In a city like Melbourne, there are endless options for things to see and do.
But if you only have two or three days to explore, you’ll want to tick off the very best the city has to offer. With that in mind, we’ve put together a checklist of our ten favourite things to do in Melbourne. Book your stay with Choice Hotels.
1. Explore Chinatown
Melbourne’s Chinatown dates back to the Gold Rush days of the 1850s, and is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western world. Visit Little Bourke St to enjoy Yum Cha, Xiao Long Bao, or a refreshing Bo Ba Nai Cha (bubble tea!).
2. Climb on board the City Circle tram
Melbourne is well known for its trams and catching a ride on the free City Circle tram is the ideal way to explore the CBD. Thanks to the on-board commentary, you’ll learn about the city’s history along the way. The tram passes most of Melbourne’s most popular attractions and runs in both directions every 20 minutes.
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3. Enjoy a night at the theatre
Theatre is alive and well in Melbourne and it won’t be hard to find a show to suit your taste and budget. The city has some incredible performance venues, including the historic Regent Theatre and Princess Theatre, and the state-of-the-art Southbank Theatre (home to the prestigious Melbourne Theatre Company).
4. Shop ‘til you drop
If you love to shop, you’ve come to the right place! Melbourne is packed with glitzy shopping arcades, designer stores and independent boutiques. Emporium, Melbourne Central, Galleria, the Bourke Street Mall, and of course, the ‘Paris end of Collins Street’ are the top locations in the CBD to splash some cash.
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6. Take in the view from Eureka Skydeck 88
Almost 300 metres above ground level, Eureka Skydeck at the top of the Eureka Tower boasts 360° views of the Melbourne cityscape and surrounding region (stretching as far as the Dandenong Ranges during the day). At night, the city lights twinkle around you in spectacular fashion. Take a ride in ‘The Edge’ glass cube, as it slides out three metres from the side of the building.
5. Style it up on a visit to Crown
The Crown Complex is a world-class collection of designer boutiques, restaurants, and gaming and entertainment venues. Have a flutter in the casino, enjoy a super fancy meal, or catch a movie in style at the Gold Class Cinemas.
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7. Explore the Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market is one of the largest markets in the country, and sells everything from fresh produce, meat, fish and smallgoods, to handmade arts and crafts, clothes, souvenirs and glittering trinkets. Set aside a couple of hours to explore the heritage halls in their entirety.
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8. Visit the Docklands
Once a bustling industrial port, the Docklands was virtually abandoned in the 1960s when shipping containers replaced bales and crates and the port was not equipped to handle them. The Victorian government came up with a plan to regenerate the area, and today the waterfront precinct is home to a world-class sporting ground, high density housing, office towers, entertainment facilities, and myriad bars and restaurants.
9. Ride the roller coaster in St Kilda
Iconic Luna Park is located in the seaside suburb of St Kilda and offers fun for the whole family. One of the highlights is the Scenic Railway, which is the world’s oldest continually operating roller coaster. Also take a stroll along the St Kilda Esplanade and enjoy the salty sea air.
10. Go wild at Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo offers the chance to see a wide range of native and exotic animals in carefully constructed enclosures resembling their natural habitats. One of the highlights of a day at the zoo is riding the safari vehicle that travels through a sprawling grassland enclosure. You’ll see zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and many other species.
Need a place to stay?
Choice Hotels has you well and truly covered in Melbourne with a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Search online and book direct for a Lowest Price Guarantee.
