Cosmopolitan, stylish and dynamic – Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital. From its creative and vibrant city centre to the spectacular coastline, this city will surprise you with its packed programme of art, food, wine and sports. Our friends at ILSC Melbourne have thought out of the box and given us a list of things to do in the city for under 20 bucks:
Free ride on a city tram
The City Circle Tram is a free way to see central Melbourne and the Docklands while experiencing a ride on one of the city’s heritage trams. An audio commentary provides details of the major attractions you will see from the tram, such as the City Museum, the Parliament House and the Docklands.
The Heide Gallery
In 1934, John and Sunday Reed opened their home to a circle of artists, writers and intellectuals; this is how Heide started becoming what it is today, a unique place for discussion, creation and promotion of modern art and literature. Visit the museum for $18 or explore the fifteen acres of gardens and the sculpture park!
Cycle to Fairfield Boathouse
The Main Yarra Trail is one of the most scenic Melbourne bike paths; rent a bike for an affordable price and cycle from the city to the Fairfield Park Boathouse, where you can rent a boat for less than $20 and spend a fun afternoon.
Rooftop bar and cinema
The view from Curtin House’s 7th floor is simply jaw dropping. Have a drink at the Rooftop Bar and taste Burger Shack’s delicious burgers – you won’t regret it! And from December to April, the Rooftop Cinema showcases classic and recent movies under the stars…
Discover the best markets
Sunday is market day in Melbourne! Since 1970, the St Kilda Market brings together artists and craftspeople in a beautiful open-air market by the sea. And in the heart of Melbourne, you will find the Queen Victoria Market, with its iconic food stalls and heritage sheds. Here or there, you will surely find what you are looking for!
Lygon Street and Little Italy
Stroll along Lygon Street and discover Little Italy – where Melbourne’s coffee culture was born. You will find authentic Italian restaurants and cafés, like Brunetti Carlton, a historic venue where you can indulge in a real Italian coffee. And if you need a longer – and savory – break, Totò’s Pizza House has been baking real Italian pizza since 1961.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground
Enjoy the wonderful walk from Flinders Street Station, along the river and over the new William Barak Bridge; you will reach the famous Sporting Statues and the MCG! Guided tours are the only way to get an exclusive view of this iconic venue, but they are a bit pricey. The National Sports Museum is definitely more affordable and still very exciting. Tickets are $18.50 for students.
The Little Library
The Melbourne Central Little Library is a community initiative where people are encouraged to share their favourite books. Through free book exchange, this cute, old-style library promotes literacy and the love of reading. Swap your books and escape from the noisy world for a little while…
Urban art
Melbourne’s street art is internationally renowned. Providing approved outdoor locations for street artists to express themselves contributes to a vibrant urban environment and attracts local and oversea visitors. Explore the city and discover the best graffiti!
Pub and football
Pub culture is quite big in Melbourne… and so is Australian football. If you go to a pub on a Saturday and watch the Hawks play, you will be surrounded by a fun and unique atmosphere.
Do you have any other good tip to recommend? Tell us in the comment section below!
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