To your surprise, Melbourne is one of Australia’s most international metropolises. Need some suggestions for how to spend three days in Melbourne? Discover our full weekend itinerary in Melbourne and fall in love with the city the same way I do.

How Can I Spend 3 Days In Melbourne?
Melbourne is a vibrant and exciting city with lots to offer, so here’s an itinerary to make the most of your 3 days there:
Day 1:
- Start your day with a stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, a 38-hectare oasis in the heart of the city.
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a beautiful public garden located in Melbourne, Australia. It covers an area of 38 hectares and features a stunning collection of plants and flowers from around the world.
The gardens were established in 1846 and have since become one of Melbourne’s most popular attractions. The gardens are home to over 8,500 plant species, including many rare and exotic varieties, and are an important centre for botanical research and conservation.
In addition to the plants, the gardens are home to a range of wildlife, including over 150 bird species, possums, and flying foxes. There are several walking paths throughout the gardens, including the popular Tan Track, a 3.8-kilometre running and walking circuit that offers beautiful views of the city skyline.
Other highlights of the Royal Botanic Gardens include the Ornamental Lake, the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, and the Guilfoyle’s Volcano, a unique water reservoir that has been transformed into a stunning garden feature.
The gardens are open every day of the year, and entry is free. Guided tours are available, as well as a range of events and activities, such as outdoor cinema screenings, summer concerts, and yoga classes.
- After your walk, head to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), which is Australia’s oldest and largest public art museum. The NGV has a great collection of Australian and international art, as well as regularly changing exhibitions.
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia’s oldest and largest public art museum, located in Melbourne. It was founded in 1861 and has since become one of the country’s most significant cultural institutions, with an extensive collection of Australian and international art.
The NGV is split into two locations: NGV International and NGV Australia. NGV International, located in St Kilda Road, houses the museum’s international collection, with over 70,000 works of art spanning thousands of years of human history. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photography, and prints from around the world, as well as a large collection of Asian art.
NGV Australia, located in Federation Square, focuses on Australian art, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous art. The collection includes works by some of Australia’s most famous artists, including Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker, and Fred Williams, as well as contemporary artists such as Tracey Moffatt and Brook Andrew.
In addition to the permanent collections, the NGV hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing works from both Australian and international artists. The museum also offers a range of educational programs, including guided tours, talks, and workshops.
Entry to the NGV is free, although some special exhibitions may require a ticket. The museum is open daily, and visitors can easily spend a full day exploring the galleries and the beautiful architecture of the buildings.
- For lunch, head to the trendy Fitzroy neighbourhood, which has plenty of great cafes and restaurants. Try some of Melbourne’s famous coffee or grab a bite to eat at a local favourite, like Smith & Deli or Grub Fitzroy.
- In the afternoon, visit Queen Victoria Market, a bustling marketplace selling fresh produce, souvenirs, and everything in between. Don’t miss the deli hall, which has some of the best cheese and charcuterie in the city.
Queen Victoria Market is an iconic open-air market located in the heart of Melbourne. It’s been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike since it first opened in 1878, and has since become one of the city’s top attractions.
The market covers an area of over 17 acres and features over 600 traders selling a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, meat, seafood, gourmet food, clothing, souvenirs, and much more. The market is open five days a week (closed Mondays and Wednesdays), and on weekends it attracts thousands of visitors.
One of the highlights of Queen Victoria Market is its food section, which offers a wide variety of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and snacks. Visitors can sample local specialties such as dim sims, hot jam doughnuts, and delicious coffee from the many cafes and food stalls.
In addition to food, the market is also a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. From handmade jewellery to vintage clothing and accessories, there is something for everyone at Queen Victoria Market.
The market is also a cultural hub, with live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and cultural events regularly held on-site. Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the market’s history and its many offerings.
Visitors should plan to spend at least a few hours at Queen Victoria Market to fully explore its many stalls and attractions.
- For dinner, head to the lively Chinatown district for some of the city’s best Asian food. Try Flower Drum, a renowned Chinese restaurant that’s been in Melbourne since 1975.
Day 2:
- Start your day with a visit to the iconic Flinders Street Station, one of Melbourne’s most recognizable landmarks. Take a photo in front of the station’s historic facade and then head across the street to Federation Square, which is home to galleries, restaurants, and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
Flinders Street Station is a historic railway station located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. It’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and an important hub for public transportation.
The station was first opened in 1854 and has since undergone several renovations and expansions. The most iconic feature of the station is its distinctive yellow facade and grand central clock tower, which has become a symbol of Melbourne.
Flinders Street Station is a major transportation hub, serving as the central interchange for the city’s train and tram network. It’s also a popular meeting spot and a gateway to many of Melbourne’s top attractions, including Federation Square, the Yarra River, and the Arts Precinct.
Visitors to Flinders Street Station can take a self-guided tour of the historic building and learn about its fascinating history, which spans over 150 years. The stations interior features stunning architecture and design, including ornate tiling, arched ceilings, and stained-glass windows.
The station is also home to a range of shops and cafes, including the famous Degraves Street underground arcade, which is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious coffee.
Overall, Flinders Street Station is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Melbourne. It’s not only an important transportation hub but also a beautiful and iconic piece of Melbourne’s history and culture.
