Melbourne itinerary: 1 to 7 days
Plans for one to seven days in Melbourne, day by day: Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, St Paul's Cathedral and the MCG first, then Southbank, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance, and Carlton, Fitzroy, St Kilda and the Old Melbourne Gaol as you add days. Every stop has a typical visit length.
How long do you have?
Map: 3 days
Melbourne in 1 day
Day 1
Eureka Tower Must see
A 297 m skyscraper in Southbank with the Skydeck observation deck near the top.
Flinders Street railway station Must see
Melbourne's landmark Edwardian railway station with its dome and row of clocks, a classic meeting point.
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne Must see
The Anglican cathedral in Gothic Revival style, opposite Federation Square and Flinders Street Station.
Federation Square Must see
A public square of angular modern buildings opened in 2002, home to ACMI and the Ian Potter Centre of Australian art.
Melbourne Cricket Ground Must see
Australia's largest stadium, home of cricket and Australian rules football, with tours and the National Sports Museum.
Melbourne in 2 days
Day 1
Flinders Street railway station Must see
Melbourne's landmark Edwardian railway station with its dome and row of clocks, a classic meeting point.
Eureka Tower Must see
A 297 m skyscraper in Southbank with the Skydeck observation deck near the top.
Shrine of Remembrance Must see
Melbourne's large classical war memorial in Kings Domain; its balcony looks straight up St Kilda Road to the city.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Must see
Botanic gardens beside the Yarra with lakes, lawns and thousands of plant species from around the world.
Melbourne Cricket Ground Must see
Australia's largest stadium, home of cricket and Australian rules football, with tours and the National Sports Museum.
Day 2
Federation Square Must see
A public square of angular modern buildings opened in 2002, home to ACMI and the Ian Potter Centre of Australian art.
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne Must see
The Anglican cathedral in Gothic Revival style, opposite Federation Square and Flinders Street Station.
Collins Street, Melbourne Must see
The city centre's elegant main street, with Victorian buildings, arcades and boutiques at its 'Paris end'.
Docklands, Victoria Must see
A waterfront district west of the city centre with marinas, modern offices and Marvel Stadium.
Melbourne in 3 days
Day 1
Docklands, Victoria Must see
A waterfront district west of the city centre with marinas, modern offices and Marvel Stadium.
South Wharf, Victoria Must see
A riverside precinct by the convention centre, with old cargo sheds turned into bars and restaurants.
Crown Melbourne Must see
The casino and entertainment complex on the south bank of the Yarra, known for its riverside fire towers at night.
Eureka Tower Must see
A 297 m skyscraper in Southbank with the Skydeck observation deck near the top.
Flinders Street railway station Must see
Melbourne's landmark Edwardian railway station with its dome and row of clocks, a classic meeting point.
Day 2
Princess Theatre, Melbourne
One of Melbourne's oldest theatres, on Spring Street, now staging big musicals.
Federation Square Must see
A public square of angular modern buildings opened in 2002, home to ACMI and the Ian Potter Centre of Australian art.
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne Must see
The Anglican cathedral in Gothic Revival style, opposite Federation Square and Flinders Street Station.
Collins Street, Melbourne Must see
The city centre's elegant main street, with Victorian buildings, arcades and boutiques at its 'Paris end'.
Day 3
State Library of Victoria
The state library, founded in 1854, with the domed La Trobe Reading Room and free exhibitions.
Melbourne Cricket Ground Must see
Australia's largest stadium, home of cricket and Australian rules football, with tours and the National Sports Museum.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Must see
Botanic gardens beside the Yarra with lakes, lawns and thousands of plant species from around the world.
Shrine of Remembrance Must see
Melbourne's large classical war memorial in Kings Domain; its balcony looks straight up St Kilda Road to the city.
Melbourne in 4 days
Day 1
Docklands, Victoria Must see
A waterfront district west of the city centre with marinas, modern offices and Marvel Stadium.
South Wharf, Victoria Must see
A riverside precinct by the convention centre, with old cargo sheds turned into bars and restaurants.
Crown Melbourne Must see
The casino and entertainment complex on the south bank of the Yarra, known for its riverside fire towers at night.
Eureka Tower Must see
A 297 m skyscraper in Southbank with the Skydeck observation deck near the top.
Flinders Street railway station Must see
Melbourne's landmark Edwardian railway station with its dome and row of clocks, a classic meeting point.
