Things to do in Melbourne

Free and cheap things to do in Melbourne

Good first stops for visitors, students and locals

State Library Victoria

A beautiful historic library in the CBD, good for photos, quiet time, exhibitions and exploring one of Melbourne’s most recognisable public spaces.

Art & culture

NGV International

One of Melbourne’s best-known galleries, with major exhibitions, free collection displays and an easy location near the city.

Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

A peaceful place for walks, picnics and nature close to the city.

Social things to do in Melbourne

Good options if you want to meet people, not just visit places

Meet people

Language Exchange Melbourne

A relaxed weekly social event where locals, international students, travellers and language learners can meet and practise languages.

Gaming social

Console gaming socials

A casual way to meet people through games, conversation and low-pressure social activities.

Discussion event

Thought Experiment Melbourne

Small-group sci-fi, horror and moral dilemma discussions for people who prefer deeper conversations.

Melbourne city ideas

Mix public attractions with social activities

Queen Victoria Market ACMI Fed Square Hosier Lane street art Royal Botanic Gardens State Library Victoria NGV International Melbourne Museum Chinatown Southbank walk Carlton Gardens Free Tram Zone

A simple Melbourne day plan

If you are new to the city, start with a classic Melbourne day: visit the State Library Victoria, walk through the CBD laneways, check out street art around Hosier Lane, visit NGV or ACMI, then finish with food around Chinatown, Southbank or the CBD.

If your goal is to meet people rather than just explore alone, add a social event at the end of the day. A language exchange, gaming social, discussion group or casual meetup gives you a reason to talk to new people instead of just moving from place to place.

Find a language exchange How to make friends

New to Melbourne

Do one city activity and one social activity

A good way to enjoy Melbourne is to combine exploring with meeting people. During the day, try free public attractions like galleries, gardens, markets, libraries and laneways. In the evening, choose a social event where conversation is part of the format.

This is especially useful for international students, travellers, working holiday visitors and people who have recently moved to Melbourne. You get to see the city and slowly build a social circle at the same time.

International student guide Browse Melbourne events

Good combinations

Gallery + language exchange Market + cheap eats Laneways + social event Dinner + gaming social Cafe + discussion event

Things to do in Melbourne FAQ

Quick answers for visitors, students and locals

What are some free things to do in Melbourne?

Good free options include the State Library Victoria, NGV collection displays, Royal Botanic Gardens, Fed Square, laneway street art, city walks, public gardens and free events listed around the city.

What can I do in Melbourne if I am new here?

Start with easy, low-pressure activities: visit a market, explore the laneways, walk through the gardens, join a language exchange, attend a social meetup or try a student-friendly event.

What is a good way to meet people in Melbourne?

Language exchanges, social meetups, gaming socials, university clubs and discussion events are good options because people attend expecting to talk to new people.

What are good things to do alone in Melbourne?

Museums, galleries, markets, gardens, laneway walks, cafes, libraries and structured social events are all good options if you are going out alone.

Melbourne has a wide mix of things to do, from free galleries, gardens, libraries, markets and street art to restaurants, nightlife, festivals, social events and meetups. If you are visiting, studying or new to the city, start with public attractions during the day and choose a social event in the evening.

For people who want to meet others, language exchanges are one of the easiest social events to try. They are relaxed, conversation-focused and beginner-friendly, making them useful for locals, international students, travellers and anyone looking for a more social way to experience Melbourne.

Language Exchange Melbourne More Melbourne events