14 Best Things to Do in Melbourne's CBD
Ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world, Melbourne has much to offer to anyone visiting for the first time or living there for years.
The Central Business District, or CBD, particularly encompasses an extensive range of historical and modern spots that appeal to explorers of all kinds.
This is your guide to learn about things and activities in Melbourne CBD that will surely be worth your while.
Fun with Kids
Want to limit your kid's screen time?
Take them out to these fun places and gift them a memorable day.
Here are the top Melbourne CBD attractions for kids.
Into the Wild
The Melbourne Zoo is one of the must-visit places in the CBD.
Located only 10 minutes from the city centre, the zoo is home to more than 3000 animals, birds, and insects arranged in separate exhibits.
Tigers, elephants, lions, monkeys - you name it, and you will find it here.
However, the show's stars are the Australian native animals like kangaroos, wombats, and fur seals.
Here, animals are housed within bioclimatic zones, such as the African rainforest and Asian rainforest, for easy identification of their natural habitat.
And with flower gardens and picnic areas, the zoo is ideal for spending time with your family.
Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Open daily, 9am to 5pm
An Aquatic Experience
Another prominent Melbourne CBD attraction, the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, just cannot be missed.
Get a feel for the underwater world through 15 themed zones featuring thousands of fascinating marine animals.
This aquarium provides an educational as well as entertaining experience.
Meet the best aquatic species in the world - sub-arctic penguins, seahorses, sharks, and many more.
You can also attend interesting daily talks to learn more about these species.
Oh, and the feeding sessions are a favourite among kids, too!
Address: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, King Street, Melbourne VIC, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Daily, 9.30am to 6pm
A Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
One of the most popular places to visit in Melbourne CBD is the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, a sprawling garden with over 8,000 plants.
Established over 170 years ago, this garden is one of the favourites of Melbourne citizens.
Explore this beautiful oasis with an Aboriginal guide during a leisurely 1.5-hour walk.
Learn about Aboriginal culture and heritage and take a trip to the ancestral lands of the Kulin nation.
From their food and tools to medicines and more, you will get an exclusive understanding of Australia's native dweller's life and culture.
Address: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, 100 Birdwood Ave, South Yarra, VIC 3141 (map)
Opening hours: Open daily, 7:30am to 7:30pm
Visit the ArtVo Museum
ArtVo Museum is an interactive trick gallery that'll surely awe your kids.
There are 80 different 3D realty-defying artworks and optical illusions spread across 9 specially-themed zones here.
And each artwork is hand-painted by talented artists.
From famous landmarks to enchanted gardens, each artwork will wow you.
Also, the museum has well-thought-out signs to help you understand where to stand.
The best thing to do here? Strike a pose with the most fun-themed zones and make a photo dump for your Insta!
Location: Shop NCF, 07 Level/1 26 Star Cres, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Open daily, 10am to 6pm
A Culture Lover's Paradise
With almost 200 years of history, Melbourne has much to offer to anyone interested in culture and history.
Here's our list of the top to-dos:
Visit the Famous MCG
One of the icons of Melbourne is the famous MCG - Melbourne Cricket Ground, and you cannot miss it while visiting this city.
Experience the MCG in style by taking a guided tour of the grounds and explore the historic venue where cricket legends have played.
See historical artefacts from some of the biggest moments in the sport and learn a thing or two about Australia's favourite sport.
But that's not all.
Seize the opportunity to participate in a flat-out play while you're here. It will be an epic experience for sure!
Pro tip: You can also upgrade this experience to include a tour of the National Sports Museum and lunch.
Address: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Yarra Park, Gate 3 Brunton Ave, East Melbourne VIC 3002 (map)
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 5pm (hours vary on match days)
History and Hidden Bars Guided Walking Tour
One of the best things to do in Melbourne CBD is explore the city through a walking tour.
Why not do this with a guide?
Get your cultural exploration to the next level by checking out true Aussie fashion, visiting the oldest pub in Melbourne and more.
The tour starts with a famous coffee and ends with a beer at the oldest pub in Melbourne, steeped in history.
Meet the local crowd here, mostly regulars, whom you can ask for recommendations for places to visit in the city. You will surely find a hidden gem or two!
Address: Gordon Reserve, 74-108 Spring St (map)
Street art tour
Whether you are an art lover or not, you will not be able to stop yourself from appreciating the street art of Melbourne.
This must-do activity in Melbourne CBD takes you through the most famous street art of the city, along with an exclusive tour of a famous art studio.
Walk through the hidden lanes of Melbourne adorned with the artistic works of street artists.
The tour ends at the famous Blender Studios in West Melbourne where you will be given an exclusive studio tour.
Address: ACMI (Flinders St Entrance), Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (map)
An Exciting Way to Explore Melbourne
Explore Melbourne from 'up above the world so high', with these unique ideas:
Experience Sunrise from a Hot Air Balloon
Experience Melbourne from a whole new perspective – a 'up above the world so high' kind of view.
Secure your spot for a 60-minute hot air balloon ride and gracefully drift over Melbourne.
