As Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is a city that has it all. With world-class galleries, iconic street art laneways, and a buzzing foodie scene, it’s the perfect destination to spend a long weekend with your significant other. So, consider this your guide on how to spend three days in Melbourne, featuring some of the must-see sights, restaurants and attractions close to View Melbourne and the CBD.

Day 1: Explore the culture and history of Melbourne

When visiting Melbourne, hit the ground running with breakfast at the local favourite, Queen Victoria Market. Taking up a historical spot of real estate on the outskirts of Melbourne CBD, this bustling marketplace is a foodie’s paradise. You’ll be overwhelmed with choices from the many stalls offering fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, charcuterie and a range of international foods. 

Since a Melbourne trip doesn’t officially start without coffee, make your way to Market Lane – a speciality coffee roastery in Queen Victoria Market that makes the ideal spot to sip and savour Melbourne’s vibrant coffee culture.

Image via Queen Victoria Market

After breakfast and coffee, it’s time to hit the pavement of Melbourne’s CBD, where you’ll dabble in a spot of Bourke Street Mall shopping, explore the street-art-covered laneways, and grab a bite to eat at one of Melbourne CBD’s best restaurants. Chin Chin, Supernormal, Cumulus Inc, Tonka, and Tipo 00 are all great places to start.

When lunch ends, bypass Flinders Street Station to satisfy your cultural cravings at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). A must-visit for art lovers, the NGV houses an impressive collection of Australian and international artworks across classical and contemporary exhibitions. Then, it’s only a quick 15-minute tram back to View Melbourne – be sure to spot the Shrine of Remembrance along the way. Once you’ve arrived in your suite, take a moment to relax and refresh before dinner and wine at the nearby French restaurant, Entrecote.

Image via Public Galleries Association

Day 2: Wine, dine and shop like a local

Day two of your Melbourne itinerary begins with a walk around Albert Park Lake, just a stone’s throw from your Melbourne hotel. The lake offers a vantage point to view the city skyline and is a popular spot for locals to exercise. Before returning to your hotel room, make a pit stop at The Kettle Black for a serving of Melbourne’s best hotcakes.

Image via The Kettle Black

One of the perks of staying at View Melbourne is the proximity to Chapel Street – a colourful neighbourhood known for its eclectic mix of fashion boutiques, cafes, bars, and restaurants. During the day, Chapel Street buzzes with locals, browsing everything from high-end fashion and vintage shops to quirky outlets. You’ll have no problem saying farewell to a few hours and dollars along this cosmopolitan strip.

In the afternoon, enjoy a short tram ride from your hotel in Melbourne down St Kilda Road. Your destination is the seaside suburb of St Kilda, known for its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions and vibrant nightlife. Stroll along the Esplanade and St Kilda Pier for sunset views over Port Phillip Bay, or take a step back in time at iconic Luna Park – a Melbourne amusement park with vintage rides like the Scenic Railway rollercoaster.

Image via Visit Melbourne

When dinner time arrives, head to The Espy for live music, ocean views and Melbourne pub vibes, or the Italian-inspired restaurant, Cicciolina, locally famed for its fresh seafood and house-made pasta. 

Image via The Espy

Day 3: Escape the city for vineyards and seaside towns

On the final day of your Melbourne itinerary, take a trip to the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour from your Melbourne hotel and the CBD. The region is home to stunning beaches, rolling hills, charming seaside towns, and some of Victoria’s best wineries, craft breweries and restaurants, including Avani Wines, 10 Minutes by Tractor, Rare Hare, and Mornington Peninsula Brewery – a local hotspot converted from old stables.

If you’re interested in working off the local wine and produce you’ve consumed, head directly to Port Nepean – a scenic walk covering 9 kilometres of rugged coastline with a range of historical and cultural landmarks dotted along the way. For a shorter distance, Sorrento’s Millionaire’s Row offers great views with minimal effort.

Uunwind with a soak in the natural hot pools of Peninsula Hot Springs or Alba Thermal Springs before returning to Melbourne. If time permits, end your trip with a pit stop at Brighton Beach’s iconic bathing boxes before checking into the airport for a safe flight home.

Image via Beat