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Have A Coffee
No trip to Melbourne is complete without trying the coffee. Coffee is a big deal in Melbourne and the city is packed with cafes. Some of the most popular spots to get a coffee include Industry Beans, Seven Seeds, and Duke’s Coffee Roasters. If you want something a little stronger, you could also check out some Melbourne bars. There are plenty that are welcoming to solo travellers.
Go Up The Eureka Tower
Around sunset, head up the Eureka Tower to the Eureka Skydeck on the 88th floor. At 285 metres above sea level, from the observation deck, you can see how big Melbourne is and enjoy some fantastic views. Visit just before sunset so you can take photos of the city during the golden hour and once the sun has set.
Spend Time In Fitzroy
Fitzroy is a neighbourhood in Melbourne, that is often compared to Brooklyn in New York, thanks to its plethora of independent boutiques, vintage stores, cafes, and restaurants. One of the most popular spots in Fitzroy is Rose Street, as it’s home to the Rose Street Artist’s Market and some amazing street art. If you’re looking for something delicious to wat, you could try Gelato Messina for creative gelato flavours, Rustica Sourdough for brunch, Belles Hot Chicken for chicken and waffles, or Vegie Bar for vegan and vegetarian food, and Lune Croissanterie for incredible croissants.
Visit The Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum is massive and houses an interesting combination of exhibits on natural history, science, and Australian history. The museum also has a great Melbourne gallery, the biggest IMAX in the Southern Hemisphere, and even an actual live forest.
Spend The Day In St Kilda
St Kilas is another very cool and popular Melbourne suburb that is worth exploring. You can get a tram directly to St Kilda from CBD. Some of the best things to do in St Kilda include swimming at St Kilda Beach, dining along Acland Street, going on some roads at Luna Park, and walking along the St Kilda Pier. You can enjoy some awesome skyline views from along the pier. It’s also home to a colony of penguins, who live in the nearby rocks. At night, you can stop and see the penguins very easily.
Check Out Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market is the biggest and most popular market in Melbourne. There are hundreds of stalls that sell things like baked goods, fresh produce, meat, clothing, and accessories. For a tasty lunch on a budget, try out the Borek Shop.
Go Shopping
Melbourne is overflowing with shops, whatever you want to buy. In the city centre, there are several different shopping centres, as well as lots of shops lining Bourke Street Mall. There are also fashion outlets if you’re clothes shopping at DFO South Wharf, Chadstone Shopping Centre (which is the biggest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere), and Chapel Street. If you love shopping, you can do plenty of it in Melbourne.
Take Photos At The Brighton Bathing Boxes
You might have seen a photo of the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes, as they are iconic to both Melbourne and the whole of Australia. They’re easy to find, and once you get off the train, there are signposts directing you towards the beach. The beach here is also really calm with clear water if you visit on a sunny day in the summer, so you can have a beach day as well as get that iconic photo.
Go To The Theatre
If you don’t mind going to the theatre on your own, then this is another good option in Melbourne for a solo trip. Melbourne has the best theatre performances in Australia. You can find the best deals on TodayTix, and see what is on during your visit, from The Book of Mormon to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Dine In Chinatown
If you haven’t already worked it out from this guide, Melbourne is a city that loves its food. Dining in Chinatown is great on a solo trip, as the dining options tend to be cheap, and delicious, and there are always other people eating alone, so you won’t feel awkward. Some great places to eat in Chinatown include Shanghai Street, Shanghai Village, and Shandong MaMA.