Best Of Melbourne

From the usual suspects like Gardens by the Bay and Universal Studios Singapore to more unusual offerings like Haw Par Villa and Changi Jurassic Mile, here are the best things to do in Singapore.

Looking for the best things to do in Melbourne this weekend? From blockbuster food festivals and pop-up markets to immersive art shows, live music gigs and family-friendly events, the city is heaving with must-see happenings.

It's that time of year again, Melbourne. As the chill finally breaks, our beautiful city and its surroundings are ready to burst into a glorious palette of colours. Get your cameras ready, because spring has sprung.

Hotdogs. No mere sausage-and-bun, but an American icon synonymous with baseball, the Fourth of July, Manhattan street-vendors and Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. And a strong contingent have sprouted up in Melbourne.

The search for the perfect bar is the kind of quest you could commit your life to. But what if it isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of answer? In a city like Melbourne, there’s the best bar for every different type of mood, moment, night, and person. 

The heart of Melbourne, the CBD. We've got heaps of good restaurants here in Melbourne and Victoria as a whole. Whether you're looking for Flinders Lane restaurants or you're just looking to tuck into some affordable fare, we've nailed down the best.

Our editor reckons these 10 restaurants, from casual to fine dining are the best restaurants in Melbourne as of October, 2025. How many have you been to?

There are a range of different ways to escape the city and into Victoria's amazing regional areas—but out of all the quirky getaway options out there, we think tiny homes top the charts.

Looking for a spot to stay in Victoria and spend time in the tub? Check out Urban List's pick of the best Airbnbs with outdoor spas and baths for 2025.

Looking for the best cheap eats in Melbourne? We've got you covered with a curated list of delicious, budget-friendly spots around the city. Dive into our picks for the top cheap eats Melbourne has to offer and discover how to satisfy your cravings without splurging.

We’ve hand-picked some of the best Daylesford accommodation options for 2025, including all the epic Airbnbs.

If you’re seeking a sugary treat with a dollop of nostalgia, these eateries are serving up classic desserts set to send you hurtling back in time.

Dogs love water just as much as we do, from chasing garden hose streams to splashing in shallow pools. Watching your pup frolic in the waves at Melbourne’s best dog-friendly beaches is pure joy. However, not all beaches welcome furry friends. We've curated the top dog beaches in Victoria for 2025 so you and your best mate can enjoy the coast together. Here are Urban List's picks for the best dog-friendly beaches in Victoria.

Finding the perfect venue for your Christmas soiree isn’t the easiest job (I mean, no one wants to have drinks at the office…) Luckily, we’re here to help speed you along your way and make sure you pick the perfect place.

Strap on some comfy shoes and grab the trail mix. These are the best walks near Melbourne.

We Aussies are a pretty healthy bunch, so it's no wonder we host some of the best fitness events in the world—these are the best fun runs, marathons, triathlons, obstacle courses and ocean swims in Australia coming up in 2025. 

Love the thought of a weekend getaway in Victoria but worried about leaving the dog behind? You don’t have to, as Urban List has been hard at work digging out the best pet-friendly accommodation for you and your furry family member.

From water views to luxe city centre stays, Urban List has picked out the best pet-friendly hotels in Sydney and the packages on offer for your dog.

“Get a room,” they said—so we did.

Your guide to Melbourne's best concerts and live gigs this year. 

With the highly anticipated debut of Pop Mart's flagship in Melbourne, the city’s love affair with eccentric collectibles has reached a fever pitch. And this time, it’s all about Labubus—the adorably fanged monster with a name that sounds like you’re accidentally summoning a demon.

It's no secret that you can find some of the best ramen in Melbourne/Naarm. The list of ramen joints in this city is long. That's why we've done the broth-sipping, noodle-slurping hard work and found the most deliciously soul-warming bowls out there.

Somewhere between smashed avo and artisanal gelato, Melbourne rediscovered its love for the humble fro-yo. Suddenly, those self-serve swirl bars are everywhere again with half of Melbourne wandering the streets clutching those telltale mini tubs—their contents barely visible under mountains of toppings.

