16 Incredible Things to Do in Melbourne: The 2026 Edition

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16 Incredible Things to Do in Melbourne: The 2026 Edition

Melbourne
By Lauren Juliff
We may earn a commission from purchases you make after clicking links on this site.

Welcome to Melbourne: my favourite city in the world.

As a local, I might be a little biased, but I think this city is the absolute best. I’ve lived here long enough to know the hidden gems, the must-dos, and all the quirky spots that make Melbourne so special. Whether you’re here for a weekend or planning to stick around for a while, I’m here to give you the inside scoop on what to do, where to eat, and how to experience the city like a true Melburnian.

First of all, let’s talk about Melbourne’s vibe. It’s got that perfect blend of cosmopolitan cool and laid-back charm. You can spend your morning getting lost in a gorgeous botanical garden, then grab an amazing coffee from a laneway cafe (Melbourne coffee culture is a real thing, and I’ll help you get in on it). In the afternoon, head to one of our bustling markets or quirky galleries, and by night, there’s a whole world of rooftop bars, hidden laneway restaurants, and historic pubs to hang out in.

From the iconic sights like the MCG and Flinders Street Station to the lesser-known treasures, like the hidden bars in Fitzroy, Melbourne’s got it all. And because I live here, I’m not about the tourist traps. I’m all about giving you the recommendations that will make you feel like a local by the time you leave.

Whether you’re all about food, art, history, or just soaking up the city’s endless cool factor, I’ve got you covered. So, grab your sneakers (or your black, Melbourne-chic boots), and let’s dive into this adventure together.

Ready?

Let’s go!

Take a Tour of the MCG

My family and I had the best time ever on our MCG tour!

If there’s one thing I recommend every visitor to Melbourne do, it’s take a tour of the MCG. And yes, I’m saying this even if you couldn’t care less about sports. Trust me: this place is way more than just a stadium.

The first thing you need to know about this city is that Melbourne is the sports capital of Australia, playing host for all of the major events throughout the year. Think: the Australian Open, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, the Melbourne Cup, the Boxing Day Test, and the AFL Grand Final.

People often joke that sports is a religion here in Melbourne, and as somebody who is decidedly not a sports fan, I definitely agree. This is a place where legends are made, records are broken, and Melburnians regularly lose their voices while barracking for their teams.

So what is it that makes the MCG so special? For starters, it’s absolutely enormous. With a capacity of 100,000, this is one of the biggest stadiums in the world. If you’re lucky enough to snag yourself a seat for a popular game while you’re in town — you can view the events calendar on the MCG website — the atmosphere is going to blow you away.

In fact, when Taylor Swift brought her Eras Tour to the MCG in 2024, she played to the largest crowd of her career: an incredible 96,000 people!

If you can time your visit to Melbourne with a major sporting event, I’d absolutely recommend buying tickets to experience the atmosphere for yourself — but if you’re here during a quieter time of year, you must sign up for a guided stadium tour. It’s $35 per person, and you can easily book through GetYourGuide.

Tours of the MCG are run by volunteers, which guarantees your guide is going to be super passionate about showcasing what makes the MCG so special.

Our guide was brilliant, sharing all kinds of behind-the-scenes stories, giving us a full tour of the grounds — the player changing rooms, media centre, plus the hallowed turf itself — and reminiscing about some of the most iconic games held there. Amazingly, he’d attended his first game at the MCG in 1957, so had seen firsthand just how much history had taken place here.

We were all so impressed by the experience! Even my mum — who’s absolutely not a sports fan –labelled it the highlight of her trip to Melbourne.

Visit the Old Melbourne Gaol

The Old Melbourne Gaol is such an atmospheric building!

If you’re keen to spend a couple of hours diving into some of the more gruesome tales in Melbourne’s history, the Old Melbourne Gaol is going to be a must-visit destination.

This historic jail first opened in 1842 and executed 133 of the country’s most infamous outlaws over its 80 years of operation. Most notable of all, controversial criminal Ned Kelly was hung for murder within these walls at the age of just 25.

