Melbourne's Art & Cultural Hot Spots
Since there’s much to uncover when in Straya’s cultural capital, we argue that the best manner to explore the area is through a slow, immersive way of travel — by walking. Stroll the streets of Melbourne and discover its fascinating cultural gems. Start your journey here, mate!
Most of Melbourne’s alleys are a canvas for wall art and graffiti, but some destinations undeniably steal the show. From the Central Business District (CBD), you can walk to popular urban art laneways, like Hosier Lane, Caledonian Lane, and AC/DC Lane. Keep your eyes peeled for world-class murals, too, like that of Keith Haring and Everfresh Fitzroy. Beyond appreciating its dynamic colours and art techniques, understanding Melbourne’s street art involves getting to know its artists. To make the most of the experience, take a deeper dive to learn about the people behind all the intriguing masterpieces in the area.
Getting to know Melbourne isn’t a tall order — especially if you’re a coffee lover. Have a taste of the city’s culture as you hop into its speciality cafes and sample various menu items. Melbourne is known for its exquisite brews, so make sure you don’t miss out on the best coffee shops in the area. Our tip? Look for insider insights. Ask the locals which coffee shop is their favourite — or better yet, go on a guided tour with local experts and sommeliers to complete your brewing adventure.
Isn’t it a romantic thought, to walk in the footsteps of a bygone population? Experience this with an even more nostalgic ambience when you go on a historical walking tour around Melbourne. Explore the city’s oldest buildings at ground level at a leisurely pace. Step into the Immigration Museum and St. James Old Cathedral, or enter the historic homes, churches, and pubs. You can even enjoy a bottle of beer at the Mitre Tavern, a pub in a 19th-century building with an expansive beer garden and the largest alfresco drinking space in the CBD.
Going on a food tour is best done on foot – when you can quickly burn calories and then make space for more meals. Sounds appetising, doesn’t it? But beyond this guilt-free indulgence, you have more reason to go on a food tour in Melbourne: the city is actually the culinary capital of Australia. Home to skilled chefs, Melbourne is peppered with both top-notch restaurants and stalls that offer cheap but addictive eats. Don’t miss the chef-hatted restaurants, breweries, and dessert houses. Discover the diversity of culinary choices in Melbourne, with restaurants offering authentic Chinese, Middle Eastern, French, and Japanese cuisines.
Are you up for something grimmer than usual? Book a walking tour of Melbourne’s dark history, where you will uncover the bewitched past of the Victorian city. Walk through spooky laneways and haunted buildings. Listen to horrific but true crime stories, one of which talks about the globally notorious serial killer Frederick Bailey Deeming, who some suspect was actually Jack the Ripper. Learn about the famous ghosts, like Dame Nellie Melba, who are believed to inhabit the area. Once all of this is over, your tour guide will culminate the event over drinks at a local bar – and you can finally ask as many questions as you wish.
Suppose you can’t decide which part of Melbourne to probe. In that case, you can always go on a walking tour that covers the best of the city: Melbourne art centres and galleries, street art laneways, fancy bars and restaurants, whimsical coffee shops and speakeasies, and old and historic buildings. Above all, what makes Melbourne a constant strong contender in the most livable cities globally is its stable infrastructures that promote a full life. So regardless of your preferences, the city will undoubtedly have something precisely for you.
