When you ask seasoned travelers about the best destinations to go to for an awesome trip, Melbourne is almost always going to be part of that list. This coastal city in the southeastern part of Victoria is the sporting and cultural capital of Australia, home to the World-Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and the birthplace of Australian rules football. To find out more about Melbourne’s amazing sites, read more.

Melbourne is also a cosmopolitan city, offering visitors from all over the world countless shopping and dining options. There is plenty to look forward to on your visit to Melbourne, so let this guide help you with your itinerary.

Central Business District (CBD)

Spacious tree-lined streets, chic boutiques, tram lines, and an old-world vibe within a modern city – that is what you will find in Melbourne’s Central Business District.

For your shopping needs, make sure to visit Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, which has its own underground railway station. Collins Street is the go-to place for high-end fashion and jewelry items. Federation Square features a large central square with cafes and restaurants and opens out onto Yarra River.

Transport yourself back in time when you visit historical and key landmarks like the Old Melbourne Gaol, the busy Queen Victoria Market, and the Rialto Towers in Collins Street which is said to be the tallest building at 251 meters high.

Southbank

If you want to experience sophistication on all levels, there is none greater than Southbank. It is a popular waterfront neighborhood which features upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and public art displays. People visit Southbank for the cultural shows features in venues like the Malthouse Theatre and the Melbourne Recital Centre.

There are al fresco dining options found on the promenade and bars serving craft beer. If you are feeling lucky, make sure to drop by The Crown Casino Complex and with the other high rollers.

St. Kilda

Bringing you the tropical side of Melbourne is St. Kilda, a beachside neighborhood perfect for the outdoorsy traveler. It has a unique seaside resort vibe that will definitely make you want to lounge about with a cold drink in hand, just watching the yachts sail by.

Visit the St. Kilda Sea Baths and try out their seawater therapies, the rides at Luna Park, and pastry shops and cafes on Carlisle and Arcland streets.

Eureka Skydeck 88

Treat yourself to a breathtaking view of the Melbourne coastline by riding up the fastest elevator in the southern hemisphere to reach the 88th floor of the Eureka Skydeck 88. You can also try The Edge where a glass-covered cube dangles you 300 metres above the city.

But if you just want to chill and still enjoy views of Melbourne, you can also try the coffee shops found around the area.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria treats you to a relaxing nature walk within the city. Over 89 acres of land houses more than 8,500 species of plants and wildlife.

It is open daily from 7:30 am until sunset, and has no entrance fee. If you feel like the bustling city is too overwhelming, you can visit the Gardens to climb down from the high and enjoy a different, quieter side of Melbourne.

National Gallery of Victoria

This is Australia’s oldest and largest art museum, housing a collection of about 70,000 artworks from greats such as Monet, Rubens, Mariko Mori, and more.

It is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and has no entrance fee. For art lovers, this is a must-see destination because of its extensive collection. Areas include, Asian Art, History Exhibitions, Photography, Sculpture, and Pacific Art.

If you cannot get enough of the art installations and collections, just get into your DriveNow car hire and check these top Melbourne museums here.