Top 10 Things to Do in Melbourne for First-Time Visitors (2025 Edition)

Welcome to Melbourne, The Coolest City in Australia?

So, you’ve finally made it to Melbourne, or you’re planning your first trip to the cultural capital of Australia, good choice! This vibrant city is full of life, creativity, amazing food, hidden laneways, and more flat whites than you’ll know what to do with.

Whether you’re flying in for the first time or making it a stop on your Aussie road trip, Melbourne is the kind of place that feels instantly cool, but still incredibly welcoming.

To help you make the most of your time here, we’ve rounded up the Top 10 things to do in Melbourne for first-time visitors in 2025. You’ll find everything from iconic attractions to local-only experiences — plus, at the end, we’ll show you how to take a piece of Melbourne home with you (hint: it’s a poster you’ll love forever).

Let’s jump in!

1. Sip Your Way Through Melbourne’s Coffee Scene

If you didn’t already know: Melbourne takes its coffee seriously. Like, next-level serious. You’ll find espresso so smooth it could convert tea drinkers, and baristas who treat latte art like fine design.

Must-visit cafés in 2025:

Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar – a classic
Industry Beans (Fitzroy) – modern vibes + experimental brews
Patricia Coffee Brewers – tiny, hidden, amazing

🔍 SEO tip: Best coffee in Melbourne 2025 yep, people search for this constantly.

2. Explore Street Art in Hosier Lane (and Beyond)

Melbourne’s laneways are bursting with colour, creativity, and a little bit of chaos. Hosier Lane, just across from Federation Square, is the most famous, but don’t stop there.

Check out:

AC/DC Lane
Union Lane
Blender Lane

Every mural tells a story, and every alley feels like a gallery.

📸 Pro tip: Go early to beat the crowds, and bring your camera.

3. 🏙️ Take in the City from the Melbourne Skydeck

Want 360° views of the entire city skyline? Head up to Melbourne Skydeck (formerly Eureka Skydeck) in Southbank.

88th floor = unreal views
Try “The Edge” experience if you dare (a glass cube that extends out of the building!)

Perfect for that jaw-dropping Instagram shot and a great way to understand the city layout.

4. Ride the Free City Circle Tram

It’s iconic, it’s charming, and it’s free, what more do you want?

The City Circle Tram (look for the vintage maroon trams) loops around the CBD and lets you hop on and off near major landmarks like:

Federation Square
Parliament House
Docklands

Plus, the tram itself feels like stepping into Melbourne’s past.

5. Wander Through the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The NGV is Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum — and for good reason.

World-class exhibitions (2025 has several lined up, from contemporary Aussie artists to European masters)
Stunning architecture
Free general entry!

Even if you’re not “into art,” the building and installations are worth a look.

6. Picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens

Need a break from the urban buzz? The Royal Botanic Gardens are a peaceful escape, just a short walk from the city center.

Over 8,500 plant species
Great views of the city skyline
Perfect for a morning stroll or afternoon picnic

Bring snacks, take it slow, and recharge.

7. Eat Your Way Through Lygon Street (Little Italy)

Craving pasta, pizza, and the best tiramisu this side of Rome? Head straight to Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne’s Little Italy.

Top picks for 2025:

D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar
Tiamo
Heartattack and Vine

Pair your meal with a glass of red and enjoy the European-style street charm.

8. Catch a Show at the Melbourne Arts Precinct

From theatre and live music to ballet and comedy, Melbourne’s arts scene is buzzing year-round.

Check out:

Arts Centre Melbourne for major productions
Comedy Theatre for local laughs
Melbourne Recital Centre for music fans

Even if you don’t have time for a full show, strolling along Southbank at night feels like a performance in itself.

9. Shop (or Window Shop) at Queen Victoria Market

A Melbourne institution, Queen Vic Market is the place to grab:

Artisan souvenirs
Local produce
Fresh food and coffee

The market has been going since the 1870s and in 2025, it’s more vibrant than ever.

✨ Don't miss the Night Market events in summer and winter!

10. Take a Quick Trip to St. Kilda

Just 20 minutes from the CBD, St Kilda feels like a beachy little getaway.

You’ll find:

Luna Park (yes, the creepy face is still there)
St Kilda Pier (sunsets here are unreal)
Cute penguins at the breakwater at dusk!

It’s relaxed, photogenic, and the perfect way to wind down your day in Melbourne.

🎁 BONUS: Bring Melbourne Home With You

Okay, so your trip ends, but that doesn’t mean the vibe has to.

We created the perfect way to remember your trip (or inspire the next one):
a Melbourne Travel Poster that captures the city’s charm, colour, and iconic skyline.

Minimalist. Modern. Instantly nostalgic.

Whether it’s for your home, office, or to gift a fellow traveller, this Melbourne poster is one of our most loved designs.