This place is as spooky as it is fascinating: you’ve got cold stone walls, tiny bleak cells, and not a whole lot of light. It’s atmospheric, unsettling, and — apparently — more than a little haunted.

I wasn’t sure how much there would be to see within the Gaol itself, but I was impressed by just how much information was on display. Inside most of the cells were displays and photos, sharing stories of the prisoners who were locked up here, the crimes they committed, and what life was like for them behind bars.

Parts of the Gaol were quite confronting, as you’ll get to see the gallows where the prisoners were executed, the ropes that were used to hang them, plus an array of death masks (a cast of the prisoner’s face post-execution), including Ned Kelly’s.

Entrance is pretty pricey at a cost of $38 ($22 for kids), with an additional $5 to do the Watch House tour (which sounded kind of lame, so I skipped it).

If you’re braver than I am, choose to visit the Melbourne Gaol at night. Ghost tours run on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and will introduce you to shadowy corridors, eerie whispers, grisly stories, and a whole lot of nerve-wracking moments.

Then Hit Up the State Library

Imagine getting to study in this beautiful building!

I always recommend combining a visit to the Melbourne Gaol with a trip to the city’s library; the two sites are just one block away from each other!

The State Library of Victoria is free to enter and I think it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Think: grand old architecture, soaring domed ceilings, and a reading room that’ll have you feeling like you’ve stepped on to the set of a period drama.

I am, of course, referring to the La Trobe Reading Room, a vast, octagonal space that somehow makes even procrastination look elegant. This is the spot: the one you’ve probably seen in every Melbourne travel guide ever. Once you enter the reading room, take the lifts up to the sixth floor, where you can replicate my photo above.

Most visitors to the State Library take their photos in La Trobe, then head back out to the city streets, but this building is more than just books and Instagrammable views. This is Australia’s oldest public library, one of the first free libraries in the world, and is home to dozens of exhibitions.

Start with Ned Kelly’s original suit of armour in the Redmond Barry Reading Room, then follow it up with one of the world’s largest collections of chess-related materials in the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall. The Rennie Ellis photography exhibition is a must-see, too, full of iconic photos of Melburnian life from the 70s and 80s, from the city’s punk scene to its beach culture, sporting events, protests, and visiting celebrities.

Shop With the Locals at the Queen Vic Market

You can’t go to Melbourne and not hit up the Queen Vic Market!

When I decided to move to Melbourne, I had one main requirement: I wanted to be within walking distance of the Queen Victoria Market.

This is one of my favourite markets in the world, and I always have to pinch myself when I remember that this sprawling institution is my local grocery store.

The largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, the Queen Vic was constructed back in 1878, and is one of the city’s few Victorian-era markets still standing. It’s somewhere that I always take visiting friends to.

But how best to experience it?

I strenuously recommend visiting on a weekday — the market is open from 6 a.m. every day except Monday and Wednesday — and as early as possible, as crowds get overwhelming at lunchtime.

If your accommodation in Melbourne comes with a kitchen, you’ll delight in being able to gather all your cooking supplies from the Queen Vic. With over 600 stalls, you can buy anything you might need here. For something particularly Australian, head to the gourmet sausage stall, where you can buy kangaroo sausages — we always grab a dozen to barbecue up whenever we have international visitors in town!

If you don’t have access to a kitchen, you’re going to want to head straight to the deli section and start gathering supplies for a picnic.

In this part of the market, you’ll find crusty loaves of sourdough, buttery croissants, and golden pastries still fragrant from the oven. There are hundreds of cheeses, too, from creamy bries to sharp cheddars, alongside an endless selection of cured meats, pates, and smoked fish. You’ll find plump olives, marinated artichokes, vinegary anchovies, and jars of homemade dips — the list is endless!

Trust me: there’s nothing more Melburnian than grabbing a heap of local produce from the Queen Vic and devouring it in a sunny park (nearby Carlton Gardens is a good option).

