Melbourne has a lot going on. Whether you are looking for a park to picnic in, laneways to explore, beaches to swim at, bars and restaurants to eat at, or art galleries to visit, Melbourne has it all. As Melbourne is a big city, you are not limited to weekends, as every day of the week holds something exciting and entertaining.
Things to do on weekdays in Melbourne
Melbourne is the events capital of Australia. It's a busy city with something to see or do every day and every night of the week. The best thing about discovering Melbourne on a weekday is the reduced crowds. As most people are at work during the week, this gives you an excellent opportunity to visit popular attractions and enjoy a little peace and quiet.
Check out the , which showcases a diverse range of collections, including some that are free. Then, cross the bridge over the Yarra River to explore the famous . Melbourne's laneways house busy restaurants and cafes, and crowds are dense here, so weekdays are a perfect time to visit.  is a hub for major attractions and tourism experiences, including exhibitions, art collections and live music.
One of the best things to do in Melbourne during the week is to dine out in the city. As Melbourne is renowned for its excellent food and award-winning restaurants, securing a booking at popular establishments on the weekend can be challenging. However, if you visit these places during the week, you are more likely to score a table. Excellent restaurants in the city include Chin Chin, Movida, Mamasita, Miznon, The Meatball & Wine Bar, Cumulus Inc, and Tonka.
Melburnians love their theatre and musicals, and there's always a full calendar of events at the , including ballet, opera and comedy. And the city is also home to some gorgeous old theatres where you can find some of the latest shows. Keep an eye out for cheap tickets during the week, where you can sometimes pay half price.
Things to do on weekends in Melbourne
The weekend brings the crowds into the city for shopping and sport and eating out. One of the most popular things to do in Melbourne on a Saturday or Sunday morning is to go for brunch. Melbourne is famous for its delicious brunches and high-quality produce. However, be prepared to line up (or arrive early) and spend a bit of money. But it's worth it. Great brunch places in Melbourne include Brick Lane in the city, in Richmond, in Balaclava, in Ripponlea, Archie's All Day in Fitzroy, and in Brunswick. A stroll through the is always a good idea early on a Saturday morning to pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish for the coming week.
Victoria is known as the ‘Garden State', and Melbourne is blessed with its fair share of parks and gardens. If the sun is out and the weather is mild, you'll find the city's green spaces filled with people picnicking, barbecuing, playing ball, listening to music, or just hanging out. Depending on where you are, the Botanic Gardens are a stunning space, just south of the river and the CBD. There's a walking path around the 38-hectare gardens, places to eat and drink and a lake where you can enjoy a scenic ride on a wooden punt. On the eastern edge of the CBD are the historic Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne.
And for more fresh air and greenery, head out of the city to Blessington Gardens in St Kilda or 35 km west to visit Werribee Park. Or you can walk or cycle the , which runs from Fitzroy North to Coburg, just north of the city center — a pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Of course, a Friday or Saturday wouldn't be complete without hitting one of Melbourne's cool bars. For a Friday night drink, head to the CBD where the energy of the finished work week soaks through the city. A Saturday night is well spent on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, with numerous bars and pubs to keep you entertained. Make sure you head to Fitzroy's Naked for Satan's rooftop bar for a panoramic view of the city.
Finally, don't forget the beach. Whether it's watching the sunset at St Kilda beach, sipping cocktails at beachside bars during summer, taking a dip at Half Moon Bay, or strolling along the sand at dusk, Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay has plenty of calm water beaches to choose from.
Exploring Melbourne solo
What to do if you have a free day to yourself? Melbourne has plenty to keep you busy and entertained. Start your day solo with a delicious coffee and a good brekkie at one of the city's excellent cafes. Eating alone in a café or restaurant is not unusual in Melbourne, and it's common to see people dining out solo.
Then, if the weather is nice, take a walk in one of the parks or along the Yarra River that runs through the center of Melbourne.ÌýNearby National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) houses fascinating collections and has excellent exhibitions throughout the year — an enjoyable cultural activity you can enjoy on your own all year round.
You can also take advantage of discounted movie tickets every Tuesday at most cinemas throughout Melbourne; however, be sure to double-check online before you go. The stunning , established in 1854, is definitely worth a visit. The oldest public library in Australia and one of the first free libraries in the world, this magnificent 19th-century building has some of the city's finest heritage interiors.
Or how about a tour of Melbourne's world-renowned street art? It's a great way to keep busy when you're on your own, discovering the surprising and changing creations of Melbourne's back streets.
And one of the best ways to have fun flying solo in the city? Retail therapy! But be warned: you'll need days and days to explore all the stores that Melbourne has to offer.
