The Ultimate Guide to Melbourne for First Timers

Melbourne is known as one of the most livable cities in the world (no, really — it ranked number one for seven years in a row!) It’s also the Cultural Capital of Australia, with art, music, and multicultural cuisine at every corner! If you’re going to travel to Melbourne, Australia, you’re bound to have a good time! Going to the city for the first time and not yet ready with your Melbourne itinerary? We’ve got you.

When you travel to Melbourne, Australia, you’ll find that the city’s transportation system is one of the best things about the city. Its intricate system gives access to many destinations and routes and makes commuting convenient. However, when you first arrive at the airport, the most convenient way to get to your first destination is through airport transfers:

Want to know the best way to get to your destination after just landing in the city? Book an airport transfer in Melbourne so you won’t need to run around looking for a way to get to the city properly! With the SkyBus Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) Express Transfer, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the Wi-Fi onboard to and from Southern Cross Station and Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.

If you prefer driving so you have more flexibility to build and follow your own itinerary, you can also book a car rental in Melbourne. It’s super easy and worry-free on Klook! You can choose the size and capacity of your vehicle to suit your needs, so it’s perfect for small to big groups. You’ll also get services from leading car rental operators to ensure smooth sailing while in Melbourne.

Want to get to know the city without conjuring an itinerary yourself? You can join different tours with pre-planned Melbourne itineraries and let the tour guide show you all the best stops! Each tour also has its own theme, so whether you enjoy street art or sampling food, there’s sure to be a tour for you!

During your trip to Melbourne, exploring the hidden laneways and street art is a must! You can do this on the Melbourne Walking Tour, where you’ll visit historical landmarks from the 1800s Gold Rush era such as the Old Treasury Building and the Parliament. All the while you can sip on Melbournian coffee — one of the best in the world thanks to the many cafés that source the best coffee brands and utilize cutting-edge roasting and brewing techniques.

On the Melbourne Bites and Sights Tour, you’ll weave through the colorful laneways of the city but with a gastronomical twist! This tour kicks off with a visit to Eureka Skydeck, the highest point in the city where you can see all of Melbourne, then you’ll stop by a local café to try the famous flat white the town is crazy for (and you’ll finally find out why)! Make your way through the colorful laneways of Melbourne, all coated with intricate and vibrant street art. You’ll then be riding a tram to Queen Victoria Market, a seven-hectare inner city market where you can find around 600 businesses selling Aussie fruits and veggies, gourmet food, and souvenirs.

Want to focus on the tasty treats of Melbourne? Fully immerse yourself in the cultural capital of Australia on the Melbourne Multicultural Markets & Neighborhoods Tour. Shop in different marketplaces selling multicultural products and enjoy regional cuisine with the help of your knowledgeable guide.

When traveling to Melbourne, Australia, you’ll have plenty of fantastic hotels with great services to choose from. Here are just a few of them:

Enjoy luxurious accommodation in the heart of Melbourne CBD at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel. Aside from offering swanky, well-kept rooms and amenities, it’s only a short walk away from top destinations in the city such as the Theatre District, Parliament House, State Library of Victoria, and more!

Another great pick for accommodations is the five-star Sheraton Melbourne Hotel. Here you’ll enjoy a slew of amenities: a pool, fitness center, restaurants, and more. This hotel is located at the Paris End of Collins Street, home to the best eats in town!

You won’t go hungry when you travel to Melbourne. Aside from the food tours, you can also explore the amazing restaurants and food spots in town yourself. Here are some of the best places to eat when in Melbourne:

Have a gastronomic experience with Italian elegance from restaurateur Chris Lucas at Grill Americano. The restaurant combines Italian hospitality with food made of the finest Aussie produce. Here, you can try the signature drink called Americano (not to be confused with the coffee), which is a masterful blend of Cacao nib vermouth, Campari, and mandarin soda. And if there’s any food item on the menu you should try, it’s the bistecca alla Fiorentina — a 1.2 kilo T-bone expertly grilled and enhanced by a drizzle of olive oil and rosemary.

Enjoy a fusion of Melbournian cafe culture and fine restaurant dining at Higher Ground. Standout menu items include the sourdough fruit toast, garnished with seasonal preserve for that tarty-sweet flavor. You can pair this with their teas sourced from India and China, well-blended fruit juices, and potent coffee. Plus, the cafe itself is housed in a heritage-listed former power station, making for a remarkable ambiance!

If you’re on a budget during your very first trip to Melbourne, fret not. There are a myriad of free things to do in Melbourne! Here are some of the best stops in the city which won’t cost a penny to visit:

Breathe in fresh air amidst the busy city at Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. This center for botanical research is home to an array of flora showcased in well-manicured gardens. The Gardens also play a key role in conserving plant life through biodiversity research and host events. Sonica Botanica is an ongoing event that utilizes stories and sounds of nature for a mesmerizing sonic experience. Seek and Find Nature Cards is for young ones, where they can find nature cards as they explore the town (think easter egg hunt meats Pokemon Go). You can also pick up a few nature-themed souvenirs, Australian native decor, and more from The Gardens Shop.

The State Library of Victoria is the oldest library in Australia, having been established in 1854. It’s home to a vast collection of books, research, databases, and more. 

It also hosts educational talks and events to further enrich its visitors. Aside from enjoying its vast collection of books, you can also admire its regal architecture.

Now that you know all the essentials of traveling to Melbourne, we’ll share with you a final, super important Klook Tip: You can use the Klook Melbourne Pass, which gives you access to up to five attractions in the city! With this pass, you can experience more in Melbourne without breaking the bank. Save up on admission fees when you bundle more activities together. With the pass, you can even visit favorites such as SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Skydeck, and Melbourne Zoo!