Melbourne In Three Days: A Local’s Guide To The City’s Best Eats, Beats, And Hidden Gems

Melbourne isn’t just Australia’s cultural capital — it’s a city that thrives on creativity, connection, and great coffee. Whether you’re here for work, relocation, or an extended stay in one of Corporate Keys’ serviced apartments, you’ll find that the city’s best attractions are never far away. Here’s a three-day itinerary designed for guests who want to balance business with pleasure and experience the essence of Melbourne like a local.

Day One: City Style and Culture

Morning:
Start your Melbourne adventure in the heart of the CBD with a visit to Lune Croissanterie on Collins Street. It’s worth the queue for their famous buttery pastries, crafted with precision and perfection. Pair it with a cup from Market Lane Coffee, one of Melbourne’s most celebrated roasters, just a short walk away.

From there, indulge in some retail therapy along Bourke Street Mall, home to the iconic Myer and David Jones department stores. The area is part of the Free Tram Zone, making it easy for guests to explore without extra cost. If you’re in the mood for something unique, pop into Outré Gallery for modern art or Minotaur, a paradise for pop culture fans.

Afternoon:
Take a cultural turn and explore Melbourne’s renowned arts precinct. Begin at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, featuring local and contemporary works, then head to THE LUME Melbourne, an immersive digital art gallery that brings classic pieces to life with light, sound, and even scent. Wrap up with a visit to the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) or ACMI, where film and innovation merge.

Evening:
Dinner is best enjoyed at Movida, the Spanish tapas icon tucked in Hosier Lane, known for its anchovy and smoked tomato sorbet. Afterwards, discover Melbourne’s laneway bar culture. Try Section 8, a shipping-container bar with street charm, or Nick & Nora’s, a stylish speakeasy ideal for a post-dinner cocktail. If you love live music, finish your night at Cherry Bar or Heartbreaker, two venues that define Melbourne’s rock ’n’ roll energy.

Day Two: Creative Fitzroy and Local Living

Morning:
Just a tram ride from the city, Fitzroy is where Melbourne’s artistic soul lives. Start your day at Morning Market on Gertrude Street — order a flat white and enjoy the people-watching. Then browse through independent stores like The Standard Store, Phillip & Lea, or the whimsical Rose Chong Costumier for locally designed pieces and handmade goods.

Afternoon:
If it’s the weekend, don’t miss Rose Street Artists’ Market, a lively hub of Melbourne’s best creators and makers. Next, visit the Melbourne Museum in nearby Carlton Gardens, home to dinosaur fossils, Aboriginal heritage exhibits, and the beautiful Gandel Gondwana Garden.

For lunch, head to Naked for Satan, one of Fitzroy’s most beloved dining spots. Enjoy pintxos, cocktails, and panoramic city views from the rooftop Naked in the Sky. Afterwards, grab a fun dessert at Fluffy Torpedo, an ice cream shop that’s as playful as it sounds.

Evening:
Cocktail lovers shouldn’t miss Above Board, a minimalist bar tucked inside a laneway, or the legendary Black Pearl, serving Melbourne’s finest drinks for over two decades. For dinner, Marion Wine Bar offers modern bistro dining in a relaxed yet elegant setting — perfect for winding down after a productive workday or exploring with colleagues.

Day Three: Northside Markets and Music

Morning:
Begin your final day in Carlton with breakfast at Heartattack and Vine, where locals line up for bocconcini rolls and top-tier espresso. Stop by Reading's Bookstore, a Melbourne institution, or catch an indie film at Cinema Nova. Then visit King & Godfree, a historic grocer-turned-Italian deli that’s now home to rooftop bar Johnny’s Green Room, offering sweeping city views — ideal for a leisurely brunch meeting.

Afternoon:
Head north to Preston Market, a multicultural food hub perfect for picking up fresh produce or street-style snacks. For some fun, try The Keys, a retro bowling alley and arcade, or sip craft beer by the artificial river at Moon Dog World.

If you’re after a relaxed lunch, Welcome to Thornbury is a local favourite with a rotating lineup of gourmet food trucks — everything from tacos to dumplings in a laid-back garden setting.

Evening:
End your Melbourne experience in Brunswick, a creative suburb that blends vintage charm with modern energy. Browse thrift treasures at Savers, then catch a live performance at Brunswick Ballroom or unwind at The Brunswick Green, where acoustic sets and jazz fill the night air.

For dinner, stop by Very Good Falafel or Good Days, a cosy Vietnamese diner — both serving dishes that live up to their name. It’s the perfect, no-fuss finale to your Melbourne adventure.

Why Corporate Keys Makes Exploring Melbourne Easy

With Corporate Keys’ serviced apartments located across Southbank, Docklands, St Kilda, and Carlton, you’ll always be close to the city’s top attractions, restaurants, and transport. Whether you’re travelling for business or planning an extended stay, our fully furnished apartments offer the comfort of home with the convenience of hotel-style living — giving you the freedom to experience Melbourne’s local charm at your own pace.