A group getaway to Melbourne is one of the many ways to spend a weekend in Melbourne. Whether you’re in for a boozy weekend or shopping getaway, deciding what to do in Melbourne is the hardest part. Here are some of our favourite attractions and experiences to help you decide what to do in Melbourne.

Melbourne lifestyle blogger, Melbourne Sights, shares her local secrets with us, taking us on a journey through Melbourne with her must-visit locations listed below.

Local Secrets by Melbourne Lifestyle Blogger, Melbourne Sights

If you've only got 48 hours to spare in Melbourne, make the most of your time in the city and check out these places.

Morning - Carlton Gardens

Spend the morning at the Carlton Gardens, let yourself get swept away in to the serenity, as the ducks float across the pond and bright flowerbeds surround you.

Lunch - Queen Victoria Markets

After your walk through the gardens, spend some time getting some retail therapy. The Queen Victoria Markets have a vast selection of food, merchandise and shops nearby.

Market Lane Coffee - My favourite coffee stop.
American Doughnut Truck - To cure any sugar cravings.

Afternoon - Melbourne Arcades

Melbourne has so many intricate arcades, but my two favourites are the Royal Arcade and the Block Arcade. If you're a chocoholic then make sure you check out Little Macarons and Chocomama set in the Royal Arcade. After, if you're still chasing that chocolate fix, you can check out the KitKat Factory and make your own flavour.

Early evening - Southgate
Southgate showcases a selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and boutique shopping. Set on the riverfront, Southgate is one of my favourite hangouts. Wander along and enjoy the beautiful view whilst discover what the precinct has to offer.

Dining - Dinner options
Whether you feel like Italian in St Kilda or shared platters in Melbourne city centre, these restaurants will have it covered.

  • Bistro Bakini - Showcasing traditional and modern Italian cuisine. My favourites off the menu were the Gippsland Veal Cutlet and seafood platter.
  • Alibi Kitchen & Bar - Delicious shares platters, great to enjoy over a catch up with friends. Don't leave without trying the 18 hour beef brisket!

Here for another 24 hours in Melbourne? See below for more things to do in Melbourne...

Get cultured at Melbourne’s incredible galleries

Melbourne’s renowned for its art exhibitions and galleries so make sure you don’t miss these galleries while you’re here.

  • Centre for Contemporary Photography
  • NGV International
  • Heide Museum of Modern Art
  • Australian Centre for Contemporary art
  • No Vacancy

Laneway life – where are the best laneways in Melbourne?

As the saying goes, not all those who wander are lost!

Often the most exciting adventures are the ones unplanned, but if your style is more of a planned traveller with an itinerary style, then don’t miss out on these colourful laneways. Go for a walk through Melbourne City and find endless laneways each with its own unique character and style.

  • Degraves Street
  • Hosier Lane
  • Tattersalls Lane
  • Meyers Place
  • Centre Place
  • AC/DC Lane
  • Hardware Lane

Places to visit in Melbourne

  • Federation Square
  • Melbourne Star Observation wheel
  • Melbourne Zoo
  • Queen Victoria Market

Free things to do in Melbourne

  • City Circle Tram
  • State Library of Victoria
  • St Kilda Pier

Best street art in Melbourne

Step out on the streets of Melbourne and indulge in a feast of colour. Some of the city’s best street art can be found in the following places:

  • AC/DC Lane and Duckboard Place
  • Hosier and Rutledge lanes
  • Centre Place
  • Flinders Court
  • Union Lane
  • Presgrave Place
  • Russell Place
  • Croft Alley
  • Stevenson and Tattersalls lanes
  • Drewery and Sniders lanes
  • Caledonian Lane
  • Corner 361 Little Bourke Street and Rankins Lane
  • Finlay Lane
  • Behind corner of Queen and Franklin streets
  • Blender Lane

Best accommodation for groups in Melbourne

Mantra’s apartments provide large living areas and two or three bedrooms apartments in Melbourne’s CBD so that everyone can stay together and enjoy the Melbourne experience. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or interstate, make the most of your Melbourne experience and make sure your accommodation is well connected to what matters most to you.