Melbourne
Popular Melbourne Hotels
Melbourne Travel Guide
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Victoria, located in the southeastern part of the country. It is situated on the southeastern coast of Port Philip Bay, near the mouth of the Yarra River. The city has a rich cultural heritage, known for its vibrant cultural scene, historic landmarks, and modern attractions.
Things To Know Before Going To Melbourne
- Melbourne is known for having four seasons in one day
- Summers can be hot with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F)
- Melbourne has an extensive public transport system
- The city is bike-friendly with numerous cycling paths.
- The city is diverse, with a rich mix of cultures
- The city takes its coffee seriously, so do not miss trying the local coffee shops
- Tipping is not mandatory in Australia but appreciated for exceptional service.
- The city hosts major sporting events like the Australia Open, Melbourne Cup, and AFL Grand Final
- Tap water is safe to drink
- Australia uses type I plugs with a standard voltage of 230V
- Melbourne’s dining scene is diverse and high-quality.
Where is Melbourne?
Melbourne is located in the southeastern part of mainland Australia, within the state of Victoria. It sits at the head of Port Philip Bay, which is a large bay opening into the Bass Strait.
Where To Stay In Melbourne?
Here is a quick table highlighting various districts in Melbourne:
| District | Best For | Best Attractions | Average Trip Cost (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD (Central Business District) | Sightseeing Shopping Dining | Federation Square Flinders Street Station Queen Victoria Market Eureka Skydeck | $150 - $200 |
| Southbank | Arts, Nightlife River Views | National Gallery of Victoria Crown Casino Yarra River Melbourne Arts Centre | $150 - $250 |
| Fitzroy | Alternative Culture Nightlife Cafes | Brunswick Street Rose Street Artists' Market Melbourne Museum | $100 - $150 |
| St Kilda | Beach Relaxation Cafes | St Kilda Beach Luna Park Acland Street St Kilda Pier | $100 - $150 |
| Carlton | Italian Cuisine Gardens | Lygon Street Royal Exhibition Building Carlton Gardens | $100 - $150 |
| South Yarra | Shopping Dining Parks | Chapel Street Royal Botanic Gardens Como House | $150 - $200 |
| Docklands | Waterfront Views Modern Architecture | Melbourne Star Observation Wheel Docklands Stadium The District Docklands | $150 - $200 |
| Richmond | Sports Shopping | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Bridge Road Victoria Street | $100 - $150 |
| Prahran | Trendy Shops Cafes Markets | Chapel Street Prahran Market Greville Street | $100 - $150 |
| Brunswick | Multicultural Food Nightlife | Sydney Road Brunswick Street CERES Community Environment Park | $100 - $150 |
Best Hotels In Melbourne
| Hotel | Category | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Towers Melbourne | Luxury | Southbank | Opulent hotel with lavish rooms Fine dining and a casino |
| QT Melbourne | Luxury Boutique | CBD | Stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop bar Quirky design elements |
| Space Hotel | Budget | CBD | Affordable modern hostel with private and shared rooms Rooftop terrace |
| Park Hyatt Melbourne | Romantic | East Melbourne | Luxurious rooms Spa and beautiful gardens Ideal for couples |
| Ovolo Laneways | Boutique | CBD | Trendy boutique hotel with artistic design Complimentary mini-bar |
| Rydges Melbourne | Business | CBD | Modern business hotel with conference facilities Near Parliament House |
| Novotel Melbourne on Collins | Family-Friendly | CBD | Spacious family rooms An indoor pool Centrally located |
| The Langham, Melbourne | Near Attractions | Southbank | Luxury hotel with stunning Yarra River views Close to Federation Square and NGV |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne | Near Public Transport | CBD | Close to Flinders Street Station Modern amenities and great views |
| Quest Melbourne Airport | Extended Stay | Melbourne Airport | Apartment-style rooms with kitchen facilities Ideal for longer stays |
| Alto Hotel on Bourke | Eco-Friendly | CBD | Comfortable rooms Close to major attractions |
| Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport | Near Airport | Melbourne Airport | Convenient location Free shuttle service Comfortable and modern amenities |
Get ready for your Melbourne adventure by finding all cheap Melbourne hotels with just one click!
Best Melbourne Attractions
- Melbourne Skydeck: Offers stunning 360-degree views of the city
- Royal Botanic Gardens: A must-visit for nature lovers
- Old Melbourne Gaol: A historic bluestone prison that operated from 1841 to 1929
- Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium: Features a variety of exhibits showcasing marine life from around Australia and the world.
- Melbourne Zoo: Home to over 320 animal species from Australia and around the world.
Is Melbourne Safe?
