2 Days in Melbourne, Australia
Wondering how to spend 2 Days in Melbourne, Australia? I’ve got you covered with this 48-hour itinerary to Victoria’s capital city. Let’s roll.
Anchoring southeast Australia, the Victorian capital is carved with a world of experiences, from mouth-watering cuisine to must-see musical theatre shows. This metropolis delivers on every front and we’re going to help you squeeze all the highlights into a two-day itinerary. You might even be surprised by just how much you can see in only 48 Hours in Melbourne, Australia…
As a proud Melburnian, I’m eager to help you make the most of your time and ditch the typical tourist traps. Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy.
You’ll wander through the street art scene, sip swoon-worthy specialty coffee and dabble in the diversity of experiences.
Among the myriad markets and marvellous galleries, there’ll also be plenty of time for some much-needed relaxation.
And after 2 days in Melbourne, you may even find yourself wanting to stay for longer! If you’ve got time to extend your itinerary, squeeze in one of these Top Day Trips from Melbourne.
48 Hours in Melbourne
In this travel guide, we’re going to cover a range of experiences.
Topped with everything you need to know about the best time to visit, how to get around and where to stay, you can book your trip right off the bat. Yeehaw! So that’s enough fluffing around. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Melbourne, Australia.
Melbourne Itinerary: Day 1
Morning
Start your day with a Specialty Coffee in Degraves Street
In Melbourne, coffee isn’t just a way of life; it’s a state of mind. This city is home to more than 2000 cafes so you can get your caffeine fix on practically every corner.
Spring out of your accommodation and strut down to Degraves Street, which sits across Flinders Lane from Centre Place. Soak up the history and European vibes as you sip a classic cup of joe. Whether you want a flat white, almond cappuccino or something that sounds more like a tongue twister than a coffee, Melbourne’s coffee culture will leave you satiated. And possibly overstimulated. Fuel up for the day and grab a croissant or toasted sandwich.
Visit Flinders Street and Federation Square
Next up, meander down Flinders Street and make your way to Australia’s oldest train station. Completed in 1910, this is nowadays one of the most bustling suburban stations in the Southern Hemisphere.
Local tip: You can get a great view of Flinders Street by crossing the road to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Peer up at the green copper dome, yellow facade, grandiose arched entrance and ticking clocks at heritage-listed Flinders Street Station.
Then, pop across the road to Fed Square, a famous attraction that’s a quintessential part of any Melbourne experience.
Straddling the corner of Flinders and Swanston Street, this hot spot has well-known art galleries, unique restaurants and action-packed events.
See the Street Art in Hosier Lane
After people-watching in Fed Square, head right onto Flinders Street and walk up to Hosier Lane. Melbourne is renowned for its coffee and culture, but now’s the time to take a dip in the street art scene. Famous for its murals, large-scale stencils and colourful tags, Hosier Lane is probably the most popular place for graffiti lovers.
As the city’s landmark laneway, don’t forget to take your time as you wander through. Want more baffling boulevards? Check out the nuance of never-ending street art as you visit nearby AC/DC Lane, Duckboard Place and Presgrave Place.
After you’ve satisfied your quench for street art, head out to a local restaurant or cafe for a late brunch/early lunch. There’s no time like snack time! Woohoo. Melbourne is a brunch lover’s paradise, with peculiar places to eat perched on every corner.
Local favourites include White Mojo, Lune, The Grain Store and Eggholic. If you’re a budget traveller, score some cheap eats and lunchtime deals at places like Le Charme and Roule Galette.
Afternoon
Wander Around the NGV
Just when you thought this city couldn’t get any better… Enjoy free entry to the National Gallery of Victoria, locally known as the NGV.
Sandwiched next to the soaring Arts Centre on St Kilda Road, the NGV poses the perfect indoor escape on a rainy day. With a massive collection of 70,000 works of Asian, Oceanic, European and American art, it’s easy to spend a couple of hours getting happily lost in here.
Your 2 days in Melbourne, Australia look pretty good so far, but wait, there’s more! The NGV boasts late-night performances throughout the year, so if you’re interested in combining art and live music, don’t forget to check out their website to see what’s on offer.
Pair a dining experience with international DJs, instrumental jazz-funk and spine-tingling bands for the ultimate evening.
Ride the City Circle Tram
After frolicking around the fascinating artwork in the NGV, board a burgundy-and-gold City Circle tram. This is the best way to see the city for free and there’s audio commentary too.
As you roll around Melbourne, dive deep into the history, culture and landmarks.
