The ultimate 48 hours in Melbourne: Eat, play and drink
Here’s the complete guide on how to spend a perfect 48 hours in Melbourne — and how to score an extra night free in a CBD hotel.
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Experience everything Melbourne has to offer — from shopping at local streetwear brands and buying Harry Potter merchandise to eating modern Indian food and sipping on cocktails in hidden bars.
Book one night at a luxury Melbourne hotel and get another night free as part of the FOMO (fear of missing out) Campaign.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the FOMO hotel experience supports local jobs and allows visitors to experience everything that makes the city great.
“This promotion is about bringing the buzz back to our city and enticing more people to experience everything Melbourne has to offer,” she said.
“Book a great value minibreak and experience of the city’s blockbuster events, pop-up bars, new restaurants and essential shopping strips.
“With winter right around the corner, it’s crucial that we continue to remind Australians of the cultural experiences Melbourne has to offer, from the AFL and Melbourne International Comedy Festival through to world-class experiences such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, or Chess the Musical at the Regent Theatre.”
To take advantage of one of the 10 hotels offering a free stay until April 30 find out more here.
Ultimate 48 hours in Melbourne itinerary
DAY ONE
QT Melbourne
Knock off work and check into your modern suite at QT located in the heart of the city.
Everything down to the soap has been thought of here, from Victorian gins to QR code room service; slip on a robe and enjoy the quiet serenity.
133 Russell St, Melbourne
QT Rooftop
Enjoying the buzzing garden rooftop bar that is filled with hotel guests, workers and bar hoppers everyday of the week.
133 Russell St, Melbourne.
Daughter in Law
We recommend the set menu allowing you to try everything from appetisers to sweets without needing to fight over what curry to get.
37-41 Little Bourke St, Melbourne.
DAY TWO
Wake up and take the tram a few stops north to Fitzroy where you can walk to some of the city’s best food and shopping destinations.
Industry Beans
Regarded as one of the best cafes and coffee brewers in Melbourne, Industry Beans provides a unique experience where you can see the coffee beans roasted while eating an insane meal.
We recommend: Porcini Nest
3/62 Rose St, Fitzroy.
Lune
Grab some of your favourite pastry delights and watch the bakers at work through the giant glass kitchen window.
We recommend: Passionfruit coconut croissant
119 Rose St, Fitzroy.
HoMie
HoMie was founded in 2015 after three mates decided to break down the homelessness stigma. Now it’s a thriving not-for-profit streetwear brand.
2/296 Brunswick St, Fitzroy.
Brunswick Street Art Gallery
Peruse through the free gallery and take some local art home with you.
2pm Harry Potter Cursed Child Part 1
You can’t stay in Melbourne without attending a session of the Cursed Child. With plot twists and spells, this show is full of magic and not to be missed.
Keep an eye on the website to score half-priced midweek deals saving you upwards of $130 per person.
Hochi Mama
Located around the corner from the theatre, bookings are recommended for an early dinner at renowned Asian fusion restaurant Hochi Mama.
We recommend: Vietnamese slaw, prawn wraps, soft shell crab fried rice or the Me Hungry menu.
35 Little Bourke St, Melbourne.
Bar Clara
A short walk from dinner, Bar Clara is a little secret hidden underneath China Town
We Recommend: try the Banoffee Special to blow your socks off with a clarified banana-infused whisky sour with toasted meringue.
87 Little Bourke St, Melbourne
7.30pm Harry Potter Cursed Child Part 2
Sit back, relax and settle in for Part 2.
Nick and Nora’s
Head to Nick and Nora’s for a nightcap and add another hidden bar to your Melbourne trip.
80 Collins Street via, 11 Benson Walk, Melbourne.
DAY THREE
Sleep in and order room service before checking out of QT at 11am, ask the hotel to hold your bags in a safe location while you enjoy another day in the city.
Design a Space
A creative retail store, Design a Space offers room for new and emerging Australian designers to sell their unique clothing and jewellery.
20 Manchester Lane, Melbourne.
The Journal Cafe
A buzzing cafe located on the famous shopping strip Flinders Lane, The Journal Cafe is a great place to grab an early lunch.
253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
NGV
Take advantage of the free tickets to NGV’s Triennial exhibition which spans three levels.
180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne.
Pick up your bags from the hotel and plan your next city vacation on the way home.
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