of backpackers, solo travellers, and budget travellers.
It is one of the pet-friendly hotels in Melbourne, so carrying your best friend is not a problem anymore in Best Western Melbourne City Hotel.
Click here for booking and the latest price.
4- The Victoria Hotel (Budget Hotel)
If you’re searching where to stay in Melbourne on a budget near to train station and significant Melbourne attractions? Check out the Victoria Hotel!
It is an incredible place to stay on a budget, and they offer a clean and spacious room with a huge bathroom the hotel staff is accommodating and welcoming.
Rooms are much cleaner; views are great with excellent front desk service. Victoria Hotel is undoubtedly excellent value for money with over 7k+ reviews from visitors around the world.
For room booking and latest price click here.
5- ibis Melbourne Central (Budget Hotel)
If you are looking for a budget as well as a comfortable room, then you cannot go wrong with ibis Melbourne Hotel.
Located in the heart of CBD, the Hotel features many needed amenities like Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, and a gym.
You can always count on top-notch customer service when you stay at ibis Melbourne Central, spacious rooms, neat and clean atmosphere.
Furthermore, the Hotel provides the service of organizing tours; a taxi is available just outside also walking distance to all the major attractions.
The Hotel is surrounded by many restaurants, supermarkets, bars, and shops.
Don’t miss the chance; check here the availability and latest price.
Conclusion:
These are all great things to do in Melbourne you cannot go wrong with this list of things to see in Melbourne city and hotels to stay in Melbourne.
Melbourne has so much to see and do for everyone; visitors can enjoy the views from high altitude on a rooftop bar, enjoy local foods, celebrate festivals, and explore museums, culture, and friendly locals.
Finally, if you have any other suggestions? Let me know in the comments.
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