Plus, you’ll stop by big-name attractions like the Melbourne Museum, Princess Theatre, Federation Square, Flinders Street Station and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
You can catch the City Circle trams that run along Flinders Street, La Trobe Street, Docklands Drive, the Harbour Esplanade and Spring Street. It takes around one hour to finish the full route and you don’t have to touch on your Myki.
Evening
Dinner in Hardware Lane
On your first day in Melbourne, you’ve ticked off a huge haul of highlights. Sure, the street art, coffee and culture-packed landmarks are a lot of fun, but it’s kind of hard to trump the food scene. If there’s one thing this city takes seriously, it’s the cuisine. Gourmet gastronomy, cheap Chinatown eats, mouth-watering market finds and bite-sized tapas… you name it, and Melbourne’s got it.
Wrap up your first evening in Melbourne at a seriously satiating, famous foodie spot; Hardware Lane. Framed with flashy restaurants, colourful street art and neon-lit signs, this place will make you feel like you’ve travelled to a European city. Sip Australian wine at a bustling bar or savour the flavours of the al fresco dining scene.
Whether you’re into spicy Malaysian food or sweet Korean desserts, this iconic laneway has it all. Local favourites include vegan Italian food at Funghi e Tartufo, Vietnamese martinis at Rice Paper Scissors and the shared platters at Kirk’s Wine Bar.
Want more options? If it’s a Wednesday evening, head to the Queen Vic Night Market and sample the international culinary scene. With global street eats and live performances, this weekly Hump Day event makes for a stellar summer night out.
Nightlife Nuts: Party it up
This one is for those who are here to party! Melbourne is a nightlife lover’s playground. Literally. Home to a huge haul of secret rooftop bars, underground raves and 24-hour nightclubs, this city is certainly not for the faint-hearted.
If you want to amp up the energy on your 48 hours in Melbourne, head to popular rooftop bars like Naked for Satan, Toff in Town, The Loop and Adelphi Hotel.
Melbourne Itinerary: Day 2
Morning
Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise
There’s one way to keep the vibes high on your 2 days in Melbourne, Australia. And that’s up high in the clouds! Catch Melbourne from above on a hot air balloon experience. Ride through fluffy white clouds at dawn and get ready for one of the most memorable experiences.
If you’ve checked out my Hot Air Balloon Experience in Barcelona, you’ll know that I’m fanatical about flying high. Sure, this activity involves an early start at an ungodly hour.
But the views will make it all worth it. Soar above the CBD and see this magnificent metropolis from above! You’ll pinpoint spots like the Yarra River, Botanic Gardens and Melbourne Cricket Ground.
I couldn’t recommend this activity enough, but I also understand that it doesn’t fit into everyone’s budget. If you’re bound to a pocket-friendly holiday in Melbourne, there’s no need to fret.
You can enjoy a sleep-in, or get up for sunrise and watch it from the King Street Bridge. This is an epic sunrise spot, and it’s smack bang in the centre of the city.
Specialty Coffee in the City Centre
If a hot air balloon experience isn’t on the cards, start your second day in Melbourne with some steaming hot coffee. Or cold... However you like it! See what the caffeine craze is all about in the city centre’s key café precincts like Centre Place and the top end of Collins Street.
If you take brewed beans seriously, don’t miss a drool-worthy coffee at Patricia Coffee Brewers, Industry Beans or Dukes Coffee Roasters.
Wander around the Royal Botanic Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance
After you’ve let the coffee-making magic unfold, jump aboard a tram and head to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Ease into your second day in Melbourne as you wind through the lush ferns, flower-fringed lakes and gorgeous gardens. Soak in the sights, scents and sounds as you get immersed in this idyllic part of the city.
If you have more than 48 Hours in Melbourne, Australia, don’t miss special events that take place here in the summer season. Feel the magic of a movie in the outdoor cinema, listen to the harmonies of a theatre performance or inspire yourself in the array of art exhibitions.
Once you’re done waltzing around the Botanic Gardens, pop into the Terrace Cafe for a quick refreshment. Then, get your walking boots on and head to the Shrine of Remembrance.
This war memorial opened in 1934 and commemorates First World War veterans and other Australians who have served their country. Swing by the Balcony, the Sanctuary and the Galleries of Remembrance which house over 800 awe-inspiring artworks and artefacts.
Don’t forget to sit down and appreciate the stunning vistas of the city skyline. The Shrine of Remembrance is also one of the best places to see the sunset, especially during the summertime.
Afternoon
Take the Tram to St Kilda
This morning in Melbourne has been jam-packed with gardens, history and hopefully, lots of coffee. So we’re going to slow down the pace in the afternoon. Board a tram from the CBD and head to the seaside suburb of St Kilda.
