Melbourne is one of the world’s most exciting cities, and it has much more to offer than its proximity to the sandy beaches of the Great Ocean Road and the vineyards of the Yarra Valley.
As one of the most cosmopolitan and culturally-rich cities in the Southern Hemisphere, this destination brims with first-time visitors who want to explore the city’s best attractions. It’s not difficult to see why.
From its natural beauty to its vibrant nightlife, there’s a lot to love about this Aussie city. This guide will help new travelers discover the best things to do when they Visit Melbourne, Australia.
Melbourne’s Top 9 Attractions
Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria, Australia. It is among the world’s most liveable cities and is a natural fit for travelers looking for a break from the city. The city has something for everyone, especially first-time visitors. However, it can be very tiring if you face delays or cancellations in flight. Hence, you can trust Cathay Pacific for that. With direct flights from Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific makes it easy to get to Melbourne without any hassle. With great deals on airfare and hotels, you can save big on your trip.
Thus, from cultural sites to architectural marvels, here is a list of top places you should visit on your first trip to the city.
The Melbourne Museum
The Melbourne Museum is one of the best museums in the world. It has so much to offer, both for the casual visitor and the dedicated scholar. The museum has an impressive and diverse collection that spans the past 20,000 years and includes some of the world’s most important indigenous and non-indigenous art. There’s also a large natural history collection, with hundreds of exhibits related to the city’s unique ecology.
Melbourne’s Crownlands
The Melbourne Crownlands is a beautiful area of parks and gardens. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, Queen’s Domain, Fitzroy Gardens, and St Kilda Botanic Gardens.
The Yarra Valley
Explore the Yarra Valley wine regions and taste wines at one of the many vineyards.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the most iconic stadiums globally. It’s also one of the most accessible stadiums globally, with a ground-level section perfect for visitors.
Melbourne Museum of Comedy
The Melbourne Museum of Comedy is the oldest in Australia. It’s dedicated to comedy history, with many interesting exhibits about the art form’s development.
Federation Square
One of the best places in the city, Federation Square is a vibrant, modern space with lots of cultural events.
The Melbourne Zoo
The Melbourne Zoo is one of the best zoos globally, with an impressive collection of animals. There are many standard zoo activities to enjoy, and it’s one of the best places to take a family day out.
The Art Gallery of Victoria
One of the best art galleries globally, the Art Gallery of Victoria has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and prints worldwide.
Melbourne Museum of Natural History
The Melbourne Museum of Natural History has one of the world’s best natural history collections. It also has excellent interactive displays.
Melbourne’s Top Restaurants You Should Visit
Melbourne might be known as the home of coffee, but there’s so much more to the city than just that. With great food also being a big part of ‘Melbourne-ness,’ there’s no wonder that the food scene in the city has been flourishing.
That being said, finding the best restaurants in Melbourne can be difficult for someone who’s just getting started. From fine dining to casual eateries and everything in between, here’s our list of Melbourne’s best restaurants to visit.
The Shed
Opened just a few years ago, The Shed is a modern, stylish restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine.
The Laneway Cafe
Melbourne has an abundance of great cafes, and The Laneway Cafe is one of the best. It’s an excellent spot for breakfast and lunch and a fantastic spot for a coffee and cake at night.
Flying Dutchman
One of the classic steakhouses, Flying Dutchman, is a great place to try Wagyu beef or a classic steak.
Salt
The menu at Salt changes frequently, but the food quality is consistent. It’s one of the best fine dining experiences in Melbourne.
The Artyard Bistro
The Artyard Bistro is a modern Lebanese restaurant serving great food for 20 years.
Cibo
Cibo has been an Italian restaurant serving great food for more than 15 years.
Bodega
The “craft” brewery has a tremendous tapas-style menu and a fun, modern atmosphere that provides a great dining experience.
The Hen House
The Hen House is an excellent place for breakfast and lunch or just drinks and snacks.
Le Roux
Le Roux is a modern French restaurant that is one of the best places in Melbourne for food.
Melbourne’s Best Bars and Clubs
Melbourne is a hub for culture, art, food, and nightlife. There’s no shortage of things to do on a night out in Melbourne.
From live music venues to clubbing and dance classes, there is so much to see and do throughout the city. Here we’ve highlighted Melbourne’s best bars and clubs to visit.
The Age pub
The Age pub is a great place to spend a quiet night or day. It’s a terrific spot for a quiet drink and a game of chess.
The Standard Hotel
The Standard Hotel is in a great location and has a great modern bar with a great outdoor area. It’s a great spot for cocktails and appetizers, with fantastic city views.
Hotel Shame
Hotel Shame is one of the most iconic hotels in Melbourne and has been turning guests on for more than a century. It’s an excellent spot for a drink or meal.
The Cobblestone Exchange
The Cobblestone Exchange is an excellent place for a quiet drink among the shops of Lygon Street.
The Fringe Club
The Fringe Club is a great place for a drink in the city’s heart.
The Rialto Theater
One of the most iconic theaters globally, the Rialto Theater is an excellent spot for a drink or meal.
Conclusion
Melbourne is a fascinating, vibrant city that has something to offer everyone. It has beautiful historic buildings, modern architecture, and incredible natural landscapes. There are many popular places to visit and many things to do. Whether you want to relax on the beach, enjoy some great Australian food, or visit one of the many museums.
Hence, it will undoubtedly be the best journey of your life whenever you visit Melbourne!
