For a major city Melbourne doesn’t feel that big. It’s spread out across many suburbs, all with their own style. Whether you’re heading out to shop or to find a place to eat, you’ll have a very different experience depending on which suburb you choose.  To enjoy these adventures it’s worth thinking about the weather. Melbourne is famous for giving you 4 seasons in one day.  So pack your bikini or boardies along with a jumper and your umbrella. It’s possible you’ll use them all before sunset.

Here’s some of the most popular suburbs worth checking out during your stay in Melbourne or “Melbun” as the locals call it.

Melbourne's Rockin CBD

The Central Business District has much for you to do and see. The best way to discover it is to walk and get lost in the vibrant streets and lanes. You’ll find great shopping options and restaurants with all types of food on offer. There’s plenty of bars, including night clubs, pubs, lane way bars and music venues, all with different types of music.

Cool Architecture

If you’re a fan of architecture, you don’t want to miss the very modern Federation Square. The architecture of this space caused a lot of controversy when it was first built and it’s still very much a talking point. The Square is best place to find information about which festivals are on or to watch a major sporting event on the big screen. When you’re ready to relax we recommend you find the pub called Transport for a beer or cocktail. It’s one of our favourite meeting points.
Just across the road, you will find the elegant old Flinders Street Train Station which is perfect for the iconic Melbourne photo.  The State Library (free WI-FI) and Parliament House are also worth a visit.

Explore The Lanes

The charm of Melbourne CBD is hidden in the lanes, so make sure you visit Hosier Lane, which is  famous for graffiti art. Hardware Lane is a great place to head at Happy Hour, or take in the crowded ambience and good food of Degraves St.

 Cheap Markets

If you are stocking up on souveniers or you just love colourful markets, check out the Queen Victoria Market.  They have the cheapest fluffy koalas in town.  If you need clothes there’s a big DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) in the CBD next to the Docklands and has 180 discount stores.

Chinatown

Chinatown (find Little Bourke St, off Swanston St), comes to life at night. You’ll discover lots of different bars hiding down the side lanes. Just near Chinatown is the Cherry Rock Bar on AC/DC Lane.  This is the perfect place to spot members of visiting rock and indy bands and enjoy some live music.

Southbank

Southbank precinct isn’t part of the CBD but it’s only 2 minutes walk just over the bridge. There’s a lovely pedestrian walk along the river with restaurants and street art. We recommend The World Bar. It’s an affordable restaurant (affordable, not cheap). It has great ambiance at night time. Why not try their Kangaroo Steak? On the same side of the river you will find the Crown Casino and its open 24hrs. Enjoy a pint or a glass of local wine and see the hourly flame show that lights up the roof of the Casino.

St Kilda

St Kilda is the most popular suburb during the summer. This modest bayside beach has a lovely vibe. There’s a cool mix of restaurants, cafes and pubs near the beach. Even the parks like Catani Park and St Kilda Foreshore are fun. You can enjoy your own alcohol during daytime if you stay on the grassy areas. St Kilda also has the oldest live music venue in Australia The Esplanade Hotel (or the Espy). The Espy is a great place to catch local and international acts and the perfect place to catch the sunset over the Port Phillip Bay.

Prahran

Prahran: pronounce 'Per-anne' is really eclectic. Chapel St (from Dandenong Rd to Toorak Rd) is an impressive fashion strip.Try Yellow Bird restaurant for a fabulous breakfast and rock music. Our favourite dish is the Death Benedict. For a night out create your own Pub Crawl starting at Dandenong Rd on Chapel St at Happy Hour. As you stroll down Chapel St to find lots of dance clubs and bars to dance the night away.

Fitzroy

Brunswick St in Fitzroy takes you back to the best of 90s grunge. The place is a buzz with interesting shops.  The Veggie Bar, is the most popular vegetarian restaurant in Melbourne (even if you are not a vegetarian, you will find something you like).  For a cheap night out try Bimbo Deluxe (or Bimbos) for delicious beer and pizza.  For a great view of the city Naked For Satan is a great option.  They serve several vodka cocktails (that they infuse themselves) and great tapas food.

Richmond

If you are going to a big event, maybe at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) or Rod Laver Arena, a great way to start your night is to head off to Swan St in Richmond first. There are a lot of really cool bars to check out. While we are on the topic of the MCG, if you want to get a feel for Melbourne and you can score a ticket, you absolutely need to go to a game of AFL (Australian Football League, or Aussie Rules for short) at the MCG. Melbourne just loves its football. If you are a fan of music, you need to check what’s on at the Corner Hotel which is close by.

Adventures Out of Town

Maybe you want to see a little more of Victoria than just the city. For beautiful scenery you can’t beat the Great Ocean Road. If hiking is your thing the most popular national parks are The Grampians National Park and Wilsons Promontory.  Animal lovers will enjoy the tour to Phillip Island and the wildlife sanctuaries.  To finish your stay in Melbourne the winery tour of the Yarra Valley would be fun.