As a key part of Australian’s economy, Melbourne has three main business districts: St Kilda, Melbourne Docklands, and most notably the Central Business District, a busy part of the city laid out in more of a grid format. There is so much to do in this vibrant Australian metropolis and these districts are likely where you will be spending a lot of your time during your business trip to Melbourne. Therefore, read on to discover 14 of best things to do and see within the city…
1. Restaurants
Melbourne has plenty to offer when it comes to various cuisines and, no matter if you fancy a budget-friendly find or a fine dining experience, you will not be short of options when visiting Melbourne. For upscale dining head to Kazuki’s, or even Foglia di Fico – a well-renowned Italian restaurant that continues to amaze customers with their appetizing seafood options and great service.
Equally, if you’re looking for cheaper alternatives there are plenty of street food options across the city. Miznon, a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant, is located on Hardware Lane and is fast becoming a go-to affordable destination.
2. Coffee Houses and Cafés
Melbourne has been named the coffee capital of the world as Melburnians take this brewed drink very seriously. Over time in Melbourne coffee has become many peoples passion, in fact around 95% of all the 1600 cafés in Melbourne are independently owned. Undercover Roasters HQ is one of the most impressive coffee shops in city as this modern coffee roastery founded in 2011 allows visitors to book tables and even subscribe so that customers can get Undercover Roasters products delivered monthly. Just off the busy roads you will find hidden coffee shops and cafés such as Patricia Coffee Brewers. This café is in the Central Business District and offers authentic well-crafted coffees and tasty food. On your Melbourne business trip also take time to visit Industry Beans, a modern and authentic café that serves great brunches, offers rich coffee, and even sells state-of-the-art coffee equipment on their website online.
Group of people eating in restaurant photo by Rod Long on Unsplash
3. Bars and Nightlife
The nightlife is thriving within the Central Business District as Melbourne comes alive when the sun goes down. If you want good views on your business trip to Melbourne, Bombabar has got you covered as here you can enjoy some beverages whilst gazing over the city from this trendy rooftop bar. On the other hand, you have Section 8, a casual bar planted in between two shipping containers which has captured the hearts of music lovers due to its relaxed atmosphere and artsy aesthetic.
4. City Circle Tram (CBD)
The City Circle Tram is a free and easy way that business travellers can travel the city while getting to view iconic city landmarks and major monuments. Whilst on your business trip to Melbourne, if seeing Parliament House or the Melbourne Aquarium is on your to-do list, simply hop on at one of the tram stops on the City Circle route.
People at city by Lisa Fotios on Pexels
5. Southbank's Eureka Tower – Skydeck (Southbank)
Southbank’s Eureka Tower is only 1km outside of the Central Business District and features a popular Skydeck. It gives people the wonderful opportunity to overlook Melbourne from a height of around 300 metres, in fact this is the southern hemisphere’s highest observation deck. This is one of the most recommended things to do in the city because of the breath-taking views it offers, so why not brave the heights and book a ticket while on your business trip to Melbourne.
6. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria (Saint Kilda Road/Southbank)
Of all the sights in Melbourne, the National Gallery of Victoria is one of Australia’s most visited art museums and showcases culturally significant and visually captivating works of art. Known locally as NGV, this museum is the oldest in Australia – making the building itself a key part of the country’s heritage and an unmissable landmark.
7. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (South Yarra)
Drawing in millions of visitors every year, the Royal Botanic Gardens is an exceptional example of Victorian-era landscaping perfect if, while on your business trip to Melbourne, you want to see some magnificent horticulture. Open 10:00am to 19:00pm Monday to Friday and 10:00am to 20:00pm Saturday and Sunday, this is a great place for people wanting to sit and read, take in the wonders of nature, or go for a relaxing walk.
8. Melbourne Cricket Ground (East Melbourne)
In the Central Business District sits Melbourne Cricket Ground, the birthplace of test cricket. Whilst on your business trip, regardless of whether you enjoy watching cricket or not, we recommend taking the time to visit this impressive stadium. The sporting spectacle created here is immense and, with a capacity of 100,000 people, simply experiencing the atmosphere at the ground is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
9. Yarra River Cruise (CBD)
Yarra River Cruises offer a collection of various trips from bottomless cocktail cruises to private boat functions, which are ideal for business travellers looking to host a corporate event. These boat trips take you through the Docklands, Southbank, and shipping precincts meaning, not only is it a great way to view more of the city, but the company operate 365 days a year meaning no matter when your business trip to Melbourne falls, Yarra River Cruises are always available.
10. St Kilda beach
When you’re not navigating through the hustle and bustle of the Central Business District, why not head over to St Kilda beach only 6 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. This beach is popular with everybody from avid swimmers to families, especially when the weather is hot and the sun is shining. Located further along the beach is a pier which contains bars and restaurants offering plenty of refreshments.
11. Shopping at the District Docklands (Docklands)
The District Docklands is an outdoor undercover precinct that is bubbling with entertainment, attractions, and leisure activities. Whilst on your business trip to Melbourne why not check out the District Docklands and dedicate a day to shopping and treating yourself. There are over 80 stores ranging from designer clothing shops to fast-fashion and more common clothing retailers.
12. Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance is a war memorial that is situated in the Kings Domain on St Kilda Road. It is one of the iconic sights in Melbourne that was built to honour the men and women that fought and died during the two World Wars. If you are visiting Melbourne on a business trip and want to learn more about its history and heritage, then head over to this memorial.
13. Visit the Mystery Rooms (Fitzroy)
The Mystery Rooms are an interactive escape room experience that allow people to make their way through different time periods and places whilst trying to solve the ‘mystery’. On your business trip to Melbourne if you find yourself in the inner-city suburb of Melbourne named Fitzroy then definitely check out the mystery rooms if you’re looking for something a bit different.
14. Art Streets of Melbourne
Some of the best things to see in Melbourne are the many side streets where the stone walls have become canvases for some of the most impressive street art anywhere in the world. If you are feeling creative while on your business trip to Melbourne and want to take some photographs, go and explore the visually striking streets of Melbourne such as Hosier Lane, Caledonian Lane, and AC/DC lane.
Blue and white wall graffiti photo by Tom Shakir on Unsplash (bottom right),
The art street of Melbourne are hard to miss because they are often packed with visitors and eager photographers
Passers by stop to talk to a local street artist who is giving away
free canvases by Annie Spratt on Unsplash (top right)
One of Melbournes many creative and colourful art streets
Man in black jacket walking on a sidewalk during daytime photo by Dean Bennett on Unsplash (left)
Melbourne has so much to offer as those heading on a business trip to this thriving city will not be short of things to do. From exploring the city's coffee culture and range of impressive restaurants to visiting the National Gallery of Victoria or St Kilda beach, Melbourne is a city which offers a range of activities, things to see, and do. Browse our range of serviced apartments in Melbourne and contact us if you have any queries or would like more information on the city.
