48 hours In Melbourne

If you only have 48 hours in Melbourne, trust me — it’s more than enough time to understand why people never stop talking about it. It’s not one of those cities where you’re purely ticking off sights; it’s a city you can immerse yourself in by simply exploring, bringing with it that “I get it now” moment almost instantly.

It’s constantly topping the World’s Most Liveable City charts, the coffee scene is genuinely unmatched (people are not lying about this!), and it's obsessed with sport in a way that feels contagious, even if you’re not a sports lover.  Plus, the food is almost comically good — and that’s coming from a former London girl. You could eat out every night for a year and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.

I moved to Melbourne just over a year ago, and after seven years in London (and before that the big Newcastle-to-London move as a little 18-year-old), I can say with full confidence that the shift from London to Melbourne was so much easier. My partner, who I met in London, grew up here and always described Melbourne as “London without the bad parts” — and honestly, he wasn’t wrong.

Sure, the weather isn’t the stereotypical Australian sunshine you’d expect from Sydney or Brisbane, but the pros here completely outweigh that. I have a never-ending list of places on my Notes app that I’m working my way through, and it has that same London feeling where, even after years, there’s still so much to discover. But if you’re short on time and only have 48 hours, here’s exactly what I’d do.

Where To Explore

If you want to explore Melbourne like a true local, I’d head straight to the north side of the city. Lace up your walking shoes and make your way to Fitzroy — honestly, in my opinion (a little biased as a northside girl), it’s one of the best neighbourhoods in Melbourne.

Start on Gertrude Street for the more premium spots like Le Labo and Variety Hour, and wander over to Moor Street for a bite at Hector’s Deli (a proper Melbourne sandwich staple). Then, just let yourself get lost along Brunswick Street, hopping between quirky op shops and independent stores. Maybe grab another coffee at Moon Cruller on Rose Street before you go to Fitzroy Market, the ultimate Naarm-core second-hand market, and if you need a little pit stop, The Evelyn Hotel is one of the best people-watching spots in the area.

‍Where To Unwind

Melbourne loves a bathhouse, and it’s honestly one of the best ways to spend a morning. There are loads — Soak, EQ, and plenty more — but my favourite is Sense of Self in Collingwood. It’s in this beautiful converted warehouse and has everything: a mineral pool, Finnish sauna, cold plunge, Hammam, scrub station, comfy lounge areas, the works.

You get two hours to do absolutely nothing except unwind, and you can add on a Hammam kit or book a treatment if you’re in the mood for peak relaxation.

Where To Work Out

If you’re staying on the northside, Good Times Pilates is a fab choice offering a 45-minute reformer class designed to energise, uplift and genuinely bring joy. It’s inclusive, friendly, and beautifully designed. Classes are small, so book ahead. Or, if you’re more into that sleek, clean-girl aesthetic, Peaches in Windsor is a great option. And of course, after class, treat yourself to an acai bowl at The Green Cup, the perfect little post-workout reward.

Where To Walk

If Pilates isn’t on your holiday agenda, throw on your walking shoes — you can see so much of the city just by getting your steps in. Start with The Tan, as the locals call it, a 3.8km loop around the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s such a peaceful walk, and if you head inside the Shrine of Remembrance, Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s such a peaceful walk, and if you head inside the Shrine of Remembrance, climb the steps for incredible views over the city.

If you’re an F1 lover, a trip to Albert Park is a must. Put The Chain by Fleetwood Mac on full volume and power-walk the actual Formula 1 track. You won’t be as fast as the drivers (obviously), but it’s still an epic walk.

While Melbourne’s beaches don’t quite compete with Sydney or the west coast, they’re still beautiful in their own way. Take the hour-and-a-half walk from St Kilda to Brighton Beach — it’s scenic, easy, and the colourful beach boxes at the end are worth it.

For a walk that comes with snacks and shopping, head to Queen Victoria Market or South Melbourne Market. It’s not the most strenuous walk, but you’re still getting steps in… and you get to eat your way through it, which feels like a win.

Where To Eat

Picking where to eat in Melbourne might genuinely be the hardest part of your trip. I swear there are at least ten great new openings every week, but here are a few of my top picks: Tartine in Richmond for a phenomenal steak and chips situation; Bossa Nova in the CBD, a chic, elevated sushi train that’s fun but still refined; Windsor Wine Room for European sharing plates; Gimlet at The Cavendish if you’re feeling a little boujie and want that classic Melbourne “special dinner” moment; Maha East on Chapel Street, incredible Middle Eastern sharing plates that are perfect for groups or date nights.

And brunch? Completely endless. So far, I’ve loved Operator 25 in the CBD, The Beach House Brighton for eggs with a proper seaside view, or if you’re after something quick, grab a cinnamon scroll from Sebby’s in St Kilda and take it with you on your morning walk.

Where To Shop

My credit card has been in a permanent state of stress since moving here. The shopping is on another level, especially with all the brands we don’t get in the UK. High Street Armadale is dangerous for me with Hommey, Tony Bianco, DISSH, Mecca (the ultimate beauty girl destination), and so many more all in one place. Start at Lune Croissant for a coffee, then roll yourself into shopping mode.

If you’ve got the time, determination and patience, you can attempt Chadstone, one of the biggest shopping centres in the southern hemisphere. Just be warned, it can easily swallow up your whole 48 hours from its sheer size.

Where To Drink

Melbourne does drinking spots incredibly well — rooftops for when the sun’s out, cosy wine bars, laneway pubs. One of my favourites is Kirk’s Wine Bar on Hardware Lane in the CBD — sit outside and enjoy top-tier people-watching.

If you want more of a hidden gem, Caretaker’s Cottage is a major recommendation — a friend took me there before a theatre show, and it’s understandable why it was voted one of the World’s 50 Best Bars. Or, if you’re up north, Naked for Satan in Fitzroy is perfect for rooftop drinks with great views over Melbourne.