What to Do in Melbourne: A Luxurious Arts and Culture Guide

What to Do in Melbourne for Culture Lovers

Begin your journey at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Australia's oldest and most revered art institution. With exhibitions ranging from Renaissance masters to contemporary provocateurs, it’s an essential starting point in your plan of what to do in Melbourne if your soul craves aesthetic stimulation.
A short tram ride away lies the Arts Centre Melbourne, crowned by its iconic spire. Here, performances from the Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, and the Melbourne Theatre Company deliver evenings of rapturous storytelling and exquisite design. If you're shaping your perfect cultural itinerary in Melbourne, an evening within this luminous structure is non-negotiable.
Another must do in Melbourne? Wander the hidden galleries and pop-up studios scattered throughout Fitzroy and Collingwood. These edgy neighbourhoods offer a vibrant showcase of Melbourne's indie spirit and experimental art scenes.

What to Do in Melbourne at Night: After‐Dark Elegance

When twilight cloaks the city, if you’re wondering what to do in Melbourne at night, options abound. Begin with pre-show drinks at the State Theatre’s stylish lobby bar before an opera or ballet performance. Alternatively, dive into the heady glow of rooftop cocktail bars such as Siglo or Lui Bar, where skyline views and live jazz create a backdrop of effortless sophistication.
For those drawn to nocturnal creativity, visit ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) for late-night film screenings and media art exhibitions. Afterward, meander through Federation Square, its architecture a dynamic interplay of light and structure after dark, making it one of the most intriguing things to do in Melbourne when the stars are out.

Off the Beaten Track: Unique Things to Do in Melbourne

If your curiosity leans towards unique things to do in Melbourne, seek out the Heide Museum of Modern Art, set within an idyllic sculpture park on the city’s fringes. Once the home of influential art patrons John and Sunday Reed, Heide merges Australian modernist history with contemporary innovation.
Equally compelling is a guided street art tour through Melbourne’s famed laneways — Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, and beyond — where vibrant murals and stencil art continuously transform public spaces into living, breathing exhibitions. It's a sensory feast and a must see in Melbourne for any urban art aficionado.
Another unexpected delight: the NGV Triennial transforms the entire city into an avant-garde playground every third year, with immersive installations in public spaces.

Aesthetic Indulgences: What to See and Do in Melbourne for Art Enthusiasts

When planning what to see and do in Melbourne, the city’s historic arcades deserve special mention. The Block Arcade and Royal Arcade, with their intricate mosaic floors and lavish glass canopies, offer a stroll through 19th-century splendour, complete with artisan chocolatiers and vintage boutiques.
For a deep dive into Melbourne’s literary soul, visit the State Library Victoria, where the domed La Trobe Reading Room is a masterpiece in itself. Meanwhile, music lovers will find paradise at the Melbourne Recital Centre, celebrated for both its acoustic perfection and striking contemporary design.
Don’t overlook the Melbourne Museum, particularly the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre - a moving and profound space that honours indigenous culture and art.

What to Do in Melbourne in One Day: A Cultural Sprint

Wondering what to do in Melbourne in just one day? Begin at Federation Square, then lose yourself in the NGV’s morning exhibitions. Refuel with brunch at a laneway café, then stroll the Royal Botanic Gardens for a meditative moment amid curated landscapes.
In the afternoon, return to the laneways for street art and boutique shopping, before ascending the Eureka Skydeck for panoramic sunset views. Round off your cultural sprint with a performance at the Arts Centre or a sophisticated tasting menu at Vue de Monde, a temple of Australian haute cuisine.

What to Do in Melbourne in Two Days: A Deeper Dive

With 48 hours to luxuriate in, start day one with a tour of the city’s grand Victorian architecture, from the Royal Exhibition Building to Flinders Street Station. In the afternoon, explore Southbank’s cultural precinct before unwinding with an elegant afternoon tea at the Windsor Hotel.
Day two takes you beyond the CBD: take a day trip to the Mornington Peninsula for coastal art trails, or delve into Brunswick’s lively creative scene, teeming with avant-garde galleries and offbeat cafés. Finish your journey with a twilight river cruise on the Yarra, undoubtedly one of the best things you can do in Melbourne for a final, lingering impression of the city’s artistic soul.

Experience a Melbourne ‘Must Do’

Amidst Melbourne’s endless offerings, there is one experience that remains the quintessential ‘must do’: attending the Melbourne International Arts Festival. Each October, the city transforms into a stage for dance, theatre, visual arts, and music from across the globe in a spectacular celebration of Melbourne’s deep, abiding love for creativity.
Whether you lose yourself in the brushstrokes of a masterpiece, the swirl of a barista’s artful latte, or the shimmering notes of a symphony, Melbourne offers a form of cultural immersion that feels both intimate and grand.

Final Thoughts: Melbourne’s Ever‐Changing Canvas

The true magic of Melbourne lies not in a single gallery or event, but in its ability to continually reinvent the art of living. Exploring what to do in Melbourne isn’t a matter of checking off iconic spots; it’s about feeling the heartbeat of a city where culture is not an accessory but a way of life.
Whether you're spending a single afternoon or crafting a decadent cultural retreat, you’ll soon discover that in Melbourne, the real challenge isn’t deciding what to do next, but finding a way to leave at all.