Day 2
Princess Theatre, Melbourne
One of Melbourne's oldest theatres, on Spring Street, now staging big musicals.
Federation Square Must see
A public square of angular modern buildings opened in 2002, home to ACMI and the Ian Potter Centre of Australian art.
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne Must see
The Anglican cathedral in Gothic Revival style, opposite Federation Square and Flinders Street Station.
Collins Street, Melbourne Must see
The city centre's elegant main street, with Victorian buildings, arcades and boutiques at its 'Paris end'.
Day 3
State Library of Victoria
The state library, founded in 1854, with the domed La Trobe Reading Room and free exhibitions.
Melbourne Cricket Ground Must see
Australia's largest stadium, home of cricket and Australian rules football, with tours and the National Sports Museum.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Must see
Botanic gardens beside the Yarra with lakes, lawns and thousands of plant species from around the world.
Shrine of Remembrance Must see
Melbourne's large classical war memorial in Kings Domain; its balcony looks straight up St Kilda Road to the city.
Day 4
The Old Bar Must see
A small pub and live music venue in Fitzroy, open since 2001.
Melbourne Museum Must see
A natural and cultural history museum in Carlton Gardens, next to the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building.
Queen Victoria Market
A large open-air market dating from the 1870s, with fresh food, deli halls and general stalls.
Melbourne in 5 days
Day 1
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne Must see
The Anglican cathedral in Gothic Revival style, opposite Federation Square and Flinders Street Station.
Federation Square Must see
A public square of angular modern buildings opened in 2002, home to ACMI and the Ian Potter Centre of Australian art.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image
ACMI, Australia's museum of film, television, video games and art, at Federation Square.
Day 2
Docklands, Victoria Must see
A waterfront district west of the city centre with marinas, modern offices and Marvel Stadium.
South Wharf, Victoria Must see
A riverside precinct by the convention centre, with old cargo sheds turned into bars and restaurants.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
The city's convention and exhibition centre on the Yarra in South Wharf.
Crown Melbourne Must see
The casino and entertainment complex on the south bank of the Yarra, known for its riverside fire towers at night.
Eureka Tower Must see
A 297 m skyscraper in Southbank with the Skydeck observation deck near the top.
Flinders Street railway station Must see
Melbourne's landmark Edwardian railway station with its dome and row of clocks, a classic meeting point.
Cooks' Cottage
The 18th-century house of Captain Cook's parents, shipped from England and rebuilt in Fitzroy Gardens in 1934.
Day 3
Melbourne Central Shopping Centre
A shopping centre built around a historic brick shot tower under a huge glass cone.
Collins Street, Melbourne Must see
The city centre's elegant main street, with Victorian buildings, arcades and boutiques at its 'Paris end'.
Arts Centre Melbourne
The performing arts centre under the tall spire on St Kilda Road, with theatres and Hamer Hall.
Melbourne Recital Centre
A concert hall for chamber and small-ensemble music in the Southbank arts precinct.
Day 4
Melbourne Museum Must see
A natural and cultural history museum in Carlton Gardens, next to the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building.
The Old Bar Must see
A small pub and live music venue in Fitzroy, open since 2001.
Abbotsford Convent
A 19th-century convent complex by the Yarra, now an arts precinct with studios, cafés and gardens.
The Corner Hotel
A pub in Richmond that has been a live music venue for decades.
Day 5
Prahran Market
A long-running food market in South Yarra, near Chapel Street.
Luna Park, Melbourne
A 1912 amusement park on the St Kilda foreshore, entered through a giant smiling face.
Palais Theatre
A large 1920s theatre on the St Kilda foreshore, used for concerts and shows.
St Kilda Pier
A walk out along the bay to the 1904 kiosk; little penguins come ashore at the breakwater at dusk.
Melbourne in 6 days
Day 1
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne Must see
The Anglican cathedral in Gothic Revival style, opposite Federation Square and Flinders Street Station.
Federation Square Must see
A public square of angular modern buildings opened in 2002, home to ACMI and the Ian Potter Centre of Australian art.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image
ACMI, Australia's museum of film, television, video games and art, at Federation Square.
Day 2
Docklands, Victoria Must see
A waterfront district west of the city centre with marinas, modern offices and Marvel Stadium.
South Wharf, Victoria Must see
A riverside precinct by the convention centre, with old cargo sheds turned into bars and restaurants.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
The city's convention and exhibition centre on the Yarra in South Wharf.
Crown Melbourne Must see
The casino and entertainment complex on the south bank of the Yarra, known for its riverside fire towers at night.