Yes, Melbourne is generally considered a very safe city for visitors. Melbourne has been ranked in the top 10 safest cities in the world. The city boasts relatively low violent crime rates compared to other major metropolises.
Is Melbourne Expensive To Visit?
Melbourne can be a moderately priced city to visit, but it depends on your travel style and priorities. It is possible to visit on a budget by being strategic with accommodation, dining, and activities. The city’s many free attractions and public transport options help make it accessible to travelers on a range of budgets.
Currency Of Melbourne, Australia
The currency of Melbourne, and all of Australia, is the Australian Dollar (AUD). it comes in both polymer notes and coins.
Spoken Languages In Melbourne
Melbourne is a very multicultural city, reflected in the variety of languages spoken. English is the dominant language in Melbourne, used in government, education, and media. Mandarin is the most common language spoken at home besides English, followed by languages like Cantonese, Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Filipino.
How Many Days Are Enough To Visit Melbourne?
While 3 days may suffice for a quick visit to Melbourne’s city center, allocating at least 5 to 7 days would allow for a more immersive exploration of the city and its surrounding attractions, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience.
What To Do In Melbourne?
Melbourne is a city that offers something for everyone, from art and culture lovers to foodies and outdoors enthusiasts. Here are some ideas on how to spend your time in thie amazing city:
- Explore the city center
- Get lost in the laneways
- Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens
- Go on a day trip
- Catch a game
- Indulge in the food scene
- See a show
- Go shopping
- Relax on the beach
- Take a walk or bike ride
Best Time To Visit Melbourne
Here is the overall for the best times to visit Melbourne in different aspects:
- Best weather: autumn (March-May) or spring (September - November)
- Fewer crowds: winter (June - August) or shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November)
- Best deals: the cheapest time to visit Melbourne is Winter (June-August)
Packing List For Melbourne
Here’s a shorter list of the most important items to pack for a trip to Melbourne:
- Essentials
- Passport and visa (if required)
- Credit cards and cash
- Travel insurance documents
- Flight tickets and itinerary
- Hotel reservations
- Clothing
- Layered clothing (T-shirts, sweaters, light jackets)
- Comfortable pants and jeans
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Dressier outfit (dress or collared shirt)
- Swimwear
- Sleepwear
- Accessories
- Umbrella
- Hat and sunglasses
- Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Electronics
- Smartphone and charger
- Travel adapter (type I plugs with 230V)
- Health and Safety
- Face masks and hand sanitizer
- Prescription medications
- Miscellaneous
- Backpack or daypack
- Refillable water bottle
Best Melbourne Foods
Here are some of the must-try Melbourne foods:
- Coffee: Melbourne is considered the coffee capital of Australia, and for good reason
- Dim Sim: Melbourne’s Chinatown is famous for its take on dim sim, a Chinese-inspired steamed od fried dumping
- Lamp & Cucumber: a traditional Melbourne dish with grilled lamb served with roasted cucumber hearts and wide beans.
- Khanom Jeen: this northern Thai noodle dish
- Pizza: Melbourne is known for its delicious pizza, with a wide variety of toppings to choose from.
- Souvlaki: a Greek staple, souvlaki are skewers of marinated meat that are grilled an served on pita bread
- Pastizzi: a savory Maltese pastry filled with ricotta, peas, or meat.
- Cheeseburger: Melbourne offers cheeseburger with gourmet toppings and high-quality ingredients
Nightlife In Melbourne
The nightlife in Melbourne offers a vibrant and diverse range of experiences, here are some highlights of Melbourne’s nightlife spend based on the provided sources:
Dance Clubs:
- For the biggest names in techno and house: New Guernica, [ VICE The Best Clubs In Melbourne: Nightclubs & Dance Bars]
- Underground scene: Sub Club, Revolver Upstairs (Fitzroy/Collingwood area)
- Hip-hop and R&B: Chaise Lounge (CBD)
- LGBTQI+ friendly clubs with various genres: Sircuit, Yah Yahs (Fitzroy)
Bars with Live Music:
- Live music across genres and art deco vibes: The Toff in Town (CBD)
- Laid-back bar with DJs and occasional live music: Radio Bar (Fitzroy)
Rooftop Bars:
- Enjoy city views and cocktails: Above Rooftop (CBD), Naked for Satan (Fitzroy)
Wine Bars:
- Extensive wine list and cozy atmosphere: Siglo (CBD), Byrdi (Fitzroy)
Hidden Bars and Laneways:
- Explore the city's laneways for hidden speakeasies and unique cocktail experiences. Some areas to explore include CBD laneways, Fitzroy, and Collingwood.