Must see places in Melbourne

Melbourne is a sprawling city with lots to see and do. If you have a visit to the city coming up, you’ll be spoilt for choice with things to see and do in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. To help make planning your trip a little easier, we’ve put together this definitive list of the must see places in Melbourne to visit. Check them out below:

Federation Square

One of the first things any newcomer to Melbourne should do is take a visit to Federation Square. Fed Square is the heart of the city. Not only is the open square surrounded by stunning, eye-catching architecture, it’s also a popular venue for arts, culture, and public events. The Square is also home to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the Ian Potter Centre, and the Koorie Heritage Trust.

Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market first opened in March in 1878 and has been a hub for specialty shopping ever since. If you’re in the market to grab some hand-made artisan products, sample the local food, or just take a wander and browse what’s available, Vic Market has plenty on offer. There are even educational tours and foodie tours available, run by the market, if you don’t want to waste your time wandering through the many aisles. Once you’ve had your fill, you can sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy the old-meets-new aesthetic of this iconic space.

The Yarra River

A focal point of the city, the beautiful Yarra River frames many of the city’s main attractions. From the bustling bars and restaurants that line its banks to the barbeque and picnic facilities which make it the perfect place to spend a sunny day with family and friends. Explore the Yarra from the water itself on a riverboat or admire from afar as you take in the stunning views of the River from the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Fitzroy neighbourhood

Relaxed and bohemian, Fitzroy is one of Melbourne’s trendiest neighbourhoods. It’s hip and cool, with plenty of pop up shops, buzzing bars, must-visit eateries and stylish vintage shops lining the streets. Look out for colourful murals and unique street art as you roam the streets, with a bustling nightlife to boot. Head to the famous Naked for Satan bar for stunning rooftop views of the incredible city skyline.

St Kilda

No visit to Melbourne is complete without visiting the relaxed St Kilda area of the city. Here you’ll find the much-Instagrammed, colourful Brighton beach huts, the thrills of Luna Park and plenty of cute cafes serving up delicious cakes and pastries. St Kilda is easily accessed from the city via the tram and tops the must see places in Melbourne as a day out for solo travellers, families and couples alike.

The Great Ocean Road

By far one of the most famous things to do in Melbourne is to visit the Great Ocean Road. Starting in Melbourne and weaving around the beautiful Victoria Coastline, the trip encompasses breath-taking waterfalls, peaceful towns and stunning bays. It’s one of the best road trips in the world and definitely requires reserving a few days of your trip to make the most of it.

The Royal Botanic Gardens

Nestled in the heart of the city, Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens are nothing short of sensational. Awash with colourful blooms, serene lakes and stunning views of the city, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. With running, cycling tracks and many events hosted in the gardens throughout the years, there’s always plenty to do here.

These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring all Melbourne has to offer. If you have more time left of your trip, the famous Hosier Lane and exploring the surrounding wine regions are definitely worth adding to your holiday agenda.

Luna Park

In trendy St Kilda there’s plenty to see and do, but nothing as iconic as Luna Park. The original Luna Park (the Sydney location popped up years later), Luna Park Melbourne is a must see place in Melbourne for any thrill-seekers.

Within Luna Park you’ll find family rides, thrill rides, and sideshow attractions for a range of ages. The most common visitors to Luna Park are families, looking for a fun day out together, but there’s plenty of fun to have without the family too. Grab yourself an unlimited ride ticket and spend the whole day having fun on the rides, or just grab a single ticket or two for some fun before heading back out into the city. Or even just wander in (there’s no fee at the gate and the park is free to enter) under the iconic Luna Park face and snap a colourful Instagram pic.

State Library

A library might not be on the top of your list of must see places when you visit a new city, but the State Library Victoria might just change your mind. The library was established in 1854 and is Australia’s oldest public libraries and one of the first free libraries in the world. If the history of the library isn’t enough to draw you in, the aesthetic of the library just might. The exterior’s classic façade with tall pillars and pale brickwork is just the beginning. The centre of the library is an impressive, unmissable, massive hexagonal theatre of desks, books, and exhibits. Head to the top floor and take in the stunning space, with natural light flowing down from the skylights onto the dark, natural wood furnishings below.

Melbourne Star

When you think you’ve seen all the must see places in Melbourne, it might be time to shift your perspective, and take a trip on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. As you sit in your transparent cabin on the wheel, you can take in panoramic views of the whole city. And if you’re feeling like enhancing the experience, you can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you journey around the wheel.

While we think these places are essential for the perfect Melbourne holiday, you might still be looking for more! Websites like RedBalloon have some great things to do in Melbourne that can help you plan out your holiday.

Which of these must see places in Melbourne will be top of your list when planning your next holiday to the area?

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* Photos were sourced by Pixabay