Finding the best oyster bar in Melbourne is no easy task, that’s why we're shelling out the details on the city’s best.

​Explore our curated selection of Melbourne’s top luxury hotels in the CBD and beyond, each promising an unforgettable stay filled with elegance and indulgence. Pop on the provided gown and slippers, assess the pillow menu in great detail, and get booking at the best luxury hotels Melbourne has to offer in 2025:

With warm weathered days increasing in frequency and summer just around the corner we are looking for places to escape the urban concrete jungle and explore Victoria’s scenic outdoors. But the guilt of leaving behind our dogs when planning our getaways is all too real. Regional Victoria has no shortage of stunning campsites to feel grounded in nature and the best part, for a lot of them you can bring along your furry friends.

Whether you’ve been out at one of Melbourne’s best restaurants and require an equally excellent dessert or just have a craving for sugary goodness that warrants an excursion, Melbourne is home to plenty of dessert bars, patisseries and other sweet offerings that are sure to tickle your fancy. 

We may not love Melbourne’s cold, but it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in a steaming cup of hot cocoa. Sure, you can enjoy hot chocolate any time of year (no judgment here) but there’s something special about cradling a warm mug in both hands, savouring its silky richness as it melts away the chill.

Whether you're a self-proclaimed bread enthusiast or a total croissant fiend after a fix you'll find something that’ll have your tastebuds doing a happy dance at Melbourne's best bakeries for 2025.

Geelong, it's only an hour away from Melbourne but it's a whole new world and there's plenty of things to get around. Here's the local inside scoop on where to eat, drink, play and stay when you're in The Pivot.

Mochi, a deliciously gooey and chewy Japanese dessert, originated in Japan during the Jamon period when rice cultivation began to flourish—and thank goodness it did because us mochi enthusiasts have grown very fond of the bite-sized treat. Now, the specialty dessert can be found all over Melbourne. 

Whether it's Dolly Parton hitting the Comedy Theatre stage bootstraps and rhinestones in tow, or the awaited return of Lightscape’s epic winter trail, Melbourne’s serving up another weekend of top-tier happenings. 

Melbourne’s CBD is a treasure trove for bar lovers, the hardest part is just choosing where to go first. We've got you sorted with all the best bars Melbourne has to offer, from knock off through to night on the town. 

When the clock hits cocktail hour you don't want to be messing around, it's time for a crisp martini or meaty negroni. Thanks to Melbourne's stellar culinary and bar scene there are some seriously good spots around the city to get a glass in hand. From hidden watering holes to some serious first-class swank here are Urban List's picks for the best cocktail bars Melbourne has to offer in 2025.

We’ve got the largest Greek population outside of Athens, so it’s no surprise the city is brimming with Greek taverns and family-owned restaurants to suit all occasions and budgets. It’s a tough task, but we’ve pulled together the best Greek restaurants Melbourne has to offer, with plenty of options for the souv-fans, seafood lovers, dairy queens and vegetarians out there. 

Consider this your Melbourne bucket list that covers both tourist attractions and local haunts. There are endless things to do, see, eat and drink but sometimes it's difficult to know where to start. Like all good city guides, we’ve divided our hit list into a compass-like fashion to help you navigate your way around Melbourne’s best activities. So this is your chance to discover something new in your suburb or dare to venture into an unfamiliar area.

In 2025, Melbourne high tea is bringing together the best of old-world charm and modern-day fun. Whether you're in the mood to channel some classic 19th-century vibes, complete with dainty finger sandwiches and scones stacked high, or you're looking for something a bit more daring—think themed high teas, live music, and a splash of burlesque—Melbourne’s got you covered.

Some mornings are meant for sleep-ins and some are meant for indulging in the best bottomless brunch in Melbourne. Are you after endless mimosas, too many proseccos, more margaritas than you can poke a stick at? Well, if you've woken up on that side of the bed, get your Sunday (or Saturday) best on, and get ready to party. Check out our list of the best bottomless brunches in Melbourne for 2025.

