First-time visitor · Melbourne

First time in Melbourne — what locals actually recommend

If it's your first weekend in Melbourne, this is the locals' shortlist — the sights worth the queue, the food you can't skip, and the neighbourhood walks that show you the place.

Editor's pick

Top spots in Melbourne

  • Federation Square + ACMI

    Culture

    CBD

    Public square + the moving-image museum across from Flinders St.

  • Hosier Lane

    Culture

    CBD

    Best-known street-art alley — changes monthly.

  • Queen Victoria Market

    Food & Drink

    North Melbourne

    1878 market — Friday night summer market is a citywide event.

Where to eat

  • Attica

    $$$$

    Contemporary Australian · Ripponlea

    Ben Shewry's Indigenous-ingredient tasting — World's 50 Best regular.

  • Chin Chin

    $$$

    Pan-Asian · CBD

    No-bookings cult favourite — banquet menu, basement bar GoGo.

  • Cumulus Inc.

    $$$

    European · CBD

    Andrew McConnell all-day classic — slow-roast lamb shoulder is the move.

  • Lune Croissanterie

    $

    Bakery · Fitzroy

    Said by NYT to be the world's best croissants — queue starts at 7am.

Frequently asked

  • Standouts right now: Federation Square + ACMI, Queen Victoria Market, Hosier Lane. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Melbourne and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.

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