But wait, there’s more! There’s also tons of street food stalls in the market, serving every cuisine you could think of. The American Doughnut Kitchen is the most beloved of the options; it’s been standing in this spot for decades. One of my favourite spots, though, is Bratwurst Shop & Co, where you can choose from half a dozen bratwursts and even more sauces and toppings.

Soak in the Views From the Eureka Skydeck

I may be smiling in this photo, but I was absolutely terrified while I was out on the Edge!

If you want to get yourself a bird’s eye view of Melbourne, there’s no better place to do so than the Eureka Skydeck.

Sitting on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower, this is the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere; at the top, you’ll be greeted by excellent views in every direction. You’ll be able to point out many of the landmarks in this guide, too: the MCG, Flinders Street Station, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance, the Yarra River, and all the way to the Dandenong Ranges and Port Phillip Bay.

Up on the 88th floor, there’s floor-to-ceiling windows and a dozen fixed binoculars, directed towards Melbourne’s most famous landmarks. Plan to spend an hour circling the floor in full, and then you have a decision to make: will you take your chances with the Edge?

I’ll confess that as somebody who is not entirely comfortable with heights, I absolutely did not enjoy the Edge!!!

It’s basically a transparent glass cube that you stand inside, then try not to panic while it travels outside the building until you’re fully suspended over Melbourne with nothing but glass below your feet. It’s a fun, unique experience, but if you’re anything like me, you can expect your legs to tremble, your palms to sweat, and your eyes to stay firmly fixed on the horizon.

I have strong opinions on observation decks, and it’s mostly that visiting at sunset is one of the worst ways to experience them. It sounds like the perfect time to hit the Skydeck: you can see the city in daylight hours, witness a golden sunset, then watch the city start to light up. In reality, you spend hours waiting around, can’t see very well with the glare of the setting sun, and then end up with reflections and lights in all of your evening photos because the indoor lights remain on at night.

In my opinion, the best time to visit the Melbourne Skydeck is in the late-morning on a blue-sky day. There’ll be fewer crowds, you’ll be able to clearly spot all of the attractions, and there won’t be any glare in your photos.

Take a Rare Peek at the Royal Exhibition Building

I loved getting to see the Royal Exhibition Building’s Dome from up-close!

The Royal Exhibition Building is one of the most historic properties in the city. This is the first building in Australia to be granted UNESCO World Heritage status, the first place to fly the Australian flag, and the site of the country’s first Parliament in 1901.

Constructed in 1880, the Royal Exhibition Building was originally used to host the country’s first World Fair: basically the 19th century version of trying to go viral. The vast space was packed full of exhibits from all over the world, showing off the latest innovations, exotic goods, and whatever else people in the 1880s thought was cool. Our tour guide mentioned that one year, the U.S. proudly displayed its newest invention within this building: chewing gum.

Over a century later, the Royal Exhibition Building is the only one of these exhibition building that is still standing and used for its original purpose — hence the UNESCO designation of the building.

Now, it’s actually quite difficult to gain access to the interior of the building; you can’t just walk inside and have a look around! Usually, you’ll need to buy tickets for an exhibition or performance. That said, I managed to get in for free in 2021 when it briefly transformed into a vaccination hub. Not quite the grand event it was built for, but still a piece of history in the making!

The Melbourne skyline looks amazing from the Exhibition Building’s dome!

The best way to experience this historic landmark is by joining one of the daily Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade tours. Launched in 2022, these tours are still a bit of a hidden gem in Melbourne; not many people have clambered up to the rooftop terrace to see the dome up close.

Our tour lasted for an hour, taking us through the building’s grand interior to admire the colourful ceiling paintings, then down to the basement for a deep dive into the World Fairs that one took place here. The real highlight, however, was stepping out on to the terrace, circling the dome, and soaking up the panoramic views of Melbourne in every direction.

At $29 per person, the tour isn’t exactly cheap, but both Dave and I thought it was totally worth it. After all, how often do you get to stand on the roof of a UNESCO-listed icon?

