Amount of time full or half day
Best time to visit Anytime
Getting around on foot
How to get there Most trains and trams go to the CBD
The Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) is a hub of creativity with a colourful history that has left behind a thriving music and art screen. Some of the best bars, shops, restaurants, and architecture are all on or just off Swanston Street. So, walk down Swanston with a few turns and stops along the way, and you will be able to see some of Melbourne’s highlights.
NGV International
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the oldest, largest, and most visited art museum in Australia. The NGV opened in the south wing of the State Library in 1859 and it wasn't until 1967 that the gallery moved to St Kilda Road. Since 2012, Tony Ellwood has been the Director of the NGV and he is killing it. Some of his highlights include exhibiting shows from Keith Haring, David Hockney, Ai Weiwei, Andy Warhol, and Monet. Website | Instagram | 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Fed square
Federation Square opened to celebrate the centenary of Australia's Federation in 2001. Melbourne was long missing a public square and after failed attempts, the state government opened an Architectural Design Competition that received 177 entries. The winner was Melbourne-based Lab Architecture Studio directed by Donald Bates and Peter Davidson from London. Fed Square now hosts cultural events, markets, and live music and is a nice place to catch your breath while you watch a TED talk on the giant screen. Website | Instagram | Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne
The Koorie Heritage Trust
The Koorie Heritage Trust is a cultural centre for the First Nations People of South-Eastern Australia. The gallery has historical artifacts including a possum skin ball which was used in early iterations of Australian Rules Football. The Trust is committed to passing down the oral history of the First Nations People and visitors can join workshops, educational walking tours, or participate in cross-cultural awareness training. Website | Instagram | The Yarra Building, Federation Square
ACMI
ACMI is Australia's national museum of screen culture. Celebrating film, television, and gaming with exhibitions, screenings, and events. Check this link to see what’s on at Website | Instagram | Fed Square, Melbourne
State Library of Victoria
This was architect Joseph Reed’s first build in Australia, after which he built The Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, The Melbourne and Geelong Town Halls’. The library's collection is vast and it is all viewable in the galleries. The dome-shaped La Trobe Reading Room is a must-see if you are nearby, and the grass lawn out the front of the building is a good lunch spot if you want some sun. Score some free wifi while you check out some Ned Kelly artifacts. Website | Instagram | 328 Swanston St, Melbourne
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens actually has two locations, but it is the Melbourne Gardens that has been impressing visits while they take some time to relax in the greenest part of the city. With over 50,000 individual plants and over 8,500 different plant species, you can explore these gardens for hours or bring a picnic and relax by the lake. If you are up for it, you could crack some laps around the 3.827km running track known as The Tan. Craig Mottram holds the record for the fastest time around the track at 10 minutes and 8 seconds. Website | Instagram | Birdwood Ave, South Yarra
FLINDERS STREET STATION
The Art Noveau-styled Flinders Street Station was built in 1909. Since then it has become a cultural icon. It is probably Melbourne’s most photographed building and it is Australia’s busiest railway station. The building changes colour from day to night as it’s lit up by over 1,100 LED lights. So, stop by to check out the architecture or get on a train to get the fuck out of there. Corner of Flinders & Swanston
St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral is built on the site where the first public Christian service in Melbourne was conducted in 1835. The cathedral was designed by the English Gothic Revival architect William Butterfield and completed in 1891. St Paul's is still operating at a church, but sometimes the space is opened up for live Melbourne event. The cathedral is a very special place to see live music as the acoustics are something else. Flinders Ln & Swanston St, Melbourne
pho ga bo swanston
This place is always busy! Serves up some of the best pho in da CBD and that why President Bill Clinton must have decided to go back for seconds when he visited the restaurant. But, seriously it’s damn good Pho for a great price. 241 Swanston St, Melbourne
Rooftop
If you have never been to the top of Curtin House, you have to check out Rooftop. Walk up the stair or wait and take the lift if you must, but know when you get to the top you might have to fight for a spot in the sun, but if you find it you will never want to leave it. DJs spin tunes regularly. Website | Menu | Instagram | Listen | 252 Swanston St, Melbourne
Section 8
Section 8 is an open-air shipping container bar right in the heart of the city with mighty fine music, from DJs to live bands depending on the party. Section 8 can be a nice place to chill during the day and the parties can kick off in the early afternoon. To find out what's on head to the Section 8 Instagram and check the stories. Website | 27-29 Tattersalls Ln, Melbourne