Melbourne is one of my favourite cities to visit. It’s a city filled with art, culture, fashion, fantastic coffee, mouthwatering food, and so much more! Every time I make a trip back, I make a plan to explore different parts of the city. There are so many nooks and crannies filled with gems waiting to be discovered!
For those who want to explore or want to do something a little bit different, here is my guide of alternative things to do:
1. Get lost and wander the streets
Toss out your travel guide and wander around the streets. You’ll find little boutique stores, street art, laneways, coffee shops and street vendors that you wouldn’t otherwise stumble upon. I like to make my way from one side of the street to the end and back up the other side.
Recommended streets to explore include:
- Brunswick Street – alternative shops, cafes, books, stationery
- Smith Street – vintage clothing, knitting and yarn, cafes
- Gertrude Street – unique design pieces, jewellery, art, luxury boutiques, hobby and toys
- Lygon Street – restaurants, cafes, kitchenware, spices
2. Relax and read a book in a cafe
In Melbourne there’s no shortage of good cafe’s but only a few where you can relax without feeling the pressure to move on. Here are 2 cafe’s that I found on my recent trip:
Cafe Giraffe is a charming cafe that has a small shop front – blink and you’ll miss it! Don’t be fooled though as there’s a larger space through the back that’s intricately decorated with a distinctly Korean flair. In the middle of the room there’s an amazing tree that’s been decorated with notes and other baubles. Just like the cafe, the menu is homely and affordable. The service is friendly and it’s the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon to read a book.
1000 Pound Bend is loud, vibrant and has a mismatched op shop feel. The former motorbike shop occupies a large space and is a hybrid cafe, restaurant and bar. There’s also a gallery space at the back and a cocktail bar upstairs. During the day, it’s a popular spot but there’s no pressure to leave. The booths by the wall have powerpoints so you can recharge while you spend a leisurely afternoon reading. There’s something for everyone on the menu and the coffee is good too.
3. See a show at Dracula’s
For something a little bit different, you have to go and see a show at Dracula’s!
I guarantee that it’ll be unlike anything you’ll ever experience. Expect inappropriate cabaret, wicked comedy and an overall outrageous performance by a group of very talented vampires! The food is surprisingly good and the service is fantastic.
4. Visit some night markets
During the Summer months, Melbourne has a variety of night markets that you can explore.
South Melbourne Night Markets are held on Thursday nights from 5.30 – 9.30pm. There’s a wide variety of stalls selling clothes, jewellery, homewares and various arts and crafts. There’s also live music, food trucks and pop up bars.
St Kilda Twilight Markets are also held on Thursday nights but it’s open a little bit longer until 10pm. The twilight markets have a more alternative and festival like vibe with a smaller range of stalls selling clothes, toys, plants and other odds and ends. It’s got a diverse range of food trucks from different cultures and live music as well.
Tip: bring some mosquito repellant!
5. Take a leisurely walk along the Yarra River
The Yarra River runs through the city and you can spend a leisurely morning or afternoon enjoying a walk by the river.
There are so many different types of trails but my favourite starting point is at Evan Walker Bridge near Flinders Street Station. Cross the river to Southbank Promenade and turn right. Enjoy the sights of the Yarra River on your right and watch people have a meal to your left.
Further up past Queens Bridge is the Crown Casino and you can continue walking across Clarendon Street onto the boardwalk at South Wharf Promenade. This will eventually lead you to the Melbourne Convention Centre and DFO. Alternatively, you can catch a tram on Clarendon Street back into the city.
During the weekends this trail is quite popular and is filled with locals and tourists alike. There’s usually a busker or 2 for some light entertainment and it’s a great spot to sit on the grass and watch the world go by.
Have any other suggestions? Let me know in the comments below!