One note I do want to make is to take a look and see if there’s any events going on at the same time as your visit. When we went, they were setting up for an opera inside the building and banned tour participants from taking photos inside! It was such a disappointment not to be able to snap photos of the beautiful paintings on the ceiling.

Roam the Melbourne Botanic Gardens

I always enjoy soaking up the fern-filled vibes at the Royal Botanic Gardens

One of my favourite things about living in Melbourne is the sheer number of green spaces we have access to. The one spot I always bring new visitors to, however, is the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Located a 30-minute walk outside of the CBD, these sprawling gardens are well-worth taking the time to explore; I recommend allocating a minimum of two hours to see it all. There’s tons to do here, from punting on the lake (yes, really) to picnicking beneath a shady oak tree or wandering through a sea of towering ferns. With over 8,500 species of plants and trees scattered across the grounds, I’m always discovering something new here, even after visiting 30-odd times!

If you’ll be walking from the CBD, you’ll enter the Botanic Gardens through the City Gate (Gate G), and pass by the Temple of the Winds (the highest part of the gardens) on your way to the Ornamental Lake. If my mention of punting happened to pique your interest, this is where you can give it a go; boats take you out on the water between September and May. Make sure to book in advance, as it’s a popular experience; at $90 for a 30-minute private tour, however, it is quite pricey.

I usually wander through the gardens in a counter-clockwise loop, so I recommend stopping first at the Southern Africa Collection before heading into the lush, shaded paths of Fern Gully. From there, head to Palm Lawn before continuing to the picturesque Nymphaea Lily Lake, where you can often spot some of the resident turtles basking in the sun.

The real highlight of the gardens? Guilfoyle’s Volcano: my favourite spot for taking photos.

Before you get too excited, this volcano is actually cone-shaped reservoir, rather than a fiery natural wonder, but trust me: it’s more impressive than it sounds. Designed as a clever irrigation system, it helps keep the gardens lush in a surprisingly sustainable way.

Whenever it rains in Melbourne, stormwater is filtered from the surrounding neighbourhoods into the Ornamental Lake, which then pumps that water up to the volcano for storage. Then, when water is needed in the gardens, gravity distributes it back through the land via a network of wetlands and ponds. It’s an eco-friendly way to keep the gardens thriving year-round.

The volcano also happens to be the best spot in the gardens for taking skyline photos of Melbourne, so make sure you head up to the top to soak in all the views.

Jump Aboard Puffing Billy

Puffing Billy’s not just for kids: it’s one of the most fun things you can do in Melbourne!

I’ll confess that it took me many years of living in Melbourne before I finally stepped aboard Puffing Billy.

This isn’t just any train — it’s an old-school, steam-powered, whistle-blowing, full-on nostalgia trip through the Dandenong Ranges. And the best part? You get to dangle your legs out of the carriage like a kid on a playground. Seriously, when was the last time a train ride made you feel this free?

Puffing Billy has been chugging along since 1900, making it one of the world’s best-preserved steam railways. It winds through towering eucalyptus forests, over impossibly scenic wooden bridges, and past little villages that look like they belong in a fairy tale. The whole ride is an Instagrammer’s dream: think misty mountains, lush greenery, and that classic steam puffing dramatically into the sky.

And if you really want to level up the experience, book one of the special journeys: maybe a first-class dining car situation (because fancy meals taste better on a moving train) or even a murder mystery night, where you can solve a crime while Puffing Billy does its thing. Either way, this isn’t just a ride; it’s an adventure.

Check Out Brighton’s Famous Beach Boxes

Brighton’s beautiful Beach Boxes are so photogenic!

Behold! Some of Melbourne’s most eye-wateringly pricey beachfront real estate!

Yes, Brighton’s infamous Beach Boxes are tiny wooden sheds that sell for as much as $450,000, and are then used mostly for storing the owners’ beach gear.

Why so expensive?