Eureka Tower Must see
A 297 m skyscraper in Southbank with the Skydeck observation deck near the top.
Flinders Street railway station Must see
Melbourne's landmark Edwardian railway station with its dome and row of clocks, a classic meeting point.
Cooks' Cottage
The 18th-century house of Captain Cook's parents, shipped from England and rebuilt in Fitzroy Gardens in 1934.
Day 3
Melbourne Central Shopping Centre
A shopping centre built around a historic brick shot tower under a huge glass cone.
Collins Street, Melbourne Must see
The city centre's elegant main street, with Victorian buildings, arcades and boutiques at its 'Paris end'.
Arts Centre Melbourne
The performing arts centre under the tall spire on St Kilda Road, with theatres and Hamer Hall.
Melbourne Recital Centre
A concert hall for chamber and small-ensemble music in the Southbank arts precinct.
Day 4
Melbourne Museum Must see
A natural and cultural history museum in Carlton Gardens, next to the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building.
The Old Bar Must see
A small pub and live music venue in Fitzroy, open since 2001.
Abbotsford Convent
A 19th-century convent complex by the Yarra, now an arts precinct with studios, cafés and gardens.
The Corner Hotel
A pub in Richmond that has been a live music venue for decades.
Day 5
Prahran Market
A long-running food market in South Yarra, near Chapel Street.
Luna Park, Melbourne
A 1912 amusement park on the St Kilda foreshore, entered through a giant smiling face.
Palais Theatre
A large 1920s theatre on the St Kilda foreshore, used for concerts and shows.
St Kilda Pier
A walk out along the bay to the 1904 kiosk; little penguins come ashore at the breakwater at dusk.
Day 6
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Must see
Botanic gardens beside the Yarra with lakes, lawns and thousands of plant species from around the world.
National Gallery of Victoria
Australia's oldest public art museum, on St Kilda Road, with free entry to the permanent collection.
Shrine of Remembrance Must see
Melbourne's large classical war memorial in Kings Domain; its balcony looks straight up St Kilda Road to the city.
Melbourne in 7 days
Day 1
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne Must see
The Anglican cathedral in Gothic Revival style, opposite Federation Square and Flinders Street Station.
Federation Square Must see
A public square of angular modern buildings opened in 2002, home to ACMI and the Ian Potter Centre of Australian art.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image
ACMI, Australia's museum of film, television, video games and art, at Federation Square.
Day 2
Docklands, Victoria Must see
A waterfront district west of the city centre with marinas, modern offices and Marvel Stadium.
South Wharf, Victoria Must see
A riverside precinct by the convention centre, with old cargo sheds turned into bars and restaurants.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
The city's convention and exhibition centre on the Yarra in South Wharf.
Crown Melbourne Must see
The casino and entertainment complex on the south bank of the Yarra, known for its riverside fire towers at night.
Eureka Tower Must see
A 297 m skyscraper in Southbank with the Skydeck observation deck near the top.
Flinders Street railway station Must see
Melbourne's landmark Edwardian railway station with its dome and row of clocks, a classic meeting point.
Cooks' Cottage
The 18th-century house of Captain Cook's parents, shipped from England and rebuilt in Fitzroy Gardens in 1934.
Day 3
Melbourne Central Shopping Centre
A shopping centre built around a historic brick shot tower under a huge glass cone.
Collins Street, Melbourne Must see
The city centre's elegant main street, with Victorian buildings, arcades and boutiques at its 'Paris end'.
Arts Centre Melbourne
The performing arts centre under the tall spire on St Kilda Road, with theatres and Hamer Hall.
Melbourne Recital Centre
A concert hall for chamber and small-ensemble music in the Southbank arts precinct.
Day 4
Melbourne Museum Must see
A natural and cultural history museum in Carlton Gardens, next to the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building.
The Old Bar Must see
A small pub and live music venue in Fitzroy, open since 2001.
Abbotsford Convent
A 19th-century convent complex by the Yarra, now an arts precinct with studios, cafés and gardens.
The Corner Hotel
A pub in Richmond that has been a live music venue for decades.
Day 5
Prahran Market
A long-running food market in South Yarra, near Chapel Street.
Luna Park, Melbourne
A 1912 amusement park on the St Kilda foreshore, entered through a giant smiling face.
Palais Theatre
A large 1920s theatre on the St Kilda foreshore, used for concerts and shows.
