I spent six months in Melbourne during my semester abroad two years ago. Before arriving, all I knew was that it was a nice city in Australia—I had no clue what there was to see or what the city was really like. So, for anyone like me, visiting Melbourne for the first time, here are my top 10 must-visit places to explore while you’re there !

• Central Business District – CBD
• State Library Victoria
• Queen Victoria Market
• National Gallery of Victoria – NGV
• Immigration Museum
• Flinders Station
• Australian Centre for the Moving Image – ACMI
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• St Kilda Beach
• Shrine of Remembrance

Central Business District – CBD

Yes, I’m talking about Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD)—not the trendy plant extract ! (It confused me at first, too !) The CBD is the heart of central Melbourne, known for its towering skyscrapers which are home to student accommodations, hotels, and businesses. Yet, between these buildings, you can find narrow laneways filled with cozy cafés, beautiful street art, and small restaurants. Take some time to wander around—you’ll discover Melbourne’s unique blend of urban energy and hidden gems !

State Library Victoria :

Located in Melbourne’s CBD, the State Library of Victoria is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Its most famous attraction, La Trobe Reading Room, a grand hexagonal space that can be seen from multiple floors throughout the library. Its polished wooden floors contrast beautifully with the surrounding white walls, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere for study. Beyond this central room, the library offers a variety of themed spaces, some featuring exhibitions — so take a look around ! For students, it’s an ideal study spot open throughout the week. Even during the busy exam season, you will always be able to find a quiet corner to study !

Queen Victoria Market :

Another emblem of Melbourne, Queen Victoria Market is the city’s largest and most iconic market. Inside, you’ll find a bustling array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and fruits —everything you’d expect from a traditional market. But don’t forget to look up at the shopfronts, where beautiful murals add a splash of color and character! Outside, the market continues with stalls selling everything from clothes and bags to unique local souvenirs. It’s the perfect spot, if you want to do some shopping and understand Melbourne’s community and culture.

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is one of Australia’s most renowned art galleries. I have to admit, I wasn’t completely convinced before my first visit. I assumed it would be another standard European-style museum. But I was pleasantly surprised ! The NGV feels like a journey through time. You start your visit with early historical pieces and you slowly go through the edges as you walk. The gallery also hosts exhibitions featuring famous international and Australian artists, so be sure to check what’s on display. And don’t miss the stained glass ceiling in the Great Hall. It is a breathtaking mosaic of colored glass that casts a beautiful glow across the room below.

Immigration Museum

The Immigration Museum was the first museum I visited in Melbourne, and it quickly became one of my favorites. Melbourne has a deep and diverse history of immigration, and this museum does a fantastic job of sharing that story. The exhibits are very interesting, showing how different waves of immigration have shaped not only Melbourne but Australia as a whole. It’s like stepping back in time to see how Australia became what it is today ! It’s usually pretty quiet here, so you can take your time and soak in the history.

Flinders station

Another of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, Flinders Street Station is a must-see and probably on every Melbourne postcard! You can spot it from far away as its bright yellow facade and green dome stand out at the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets. You will see that the station is always buzzing as it is a major transport hub. Whether you’re commuting or just visiting, admire its architecture and enjoy the energy of the crowds coming and going.

ACMI – Australia Centre for the Moving Image Museum

My favorite museum in Melbourne (and probably one of my top 3 ever) ! This place is all about moving images—so it’s not just about old-school cinema cameras, but also video games, animation, and everything in between. It’s a super interactive museum, and great for families with kids. You can create your own movie using famous movie quotes, play video games, or step back in time with vintage cinema props and cool old footage. ACMI also has a movie theater, so be sure to check out their schedule while you’re in town !

Royal Botanic Gardens

When I visited the Royal Botanic Gardens, I was expecting a small park with greenhouses scattered around, showcasing tropical plants. I must have missed the “Royal” part in the name because the gardens are actually a massive 38 hectares! With over 8,500 plant species, the gardens are all out in the open rather than behind glass. The park is divided into themed sections, like the Rose Pavilion on one side and the medicinal and herb collection on the other. Also, at the heart of the gardens, the ornamental lake is the perfect spot for a picnic !

St Kilda Beach :

Just a few tram stops from the CBD is St Kilda Beach. The seaside is always relaxing to me, but St Kilda’s overall vibe makes it even more so. The walkways lined with palm trees or stretching above the water are perfect for a nice afternoon stroll. In the evening, find a spot on the sand and watch the stunning sunset—it’s the perfect way to finish the day ! If you’re visiting in summer, though, be prepared for crowds as it’s a popular spot !

Shrine of Remembrance

Right next to the Royal Botanic Gardens is the Shrine of Remembrance. Built in 1934 to honor Australians who served in World War I, it now commemorates all Australians who have served in conflict. The Shrine stands out from its surroundings with its impressive classical architecture. As it is open to the public, you can explore its inner sanctum, view exhibitions on Australian military history, or climb to the balcony for stunning panoramic views of Melbourne.

website

If you liked this article, check out other places to visit in Melbourne in this article !