Partly, it’s the location, as the beach boxes are right on the sand with epic views across the bay. Partly, exclusivity, as only locals are allowed to buy them and there are just a few dozen in total. And mostly, it’s for bragging rights, as nothing says you’ve made it in Melbourne quite like owning one of the city’s most overpriced iconic beach boxes.

These little wooden huts have been chilling on the sand since the 1800s, standing in a perfect, candy-coloured row like they’re posing for a postcard. And honestly? They’re one of those things you have to see while you’re in town — partly because they’re adorable, but mostly because they’re just so Melbourne.

They might look like the world’s cutest sheds, but these beach boxes are actually prime real estate: some have sold for over $300k, and they don’t even have electricity or plumbing. Yep, people are out here dropping house deposits on a glorified changing room. But can you blame them? That uninterrupted beach access, those iconic stripes, and the bragging rights of owning a piece of Melbourne history? Worth it.

Even if you’re not in the market for a six-figure wooden box, Brighton Beach itself is a stunner. Soft golden sand, crystal-clear water, and a perfect backdrop of the Melbourne skyline in the distance — it’s the kind of place where you can sunbathe, snap a million photos, and pretend you’re in a travel ad. And if you’re feeling fancy, Brighton’s cafés and boutiques are just a short stroll away for a post-swim brunch situation.

Circumnavigate Albert Park Lake

I love walking around Albert Park Lake and taking photos of the Melbourne skyline

Melbourne is home to an abundance of beautiful parks, but if I had to recommend just one, it would have to be Albert Park.

In fact, before Dave and I committed to moving to Melbourne, we spent a month in an Airbnb on the outskirts of this park, specifically so we could spend our days wandering beside the water.

Albert Park is best known as the home of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix — and if you happen to be in Melbourne in the weeks leading up to the race, you can actually drive on the track while it’s being built!

But that’s not why I love Albert Park.

For me, it’s all about the scenic trail that runs around the lake’s perimeter. At 5 km (3 miles) in length, it’s a great option for taking an hour-long break from the city — and easy to get to from the CBD — so I’m always suggesting that friends meet me there for an afternoon stroll in nature. No matter where you are on the route, the views are magnificent.

Unsurprisingly, the park is popular with walkers, joggers, and parents with strollers, all making the most of having this wide, flat, lakeside path so close to the city. It’s a solid option for a picnic, too, with free electric BBQs scattered all along the trail. As you walk, you’ll undoubtedly come across some of the 200-odd native black swans who call this lake home; they breed on Gunn Island in the middle of the lake to keep their eggs safe from predators, and they’re always a delight to see.

Marvel at Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street Station is one of the most famous landmarks in Melbourne!

London has Big Ben, Paris has the Eiffel Tower, and Melbourne has Flinders Street Station. If you were to ask me what the most iconic landmark in this city was, I’d immediately declare it to be this grand, mustard-coloured train station.

But Flinders Street is more than just a pretty facade. It’s Australia’s oldest train station, and at one point, it was the busiest in the world (yes, really). These days, it’s still the beating heart of Melbourne’s public transport system — if you’re catching a train anywhere, chances are you’ll pass through here. And if you’re meeting someone? You’re doing it “under the clocks.” That row of clocks above the entrance has been Melbourne’s unofficial meeting spot for generations: first dates, friends catching up, even protests.

Inside, it’s a chaotic mix of commuters power-walking to their platforms, tourists staring at Google Maps, and buskers filling the air with music. once.

Basically, Flinders Street Station is more than just a way to get from A to B; it’s Melbourne. Whether you’re catching a train, snapping a photo, or just soaking up the history, this place is a must-see. Just try not to get lost in the rush-hour madness!

Visit the Retro Arcades of the CBD

Melbourne has several historic arcades to wander around! This is Cathedral Arcade

I always recommend heading to Melbourne’s arcades — not necessarily for the shopping, but for the architecture and history.

These hidden-away enclaves are lined with boutique stores and quirky cafes, and I love how each of the arcades have their own vibe and personality.