St Kilda Pier
A walk out along the bay to the 1904 kiosk; little penguins come ashore at the breakwater at dusk.
Day 6
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Must see
Botanic gardens beside the Yarra with lakes, lawns and thousands of plant species from around the world.
National Gallery of Victoria
Australia's oldest public art museum, on St Kilda Road, with free entry to the permanent collection.
Shrine of Remembrance Must see
Melbourne's large classical war memorial in Kings Domain; its balcony looks straight up St Kilda Road to the city.
Day 7
Old Melbourne Gaol
A 19th-century bluestone prison, now a museum, where the bushranger Ned Kelly was hanged in 1880.
State Library of Victoria
The state library, founded in 1854, with the domed La Trobe Reading Room and free exhibitions.
Princess Theatre, Melbourne
One of Melbourne's oldest theatres, on Spring Street, now staging big musicals.
Watch: Melbourne in 3 days
A one-minute look at the plan: every stop, day by day, with the map.
When to go to Melbourne
March to May and October to November are the most comfortable months in Melbourne, with mild temperatures and fewer extremes. December to February can bring heatwaves and sudden cool changes, and June to August is cool and grey. The Australian Open tennis fills the city in January, and the Melbourne Cup horse race on the first Tuesday of November is a public holiday.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Where to stay: hotels in Melbourne on Booking.com or Trip.com
- Skip-the-line tickets: museums and sights in Melbourne on Tiqets
- Tours and day trips: things to do in Melbourne on GetYourGuide or on Viator
- From the airport: a private transfer in Melbourne with Kiwitaxi
- Data on arrival: an eSIM for Australia from Airalo
- Last day: leave your bags in Melbourne with Radical Storage and keep sightseeing
Some of these are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips for Melbourne
- Trams are free inside the city-centre Free Tram Zone; outside it, use a myki card.
- The weather can change several times a day; carry an extra layer.
- Queen Victoria Market is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays; go in the morning for the best choice.
- Explore the laneways and arcades between stops, such as Degraves Street, the Block Arcade and Hosier Lane's street art.
- MCG tours do not run on some match days; check the fixture before you go.
Make it your own
Open the guide in Andiamo Places to see every stop on a map with walking directions, move places between days, check opening hours for your dates, and add your own finds. After the trip, your photos become a journal and, if you like, a printed photo book.
Guides are made with the help of AI and public sources such as Wikipedia, and may contain errors. Opening hours and prices change, so check before you go. Spotted a wrong photo, a pin in the wrong place, a missing stop or a better one? Write to andiamotravelapp@gmail.com: the e-mail opens with this guide filled in.
Photo credits
- Abbotsford Convent: Redtree21, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Arts Centre Melbourne: unknown author, Public domain
- Australian Centre for the Moving Image: -jkb-, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Collins Street, Melbourne: HappyWaldo, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Cooks' Cottage: CloudSurfer at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Crown Melbourne: Donaldytong, Public domain
- Docklands, Victoria: Crisco 1492, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Eureka Tower: Phillip Capper, CC BY 2.0
- Federation Square: Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0
- Flinders Street railway station: Rob Deutscher, CC BY 2.0
- Luna Park, Melbourne: MusikAnimal, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Melbourne Central Shopping Centre: Jordan from Singapore, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Onmaditque, CC BY 4.0
- Melbourne Cricket Ground: Flickerd, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Melbourne Museum: No machine-readable author provided. Donaldytong assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public domain
- Melbourne Recital Centre: NouvelleAuteur at English Wikipedia, Public domain
- National Gallery of Victoria: Lakeyboy at English Wikipedia, Public domain
- Old Melbourne Gaol: Charlie Brewer from Sydney, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Palais Theatre: NomadicPics(go to album) from cairns, australia, CC BY 2.0
- Prahran Market: HappyWaldo, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Princess Theatre, Melbourne: Mat Connolley ( Matnkat ), CC BY 2.5
- Queen Victoria Market: Bob T, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: Wpcpey, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Shrine of Remembrance: Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0
- South Wharf, Victoria: Douglas P. Perkins, CC BY-SA 3.0
- St Kilda Pier: Donaldytong, CC BY-SA 3.0
- St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne: unknown author, GFDL 1.2
- State Library of Victoria: Diliff, CC BY 2.5
- The Corner Hotel: Commander Keane, CC BY-SA 3.0
- The Old Bar: Infrogmation, CC BY-SA 4.0
Opening hours change; check before you go. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
