Having lived in Europe for most of my life, I am more than comfortable committing to a last-minute stint abroad on little more than a whim. However, the prospect of travelling all the way to Australia felt like an entirely different proposition. Between negotiating a generous few weeks of annual leave and committing to more than 22 hours in the air, there is little room for loose planning. Which is why, once you have locked into the lengthy time out of office and have a few full days of jetlag on the cards, securing an itinerary that will squeeze the best parts out of the city is nothing short of essential.
As a fashion editor heading Down Under, the research started long before any tickets were purchased. Intent on sifting out the chicest spots, I spoke to some of Melbourne’s coolest locals—from fashion editors and creatives to long-time locals and well-versed public relations professionals—to compile a definitive list of the best hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, and wellness destinations the city has to offer.
Whilst Sydney is blessed with golden beaches and Perth with spectacular scenery, Melbourne’s own identity has been carved out by its culture. Lauded for its food, fashion, and creative spirit, its famously unpredictable weather only seems to encourage people into its beautifully designed cafés, world-class restaurants, intimate wine bars, and some of the best independent boutiques I have ever come across.
So, if you have secured the time off, survived the long-haul flight, and are wondering where to begin, consider this your fashion person’s guide to Melbourne. From the hotels I would happily check into again to the cafés on the coolest crowd’s lips, the boutiques that deserve suitcase space, and the wellness destinations that will have you forgetting your jet lag, these are the places I would recommend without hesitation.
Where to Stay
The Langham, Melbourne
Now, as a Londoner, I may be biased, but my stay at The Langham Melbourne was one of the most comfortable experiences of the trip. Perhaps it was the many nods to London and the brand’s flagship hotel woven throughout the property that deepened my connection—if not, then it is down to the warm, understated elegance and seamless service that make The Langham such an enduring favourite.
Sitting directly on the Yarra River, The Langham boasts some of the best vantage points in the city, the finest of which come directly from its rooftop pool, which feels surprisingly removed from the central business district below. It is also a brilliant base for exploring Melbourne, with the city’s restaurants, galleries, and shops all within easy reach. Then, of course, there is the afternoon tea. As a Brit, I feel fairly qualified to say that The Langham’s version is well worth making time for, featuring the requisite tiers of sandwiches, pastries, and cakes served alongside an excellent tea selection.
The rooms are another highlight: spacious, comfortable, and unfussy, with beds luxurious enough to cure jet lag. If you happen to be in an east-facing room, keep an eye out in the morning, too; hot-air balloons regularly drift across the skyline, providing a pretty memorable view to wake up to. The Langham has all the hallmarks of a heritage hotel—impeccable service, classic interiors, traditional afternoon tea—without ever feeling remotely stuffy. Polished yet easy, it makes doing absolutely nothing feel like it ought to be part of the itinerary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
If you are looking to begin your Melbourne stay on a high note—quite literally—The Ritz-Carlton is hard to beat. Occupying the upper levels of one of the city’s tallest buildings, the hotel sits 80 storeys above Melbourne, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views across the skyline from almost every angle.
Spacious without being devoid of character, a balance many luxury hotels find hard to strike, the rooms are thoughtfully designed with generous walk-in wardrobes—music to the ears of anyone travelling with an overstuffed suitcase. They also feature luxurious bathrooms stocked with beauty-editor-approved amenities and chaise longues tracing the floor-to-ceiling windows to create the most elevated reading nook you could dream of.
Of course, the hotel’s true showpiece is its spectacular indoor infinity pool, where guests can swim whilst gazing out across the urban landscape of skyscrapers. Add in an elegant spa, attentive service, and excellent in-house dining, and you have got a hotel stay that is almost tempting enough to keep you indoors, although its central location makes exploring Melbourne wonderfully easy whenever you decide to venture out.
StandardX Melbourne
For travellers drawn to neighbourhoods with a distinct personality, StandardX is my top pick. Located in Fitzroy—Melbourne’s answer to East London—the hotel captures the area’s creative spirit, balancing thoughtful design with the understated cool atmosphere that The Standard brand has become known for.
The interiors are playful, whilst the rooftop terrace quickly became one of my favourite places to unwind in the city. Whether you are enjoying a morning coffee or watching the sun set over Fitzroy’s rooftops with a glass of wine, a trip upstairs is an absolute must. The location is another major draw. Step outside and you will find yourself surrounded by independent boutiques, excellent cafés, buzzing wine bars, and some of Melbourne’s best vintage shopping. If your ideal city break revolves around discovering local neighbourhoods rather than ticking off standard tourist attractions, I cannot recommend staying here enough.
Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders
If convenience tops your priority list, Hotel Indigo’s Flinders Lane address is difficult to fault. Positioned right in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district, it is perfectly placed for exploring the city’s famous laneways, renowned restaurants, and primary shopping districts, many of which are just a short, pleasant stroll away.
Inside, the hotel feels playful and distinctly Melbourne. Design details take inspiration from the city itself, from the signature green accents that echo iconic street signs to the brand’s hidden monkey motif, which pops up in unexpected corners throughout the property. The rooms are modern, comfortable, and spacious, offering plenty of wardrobe space. Stylish without feeling overly fussy, it serves as an ideal base for anyone planning to spend their trip thoroughly exploring everything Melbourne has to offer.
Where to Eat and Drink
Studio Amaro
If there is one restaurant I would recommend booking well ahead for, it is Studio Amaro. Elegant and vibrant, this Italian restaurant offers refined dining in a genuinely relaxed atmosphere. The interiors are meticulously considered, whilst the open kitchen fills the dining room with a wonderful sense of energy.
The menu champions seasonal ingredients interpreted through an Italian lens, with handmade pasta and impeccably cooked seafood amongst the standout options. Whether you are sinking into their comfortable benches at the beginning of your trip or treating yourself after a long day of exploring the city, it exhibits precisely why Melbourne has earned such a strong reputation for food.
Clover
Part wine bar and part neighbourhood bistro, Clover captures Melbourne’s effortlessly cool approach to dining. The menu changes regularly according to what is currently in season, with dishes cooked almost exclusively over an open fire. The wine list is equally impressive, maintaining a particular focus on low-intervention and Australian producers.
LB’s Record Bar
One of my favourite discoveries of the entire trip, LB’s Record Bar is bordered by plush seating, warm lighting, and shelves lined with vinyl records, creating an authentic 1970s atmosphere while a live DJ soundtracks the evening. The cocktails are excellent, but visitors should not overlook the food menu. I ordered a few small plates to share alongside drinks and came away with a new penchant for Chorizo Seco picante—one I have not been able to satiate to the same effect since my return.
New Quarter
For something a little lighter, New Quarter delivers modern Vietnamese cooking within a beautifully designed space. The menu takes familiar, comforting flavours and presents them with a contemporary twist. The interiors are understated yet elegant, allowing the vibrant food to take centre stage. If you are travelling with a group, it is one of the easiest places to order generously and share dishes across the table, with the pork belly and oysters standing out as absolute musts.
Florian
One of the greatest clichés about Melbourne is that it serves some of the best coffee in the world. Much as I would love to argue otherwise, after a week spent working my way around the city’s countless cafés, I have to concede. Florian, tucked away in Fitzroy, quickly became one of my favourites. Pull up a chair outside with a flat white or long black, and you will have one of the city’s best people-watching spots right in front of you. With many of Melbourne’s creative class calling Fitzroy home, you will leave with just as much outfit inspiration as caffeine.
Lune Croissanterie
Ask almost anyone in Melbourne where to find the city’s best pastries and chances are they will point you directly towards Lune. Its stellar reputation is thoroughly well deserved. The bakery has become something of a local institution, drawing long queues most mornings, but do not let that put you off—the pastries are more than worth the wait. The almond croissant was the definitive standout for me: crisp on the outside, buttery throughout, and generously filled.
HER
Tucked away in Melbourne’s central business district, HER is an address that cropped up across several separate recommendations. The rooftop terrace is particularly lovely on warmer evenings, whilst the extensive drinks list champions excellent local wines alongside classic cocktails. While I never managed to time my visit with one of its much-talked-about steak nights, hearing countless recommendations from local fashion editors means it sits firmly on my list for next time.
Where to Shop
Melbourne has firmly established itself as one of the most exciting shopping destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. Alongside the international luxury names you will easily recognise, there are homegrown Australian labels that are steadily finding their way into wardrobes across the globe. Leave plenty of room in your suitcase—you will almost certainly need it.
Armadale
If your itinerary allows for just one dedicated shopping trip, make it Armadale. Lined with well-curated boutiques, the neighbourhood has evolved into one of Melbourne’s premier fashion destinations, bringing together many of Australia’s most exciting designers along one elegant stretch. You will find names such as DISSH alongside other contemporary Australian labels that have steadily built an international following, making it the perfect place to discover brands before they appear everywhere else. The leafy streets also make for a wonderfully leisurely afternoon, featuring plenty of cafés to dip into between shops.
