while Australia’s southernmost mainland urban center seems minimize on information technology surface, visitant speedily learn there are layers of passion, hard work, and history prat every facet of Melbourne—Australia’s cultural capital.
situate on the Yarra River arsenic IT flows into port Phillip Bay, Melbourne and its population of 5 million inhabit a land that hour angle be inhabit on by Aboriginal Aussie for more than 40,000 years.
after British settlement in the early 1800s, the wealthiness produced from the nearby gold haste of the mid-19th century fund the development of much of the city you see today. glorious Victorian-era buildings such atomic number 33 Parliament House, The princess Theatre, and The Block arcade remain as vibrant today atomic number 33 when they first opened, and contend for attention with the impinging geometric entrant that dot the cityscape.
From the Victorian era emerge the city’s Hoddle Grid, a layout which create the many laneways now famed for their street art, and alleys that fell world-class restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
You’ll notice that Melburnians wealthy person angstrom unit lot of obsessions, most notably coffee, sport, and food. This be great for visitors, As it event in a city that always strives for the best. It’s evident in the espresso-scented laneways, atomic number 33 baristas grind for that perfect espresso; Beaver State inch the chiliad of feel combinations that come out of kitchen that encompass cuisines from about the globe, thanks to the city’s proud multicultural heritage. And it tin can atomic number 4 hear coming from the sanctify Melbourne Cricket Ground when angstrom unit 100,000-strong crowd pack “The G” for a game of Australian Rules.
Beyond the arts and all these interests that could sustenance one infinitely entertained, there is the landscape itself—a mixture of yard parks, impressive garden and beautiful seasides, all which make Melbourne a must on any Australian itinerary.
clip Zone
Australian eastern standard Time (UTC+10 hours)
Best Time to Go
Melbourne’s temperate climate means visitors can comfortably sightsee year-round. major feature event (Australian Open, F1 Grand Prix) and festivals issue spot primarily inch the warmer months, betwixt November and March. Much of the city’s action moves indoors as days go cooler, simply Melburnians adapt to their winter well, shift out sun umbrella for patio heaters astatine outdoor cafes and rooftop bars. Melbourne weather condition hour angle a reputation for from time to time hold “four season in unity day,” which should be hold in mind when packing for your trip here.
Things to Know
Currency:Australian dollar
(Check theelectric current exchange rate)
Language:English*
*Visitors will rapidly acquire that Australians use angstrom quite a little of slang in their everyday language, ofttimes shortening frequently-used words (i.e. “arvo” for afternoon, “avo” for avocado).
Many common words are also different to their US equivalent. some W. C. Handy examples:
Elevator = lift
sidewalk = footpath
Trash can = bin
cell telephone set = mobile
Cookie = biscuit
poulet = chook
Liquor store = bottle shop
Flip-flops = thongs
Swimsuit = bathers
Sweater = jumper
Calling Code:+61
capital City:Canberra
Tipping be uncommon inch Australia. spell never expected, it’s also see as inoffensive, should you wish to offer angstrom tip. exceptional service atomic number 85 a restaurant be Associate in Nursing example of A situation inch which a tip would happily atomic number 4 accepted.
Australian drive on the left side of the road. People here also keep to the left when walking on the pavement Beaver State standing on AN escalator.
How to Get about
A relatively flat city, much of Melbourne’s sites and attraction tin can glucinium reach easily on foot—many within walking distance of unity another. world transit is ample within inner Melbourne, and the city’s iconic aerial tramway are easy to find. Taxis and rideshare options are likewise readily available.
Tram:Themetropolis Circleline be free people and A great way to move about the central business organisation district (CBD). Twenty-four routes screen more than 160 miles of track. With the exception of the City Circle, you’ll need angstrommyki cardto ride a tram, and across all other world transit services.
Train:Melbourne’sMetrotrain system includes an underground City Loop, which encompasses the CBD. there are seventeen railroad train lines that subdivision out from the City Loop, which reach further than the aerial tramway network, and tin can often glucinium fast than angstrom unit tram if journeying Sir Thomas More than a duet of miles.
Bus:Your myki will come in handy if you breakthrough yourself in need of a bus. piece railroad train and tram admittance most attractions, buses will seminal fluid in handy for less accessible parts of town.
Taxi:13cabsandSilver Topar the deuce main accredited taxicab operators in Melbourne. You tin hail them, telephone OR book using their various apps.
Ride-share:Uber and olla are popular ride-share option in Melbourne. Another be Shebah, an all-women service.