Witness the city's iconic CBD bathed in the gentle light of the rising sun.
Glide at 3000 feet and marvel at Melbourne's landmarks, including the MCG and Royal Botanic Gardens!
And elevate your experience by indulging in a delightful breakfast buffet post-flight.
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We guarantee it!
Address: Pullman Melbourne On The Park, Wellington Parade, Melbourne VIC, Australia (map)
Enjoy the Sunset from Skydeck and Top it Up with a Cocktail
End your day in style by catching the sunset from the Melbourne Skydeck, the highest vantage point of the Southern Hemisphere.
Stand at 285 metres above the ground at Eureka Tower, the star of Melbourne's skyline and get a 360-degree view of the city.
This entire glass Skydeck is located on the 88th floor and suspends 300 metres high in the air.
Enjoy the skyline while the sky turns crimson slowly at the horizon. Definitely, one of the most romantic activities to do in Melbourne CBD.
Want to upgrade your skydeck experience? Visit Bar 88, located on the 88th floor of the same building.
Sip on some of the most delicious cocktails while looking at the night sky and the well-lit Melbourne skyline.
This package includes an entry for two into the Skydeck plus two Signature Bar 88 cocktails.
End the evening with an exclusive VR experience at the Voyager Theatre. Life cannot get better than this!
Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006 (map)
Opening hours: Open daily, 12pm to 10pm
Scintillating Nights at Melbourne
Yeah, we know we have only talked about how to spend the day well.
So what about the evenings? Don't be overwhelmed by the many at-night entertainment options in Melbourne CBD.
Here are the top things to include in your list of night activities in Melbourne CBD.
Sip on a Gimlet at Gimlet
Are you a gin lover? Then, this will be right up your alley. Visit Gimlet, a 1920s restaurant serving lip-smacking gimlets.
This heritage pub, established in the 1920s will impress you with its stunning interiors.
Grab a seat at the bar or sit at one of the plush booths and watch the bartending team at their best.
The cherry on the top is the well-experienced uniformed staff who skate around the floor and engage in some light dances from time to time.
Don't forget to check out the grand chandeliers overhead.
Address: 33 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Sun to Thurs: 12pm to 12am. Fri & Sat: 12pm to 1am
Kayaking on Yarra River
Okay, let's explore some non-food night entertainment options in Melbourne CBD too!
Embark on an adventurous evening kayaking on the Yarra River and witness the breathtaking sunset or the scintillating moonlight.
Some of the tours even offer an on-the-water dining experience, as well.
Address: Starts from Victoria Harbour (map)
Must-Try Food Experiences in Melbourne
Food-wise one is spoilt for choices in Melbourne. We've listed some unique food experiences that you simply cannot miss.
Ice Bar Melbourne
Experience winter around the year at Ice Bar, located at the heart of Melbourne CBD.
With a temperature of -10°C all year round, this pub has one of the coolest vibes in Melbourne.
Enjoy some fantastic cocktails, shots and mocktails while the well-trained team keep you entertained.
There's something for everyone here - kids, family, friends and couples.
And you know the coolest thing? Even the chairs are made of ice. How does that sound?
Address: The Atrium, Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Sun to Wed: 2pm to 8pm, Thurs to Sat: 1pm to 10pm
Dine Inside a Train Carriage
Sit inside an old train carriage overlooking Melbourne's CBD while enjoying classic burgers and beers when you visit Easey's, a unique restaurant.
This one-of-a-kind restaurant is housed inside an old-school Melbourne train carriage.
Sit on the orange-coloured seats and experience Melbourne's old commuter style.
The menu features comfort food such as a range of burgers, hot dogs, wings, dim sums, mac and cheese and local beer.
It's ideal for a pitstop while exploring the things to do in Melbourne CBD, we'd say.
Address: 3/48 Easey St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia (map)
Opening hours: Sun to Thurs: 11am to 10pm. Fri & Sat: 11am to 11pm
A Hassle-Free Way to Explore Melbourne CBD
Eliminate the hassle of booking multiple tickets and get a Melbourne Attractions Pass instead. You can save up to 40% on admission tickets to top things to do in Melbourne CBD.
A City That Has It All
While as a city, Melbourne is a class apart, Melbourne CBD is the best of the best. It packs in itself the best of everything that a traveller can ask for - food, music, art, history, sports, nightlife and much more!
Commonly Asked Questions
What does CBD mean in Melbourne?
The CBD, or Central Business District, of Melbourne serves as the financial, cultural, and entertainment hub of the city. Locally, it is referred to as 'the City.'
What is Melbourne known for?
Melbourne City boasts a European charm with captivating locales and a vibrant nightlife.
How big is Melbourne's CBD?
Melbourne CBD covers an area of approximately 6.6 square kilometres.
Which Melbourne Airport is closest to the CBD?
Tullamarine Airport is the closest to Melbourne CBD.
How much is an Uber from Melbourne Airport to the CBD?
An Uber ride from Melbourne Airport to the CBD should cost between AUD45 to AUD55.