This vibrant area in Melbourne is well-known for its heritage venues, rowdy nightlife and restaurant-lined streets. Squeal like a kid on a ride in Luna Park, savour fresh seafood dishes on Barkly Street and top it all off with some happy hour cocktails at The Vineyard on Acland Street.
Feel the ocean breeze at the St Kilda Esplanade and Pier, take the plunge at St Kilda Sea Baths or enjoy a scenic sunset stroll along Beaconsfield Parade.
As your 2 days in Melbourne, Australia comes to a close, you’ve got a few options up your sleeve. You can either choose to stay in St Kilda or head elsewhere. If you want to spend the evening in St Kilda, don’t miss the little penguins at the St Kilda Breakwater or a live music show at the Palais Theatre and Prince Bandroom.
Evening
Dine in Southbank, Chapel Street or the CBD
Your 48 Hours in Melbourne isn’t done just yet. If you’ve chosen to leave St Kilda (and trust me, that can be hard), there is plenty more waiting to be discovered. Go out in style at one of Melbourne’s popular destinations - Southbank, Chapel Street or the CBD.
If you want to dabble in the gourmet gastronomy scene, spend your last night in Southbank. Relish the flavours at a waterfront restaurant and cap it off with a cocktail in the rooftop bars. Otherwise, the CBD is your second-best option, it offers convenience and it’s centrally located. You can find a big mix of international cuisine, from Asian food in Chinatown to Italian dishes in Lygon Street.
And last but not least, here’s your third option. Head into Melbourne’s notorious nightlife precinct, and a personal favourite of mine, Chapel Street. Stretching from South Yarra to Windsor, this sprawling street is where you’ll find a lot of action. From the buzzing bars and happy hour specials to the vintage stores and high-end restaurants, there really is a mix of everything here. Plus, you can party it up at places like 161, Lucky Coq and Revolver Upstairs (not for the faint-hearted).
Best Time to Visit Melbourne
The best time to visit Melbourne depends on your travel style, budget and personal preferences. Really, it all comes down to you!
Melbourne is popular during the warmer months and the summer season has lots to offer. From December to February, you’ll find fun-packed events and scorching hot weather. So if you want to switch up your two-day itinerary, head to places like Brighton Beach or events like the Australian Open.
Melbourne’s winter can be quite harsh. That being said, you’ll find fewer crowds and cheaper rates on accommodation and airfares. While it won’t be the time for outdoor fun, you can spend your 48 hours inside places like the Melbourne Museum or shopping up a storm inside big outlets like DFO South Wharf.
How to Get Around Melbourne
If you know how to get around, your 2 days in Melbourne can be fun and fabulous. Up the ante and navigate the city like a pro with this quick transport guide.
The capital of Victoria is home to trains, trams and buses. The public transport network links major attractions with the surrounding suburbs and a handful of rural areas. Here’s a brief guide on your options:
Trains, Trams, Buses & City Circle Tram: Download the PTV App to plan your trip and buy a Myki to travel.
Walking & Bike Share: The most cost-effective way of getting around the CBD. Download the Melbourne Bike Share app and buy a day pass.
Car or Motorbike Rental: This isn’t necessary for a 2-day trip to Melbourne, however, it’s ideal if you want to do a day trip to places like the Grampians, Dandenong Ranges, Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island or Mornington Peninsula.
Taxis and Ridesharing: Quick and convenient, but can get expensive if you’re not splitting the costs with other travellers.
Best Places to Stay in Melbourne
Now that you’re up to speed on how to spend 2 days in Melbourne, Australia, let’s finish off this guide. The Victorian capital is fringed with a fantastic fusion of neighbourhoods, each serving up their own charm. Although you could stay in areas like Richmond, South Yarra, Fitzroy or St Kilda, I’d recommend opting for the CBD.
Melbourne’s CBD (Central Business District) is a popular place to stay due to its central location and range of accommodation options. This diverse area is decked out with everything from lush gardens and renowned restaurants to shopping outlets and colourful street art.
With a wide range of luxury lodgings, budget hotels and serviced apartments, the city centre serves as an ideal base to explore. It also means you’ll spend less time on public transport or in transit, and more time enjoying the city. Boo yeah!
Top 3 Places to Stay in Melbourne CBD
Budget ($): YTI Garden Hotel
Mid-range ($$): Meriton Suites King Street
Luxury ($$$): The Ritz Carlton
2 Days in Melbourne, Australia, and Beyond!
Now that you know how to spend 48 hours in Melbourne, don’t forget to save this guide! We’ve covered everything from the best time to visit to how to get around. Plus, there are even a few hotel recommendations and alternative activities to add to your bucket list. Happy travelling!