Melbourne as a couple
Melbourne is an ideal destination for couples, with numerous bars and restaurants scattered throughout the city, perfect for a romantic night out. Start your evening with a delicious dinner in town, then let the night take you to one of the city's bars where you can enjoy cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.
If you're willing to venture further afield, consider exploring the wonderful wine regions around Melbourne. Just an hour from the city, the and the are world-class wine regions boasting numerous wineries. Perfect for a romantic weekend, enjoying sumptuous wines with a cheese platter, amidst beautiful vineyard scenery. If you want to take a short road trip as a couple, the awaits you! Discover the beautiful beaches and small villages along the way and take time to soak up the wild coastal scenery.
Exploring Melbourne with friends
There's so much to do with friends in Melbourne.ÌýShop at Melbourne Central, Emporium or the Bourke Street Mall where you can spend hours exploring the shops, cafes and arcades — it's hard to ever get bored. even has a cinema, allowing you to enjoy a movie break after a long day of shopping.Ìý
You can also have fun with your friends at a footy match. The obsession with footy in Melbourne can be contagious! Melbourne is the home of the Australian Football League (AFL), and you can experience the excitement of this fast and furious game by attending a game at the iconic .
If the sun is shining, a picnic with friends at the Royal Botanic Gardens is a must. Bring your own food and enjoy the weather.ÌýAnother fun activity to do as a group is to explore the various laneways of Melbourne, take pictures in front of the murals and graffiti, then share a plate of antipasto while watching the crowd go by.
Family fun in Melbourne
Looking for fun to suit all ages? Melbourne has just what you need! Spending a family day at is always a good idea, plus it's only four kilometers from the city center in Parkville. Or why not visit on the banks of the Yarra River in the center of the city? Swim with sharks, watch marine life or meet the penguins — there's plenty to keep you and your little ones busy.
If you want to go a little further afield, is a zoo specializing in Australian wildlife, about an hour from Melbourne. Here you can enjoy an interactive experience with iconic Aussie animals like koalas, kangaroos, dingos and wombats.ÌýFinally, for some thrills, head to . Standing nearly 300 meters tall, the southern hemisphere's highest observation deck offers panoramic views of the entire city so that you can get your fill of thrills!
And finally, there's the and the theatre in Carlton, just north of the CBD. Immerse yourself in a visual and audio universe at Melbourne's IMAX, renowned for its 3D films and the world's largest screen measuring 32 meters wide and 23 meters high. And there's no limit to the fun to be had for the kids at the museum. From history, culture, and science, there are three levels of exhibits and activities to keep them engaged and out of trouble.
Where to find the best deals in Melbourne
Apart from discounted cinema tickets on Tuesdays and free entry to attractions around town, you can also find special deals on various websites such as and . And if you're on a strict budget, check out the City of Melbourne's website for all sorts of freebie fun.
Activities for everyone outside of Melbourne
If you want to escape city life for a weekend or even a day trip, there are plenty of ways to reconnect with nature.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria's most famous natural attractions. Listed as a national heritage site, the road stretches for 243 kilometers along Victoria's southeast coast. Discover the seaside villages of Lorne, Apollo Bay, Torquay (home of the famous Bells Beach surf competition), and Warrnambool, an excellent place for whale watching.
Many people travel this scenic four-and-a-half-hour journey, especially to visit the famous and seeing the beauty of these limestone monuments is not to be missed.ÌýAlthough over the years, the limestone rock stacks have collapsed into the ocean, and only seven remain, they are still a sight to behold. And there's plenty to do while you're in the area, including walking and cycling, surfing, wildlife watching, and enjoying excellent food.
1,000 Steps Walk (Trail)
Located in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the is probably the most popular bushwalk in Melbourne. Officially, the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, fitness lovers thrive on the challenge of this beautiful rainforest track. To fully appreciate this unique place, consider visiting on weekdays or early mornings when it's quieter.
Phillip Island
Another very popular day trip from Melbourne is Phillip Island. Famous for its penguin parade, you'll find idyllic beaches, rugged coastlines, unique wildlife such as seals, whales and koalas, surf spots, and world-class events. It's home to the , which attracts the world's best drivers and racing teams. It's a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, or you can take the V/Line coach from the city.
The Grampians
A landscape of mountains and vineyards as far as the eye can see. The Grampians National Park is a magical destination for beautiful sunsets, breathtaking scenery, wineries, delicious local cuisine, sporting activities, rock art sites and hiking. Located three hours from Melbourne, it is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Just perfect for creating lifelong memories!
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