48 Hours in Electric Melbourne

Our two-day itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your time in Australia’s cultural capital.

By Patricia Harrison

Thriving arts and culinary scenes, a welcoming multicultural community and close proximity to breathtaking natural wonders draw adventure seekers from across the world to Melbourne, Australia. In fact, the city is known as the country’s cultural hub, brimming with opportunities to experience everything from craft coffee at some of the world’s best cafes and baristas to a wide variety of iconic sporting events (plan your trip around the Australian Football League Grand Final in September or Melbourne Cup horse race in November).

Melbourne is also a convenient home base for exploring nearby scenic wonders such as Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island. Not sure where to start planning? Gain inspiration from our two-day itinerary, complete with ideas for where to stay from the TRAVELSAVERS Preferred Hotel Program.

Day 1

Start your morning in Federation Square, Melbourne’s creative heart. Situated along the Yarra River and opposite the iconic Flinders Street Station, Fed Square is home to several of Melbourne’s most famous art and historical institutions and buzzes with festivals and events year-round. Pop into the Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) to view works by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities. And visit the Creative Society Market at The Atrium, a monthly bazaar featuring jewelry, art and other handmade items from Melbourne's most talented makers (May 2025 through January 2026).

Flinders Street Station

Get a taste of Melbourne's booming craft coffee scene at Degraves Espresso Melbourne, known for its delicious all-day brunch offerings (try one of the Benedicts) and vast drink menu encompassing coffee, tea, cold-press juices, beer, wine, and cocktails. The business is a lovely example of the city’s vibrant laneway culture, community-oriented urban spaces found within the city’s narrow streets and alleyways. Or grab an espresso and a croissant at minimalist Fieldwork Coffee, a modern Australian micro roastery nearby.

Then venture to Hosier Lane to admire some of the city’s most iconic street art — a kaleidoscopic rainbow of colors and characters produced by local and international street artists. Grab a bite at Hardware Société (a cheerful cafe dishing early day fare) or Grill’d, a popular Australian burger chain, before you spend the rest of the afternoon walking through the lush Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. The verdant oasis has more than 8,000 plant species spread across 23 collections.

Take a break at your hotel before you head out on the town. Enjoy dinner in Chinatown at the three-story Hutong Dumpling Bar, known for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and spicy wontons, or ShanDong MaMa, a compact eatery where locals gather to devour mackerel dumplings and soy bean paste noodles. Catch a show at the historic Princess Theatre, where you can score tickets to Broadway productions such as “Beetlejuice The Musical" and “In the Heights,” or listen to live jazz or go dancing at a bar like The Toff.

Day 2

Melbourne’s northern neighborhoods are a goldmine for food lovers and art enthusiasts, and there’s no better place to kick off your day than bohemian Fitzroy, a favorite among locals for its bohemian vibes and café culture. Get caffeinated at Proud Mary, celebrated for its deliciously smooth coffee and hearty breakfast options. After fueling up, stroll down Brunswick Street, lined with independent boutiques and vintage shops.

By late morning, head a bit further east into Collingwood and Smith Street, another hub of eclectic shops, art-filled alleyways, and welcoming local watering holes. You’ll discover hidden murals, second-hand treasures, and cozy corners to sip coffee or craft brews. To dive further into the city’s cultural landscape, detour to the nearby Abbotsford Convent or Collingwood Yards — both creative precincts with artist studios and galleries housed in repurposed buildings. For lunch, indulge in flaky perfection at Lune Croissanterie, lauded as one of the best pastry spots in the city.

Fountain at Carlton Gardens

Mosey over to the Melbourne Museum or the stately Carlton Gardens to explore for a few hours. Before dinner, indulge in gelato or an espresso along Lygon Street, Melbourne’s famed “Little Italy.” Finish your day with dinner in Carlton or back in Fitzroy, where top picks include Tipo 00 for handmade pasta, D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar for Italian pies, or Bar Liberty for a multi course tasting menu with wine pairings. Cap it all off with a drink at Naked Upstairs, which sports panoramic views of the city’s skyline and a lineup of well-shaken cocktails and house-infused vodkas.

Where to Stay

Parkroyal Monash Melbourne
Convenience is the draw at Parkroyal Monash, tucked inside M-City Shopping Centre, an entertainment destination in southeast Melbourne with more than 60 stores and a dining hall. Make yourself at home in one of the hotel’s 250 comfy rooms equipped with modern amenities such as extra-long beds and blackout curtains.

Voco Melbourne Central
This IHG property situated in the heart of Melbourne is a modern retreat from the bustle of the city. Watch the sunset from the infinity pool, where guests can enjoy a relaxing soak amid gorgeous views of the skyline, or share a bottle of wine on the sunshine-soaked patio at Blacksmith Bar & Grill.

Le Méridien Melbourne
Crafted for art- and design-loving travelers, the Le Méridien Melbourne sports an art deco façade and mid-century-inspired interiors. Guests love the Le Splash rooftop pool, which has stunning views of Parliament and Fitzroy Gardens, and the tucked-away cocktail bar at swanky Dolly Restaurant.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: Skyline of Melbourne at Dusk