From moody rooftops where you'll drink by candlelight to iconic venues serving up the city's best views, we've sussed out the Melbourne rooftop bars that are on another level. These are the best rooftop bars calling Melbourne home in 2025.

Rainy day? School holidays? Just need to get the kids out of the house before they climb the walls (or you do)? Melbourne’s packed with indoor play centres that go way beyond your average ball pit. 

Skip the south side/north side arguments this weekend, because Melbourne's city centre is a brunch destination of its own right. Here are the best (neutral ground) spots for brunch in Melbourne CBD. 

On the hunt for the best cafe in Melbourne? It's a tough one, simply due to the sheer volume of options. The standard the city has set has been replicated all over the world, and it's no surprise as the quality of our coffee is world-class and our brunch is unbeatable.

If you’re craving a nature escape with a side of serious relaxation, Victoria’s hot springs are just what you need. These natural oases are designed for you to unplug, unwind, and soak away your worries in mineral-rich waters. From stunning coastal retreats to hidden mountain gems, we’ve rounded up the best hot springs in Melbourne and Victoria that are perfect for a rejuvenating day trip or a luxurious weekend getaway.

Welcome to our shiny new series, Budget Ballin’—a curated collection of Melbourne’s best eats and drinks that will have you living the good life without the hefty price tag. We’ll be covering all bases from midweek bites and fancy chef menus to call-in-sick-worthy happy hours.

One of the most important food groups to Melburnians, pizza is held in a treasured category of its own. Boasting some of the finest pizzerias outside of Italy, the level of craft here is world-class from classic leopard spotted Neapolitan-style to thick-cut deep dish. 

Arriving at the local watering hole with your best mate by your side is unmatched. You’ll take a swig of a pint and your furry companion dives into the communal watering bowl. You both look up at each other—it doesn't get much better than this. For those seeking dog-friendly pubs in Melbourne, here are the top recommendations for 2024:

If you're heading out for that morning coffee in the sunshine leaving the dog behind can feel like one of the biggest betrayals. Luckily there are a raft of cafes around town that cater to our four-legged friends, from a beachside pavilion to converted warehouses, serving puppy cinos, dog treats and more. 

Fear not, breakfast-lover—you’re about to have the ultimate list of the best breakfasts in Auckland right at your fingertips.

Stuck for unique date ideas in Melbourne? The sheer number of options is overwhelming, but don't worry we've got you. If you're looking for the best, fun, cute, cheap, cool, free or first date ideas we have something good for everyone.

When it comes to St Kilda restaurants, you’ll find a mix of iconic dining spots and hot new places just waiting for you to pay them a visit. From the freshest seafood around to classic pub fare and everything in between, here's your guide to the best St Kilda restaurants in 2025.

Melbourne's breakfast scene is unmatched—often imitated in cities around the world but never replicated. With so many stunners out there, some truly iconic brekkies have emerged. We gotchu covered with the best breakfast Melbourne has to offer for 2025.

From mind-bending installations to boundary-pushing performances, here’s your guide to the standout events you won’t want to miss.

It's not easy to land on a single choice for the best restaurants in Fitzroy, and that's because there are simply too many. The previously working-class inner-city suburb has blossomed through the renaissance of Melbourne’s cultural boom and is now home to some of the highest-rated diners in the entire city. So, read on, and tick off the best Fitzroy restaurants for 2025.

Looking for Melbourne's best mini golf? Whether you're after a glow-in-the-dark party, coastal views with your putts or the ultimate obstacle courses, we've teed up the city's top spots for unforgettable rounds. 

Ah, Melbourne. The city of a million suburbs, each with its own distinctive personality. Everyone should treat themselves to a little staycation once in a while, to rediscover this city we adore so much. Start packing your overnight bag and take a look at some of the best Airbnbs in Melbourne for 2025.

