If you’ve ever Googled “cool cities to visit,” odds are Melbourne, Australia popped up somewhere between Tokyo and Berlin. It’s the artsy, effortlessly cool city that you’ll spend the next year referencing. “Oh when I was in Melbourne…”
But is Melbourne actually worth hauling yourself across the globe for? Honestly, yes. My partner and I were Googling real estate listings at the airport. It’s that great.
First, Let’s Set Expectations
Melbourne isn’t about flashy sights or tourist traps with four-hour lines. It’s a vibe city. You’re not going there to take pictures in front of famous landmarks. Melbourne is about tiny hidden coffee shops and unassuming restaurants with fresh ingredients and the best flavor combo you’ve never imagined.
You’re here to wander, discover, and wonder how a city can be this… awesome.
The Good Stuff
1. The Coffee Is Life-Changing
If you think you know good coffee, Melbourne is ready to humble you. The coffee culture here isn’t just strong, it’s 4-shots-a-day. Even the dingiest 7-Eleven knows how to steam milk better than half of Brooklyn.
Where to go:
- Patricia Coffee Brewers – no seating, but people sit on milk crates in the alley to wait for a cup
- Proud Mary – hipsters everywhere, in a good way
- Market Lane Coffee – unless you’re a professional coffee connoisseur, these guys will be above your comprehension level, but they served me my favorite coffee ever. Plus I tried my first espresso spritz there. It’s the only way to do a hot day coffee.
2. Laneways and Street Art
I know how cliché it is to talk about street art on a travel blog, but even to the casual connoisseur, Melbourne’s laneways are worth visiting. Think of them more as an open-air gallery.
Where to wander:
- Hosier Lane (it’s the most famous famous and a bit overrun, but still cool)
- AC/DC Lane (bonus: it leads you directly to dive bars with live music and sticky floors)
Pro tip: Don’t just stop at the first painted wall you see. Some of the best stuff is down the winding alleys.
3. Melbourne Loves Brunch
You know how brunch in the U.S. a bottomless mimosas on a Sunday occasional affair? Melbourne brunch is a lifestyle. We spent the next 6 months trying to recreate the chili scrambled eggs and still haven’t mastered them.
Brunch is good EVERYWHERE, but these spots were next-level:
- Higher Ground – Normally gorgeous architecture doesn’t go with great food, but Melbourne has it all.
- Hardware Société – Walk-ins only. So busy for a reason.
- Operator 25 – This was the first brunch place we visited, and we almost went back seven times.
Tip: If you’re American, paying for meals in Melbourne can feel confusing. You almost always pay at the counter. At some spots, you pay before you get your food and then grab a seat. At others, they’ll serve you at your tables, but it’s on you to cash out on your way out. They won’t drop a check at your table, and you’ll look weird asking for one. Head to the cash registers inside. It’s not rude, I swear.
4. Day Trips That Somehow Make Leaving Melbourne Feel Worth It
You’re not just trapped in the city center. Some of the best parts of Melbourne are the things just outside of it.
- Great Ocean Road: You can rent a car and experiences the majesty of Victoria’s coast. If you feel uncomfortable with left side driving, there are plenty of tours that offer this route.
- Yarra Valley: Head out for vineyards, cheese, and some gorgeous scenery. Let me know how soon after arriving you looked up houses for sale.
- Phillip Island: PENGUINS. This is the day trip I’d recommend to everyone. Meet tiny penguins as they march from the ocean to their burrows. Bring a jacket.
Worth Knowing
- The weather is chaos: Locals say you get four seasons in a day, and they are not exaggerating. Bring layers. And then more layers. And then an emergency poncho. We even factored in a mid-day return to the hotel to change, otherwise we’d walk around looking like we’re trying to outsmart a RyanAir bag limit.
- It’s expensive: For being a small-ish city, Melbourne is pricy. If you’re used to big city prices, you’ll be fine.
- Not a lot of “OMG” moments: Melbourne’s magic is slow-burn, not fireworks. If you want to be instantly dazzled, give Sydney a try. Melbourne’s appeal is renting a boat on the Yarra river and then having the best sandwich of your life from a food stand.
So, Is Melbourne Worth It?
If you want to spend a week in a city that feels like they have everything figured out: yes. If you want big landmarks and tourist destinations: maybe not.
Melbourne is for people who like wandering side streets, eavesdropping on art students, jumping from restaurant to restaurant, and falling in love with the idea of a slower, prettier life.
If that sounds like your idea of a good time, book the ticket. Melbourne’s waiting… with a flat white and a seat with a view.
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