There’s a couple of arcades I’d steer clear of (Centreway Arcade, in particular, felt like a good place to get stabbed), but three I always enjoy wandering around.

Block Arcade is the most popular in the city, and arguably Melbourne’s most beautiful. You’ve got mosaic-tiled floors, stained glass windows, and a distinctly European atmosphere; the building dates back to 1882! One of my favourite activities to do here is have tea and cakes from the Tea Rooms 1892, which are the oldest tea rooms in Australia. If you want to pick up a local treat, head to Haigh’s Chocolates, one of the oldest chocolate stores in the country. They make for a great gift!

Royal Arcade is my second pick, and it’s Melbourne’s oldest, opening in 1869. It’s slightly quieter than Block Arcade, but I find its architecture just as impressive. It’s most well-known for Gaunt’s Clock, a clock on the wall that’s protected by two seven-foot-tall statues named Gog and Magog. Every hour on the hour, they half-assedly ring a bell to commemorate the occasion. It’s not particularly exciting, so definitely don’t wait around for ages to see it, but if you happen to time your visit right, it’s a quirky enough thing to see.

Finally, I’d recommend heading to Cathedral Arcade (marked on Google Maps as Cathedral Coffee), a teeny-tiny shopping centre with a beautiful art deco interior. There aren’t any shops or cafes worth visiting inside, so you’re really here to admire the colourful glass ceiling; the lack of crowds and unique interior make it my favourite arcade.

Take a Stroll Along the Yarra River

There are so many beautiful sections of the Yarra to explore

When the skies are blue, you’ll often find me beside the Yarra.

Melbourne is so blessed to have this lengthy stretch of water snaking through the city and beyond. If you’re a seasoned walker like I am, you could spend all day along its banks; I think you’ll be surprised by how much your surroundings change as you do so.

You’ve got leafy paths and native wildlife one minute, historic buildings and galleries the next, and in the CBD, the skyline shimmering on the water. Cafes, bars, and viewing platforms line the way, rowers glide past in the mornings, and weekend markets, live music, and public art pop up along the route.

Having said that, there are two main areas of the river I’d recommend prioritising.

If it’s your first time in Melbourne and you’re keen to combine a riverside walk with sightseeing, start at Flinders Street Station. From there, follow the river past Birrarung Marr all the way up to the MCG. This area is a sports lover’s dream, with Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena, and AAMI Park all close by.

Cross the river and you’ll find yourself at the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance, a peaceful contrast to the city buzz. As you loop back towards the CBD, you’ll pass Kings Domain and Alexandra Gardens, offering leafy paths and quiet spots to pause. Back in the city, the Southbank Promenade is a perfect finale, and particularly great for taking photos of the skyline reflecting on the river.

The second riverside walk I recommend takes you out to Abbotsford. Every time I venture out along this section of the river, I feel as though I’m fully ensconced in nature, even though it’s only a few minutes from the city streets.

Start at Yarra Bend Park and follow the river north. This stretch immediately feels far from the city, with bushland, native trees, and occasional wildlife giving it a peaceful feel. Soon you’ll pass the Collingwood Children’s Farm, and just beyond that, Abbotsford Convent, one of Melbourne’s hidden gems. There’s plenty to fill your time here: galleries, workshops, tours, markets, festivals, and more.

Continuing along the river, you’ll reach Dight’s Falls. From here, you can heard to either the Fairfield Park Boathouse and Tea Gardens or the Studley Park Boathouse. Both have similar offerings: historic boathouses serving food on the banks of the river, with the opportunity to hire a boat for an hour to paddle up and down the waterway. My favourite, though, is Studley Park, which is the oldest public boathouse on the Yarra, operating for over 160 years!

If you’re in Yarra Bend Park at sunset, make your way to the Flying Fox Viewing Platform. Thousands of bats roost in the trees here, and as darkness falls, they all take to the sky at once. It’s wild to watch them wriggling awake and soaring into the night in unison!