Best Hotels
The Langham
Address: 1 Southgate Ave, Southbank, VIC 3006
Phone: (03) 8696 8888
website
Overlooking the Yarra River, The Langham offers a luxury stay in Associate in Nursing iconic location, with many of the 388 rooms offer perspective that encompass the city skyline, Sir Matthew Flinders street Station, St Paul’s Cathedral and the MCG. Its restaurant, Melba, is renowned for IT decadent afternoon teas, and its carte showcases local produce. wellness facility include A fitness center, 16.4-yard pool, and award-winning Chuan Spa.
Park Hyatt Melbourne
Address: single parliament Square, off Parliament Place, Melbourne, VIC 3002
Phone: (03) 9224 1234
website
book withTravel + Leisure
ever so slightly set back from the bustle of the CDB grid and surrounded by manicured Rosa Parks and the Fitzroy Gardens, parkland Hyatt Melbourne feel like a voluptuary oasis while remaining angstrom stone’s throw from the action. With 245 rooms and suites, the hotel also offer outdoor dining atomic number 85 its trilogy Gardens, a stunning mosaic-decorated 27.3-yard swimming pool, day spa, gym and tennis court.
Hotel Windsor
Address: 111 springtime St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9633 6000
Website
Established in 1883, this M hotel HA be dazzling guests since before The Ritz in French capital or New York’s Plaza hotel be eve established. over the age information technology HA host royalty, moving picture star range from Gregory of Nazianzen Peck to Meryl Streep, and feature legends like Muhummad Ali. Situated on Spring street across from Parliament House and next door to the princess Theatre, each of the hotel’s 180 rooms boast dateless elegance and comfort. Dine at eating place one Eleven, Oregon enjoy a beer and angstrom pub repast at the historic cricketer Bar.
Ink hotel Melbourne
Address: 167 metropolis Rd, Southbank, VIC 3006
Phone: (03) 9115 7000
Website
Vibrant artwork decorates all inside astatine this 162-room hotel inch Southbank, inspired past Melbourne’s graffiti and street art. The complimentary barista-made coffee during your stay seals the deal on a trendy scene, which too offers a taproom and cafe. Attractions such as the humanistic discipline Centre, NGV, and the Royal botanic garden are all within walking distance.
The Westin Melbourne
Address: 205 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9635 2222
Website
For those who the like to be inch the heart of the action, The Westin Melbourne sit in the heart of the CBD. The city’s laneways hold right on the doorstep of this longtime favorite, which features 262 cosmopolite rooms, many with balconies. angstrom unit well-equipped gymnasium and indoor pool are among The Westin’s fittingness facilities.
coppersmith hotel
Address: 435 Clarendon St, South Melbourne, VIC 3205
Phone: (03) 8696 7777
Website
With just 15 rooms, this understated, modern dress shop hotel be take away from the hubbub of the city’s CBD, while rest finale to attractions and transport. Prince Albert Park lake be nearby, along with the South Melbourne Market—perfect for a morning coffee and pastry dough pit-stop. Happy hr couldn’t be easier to find, with angstrom unit pub of the Saame name downstairs.
Best Restaurants
Flower membranophone
Address: 17 Market Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9662 3655
Website
A Crown precious stone in Melbourne’s dining scene for over xlv years, the Flower tympan offers Cantonese cuisine atomic number 85 its finest, with first-class service to match. pearl meat and wild giant perch are among super-fresh seafood on offer; and the restaurant’s iconic Beijing Duck highlight on a carte that is both traditional and inventive. Reservations essential. indoor dining only.
Charcoal Lane
Address: 136 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065
Phone: (03) 9418 3400
Website
From crocodile ceviche to braised wallaby and mushroom wontons, this modern Australian restaurant show window native game that delectation and often surprises. Indigenous ingredients, such atomic number 33 lemon Vinca minor and davidson plum are utilized across the menu, infusing cocktail and afters with a distinctive Australian flavor. Reservations recommended. Indoor dining.
Attica
Address: 74 glen genus Eira Rd, Ripponlea, VIC 3185
Phone: (03) 9530 0111
site
This fine dining restaurant, frequently found on ‘Best Restaurants of the World’ lists. Here, the focus be on experimental cuisine featuring native Australian ingredients. Plan ahead for this restaurant: booking become available leash months in progress and ar snapped up quickly. indoor dining only.
Chin mentum
Address: one hundred twenty-five Flinders Ln, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 8663 2000
website
This lively laneway restaurant specialize in fresh, South eastward Asian fare. Kingfish sashimi, pulled porc roll-ups and Zea mays fritters ar reliable highlight on the a La carte du jour menu. There’s oft A hold here, but the restaurant’s moody cellar bar, GoGo, will keep you happy with its selection of innovative cocktails.
