What to Do in Melbourne When You Only Have One Day

• Queen Vic Market
• Coffee Place – Lune
• Street Art

Make most of your 24 hours in Melbourne with sightseeing, culture, great food and a gorgeous cruise on the Yarra River.

9AM: Start your Day with a Laneway Coffee and Brunch

Melbourne is known as the coffee city, so start your morning like a local in one of the city’s iconic laneways! Whether that’s visiting Lune, Hardware Societe, The Higher Ground, Dukes Coffee Roasters, or Degraves Espresso Bar.

Pair your flat white with buttery croissants as you soak up the gorgeous Melbourne laneways!

From Hardware Societe

10:00AM: Art and Architecture at Federation Square & NGV

Walk off brunch with a visit to Federation Square, Melbourne’s cultural hub. Wander through its modern design and pop into the Ian Potter Centre (Australian art) or the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) across the street for free exhibitions.

Don’t miss NGV’s Great Hall with its stained-glass ceiling and the street performers along Southbank Promenade!!

Image of Federation Square (from Visit Victoria)

11:00 AM – Cruise the Yarra with Melbourne River Cruises

Take in the city from a whole new angle – on the water!

Hop aboard a Melbourne River Cruise and drift along the Yarra River for unbeatable views of the city skyline, historic bridges, lush gardens, and sporting landmarks! Take breathtaking photos and take a moment to unwind among Melbourne’s bustling streets!

Some of the most popular cruise options are:

• City to Docklands or Parks & Gardens Cruise (1hr or 2hr cruises)
• City Highlights Express Cruise for a round trip (45-50 minutes)

1:30PM – Explore the Laneways or Shop on Bourke Street

No Melbourne visit is complete without grazing your way through the Queen Victoria Market!

The market is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6AM to 3PM, and stays open a little later on Saturday and Sunday until 4PM. Just a heads-up: it’s closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so plan accordingly!

Snack your way through some small-batch cheeses, charcuterie and antipasti, fresh produce, handmade pastries and coffee. It’s also the best place to pick up unique, gourmet souvenirs before dinner!

Image from Independent Collection website (photo taken by Ewen Bell)

5:00PM – Golden Hour from a Rooftop Bar

As the sun begins to set, head to one of Melbourne’s iconic rooftop bars with stunning cityscapes alongside a great cocktail list.

Some of our top picks are:

• Rooftop Bar at Curtin House – Casual Melbourne classic bar with open-air cinema vibes in the summer!
• Siglo – Classy and European-style with views of Parliament House.
• Fable Melbourne – Stylish and relaxed with sweeping city views, perfect for sunset spritzes
• Johnny’s Green Room – A Carlton rooftop gem with Italian bites and a buzzing atmosphere

Raise a glass to your day with a spritz or local wine while watching the sun set and the city lights come alive!

Image of Curtin House Rooftop Bar (from Visit Victoria)

7:30PM – Optional Dinner Ideas

If you’re still in town:

• Chin Chin – Serves iconic modern Asian food that has a lively and family friendly atmosphere
• Gradi at Crown – Authentic Neapolitan pizza and pasta with views of the Yarra—perfect for families and couples alike.
• Lello Pasta Bar – Fresh, handmade pasta and a cozy setting that suits any group.
• The Quarter on Degraves – Laid-back and centrally located, with something on the menu for everyone.

Reservations are recommended!

Image of Chin Chin (from What’s On Melbourne)