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Culture vultures, listen up!  Melbourne is jam packed with art galleries, funky laneways, lush gardens, and plenty of hidden cultural gems. In fact, there’s so much to see that it’s hard to know where to begin… until now. The team from AmazingCo has handpicked their Top 4 Must-See Cultural Attractions to make sure you have a blast on your Melbourne city vacay. 

Get Your Art On

Sitting comfortably at the forefront of Melbourne’s cultural attractions, the National Gallery of Victoria is an easy five minutes’ walk from Flinders Street Station and other city attractions. This place is best known for its seasonal rotation of international exhibitions (the works of Van Gogh and New York’s Museum of Modern Art have graced the gallery’s hallways in recent years), but their permanent collection is pretty epic too.

And, best of all, it’s free… so you can get your art on and still have money left for one of Melbourne’s famous coffees.

Insider Tip: What better way to wind down than a stroll along the Yarra and a refreshing ale or three in one of the epic rooftop bars. Or, if the weather turns – as it is apt to do in Melbourne – the city’s wine bars are beautiful, atmospheric, and super cozy if the rain sets in.

Peruse the Graffiti Lined Laneways

No visit to Melbourne is complete without an Insta shot in the city’s grungy, graffiti adorned laneways. While they are often (and for good reason) littered with tourists, the CBD’s Hosier and ACDC lanes offer the best of the best in terms of street art.  Keep your eyes out for one of Melbourne’s hidden hipster laneway bars as you walk… they’re cool, the drinks are delish, and you’ll likely meet a local or two along the way.

Explore Carlton Gardens and Eclectic Brunswick Street

Trams are synonymous with Melbourne and they’re super easy to navigate… and in ten-minutes flat you could find yourself at Carlton Gardens, which is home to Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Centre (check to see if their DIY markets are on before you go). 

Skip through the tulips (or the botanical gardens) before heading down to ultra-hip Brunswick Street. You’ll be in op shop heaven and have your pick of cafes and laneways.

Insider tip: Sink your teeth into the croissant dubbed best in the world at Lune Croissanterie. You can thank us later. 

Catch an International Flick at the Cinema Nova

Film buff? Head to Carlton North and catch an international film at Cinema Nova. Situated on iconic Lygon Street - Melbourne’s Little Italy – where you’ll find enough gelaterias and establishments serving authentic Napoli Pizza and Aperol Spritzes to satisfy even the most homesick of Europeans.

If a trip to Melbourne’s in your not-too-distant future, be sure to check out AmazingCo’s all-inclusive and self-guided City Highlights experience (offered exclusively to guests of Vibe Hotels) by solving clues and riddles that unearth Melbourne’s very best attractions, watering holes and food spots.

And when it comes to overnighting, stay in rooms with killer views at the brand-new Vibe Melbourne. It’s the perfect blend of old and new… but that’s a whole other Instagram story.

** Peace of mind when you stay with us: Introducing Clean Touch. Note some activities listed may be subject to Covid restrictions. **