Surprise, surprise! Melbourne has been awarded the most livable city in the world for the 7th year running! Are we surprised though? We’re not; the amount Melbourne has to offer, we can’t imagine any other city taking its place. Melbourne has pretty much everything you need for a happy life; a city that never sleeps, thriving beaches a stone’s throw away, unlimited choices of immaculate coffee, sensational brunching spots and hidden lane-way bars to entertain your every need; not to mention the continuous list of bars, restaurants and breweries popping up on every corner.
If you’re a Melburnian through and through, a traveler calling Melbourne your home away from home or a passer-by looking to discover the city in all its glory, we have the perfect selection of must-see/must-do spots for you to embrace.
Get the myki at the ready, doll up and enjoy the adventures!
Melbourne’s Best Rooftop Bars
Captain Baxter
10/18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda
Captain Baxter offer everything you need to satisfy your senses; the smell of amazing Asian cuisine, the taste of classic cocktails, the sound of resident dJ’s and views of the ocean, not forgetting the feel of the sea breeze on your body. There is no better way to spend a summer afternoon, and did we mention the $10 cocktails from 5pm-7pm during open hours? Treat yourself to an evening of Baxter, you will not regret it!
The Emerson
143/143 Commercial Road, South Yarra
The Emerson is South Yarra’s finest spot to be seen, heard and caught with a cocktail in your hand. The rooftop boasts a backdrop of the city skyline to set the mood, alongside live music from Friday to Sunday. If you want to carry on the antics, The Emerson club will keep you dancing until early hours of the morning… This is the perfect spot to treat yourself and appreciate the beauty of our city in true Melbourne style!
Read about more of Melbourne’s sky high treasures in our article
Best Rooftop Bars in Melbourne
Melbourne’s Best Brunch Spots
Oscar Cooper
160 Greville Street, Prahran
Located in the heart of Chapel Street, along the overly caffeinated Greville Street; Oscar Cooper has won many Melburnian hearts with a simplistic philosophy whereby they “support local suppliers, create amazing food and serve delicious coffee and drinks”. My oh my, have they hit the nail on the head here, the combination of friendly staff and delicious goodies is enough to keep me coming back time after time. If you haven’t discovered this spot yet, then it’s time to do so now. You can even take your four-legged friend along as they are very dog friendly!
The Craft & Co
390 Smith Street, Collingwood
The Craft & Co is a guilty pleasure of Collingwood, offering everything you could dream off all in one place. Accommodating a micro-brewery, a distillery, their own coffee roasting and cheese making all in one incredibly well set out eatery. This is a dining experience you cannot justify in text, all I can say is your tastebuds won’t know what’s hit them! The breakfast menu showcases comfort breakfast with a hint of class, alongside a freshly roasted house blend coffee to keep you alert. I can assure you, The Craft & Co will keep you well-nourished throughout the day.
Get your brunch on at our pick of Melbourne’s best brunch spots
Melbourne’s Best Hidden and Quirky Bars
Jungle Boy
96 Chapel Street, Windsor
We have all heard of the hidden land behind the wardrobe of Narnia, but how about the hidden cocktail bar behind the fridge door? It certainly is a new one, and you may not believe me, but it’s real!
Located on Chapel Street behind the doors of Boston Sub, you will find this perfect hidden treasure. Indulge yourself in cocktails from tiki mugs and get lost in the décor which simulates an energetic jungle theme. There are 3 different areas to suit your needs, the lounge area, and the bartender’s hub by the bar or relaxing in the sun in the outdoor back yard. This is a great spot to socialise with friends or introduce fresh visitors to one of the many hidden secrets of Melbourne…keep your eyes peeled for the fridge door…
29th Apartment
29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
29th Apartment is exactly what it says on the tin; as soon as you walk through the patio garden you step into a New York City inspired apartment themed venue. Accommodating everything from a bed to get up close and personal on to a DJ in a bathtub spinning all your favourite tunes, you will never want to leave!
To make it even more appealing, 29th Apartment hosts a week full of home comfort fun, including Monday Movie nights with $10 pizza and drink combos, $1 pizzas on a Wednesday and an ultimate favourite of all you can eat wings for $17.50 every day of the week. This is bound to become your home away from home!
Immerse yourself in our list of Melbourne’s Top 10 Hidden Bars or find your eccentric side in the Top 10 Quirky Bars in Melbourne
Melbourne’s Best Wineries
Polperro Winery
150 Red Hill Rd, Red Hill
If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day, you don’t need to travel far. Victoria is home to over 600 wineries and a majority of them open their arms to anyone with an interest. Whether you are trying to plan the perfect spot for a date with bae, or a day trip away with the girls – Polperro Winery is the place for you. A hint though, don’t be the designated driver, there’s just too much wine to indulge in!
The bistro is nestled among the vines; so whilst you are sipping the flavours, you can see where they are produced. The menu compliments your glass of goodness, with fresh flavours and local produce filling your tummy. And if you are after more of a private sitting, Polperro also offer picnic baskets full of delicious snacks, so you put all your eggs in one basket and take your date off into the heart of the vineyard.
If you’re not quite ready to return to city life, or you’ve had one too many wines, Polperro also offers accommodation looking over the winery for those who desire.
Zonzo Estate
957 Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd, Yarra Glen
If you haven’t tried a Yarra Valley wine yet, then now is the time to do so. Better yet, visit where it all begins and treat yourself to an Italian inspired lunch along with your favourite glad of new found Zonzo wine. You will not regret it.
Hosting 45 acres of vines, the scenery and views from Zonzo estate are to die for. There is plenty of space to play, frolic and immerse yourself in the finer part of Victoria. Children are more than welcome to join you, so if you and your family are in need of a relaxing day, Zonzo will accommodate this nicely.
The authentic Italian menu will fulfil all your needs; with simple wood-fire pizzas to ease the hunger, or an a la carte menu full of antipasto and calzones to really fill you up. There is something for everyone on this beautiful plot of the state.
For you lovers out there, Zonzo is known for its picturesque weddings; so if you have a big day in the horizon and haven’t set the venue yet, you will have the venue sorted by the time you head back to the city!
For more options for trips out of the city, we have a list of 6 Wineries To Try throughout the summer months!
By Mia Mildren