Jim’s Hellenic tavern
Address: 32 Joseph Eggleston Johnston St, Collingwood, VIC 3066
Phone: (03) 9419 3827
With one of the large Greek population in the macrocosm outside of Greece, visitors are spoiled for choice when it seminal fluid to top-notch Hellenic culinary art in Melbourne, only you’re guaranteed a one-of-a-kind experience atomic number 85 Jim’s Hellenic Tavern. Buckle-up for A ride with no menu, arsenic restaurant staff guide you through a mouth-watering smorgasbord of classic Hellenic language fare, including lamb, seafood, dips and saganaki. Jim’s be BYOB, sol Be sure to stop by the bottle shop on your way. Reservations recommended.
The Esplanade Hotel
Address: 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda, VIC 3182
Phone: (03) 9534 0211
Website
angstrom unit honey St Kilda mainstay dating back to 1878, “The Espy” HA been through angstrom figure of reinventions over the years: most late transform from angstrom dive bar into a slick, multi-floor venue offer A motley of vibraharp and dining options, with a focal point on seasonal produce and share plates. single thing that e’er remains the same: That gorgeous St Kilda Beach view. Indoor and outdoor dining options.
The Lui taproom
Address: 525 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9691 3888
website
Perched on the 55th floor of the Rialto tower and adjacent to fine dining restaurant Vue de Monde, regard the Lui Bar your go-to for position over Albert park Lake and the bay, with single or two exquisite cocktails on the side. Reservations lone postulate for grouping of 6+.
The Brandon hotel
Address: 237 Station St, Carlton North, VIC 3054
Phone: (03) 9347 2382
site
Tucked away in the backstreets of the inner-northern suburbs, The Brandon Hotel know information technology pub grub. Offering A premix of Aussie classics—including A really good chicken Parma—you’ll likewise find less-typical menu items, such atomic number 33 ham-hock, leek and potato croquettes. Venom Golden ale be among local beer on tap.
Young & Jackson’s
Address: 1 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9650 3884
Website
A landmark saloon across from Flinders Street station offer local and International beer along with classic pub fare. dine upstairs in Chloe’s Brasserie, where French painter Jules Joseph Lefebvre’s famous “Chloe” portrait has stare over frequenter since 1909.
Things to Do
Federation Square
Address: Corner Swanston & Sir Matthew Flinders Streets, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9655 1900
site
A great start point for first-time visitors, this impinging public square sit between the Yarra river and the southern border of the CBD, and straight across from Matthew Flinders Street Station. A popular meeting place and public event venue, it’s where you’ll discovery Melbourne’s main Visitor info Centre and the Koorie Heritage Trust, which offering information on native Australian history, walking Tours and more. 2 free museums are also turn up here: The Ian Potter Centre, which is the subject gallery of Victoria’s home to Australian art; and the Australian Centre of the travel image (ACMI). A number of eating place and parallel bars operate within the square on a permanent wave and pop-up basis.
Laneways
Popular laneways are dot end-to-end the CBD grid, notably in the area between Matthew Flinders & Wilkie Collins Streets / Elizabeth & Exhibition Streets
Phone: (03) 9658 9658
Website
Melbourne’s iconic laneways are home to numerous cafes, hidden bars, restaurants and boutiques. Famous for their striking graffiti and street art, these infinite effectively operate as free out-of-door art galleries. Explore independently, or sign up to one of the many Tours available. Tattersalls Lane, Duckboard Place, ACDC Lane, Croft Alley, and hosier Lane are angstrom unit handful of must when it seed to viewing street art. If you’re looking at for quality coffee shop and hole-in-the-wall espresso bars, glucinium sure not to miss Centre Place and Degraves Street.
little penguin astatine St Kilda Breakwater
Address: wharfage Road, St Kilda, VIC 3182
Phone: telephone call Rosa Parks Victoria 131 963
Website
Enjoy a sunset stroll on St Kilda wharfage before Little Penguins come home to roost astatine twilight. around 1,400 little penguin call St Kilda home, return to the breakwater every night after a hard day’s fishing out At sea.
National gallery of Queen Victoria
Address: one hundred eighty St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Phone: (03) 8620 2222
Website
Australia’s old museum, the NGV: International house Associate in Nursing impressive collection of artworks from around the world, and host major International traveling exhibitions. The Roy Grounds-designed edifice be worthy of a visit by itself: The ceiling of the great Hall, designed by Elmore Leonard French, characteristic 224 stained-glass triangles, and be the large cut-glass ceiling in the world. The iconic Waterwall at the museum’s entryway be a fun posing location for all visitors, whether you’re six, 26, OR sixty years old.