Fitzroy
For anyone who loves vintage shopping as much as I do, Fitzroy is entirely unmissable. Independent boutiques line Brunswick Street and its surrounding roads, each offering a carefully curated selection of vintage designer pieces, one-off finds, and emerging local brands. Even if you manage to leave empty-handed—which feels remarkably unlikely—you will walk away with plenty of styling inspiration courtesy of some of Melbourne’s best-dressed residents.
South Melbourne Market
Food plays such an integral role in Melbourne’s cultural identity that no visit feels complete without exploring at least one of its markets. South Melbourne Market captures the city’s vibrant community spirit, bringing together artisan producers, independent food vendors, and local makers under one historic roof. Whether you are stopping for fresh seafood, browsing fresh produce stalls, or picking up lunch before finding somewhere sunny to sit outside, it provides a lovely way to experience everyday Melbourne far beyond the major shopping streets.
Mecca
No beauty lover should ever leave Melbourne without visiting Mecca’s flagship Bourke Street location. Spanning three storeys and 4,000 square metres, the grand Art Deco building hosts the expected offerings of make-up, hair, skincare, and nail salons, but goes above and beyond with an extended array of services including an in-house naturopath, piercing services, a dedicated gifting mezzanine, and much more. Alongside coveted international beauty brands, shoppers will discover Mecca’s own product lines, which Australians speak about with near-universal enthusiasm—and after trying several items myself, I can certainly understand why. Nestled right in the centre of the central business district, it is well worth carving out an hour to explore.
What to Do
As much as Melbourne is a city built around eating, shopping, and café culture, it is equally adept at slowing you down. After experiencing the inevitable jet lag that comes with travelling from the UK, these were the specific places that helped me feel refreshed before diving back into exploring the urban landscape.
Nimbus Co.
After spending more than 20 hours in the air, some form of physical reset is entirely necessary. Taking my cues from Australia’s famously wellness-minded way of life, I headed straight to Nimbus Co. for an infrared sauna and cold-plunge session. I opted for contrast therapy, moving between the deep heat of the sauna and the genuinely shocking reality of an ice bath. It is not exactly relaxing in the traditional sense, but the combination left me feeling remarkably human again—and considerably more awake than any flat white could have managed. And if, like me, your legs are feeling particularly heavy after a long-haul flight, booking yourself some time in the compression boots is advised. They might not be the most glamorous addition to your itinerary, but trust me, your legs will thank you the following morning.
Tokyo Headspa
One of the most unexpectedly luxurious experiences of my entire trip was a visit to Tokyo Headspa. If you have never experienced a Japanese-style head spa before, imagine the most relaxing scalp massage of your life combined with a comprehensive treatment designed to dramatically improve the health of your hair and scalp. Each appointment begins with a thorough consultation before the treatment is tailored to your individual needs. Mine focused heavily on hydration and volume, followed by an hour and a half of soothing scalp massage, cascading water treatments, and a shoulder, arm, and hand massage, concluding with a rough blow-dry before styling your hair yourself at a beautifully appointed beauty bar.
Royal Botanic Gardens
For a much-needed change of pace from the city’s bustling laneways and cafés, spending a morning wandering through the Royal Botanic Gardens is essential. Running alongside the Yarra River, the expansive gardens offer a welcome reminder of Australia’s remarkable natural beauty, all without ever having to leave the city limits.
National Gallery of Victoria
Melbourne’s creative reputation extends well beyond fashion, and nowhere is that more evident than at the National Gallery of Victoria. Home to an impressive permanent collection spanning contemporary art, fashion exhibitions, and historic works, it is a venue where I could happily spend an entire afternoon. Even if you are only visiting for an hour or two, the gallery offers an inspiring glimpse into the city’s artistic heart and regularly hosts world-class exhibitions worth planning your trip around.
Brighton Beach
Although Melbourne is not typically associated with sandy beaches in the same way as Sydney, Brighton Beach is well worth the short journey from the city centre. Famous for its row of colourful bathing boxes, it makes for an easy afternoon trip whenever you are craving fresh sea air after a few days heavily immersed in the urban core. Do not expect Bondi, but do expect a slower pace and charming, quintessential coastal scenes.
What to Pack
Melbourne has a well-earned reputation for experiencing four seasons in a single day, and after returning from my trip, I can confirm the local saying is far from an exaggeration. During my visit, I found myself wearing a trench coat in the morning, sunglasses by lunchtime, and reaching for a knit jumper once again after the sun set.
The ultimate secret to dressing for Melbourne is mastering layers. A lightweight jacket or blazer, comfortable flats, a pair of versatile loafers for evenings, and dependable basics will see you through almost every weather scenario. I would also strongly recommend leaving plenty of room in your suitcase, as Australia’s home-grown boutiques easily rank among the best I have ever encountered.