You've seen that mouth-watering cheese pull on socials, now you want to try it for yourself. What do you do? Hit up Urban List of course.

Nothing beats ditching the big smoke in the summertime for a stint by the sea. Victoria has a rich coastline with some of the most unique beaches and bays in the world. Here are the best beach house stays in Victoria.

Collingwood is historically home to some of Melbourne's best restaurants, bars, shopping, street-art, and well ... just about everything else. The inner-city (hipster, shh) suburb is truly a cultural melting pot, simmering from the north and south end of the suburb. But if you want a local tip, cut through the main drag on Smith Street and you'll see what's on offer is proper fire.

A good pub does exactly what it promises on the tin: a spot to catch up with mates, knock back a few pints and naturally, tuck into a parma.

We all love a holiday, but so do our pets. So next time you book a Victorian getaway, why not save yourself the hassle of a sitter and find somewhere that’ll welcome the two of you at a pet-friendly accommodation, say a dog-friendly hotel?

From a worker’s cottage with floor to ceiling windows to a mega manor with a huge, private pool, check out these luxury Airbnbs in Victoria.

Matcha, what's not to like? It's the drink of the year and if you've been to Japan and you're chasing those memories from the trip, or want to live vicariously, we've got the 10 best spots in Melbourne for you to check out.

If New York is the city that never sleeps, Melbourne’s the city that never stops eating, and there are a myriad of excellent spots waiting to welcome you for a Monday wine-and-dine.

Finding that perfect combination of crackling puff pastry, rich stewy filling, and buttery shortcrust is practically a spiritual quest. Lucky for us, you don't need to make the pilgrimage out of Melbourne to satisfy your pie cravings anymore.

Here's your ultimate Eat, Play, Stay guide to the Barossa Valley with Andy Allen.

There's nothing quite like the music scene in Melbourne. Any night of the week in pretty much any stretch of the town, you can catch live tunes—be it howling, foot-stomping rock 'n roll in sticky-floored pubs, sultry jazz in booth-seated lounges, or dirty techno at one of the many dens and d-floors in town.

Melbourne’s Japanese cafe scene has always marched to its own beat—espresso in one hand, chopsticks in the other. But lately, a new wave of Japanese-inspired spots has been quietly rewriting the Melbourne brunch playbook. 

Like the precinct’s spruikers, the choice really is overwhelming when it comes to Lygon Street restaurants. One will tell you they have the freshest carbonara in the southern hemisphere while the other will stake claim to a 400 cheese pizza. Both worthy options, but dig deeper and you’ll find a diverse culinary offering ranging from fiery ramen at one end and modern Australian at the other.

Want to relive that Japanese holiday, or get your eye in before you head overseas? You're in luck, because Melbourne is full of top-tier Japanese restaurants. Whether you’re craving freshly made sushi, bowls of steaming ramen, sizzling teppanyaki, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, or flavourful donburi, there’s no shortage of authentic Japanese restaurants in Melbourne to dive into. 

Coffee runs thick through Melbourne's veins, and in every corner of the city you'll find caffeine-soaked cafes to frequent. But cafes go beyond a good coffee, and for Collingwood cafes, we're spoilt for choice.

Searching for the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne? From hidden trattorias to fine dining, here are Melbourne’s top 25 Italian spots for pasta, pizza and more in 2025.

With Easter around the corner, the sweet smell of hot cross buns is starting to waft out of bakeries across Melbourne. With so many on offer, it’s hard to know who makes the best hot cross buns in Melbourne. Is it the traditional take? Is it a chocolate-filled number? Or is it the undignified 'fruitless'? Luckily, you have Urban List doing the hard yards for you.

Forget diamonds—Melbourne’s real luxury is a perfectly cooked steak. Whether you’re after a melt-in-your-mouth wagyu, a charred, smoky ribeye, or an old-school pub porterhouse with all the trimmings, this city delivers.

