Mia Castagnone has you covered with the 2021 autumn essentials guide to Melbourne.

The markets, the food, the museums, the coffee and the art galleries- what doesn’t Melbourne have to offer? As a proud Sydney-native, I probably wouldn’t dare say that Melbourne is better than Sydney, but I will admit, Melbourne is always a good time.

Getting there

I recommend at the bare minimum you should book a trip for 2 nights and 3 days. This time frame is just enough to relax and hit all of the places on this list (tried and tested by yours truly). With the flight time from Sydney only an hour, it is highly feasible to go on this escape even during the semester.

Book an early morning flight to Tullamarine airport. I’m talking about the first flight in the morning. Arriving early gives you more time to explore the city (so it’s worth the sleep deprivation).

For about $15-19 you can buy a single adult one-way ticket on Melbourne’s Sky Bus, which takes you directly from Tullamarine airport to the CBD. However, if you are travelling with two companions and your hotel is in the CBD, then I recommended simply catching an Uber as the fare will cost you about $40 and split between 3 people is less than the bus fare.

When you arrive at your hotel it may be too early to check-in but it doesn’t hurt to ask if they have your room ready. When I arrived at 10am, we were lucky enough that they did have our room ready even though check-in was technically at 3 pm. However, regardless of whether the room is ready, most hotels will hold on to your luggage in the lobby. So either way, you can drop off your bags.

Things to do

Queen Victoria Markets

Queen Victoria Markets is a major landmark of the city where you can discover a wide variety of quality produce and speciality shopping. Here you can find handmade jewellery, notebooks, souvenirs, posters, all sorts of snacks, live music performances and more.

NGV

You simply cannot visit Melbourne unless you stop at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Entry is free and there are always interesting exhibits on display.

ACMI

Australia Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) at Federation Square did not sound like something I would stopover at. But on my third and final day in Melbourne with a few hours to kill, we decided to wander in, and wow was that a good decision. The ACMI offers interactive multimedia exhibits that take you through the history of film, TV, videogames and art in Australia.

Places to eat

You can’t come to Melbourne without eating all day, every day. With so much to offer it’s pretty much impossible to have a bad meal. Here were some of my favourite places.

Tipo 00 - $$$

Authentic Italian cuisine located in an intimate, sophisticated laneway with a marble bar and open kitchen concept. I had heard of this place before but it was only after we happened to stumble by as we wandered the city. As it was a Saturday, this place was already booked out that evening, so we were lucky we passed it by that afternoon.

David’s Hot Pot

David’s Hot Pot is a classic Sichuan hot pot chain only found in Melbourne. We tried the mushroom hot pot base and tomato base. Service was good and food came out fast. Conveniently located in the heart of the CBD.

Café Lafayette

This was a random cafe we saw on Google Maps and based on its location in an empty laneway, it is definitely the type of place you needed to know to find. You’ll be met with a neon door entrance, which takes you to a western-Japanese fusion cafe with a cyberpunk feel. Food was as delicious as it was aesthetic.

Higher Grounds

Without a doubt my favourite cafe. Located in a heritage-listed powerhouse, Higher Ground is an all-day dining destination. It was packed all weekend, so make sure to reserve a table beforehand. Service was excellent, it is honestly the most amazing brunch experience you will find.

Instea Melbourne

If you’re a bubble tea lover, you’ll love this place. Offering a diverse menu with all the staples as well as their speciality tea that comes in the most aesthetic, reusable perfume-like bottles.

Places to party

Driver’s Lane

Tucked away in a signature Melbourne laneway, down a dubious staircase brings you to Driver’s Lane Bar. With booths and live music and a great selection of drinks and nibbles, this is a great place to start the night.

Lui Bar

At Lui Bar you’re paying for the view more than anything. Drinks are a minimum of $20 but situated on the 55th floor of the Rialto, you are rewarded with Melbourne skyline views. It’s spectacular for a once-off treat. It draws a crowd on Saturday night, so make it worth your money by aiming to get a window-side seat.

Bond - Club

I never imagined I could have so much fun at a club in Australia. My local friends had recommended partying at club Bond on a Saturday night. I was a little reluctant when they said I should arrive at 10pm- a little early, isn’t it? But this was not the case, after paying $25 entry fee we walked into an already crowded room, which stayed busy all night. The DJ was great, playing a mix of pop and RnB. Would highly recommend it - great atmosphere, bar service was fine and you could easily spend your whole night here.

Places to relax and wander

Walk along the Yarra

After a few nights of partying, spend some time walking off the hangover along the Yarra River. Travel toward the NGV and along Boathouse Drive, through Alexandra Gardens onto Kings Domain. Whether it’s day or night the parks are beautiful and serene. Pathways are wide and comfortable for a stroll or cycle. Not to mention a great spot to get photos for the ‘gram.

Pen Pen Wellness Massage and Spa

A massage is something I never really splurge on but after clocking 20,000 steps a day for three days (not to mention two consecutive nights out dancing), on day 3 of my trip to Melbourne a massage was definitely something I needed.

So after brunch at High Grounds, I checked my trusted Google Maps to see what spas were in the area, and behold, right next door was Pen Pen spa. The prices were decent and there were a variety of options. I opted for the 45minute relaxation massage ($66) and booked for that afternoon. It was wonderful, to say the least. The pent-up stress in my shoulders disappeared and my aching legs felt some relief.

And that concludes this author’s guide to Melbourne- all the essential places to visit and dine at on a weekend away! Do yourself a favour and book a trip now.

All things food and fun in Melbourne