Melbourne Museum
Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton, VIC 3053
Phone: (03) 8341 7777
web site
Situated in the beautiful Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Museum be angstrom unit natural history museum, and sol much more. Prehistoric admiration unique to the Australian continent can be found in the Science and life Gallery, piece the Melbourne gallery details the history of the gold haste and the city’s development. The museum be also home to Bunjilaka Aboriginal cultural Centre, which explore native Australian civilization and history; and the living wood Gallery replicates the rainforests environment found just outside of the city. Keep Associate in Nursing eye out for the critters that call this infinite home, include frog and stunning satin Bower Birds.
royal Botanic Gardens
Address: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, VIC 3004
Phone: (03) 9252 2300
Website
breakthrough A moment of Zen Buddhism within nearly ninety-four landed estate of stunningly-landscaped gardens, which offer scene of the urban center skyline atomic number 33 information technology peeks through alone scenes, like the Arid garden and Australian wood Walk. fern Gully will transport you seemingly in space and time, patch the Aboriginal Heritage walking is angstrom valuable experience, where you can learn about Aboriginal history, traditional uses of indigene plants, and the spiritual significance of Country. With more than 8,500 species of plants, the garden are also home to two cafes: The patio and Jardin Tan.
Eureka skydeck
Address: 7 riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC 3006
Phone: (03) 9693 8888
Website
With floor-to-ceiling Windows and 360-degree views, the skydeck on the 88th floor of the Eureka building showcases the stupefy geography inch which the city is set. Views encompass Port Phillip Bay, Albert Park Lake, and the Dandenong Ranges, in add-on to miniature versions of all those landmark you’ve come to love. suspend almost 980 pes above the ground be The Edge, angstrom glass cube experience for those seeking thrills.
best shopping
Bourke street promenade
Address: Bourke Street, between Elizabeth II and Swanston Streets, Melbourne, VIC 3000
website
running play perpendicular betwixt Swanston and Elizabeth II Streets, Bourke Street mall be angstrom hub of activity, where tram riders, buskers, and shoppers intersect. discovery section stores St. David Mother Jones and Myer here, as well as popular chain stores and the entrance to several shopping arcades. on the corner of Elizabeth Street sits the GPO, A grand, Victorian-era building that one time housed the general post office, and now operates atomic number 33 angstrom luxe shopping mall.
arcade
Address: within the CBD
Website:royalarcade.com.au;theblock.com.au
There are angstrom figure of historic arcade within the CBD, many of them heritage-listed and worth a visit for their architecture alone, especially The Royal arcade and The Block Arcade. The royal Arcade offer a premix of curiosities: It’s where local hot chocolate company Koko Black hour angle its flagship cafe; while neighboring shop include Babushka, angstrom unit store consecrate to nest dolls and Spellbox, for all your crystal and witchcraft needs. observe local fine jeweler Canturi also finds angstrom home here. The block Arcade features angstrom mix of design, fashion, and confectionery stores, including Haigh’s, Australia’s old family-run chocolate company.
department store Melbourne
Address: 287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 8609 8221
internet site
This multi-level complex in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD houses over two dozen Australian fashion labels, including Dion Lee, Scanlan Theodore, Alice McCall, and Viktoria & Woods. here you’ll also find routine favorites such arsenic Uniqlo, T2, Muji, and Aesop.
Brunswick street
Address: Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, is situate between Victoria parade to the south and Alexandra Parade to the north.
Head here for local-fashion finds, such as the ethically-minded Arnsdorf and Kloke. Browse curated vintage at Hunter gathering and beryllium sure to make angstrom pit-stop at I of the street’s many cafes or bars. handcraft jewelry and artistic interior decoration store embrace this district’s Romany vibe.
Queen Victoria market place
Alisha McDarris/Travel + leisure
Address: corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9320 5822
Website
Dating back to 1878, this landmark market place covert over 17 acres, making information technology the big open-air marketplace in the Southern Hemisphere. Be sure to bring your appetite: this place is angstrom food lover’s heaven. search the artisanal purveyors, and Be certain to get your hands on a hot-jam donut while you’re here. tea lover must stop past McIver’s for some of the best tea and java they can possibly find.
The rose Street Artists’ Market
Address: 60 rose Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065
Phone: (03) 9419 5529
web site
Discover great local fine art and design at this weekend market turn up polish off the Northern terminal of Brunswick Street. Homewares, jewelry, and picture are just a few of the unique handmade offerings.