Flinders Lane is the beating heart of Melbourne’s dining scene, a laneway where culinary magic happens. This is undoubtedly one of Melbourne’s foodie hotspots. From hole-in-the-wall gems to high-end hotspots, this iconic strip is a dining paradise. 

Melbourne’s bustling dining scene owes a very honest tip of the hat to France. Every suburb has its own cache of bakeries, bistros and patisseries reminiscent of the City of Lights, and if you're like us wondering why you're here rather than there, well, this list might just save you the trip.

Korean BBQ restaurants have made quite the splash, a cuisine dear to many Melburnian's hearts and for very good reasons. The flavour-packed dining experience of K-BBQ is a sight to behold; with sizzling plates of chargrilled meats accompanied with sauces, salads, and sides. 

Geelong’s restaurant scene is thriving, offering a vibrant mix of culinary experiences that firmly establish it as a must-visit destination for food lovers. Once living in Melbourne’s shadow, this seaside gem has emerged with its own bold personality, leaning heavily into its love for fresh, local seafood.

Although there are plenty out there, it's no easy task to find the best Victorian, perhaps it's the uniqueness, or possibly the location and the stunning vistas they provide, whatever it may be these are the ones that shine above the rest. For good measure, we've also selected a handful of Guest Favourite properties, a brand new Airbnb filter that lets you search for top-rated stays. 

If you're looking for a Sydney hotel with unique personal touches, a cool bar, and thoughtfully designed interiors—you've come to the right place. 

It's the earmarked sports event of the summer, the Australian Open 2025 is the iconic stretch of January where Melbourne suddenly transforms into tennis-arm-chair experts. 

It's something that Melburnians can take deep pride in, other states might have the weather but our bustling late-night music culture and good-time mentality is second to none in this country. 

Melbourne’s such a cultural melting pot. We’re so lucky to have an incredible and eclectic mix of cuisines from across the globe right at our fingertips—and fortunately, a stack of options from the tiny South Asian island Sri Lanka.

Is Melbourne having a cinnamon scroll redux right now? If we look at the facts, it might appear that the answer to that question is yes.

There’s nothing quite like parking it up by the pool. To ensure you maximise the sun and the good times this summer get your eyes across these incredible pool stays across Victoria.

Those with curly, coily or wavy hair will be familiar with the struggle of finding a hair stylist who is capable of tackling textured locks. Even in Melbourne, a city brimming with beauty salons, it can be difficult to ascertain the hairdressers who are worth your while—and won’t damage your precious curls. Good thing we've taken the thinking out of it and found the best curly hairdressers for you.

This one’s dedicated to all the gluten-intolerant bread and pastry lovers. Let’s be honest, the supermarket selection of gluten-free baked goods can be, well, uninspiring. Thankfully, we have a good handful of specialty gluten-free bakeries in Melbourne/Naarm that are reducing celiac’s FOMO when it comes to being able to get their hands on fresh bread, pastries and desserts. 

Want to know where to pitch your tent? We’ve rounded up the best campsites in Victoria. Most are a pretty easy drive from Melbourne and for the rest... just tell your boss you’ll be coming in sick on Monday.

Carlton restaurants extend far beyond cherished Lygon Street—although the historic strip is still home to a massive concentration of Italian joints. With that being said, over the years Carlton has grown to become one of the most vibrant culinary hotspots in town. Here are Urban List’s recommendations on the best restaurants Carlton has to offer in 2025:

Attention all gym junkies, Melbourne has some new gyms on the scene who are definitely showing their bulk compared to the chains. There are also plenty of small, boutique gyms that offer a more personalised approach than the giants. Maybe 2025 is the time for a change, whether that be joining a gym or swapping yours for a small business. Either way, we’ve got the scoop on Melbourne’s best boutique and independent gyms right here for you.

Cost of living keeps creeping upwards and onwards, and most of us practically have the words “value for money” tattooed on wallets to stop unnecessary spending. Of course, that’s where the humble buffet comes in, with endless plates and infinite options to make you feel like life isn’t so bad.