Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Melbourne?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Melbourne?
Most people spend two to five days in Melbourne during their visit. The friendly city offers amazing highlights such as the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the cuisine.
Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria. It's a cultural city that has a great art and music scene. There are also great restaurants and local breweries that keep the atmosphere relaxed and fun.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Melbourne? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Melbourne?
Melbourne is a fun city that is somewhat popular with tourists because of its great list of sights and attractions. Given only three days, you will likely find yourself hurrying to experience the key highlights such as the beaches, the famous sights and museums, and the big city activities. To truly savor all that the city boasts, a more generous amount of time is advisable. Many travelers opt for two to five days to thoroughly relish the wonders of the city. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations for making the most of your visit.
How to spend 3 days in Melbourne
Don't miss the Royal Botanic Gardens during your trip to Melbourne, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Southern Gippsland boutique Wine Tour with Tapas from Melbourne ($140)
- Laid back,Small-Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour :Wine,Gin,Cider+more ($93)
- Phillip Island Penguins, Wine Tasting and Dinner from Melbourne ($147)
Melbourne is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.
The beautiful beaches await you in Melbourne, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Melbourne City Twilight Kayak Tour ($74)
- Phillip Island Penguin, Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary from Melbourne ($117)
- Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise ($124)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Melbourne Pub Crawl ($17)
- Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl ($33)
Public transit in Melbourne is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Melbourne a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.
A few tour suggestions include:
- MCG Tour & Australian Sports Museum ($30)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Melbourne.
Is 4 days enough time in Melbourne?
Many visitors spend four days in Melbourne, as this is a good amount of time to see the friendly city's major attractions such as the beaches, the famous sights and museums, and the big city activities. If you have four days to spend here, we have a few suggestions of things to do below.
Melbourne, Australia
How to spend 4 days in Melbourne
Having 4 days in Melbourne will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Melbourne is renowned for its world-class museums and iconic landmarks. Be sure to allocate a day or so to explore the most popular and famous historical and cultural gems. It's the second largest city in Australia and it's known for its livability and creative culture.
A few tour suggestions include:
- From Melbourne: Hop On Hop Off Yarra Valley - GREEN Route ($60)
- From Melbourne: Hop On Hop Off Yarra Valley - RED Route ($60)
- Hop On Hop Off Bellarine - includes Docklands Ferry Departure ($88)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Melbourne?
Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Melbourne. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Melbourne as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 5 days in Melbourne
With 5 days in Melbourne, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Shopping in Melbourne is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Melbourne Bargain Shopping Tour ($127)
- Cosmetic Products Shopping Tour in Melbourne ($100)
- Private Shopping Tour from Melbourne Hotels to DFO South Wharf ($142)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Melbourne.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Melbourne, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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