The Perfect 24-Hour Melbourne Itinerary
Melbourne truly is a city that keeps surprising. With incredible food, vibrant culture, street art, and hidden laneways, there are endless things to do in Melbourne. After living in this amazing city for over a year, I’ve discovered many great spots around the Melbourne CBD. Over the last year of living in this wonderful city, I was able to discover a lot of different places and things to do.
If you only have 24 hours in Melbourne, it can be hard to decide where to start. So here’s my perfect one-day Melbourne itinerary, including brunch, culture, street art, and nightlife.
Start Your Day with Brunch at Kombu
There are so many wonderful brunch spots in Melbourne, and believe me, I tried a lot of them. And while I could make a whole list of great brunch spots in Melbourne (which I actually did in this blog post), if I only had one day, I would pick Kombu. Listen, this one is maybe not for everyone because it’s far from a traditional brunch spot.
Kombu isn’t your typical brunch café. Instead of the usual eggs Benedict, this spot serves Japanese-inspired brunch dishes that are creative, delicious, and completely different. But Melbourne is all about being different and unique and melting different cultures together. That’s why this is the perfect spot to go to.
Visit the State Library of Victoria
Next on your Melbourne itinerary is one of the city’s most iconic buildings: the State Library of Victoria.
Okay, I know this one is a very popular suggestion, but let’s be honest, people are right about this one. The state library in the Melbourne CBD is worth a visit. Located in the Melbourne CBD, this historic library is famous for its stunning architecture and the beautiful La Trobe Reading Room Dome. It’s one of the most photographed interiors in the city and is definitely worth seeing.
It’s not only a stunning building, but also the vibe outside the library is always vibrant, there are street musicians or people just hanging out on the lawn. The library itself often hosts exhibitions or talks and lectures. And while going to a museum in Melbourne could be worth it, if you’re rushed for time, you should put this one on the list as your cultural experience. Also, the library is around a 10-minute walk away from Kombu. And before you head to the next stop, perhaps spend some time shopping or wandering around QV.
Stroll Through AC/DC Lane for Melbourne Street Art
Melbourne is famous for its street art and graffiti laneways, and one of the most well-known spots is AC/DC Lane.
The beautiful thing about this lane is that the artwork continuously changes, so no experience will be the same.
AC/DC Lane is located about 15 minutes from the State Library, making it an easy stop on your one-day Melbourne walking itinerary. It doesn’t take long to explore, but it’s a great way to experience Melbourne’s creative side.
Ride the Free City Circle Tram (Route 35)
So far, we have been walking around for quite a while, so the next experience is perfect to rest your feet. We’re talking about the famous city circle tram – route 35.
The City Circle Tram (Route 35) is a free tram that loops around the Melbourne CBD and passes many major attractions.
This tram lets you discover the city (for free) without having to walk anywhere. Ideal to get a view of the city and all it has to offer if you’re on a time limit. The whole circle takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, but you can hop on and off anywhere you want.
Explore Chinatown for Dinner
This city is a melting pot of cultures, therefore also cuisines. And visiting Chinatown is an experience in itself. As one of the oldest Chinatowns in the Western world, this area is packed with restaurants, dumpling houses, and hidden gems. From cheap eats to high-end dining, you’ll find almost every type of Asian cuisine here.
Whether you’re craving dumplings, noodles, hot pot, or BBQ, Chinatown is the perfect stop for dinner on your Melbourne travel itinerary.
End the Night at Storyville
There are lots of beautiful bars in Melbourne, but not all of them are as magical as Storyville. This bar is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
Storyville is a fairytale-themed cocktail bar that feels completely magical. The decor is inspired by classic stories, with glowing lights, whimsical details, and creative drinks that make the whole experience feel special.
On weekends, Storyville even turns into a club, making it a great place to continue the night.
Final Thoughts on Spending 24 Hours in Melbourne
If you only have 1 day in Melbourne, this itinerary gives you a little taste of everything that makes the city special. From a unique brunch at Kombu to exploring street art in AC/DC Lane and finishing the night with drinks at Storyville, you’ll experience some of the best spots in the Melbourne CBD, without wasting too much time travelling around.
Of course, one day is never enough to fully explore Melbourne. But this itinerary is the perfect introduction to the city’s food scene, culture, and vibrant atmosphere.
