Melbourne: A Local's Favorite Spots

Get lost in the CBD

Honestly, the best way to see the city center is to just put your phone away and wander. Start your morning at Queen Victoria Market to catch the local buzz, then drift through the beautiful Royal Arcade or the lively QV Mall. You’ll naturally stumble upon the famous street art at Hosier Lane or the hidden rock-and-roll soul of AC/DC Lane. Make sure to stop for a coffee at Degraves Street and take a classic "I’m in Melbourne" photo under the clocks at Flinders Street Station. It’s a city designed for exploring, so don’t worry about the destination, just enjoy the walk.

Southbank & The National Gallery of Victoria

Stroll along the Yarra River and stop by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). It’s Australia’s oldest and most-visited gallery, the stained-glass ceiling is a masterpiece, and the international exhibitions are world-class.

Drinks at the Yarra River

After the gallery, head over to AFLOAT, a floating bar right on the water. It’s the ultimate spot to grab a cold local beer and just hang out while the sun sets behind the city skyline.

Picnics at the botanic gardens

This is the city’s green heart and my personal "safe place." You can join the locals for a lap around "The Tan" (the famous 2.4-mile walking track that hugs the gardens) or just find a quiet spot to picnic by the lake. If you’re here in the summer, the Moonlight Cinema—watching movies on the lawn under the stars—is literally the best plan ever.

St. Kilda beach day

Head to the coast to check out the old-school cake shops on Acland Street—they’ve been there forever and the window displays are iconic. Grab lunch at Republica to eat right on the sand, and, if it’s a Sunday, walk through the Esplanade Market for local makers. Before you leave, head to the end of the pier at sunset; there’s a wild colony of little penguins that live in the rocks, and watching them come in for the night is one of the best things you can do in the city for free.

Yarra Valley & Healesville

Head an hour out of town to Healesville Sanctuary to see kangaroos and koalas. You’re in the heart of the Yarra Valley, a region globally famous for its cool-climate pinot noir and chardonnay. On the way back, stop at Rochford Wines for a tasting and a slow dinner overlooking the vines.

Fitzroy, Melbourne's creative soul

This is Melbourne’s coolest neighborhood, an eclectic mix of bohemian history and modern edge. Spend your weekend at the Rose Street Artists Market, then shop the vintage stores and independent boutiques along Smith Street and Brunswick Street.

Gimlet

High-end, classic dining room vibe. Pro tip: Go late (after 10 p.m.) for their supper menu; they serve one of the best cheeseburgers in the city.

Naked for Satan

A Fitzroy staple with a solid rooftop. Good for local beer, infused vodkas, and a 360-degree view of the city.

Old Palm Liquor

A low-key, moody spot in Brunswick. Great wood-fired food and an interesting wine list.

Industry Beans

A massive warehouse space in Fitzroy that handles Melbourne’s coffee obsession better than most.

Heartbreaker

A CBD dive bar with a jukebox and red neon. Good for a late-night drink when you aren't ready to go home yet.

Little Hop

Tiny spot for casual tacos and craft beer. No fuss, just good food.

Farro Pizzeria

Reliable, organic pizza in Fitzroy with a relaxed atmosphere.

Charrd

If you just want a straightforward, high-quality burger, this is the place.