- Take a walk down Hosier Lane, which is one of Melbourne’s most famous laneways and is covered in colourful street art. It’s a great place to take some Instagram-worthy photos.
Hosier Lane is a vibrant, colourful laneway located in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District. It’s known for its striking street art and graffiti, which cover the walls and surfaces of the lane.
The laneway’s street art is constantly evolving, with new works popping up regularly, making it a dynamic and ever-changing art installation. The art ranges from small stencils and tags to large-scale murals, some of which are several stories high.
Hosier Lane has become one of Melbourne’s top tourist attractions and a popular spot for photographers and street art enthusiasts. It’s also a popular backdrop for fashion shoots and music videos.
Visitors to Hosier Lane can take a self-guided tour of street art and discover the hidden messages and meanings behind the works. The laneway is also home to a range of cafes, restaurants, and bars, making it a great place to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat.
While Hosier Lane is one of the most famous street art locations in Melbourne, it’s just one of many laneways in the city that feature stunning street art and graffiti. Exploring the city’s laneways is a great way to discover Melbourne’s vibrant street art scene and immerse yourself in the city’s unique culture.
- For lunch, head to the trendy South Yarra neighbourhood and try out one of the city’s many brunch spots. Top picks include Drugstore Espresso and Two Birds One Stone.
- In the afternoon, head to St Kilda, a seaside suburb just a short tram ride from the city. Check out the colourful Luna Park amusement park, stroll along the palm-lined Esplanade, and visit the famous St Kilda Pier, where you can see the resident penguins.
- For dinner, head back to the city and try out one of the many great Italian restaurants in the Lygon Street area, also known as Melbourne’s Little Italy.
Day 3:
- Start your day with a trip to the Melbourne Museum, which has a great collection of natural history, indigenous culture, and contemporary art.
The Melbourne Museum is a popular cultural institution located in Carlton Gardens, a short distance from Melbourne’s CBD. The museum’s impressive collection covers a broad range of topics, including natural history, indigenous culture, science, technology, and social history.
The museum is divided into various galleries and exhibitions that provide an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Some of the highlights of the museum include the ‘Dinosaur Walk’, which showcases life-size models of prehistoric animals, including a giant T-Rex skeleton, the ‘Forest Gallery’, which features a replica of a Victorian rainforest, and the ‘First Peoples’ exhibition, which explores the culture and history of Australia’s Indigenous people.
Other exhibits include the ‘Science and Life Gallery’, which features interactive displays and hands-on activities, and the ‘Mind and Body Gallery’, which explores the human body and mind. The museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works from local and international artists.
The Melbourne Museum is also home to the IMAX cinema, which features a giant screen that’s over five stories tall, offering a truly immersive movie experience. The cinema screens a variety of films, including blockbuster hits and educational documentaries.
Overall, the Melbourne Museum is an essential destination for anyone visiting Melbourne who is interested in culture, history, and science. Visitors should plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the museum’s many exhibits and attractions.
- After the museum, head to the Carlton Gardens, which are just next door. Take a stroll around the gardens and visit the historic Royal Exhibition Building, which is a World Heritage-listed site.
- For lunch, head to the lively Fitzroy neighbourhood and try out some of the many vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the area. Smith & Daughters and Yong Green Food are both great options.
- In the afternoon, take a tram down to the beachside suburb of Brighton and check out the iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes. These colourful beach huts are a must-see in Melbourne.
The Brighton Bathing Boxes are a popular tourist attraction located on Brighton Beach, a short distance from Melbourne’s CBD. The bathing boxes are a row of 82 colourful, wooden beach huts that line the shore of the beach.
Each of the bathing boxes is uniquely decorated and painted in bright colours and designs, and many are passed down from generation to generation. The bathing boxes have become an iconic symbol of Melbourne and are a popular spot for photographers and tourists.
The bathing boxes were built in the early 1900s, and their original purpose was to provide a place for swimmers to change their clothes in privacy. Today, most bathing boxes are used as storage for beach equipment and as a place for their owners to relax and enjoy the beach.
Visitors can take a stroll along the beach to view the bathing boxes or take a swim in the clear blue waters of the bay. The beach is also a great spot for sunbathing and picnicking, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.
The Brighton Bathing Boxes are a unique and charming destination that offers a glimpse into Melbourne’s history and culture. Whether you’re looking to snap some photos, take a swim, or simply relax on the beach, the Brighton Bathing Boxes are a must-visit spot for any trip to Melbourne.
- For your final dinner in Melbourne, head to the city’s CBD and try out one of the city’s many great restaurants. Some top picks include Attica, Lûmé, and Cutler & Co.
Of course, there’s much more to see and do in Melbourne, but this itinerary should give you a great taste of what the city has to offer in just 3 days.
Conclusion
Melbourne is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. In just three days, visitors can explore some of the city’s top attractions, including the Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery of Victoria, Queen Victoria Market, Flinders Street Station, Hosier Lane, the Melbourne Museum, and the Brighton Bathing Boxes.
From beautiful gardens to stunning art installations, delicious food, and fascinating museums, Melbourne has something to offer every type of traveller. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history, immersing yourself in its vibrant art scene, or simply enjoying its beautiful parks and beaches, a visit to Melbourne is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
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