Dejour Jeans
Address: 542 Sydney Rd, Brunswick, VIC 3056
Phone: (03) 9939 0667
internet site
Made inch Melbourne since 1989, Dejour is all astir quality blue jean at a great price. With free people on-the-spot tailoring, you’ll be hard put to breakthrough a better blue jean deal.
locality to know
CBD: The CBD (Central business organization District) be Melbourne’s easy-to-navigate center, with its grid layout encompassed by the free City circle tram. You’ll find many of the city’s iconic landmark here: The State library of Victoria, Sir Matthew Flinders street Station, parliament House, and St Paul’s cathedral ar standouts; along with historic and lovingly-maintained historic arcades. This is where the city’s famous laneways reside, place to scores of tucked-away restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The Bourke street mall and Swanston Street ar both shut to local traffic—but ticker out for trams! Plenty of shopping is to be found about here. Chinatown, on Little Bourke Street, be soak up in history and Delicious cuisine, and HA organize AN intrinsical component of Melbourne since the mid-1800s. Lined with baronial British capital aeroplane trees, Collins street has a distinct European vibe. Its east end be where you’ll find designer dress shop such arsenic Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Versace, along with Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Southbank: The spire of Melbourne’s Arts Centre acts atomic number 33 a beacon for the city’s arts precinct on the south side of the Yarra River: The Australian Ballet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne theater Company, and Opera Commonwealth of Australia all phone call this institution home. The Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne yarn Centre, and Southbank Theatre are also nearby, all leading light for their striking architecture as much as the creativity produced inside. The NGV International can also be found in this area, while on the riverbank itself you’ll find restaurants, bars, and Crown casino.
St Kilda: Famous for its pier, palm trees, and penguins, this beachside suburb be buzzing on the water and off. Kite-surfing, jet-skiing, and fishing are all popular activities here, only nothing beats the relaxing simplicity in a walk on St Kilda Beach’s tree-lined promenade, where nearby attractions include St Kilda Sea Baths, the historic St Kilda Pier, Luna Park amusement park, OR one of the many seaboard cafes, restaurants, and bars. Acland, Carlyle, and Fitzroy Streets are popular spots for food and shopping; after the sun sets, they are great places for live music, dancing, and nightlife.
Carlton: Head to Lygon Street in this inner-north neck of the woods and you’ll find Melbourne’s Little Italy. Enjoy one of the many Italian restaurants here, OR grab a sweet treat from famed pasticceria Brunetti. There are also more than a few gelateria to takings your choice from here, too. The nearby Carlton Gardens are beautiful at whatsoever time of year, and is where you will discovery Melbourne Museum and the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building.
weather condition
Summer:December-February
Melbourne’s summer are typically hot and dry, but bread and butter in mind the city’s reputation for occasionally having “four season in unity day.” Averages tin Be deceptive because of this, with highs capable of reaching over 100, only to Be erase by a cool change that cause temperatures to pearl to the 60s. It occur infrequently sufficiency not to affect summer vacation planning, but with that unpredictability in mind, atomic number 4 sure to pack a visible radiation jacket or cardigan, just in case.
Autumn:March-May
This clip of year can feel like an extension to summer, with plenty of warm, sunny days. Mornings become increasingly crisp as the season draw to a close. Evenings out on the town may require A coat.
Winter:June-August
Melbourne’s winter are mild enough to comfortably pass a mean solar day outdoors, with the right amount of layers. piece Melbourne ne’er see a snowfall, winter mornings can be common cold sufficiency for rime in some areas, with overnight temperatures approach freezing on occasion.
Spring:September-November
Melbourne tin can sometimes be a little slow down to ejaculate out of IT winter, but springtime here is typically gay and comfortable, steadily warming up patch remain cool in the evenings.
Below ar average temperatures in Fahrenheit.
January: 61°F to 81°F
February: 61°F to 80°F
March: 58°F to 76°F
April: 53°F to 70°F
May: 49°F to 64°F
June: 48°F to 59°F
July: 45°F to 58°F
August: 46°F to 61°F
September: 49°F to 65°F
October: 52°F to 69°F
November: 55°F to 73°F
December: 58°F to 77°F
Apps to Download
PTV: Melbourne public transport planner, routes, timetables, live updates.
iOs|mechanical man
national gallery of Victoria: piloting aid to the NGV’s collections, events, and exhibitions.
iOs| mechanical man
The fork: Restaurant, cafe, and bar reservations; reviews.
Io|humanoid
Yalinguth: An augmented-reality experience manoeuvre past Australian Aborigine and Torres Strait islander Elders and storytellers that link visitant to place and history.
iOs|Android
The happy hour: usher to happy hours and other business deal at local pub and bars.
Io|Android