Picnic at the Heide Museum of Modern Art

The Heide Museum of Modern Art is one of my favourite museums in the city

If you’re looking for a chilled-out way to spend an afternoon in Melbourne, I’d recommend heading to the Heide Museum of Modern Art: a little-known museum with vast sculpture garden. It’s one of my favourite places to picnic in the city, and the gardens are completely free to enter.

Dave and I once celebrated our anniversary in the museum’s grounds, picking up a selection of fancy meats and cheeses from the Queen Vic Market, packing a blanket and bottle of wine, then settling in for a sunny afternoon of indulgence.

Once you’re done with your food, take some time to stroll around the gardens and take some photos of the unusual sculptures.

Entrance to the museum itself is a little pricey ($27), but I did enjoy the couple of hours I spent roaming around the exhibits; if you’re a fan of modern art, you’ll love it. Because Heide is a little way outside of Melbourne’s CBD (a 25-minute drive), it doesn’t attract the number of tourists that other museums in the city do, and we only saw half a dozen people while we were there. That alone, makes it a much more enjoyable sightseeing experience.

Dive Deep Into the Melbourne Coffee Scene

Just a small selection of some of the amazing coffees I’ve had in Melbourne this year!

I wholeheartedly believe that Melbourne is home to the best coffee in the world.

Before I moved to this city, I was firmly a tea-drinker and found coffee bitter and unpleasant. I wouldn’t have believed you if you’d told me that within a couple of months to moving to Melbourne, I would be drinking coffee every single day.

It’s true: the coffee in this city is so good that it managed to turn me from a coffee-hater to a coffee-snob. I’m now so much of a snob around coffee that I refuse to drink it outside of Australia. Every time I travel overseas and order a coffee, it always results in me wincing.

It turns out, I still don’t have a blanket-love for coffee itself; I actually just love Melbourne coffee.

There’s excellent cafes all over the city and you can pretty much guarantee that whichever one you choose will offer up a smooth, creamy cup of perfection. After all, when the standards are this high in Melbourne, your coffee shop won’t survive long because the locals will just head elsewhere.

We have a whole array of coffee recommendations on the site and add to it every month. We don’t publish a neighbourhood guide until we’ve tried every single coffee shop (what a hardship!) that’s operating to make sure our recommendations are always solid.

Hit Up the Rose Street Artist’s Market at the Weekend

Four of my favourite stalls at the Rose Street Artist’s Market

One of my favourite places to bring visitors to Melbourne to is Fitzroy’s Rose St. Artist’s Market. As the name suggests: this is a market that’s full to the brim with unique, handmade products, strictly made by local artists and creatives.

At a time when so many markets around the world offer up the same mass-produced items, this place makes for a delightful breath of fresh air.

Every Saturday and Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Fitzroy’s Rose Street comes alive with the buzz of people browsing 120 colourful, quirky stalls. You’ll find everything here, from hand-printed art and quirky jewellery to ceramics, homewares, and teeny-tiny crocheted hats for your pet.

It’s the kind of place where you can spend two or three hours wandering around and just marvelling at the creativity on display. What I really love about the market is that the items are being sold by the artists themselves, so you have the opportunity to learn about how they perfected their craft, how they make each item, and if there’s an interesting story behind something you want to buy.

I would say that every single time I pay a visit to this market, I come away having bought somebody a gift or picked up a new trinket to place on my desk. As I type this right now, I’m looking at three different items I bought from the market!

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About the author

One half of the team behind Everything Victoria, Lauren loves road trips, great food, and seeking out the best beaches in the world. Originally from the U.K., she moved to Melbourne after ten years spent exploring the planet as a travel writer; she believes she's chosen the best city in the world to live.

2 thoughts on “16 Incredible Things to Do in Melbourne: The 2026 Edition”

  1. On my third trip to Melbourne, so checked this out to see what I’ve missed (not much!). I was enthralled by the writing of this piece – beautifully done, Lauren and team. Much appreciated. Adrian.

    Reply

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