Tourist Attractions To Visit In Melbourne

Melbourne, a multicultural city, consistently ranks highest on lists of the world's most livable cities. Visit this bustling city at the mouth of Port Phillip Bay, and you'll see why it's such a popular place. This second-biggest city in Australia has a distinctly European vibe. Magnificent Victorian structures evoke memories of the city's wealth during the Gold Rush, and promenades adorned with trees and a maze of obscure lanes make touring the city particularly satisfying.

Culture is a major allure. The magnificent museums and galleries in Melbourne are a haven for art enthusiasts. Gourmets will also find a lot to love. Renowned Australian chefs showcase their skills here, creating inventive dishes from throughout the globe; indulge in anything from Spanish and Vietnamese to Greek, Italian, and Indian fare.

There are countless things to see, do, eat, and drink, but it might be overwhelming at first. Discover Melbourne's charm by taking a ride on a heritage tram, strolling through lush gardens, cruising along the Yarra River, or exploring the city's numerous galleries, cafés, and stores.

Use our list of the best attractions and things to do in Melbourne to locate the Melbourne tourist attractions to visit before you leave on your sightseeing tour.

Things To Do In Melbourne

Wander the Royal Botanic Gardens

Wander the Royal Botanic Gardens

With over 87 acres of beautifully groomed gardens and over 10,000 types of plants and animals, the Royal Botanical Gardens, which opened in 1846, is a magnificent exhibition of plant life. After exploring the city, head over for the final rays of the day or spend a leisurely day strolling the stunning, verdant gardens, stopping to lie on the grass and enjoy the sunshine.

Highlights are the Fern Gully Health and Wellbeing Garden, a peaceful haven from the bustle of the city. The rich heritage of Indigenous Australians is explored on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk.

The gardens are conveniently located 30 km from the city's central business district and are easily accessible by car, bus, or train. Remember to pack a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the intense Australian sun.

Visit the National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria is the crown gem of Melbourne's renowned cultural scene. Not only is it Australia's oldest public art gallery, but it also receives the most visitors. In two city locations, you can view over 70,000 pieces of American, European, Asian, and Oceanic art here.

The National Gallery of Victoria never disappoints when it comes to new exhibitions. Each year, it hosts over 40 exhibitions in addition to special events, kid-friendly programming, tours, and concerts. Best of all, there's no charge to explore the exhibitions.

Check Out Federation Square

Visit the National Gallery of Victoria

Melburnians were split when Federation Square opened in 2002 to mark 100 years of federation. Both people who adored it and those who detested it existed. In any case, "Fed Square" is now one of Melbourne's iconic places, a well-liked gathering space, and a fantastic venue for visitors to begin their sightseeing.

You can't miss Fed Square. It is situated across from the busy center of public transportation, Flinders Street Station. The building's ultra-modern open and closed space design contrasts sharply with the Victorian architecture of the neighborhood.

You can always find a show or festival to enjoy in the intimate inside venues and central outdoor performance space, which hosts over 2,000 events a year.

Additionally, there are a ton of eateries and cafés in this area. Chocolate Buddha is a popular spot offering informal Japanese food and stunning city views.

Shop at Queen Victoria Market

Shop at Queen Victoria Market

The largest outdoor market in the southern hemisphere is this one. It's a combination of food vendors and trinket merchants, spread across two whole city blocks and featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces — picture a cross between a flea market and a food market.

Don't forget to visit the Summer Night Market during the warmer months. From November 23 to March 15, this well-liked night market is open every Wednesday from 5 to 10 p.m. Free to enter, there is live music and a wide variety of different food stalls, including dumplings, gyros, burritos, ice cream, BBQ, and more. When planning things to do in Melbourne with family, don't miss out on this exciting night market experience!

Take the City Circle Tram

Take the City Circle Tram

Want to do some city sightseeing the Melbourne way? The history tram passes many of the impressive historic structures, such as Parliament House, the Old Treasury Building, the Princess Theatre, and the Windsor Hotel, and is accompanied by a commentary. It is also possible to get off at important locations like Federation Square. The tram makes one full circuit every 12 minutes, and it takes around 50 minutes to complete.

The history tram passes many of the impressive historic structures, such as Parliament House, the Old Treasury Building, the Princess Theatre, and the Windsor Hotel, and is accompanied by a commentary. It is also possible to get off at important locations like Federation Square. The tram makes one full circuit every 12 minutes, and it takes around 50 minutes to complete.

Except on Christmas Day and Good Friday, you can board the tram at any time and at any station along the City Circle circuit.

Explore the Melbourne Museum

Explore the Melbourne Museum

Beautiful gardens and parkland surround the Melbourne Museum, which is only a short tram ride from the city center. A wide range of exhibits illustrating science, the environment, society, and cultures are housed in this contemporary museum that was designed with purpose.

Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre; the Phar Lap exhibition, which highlights Australia's most successful racehorse; and the Children's Gallery, which offers a range of interactive experiences to stimulate and involve young children. Additionally, you can explore a world filled with life-size dinosaurs and take a stroll in a colorful forest.

Best Time To Visit Melbourne Australia

The best time to visit Melbourne Australia is between March through May and September through November. There are more tourists during these shoulder seasons, temperate temperatures, and cheaper airfares. Melbourne bursts at the seams with hot, sweaty tourists in the summer months (December to February, North America's winter months), whereas the winter months (June to August) offer cool weather and fewer visitors.

Book Your Trip to Melbourne: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Visa requirements

Before embarking on your journey to Melbourne, it's essential to check the visa requirements for entry into Australia. Depending on your nationality, you may need to obtain a visa prior to your arrival. Fortunately, many travelers are eligible to apply for an Australia eVisa, which simplifies the visa application process and allows for convenient online submission.

Book your accommodation

Detail the diverse range of accommodation options available in Melbourne, including hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Grand Hyatt Melbourne is considered the best place to stay in Melbourne for tourists.

Public Transport

The public transportation system in Melbourne is an excellent and user-friendly means of getting about the city. For flexible transportation on buses, trains, and trams, you can purchase a Myki smartcard. We would suggest taking the free City Circle Tram, which circles central Melbourne and passes by some of the main sights.

Language and currency 

Although Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and other languages are spoken by the majority of people in Melbourne, English is the most often used language there. The Australian Dollar is the currency used in Melbourne.