Melbourne is considered one of the most livable cities in the world so it’s no surprise there’s so much to do and see here without having to spend a penny! Here are just a few of our favourite FREE and budget friendly things to do in Melbourne City.

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- Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens – (Beautiful and can easily take up a full day)
- Victoria State Library – (Take the Metro to Melbourne Central… It’s right opposite. for the best views, head straight to the top, but don’t forget to walk through the dome too.)
- Walk the Graffiti Lanes – (There are so many of these you’ll struggle to not find them. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some art coming to life)
- Take the old City loop Tram
- A free city walking tour
- Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Visit Block Arcade – (For great architecture and a good feel of how things used to be)
- Walk along south bank (amazing atmosphere at night)
- Queen Victoria Market

11. South Melbourne Market
12. Check out the street artists at Federation Square
13. Photograph the Iconic Flinders Station
14. Discover something new at Melbourne Central shopping centre – (MC metro stop)
15. Walk St Kilda Pier
16. Visit Melbourne China town
17. Urban Photography around the city
18. Walk Chapel Street in South Yarra
19. St. Kilda Penguin Parade – (A great chance to see penguins in their own environment – take a coat, it gets cold at night. Also note, no flash photography here too)
20. Visit Brighton Beach huts
21. Comedy night at The Attic – (South Yarra)
22. National Gallery Victoria – (This place is huge, if you like art there’s a mix of everything here. Could easily take up half a day)
23. Watch the sunset from the Docklands

BUDGET FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE
- Eureka Sky deck experience – (Worth the entrance fee, Best with a clear sky, amazing views of the city at night)
- Melbourne Aquarium
- Melbourne Zoo
- Melbourne Museum – (Another rainy day activity, best to go when it isn’t school holidays)
- Old Melbourne Gaol
- Immigration Museum
- Melbourne Star Observation Wheel – (Discounts available on Groupon)
- Grab a meal and some entertainment at Witches in Britches themed restaurant
- City Segway tours
- Have a meal at the Tram Restaurant – (An old-style tram that takes you around the city whilst you dine. Massive waiting list so book as far in advance as you can)
- A tour of the Great Ocean Road (Although personally, I’d say hire a car and experience it at your own pace)
- Go Gold at the Cinema – (if you think premier seating at home is good… Gold here will blow.your.mind.)
- Discover new food on one of the many food/drink laneways!
- Famous eats – (Melbourne is home to a few restaurants owned by famous chefs… go on, treat your self!)
- View the city in a Helicopter! (Lots of companies offer Copter rides over the city, great opportunity to get a unique view from above!)
- Shop till you drop at Melbourne’s biggest discount shopping centre – the DFO.
- Grab one of Melbourne’s infamous Freak shakes (Most cafes sell them now but our favourite was at ‘Abbey Road’ in St. Kilda…. it a came topped with a whole doughnut!)
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As I read I felt like saying “..and the list goes on and on”. Melbourne certainly has a lot of exciting places to see. As a tourist I would like to visit the beautiful Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens and Victoria State Library. Comedy night at The Attic and the National Gallery Victoria seem equally interesting. I wonder how does their Chinatown compare to Chinatown in New York
It seems there are many free things to do in Melbourne.Botanical Gardens are always in my interests.I also like to photograph iconic buildings.Thanks for this awesome list!
Melbourne is a beautiful city been there few years back.. If I visit again I will remember your post..
Will keep this list in mind. Thanks! I look forward to visit Melbourne, Australia soon.
I have always wanted to go to Australia. Melbourne seems absolutely amazing and like there are so many things to do.
I love to visit Melbourne and your guide is very detail and helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, Australia has a lot things to offer. This is useful to those who travels on budget in Melbourne. From your list, aside from food spotting that helicopter ride and Eureka Sky deck experience caught my attention. You surely had a great time at Melbourne.
Well doesn’t Melbourne look absolutely beautiful! Australia is bucket list destination and not just for a week I would need a few months to uncover all of its jewels! Thank you for sharing a piece of Melbourne with us.
www.nmdiaries.com
I have been to Australia twice but never to Melbourne (been in Sydney and Bathurst twice). I want to visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral. I also love to have a selfie on that mural.
What a great list! I’ve yet to visit Australia and I hope to in the next few years!
Marriah Tarango
Have been to Australia a few times, somehow always missed going to Melbourne. Your article gives lots of interesting information, which I will refer to when I visit the city.
Wow! Thanks for the list of budget friendly to dos in Melbourne. Hopefully to visit it soon.
Australia is on my bucket list. It’s been on there for years. If I ever get there I appreciate that there are plenty of free places to visit in addition to the paid attractions.
I will be sure to pop down to some of these areas when I am on my travels great post!
such a vibrant fun city! definitely in my travel goals!