Exploring Melbourne – The Best Neighborhoods and What to do

1. For sightseeing – City Centre and its surrounding area

There are a significant number of must-see locations in downtown Melbourne. This area is full of wonderful and vibrant malls, markets, arcades and an infinite number of restaurants and bars, especially along the picturesque Yarra River and narrow laneways for which Melbourne is incredibly famous for.

And if you’re someone looking to take insta worthy clicks, here’s a list of places you need to visit.

Flinders Street Station

The most iconic landmark of Melbourne. The city’s busiest commuter hub makes for an excellent Instagram thanks to its glorious doomed roof and canary yellow walls.

Hosier Lane

Melbourne’s busiest street art strip sandwiched between the Forum Theatre and Mo Vida will mesmerize you with its vibrant street art designs! This is just a 4-minute walk from the Flinders Street Station, and it is definitely worth a visit.

The Block Arcade

Located down Collins Street, this heritage shopping experience in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD is something you shouldn’t miss. Constructed between 1891-1893, it is considered one of the late Victorian era’s finest shopping arcades and is just a 5-minute walk from the Flinders Street Station in Melbourne.

The Coop’s Shot Tower

Certainly, one of the most instagrammed buildings in Melbourne. Located 1 km away from Flinders Street Station and incorporated into Melbourne Central Complex in 1991, Coop’s Shot Tower is underneath an 84-metre high conical glass roof. It is 9 storeys high and has 327 steps to the top.

Ponyfish Island

You can never go wrong with a picture along the beautiful Yarra River, but definitely make sure to stop at Ponyfish Island for an impressive Instagram photo. This floating bar has incredible views of the city and is a fantastic place to stop for a pint of beer or a chilled glass of chardonnay.

Princes Bridge

This is an iconic bridge over the Yarra River in very close proximity (130 m) to the Flinders Street Station. The view of Melbourne city and its skyline from this iconic bridge at night is absolutely worth a visit.

Eureka Skydeck 88

Snap of click of Melbourne from the highest vantage point in the southern hemisphere. It is definitely worth a visit, especially to capture a click in the all glass box area that extends three meters out from the tower. And it’s only a 6-minute walk from the Flinders Street Station.

2. For Food and Restaurants – Along the Yarra

Along the southern edge of the Yarra River, is a seemingly endless selection of classy restaurants, bars and bistros. South Wharf, Southgate and the Sprawling Crown Casino Complex at Southbank are the places to head to.

Man Tong at Crown Casino (Chinese) – Level 1 Crown Towers

The skillful team of chefs at Man Tong uses the finest and freshest ingredients to create a unique culinary experience for lovers of authentic Chinese food. The food served is delicious with the highest standard of service.

Hopscotch Melbourne – Riverwalk

Hopscotch is one of the best urban beer bars in Melbourne. They have 36 different varieties on tap. Whether you’re a fan of ale, stout, larger, cider – they have them all. And if you’re overwhelmed with all the choices, tasting paddles are available for you to select 4 beers that you fancy having.

Arbory Bar and Eatery – Flinders Walk

Arbory Bar and Eatery offers all-day dining with a casual and creative approach to comfort food. This outdoor bar and restaurant span the length of the Flinders Street station along the Yarra River, boasting over one hundred metres of uninterrupted river frontage.

The General Assembly – South Wharf

The General Assembly is a general feasting and drinking venue with a fantastic collection of craft beer and cider on tap. They’ve also got a bold restaurant menu that serves some delicious food during lunch and dinner times. Favorites include – Crisp skin salmon and wood roasted lamb rack.

Dinner by Heston – Level 3 Crown Towers

This award-winning restaurant serves exceptional and inventive reinterpretations of historical British dishes. Favorites include – The Chicken liver parfait with grilled bread, the Roast Pork chop with smoked hispi cabbage and pickled onions with Robert sauce, smokey pineapple tipsy cake.

Nobu (Japanese) – Crown Riverwalk

One of Melbourne’s best restaurants that serves Japanese food that stays true to its origin, while bringing something delicious and elegant to the table. Guests can enjoy a wide range of cocktails, sake and wine from the bar, overlooking stunning river views. Favorites include – Hiramasa Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Tuna tataki with ponzu dressing and Beef tataki with garlic chips.

Meat wine and Co (Steak Bar)

What’s not to love about, great steak and a wide selection of wine? Located at the popular freshwater place precinct overlooking queens bridge, Yarra river and the city skyline, the meat wine and co offers 3 levels of opulence with an impressive open kitchen. Favorites include – Rib-eye steak with rich peppercorn and mushroom sauce and Mac and Cheese.

Gradi at Crown (Italian)

Gradi serves authentic pizza, pasta and other classic Italian dishes in a lively atmosphere. Acclaimed chef Johnny De Francesco was crowned World Pizza Champion in 2014 for his Margarita. This means you have to try the best Napolean style pizza that is served in Melbourne!

The Atlantic (Seafood)

The ocean to plate philosophy is central to The Atlantic’s delectably fresh seafood offerings. Wild, sustainably sourced fish, unique oyster varieties and shellfish, and well-sourced produce from local and specialist suppliers form dishes that refresh the senses and leave a lasting impression. Favorites include – Atlantic Seafood Platter, freshly shucked oysters and seasonal fresh crab.

Bistro Guillaume (French) – Crown Riverwalk

Bistro Guillaume offers a menu rich with French Classics in a stylish setting overlooking the stunning Yarra River. Favorites include – Duck confit with haricots and preserved lemon, Portalington mussels, crème fraiche and pomme frites, Bannockburn chicken with Paris mash.

For Gardens – South Melbourne and Albert Park

South Melbourne boasts of the magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens, Kings domain, the shrine of remembrance, Queen Victoria Gardens, Fawkner park and Albert Park. All of them are free to enter and roam around as you wish.

For that Beach Experience – St. Kilda

Melbourne’s favorite beachside suburb. St. Kilda is a 15-minute car ride from the Flinders Street Station. Or else you can take the tram to this bohemian style suburb in the south of Melbourne.

Along the lengthy beach, visitors can enjoy water sports such as paddle boarding and kite surfing or cycle along the boardwalk while witnessing a legendary Melbourne sunset from the Pier that extends deep into the bay. And if this is not enough you can go get a thrill on a ride at the iconic Luna Park.

St. Kilda beach also takes in the title as the most popular Instagram location in Melbourne. It is definitely an Instagram worthy destination – the beach, the bustling streets, the Luna park, the funky cafes and the colorful locals all add to it making St. Kilda a vibrant location.

However, St. Kilda is not the best place for you to go for a swim, so if you really want to get in the water head to Brighton Beach, which is another 12-minute car ride from St. Kilda.