Where is the best place to stay in Melbourne?
By Jessica Bergin. May 03, 2022
Melbourne is one of those places that will live long in the memory and this is due to its many wonderful charms and there is no wonder why people keep returning to it. Creative, sophisticated and stylish are just some of the words that can describe Melbourne and you can feel how the proud the locals are here as it is coined Australia’s cultural capital. The city features Victorian-era buildings, fascinating museums and art galleries, various types of entertainment including live music venues and comedy clubs, brilliant shopping and Melbourne is particularly sports mad.
The best area to stay in Melbourne is the Central Business District, which is also where the city centre is located. This area of the city is riddled with tourist attractions that are both modern and historical and appeal to a wide audience. Here you can visit stunning architecture like churches, government buildings and cathedrals, some of the best museums and art galleries as well as markets, entertainment areas and beautiful gardens. This is also the best for restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels as it is has heaps of each of them and therefore you are never too far away from any of it.If you are interested in where to stay in Melbourne, you may also be interested in where to stay in Sydney, where to stay in Brisbane, where to stay in Perth and where to stay in Tasmania.
Central Business District, the best area to stay in Melbourne
First Time / Tourists
Melbourne CBD is a great place to stay, offering easy to access to all of the best attractions the city has to offer. A hub of culture, food and style, Melbourne CBD provides a base from which to explore the diverse city. From Melbourne CBD you can sip on world-class coffee, hunt down artwork in one of Melbourne’s hidden laneways or shop till you drop. The adventures are endless and all easily accessed from this location. The Melbourne CBD is also a great place to stay for foodies, whether you’re are seeking a degustation menu from a high-class restaurant or a trip to buzzing Chinatown, there is no shortage of international restaurants.
It’s also a great location for sports fans, with Melbourne’s entertainment precinct only a short tram ride away. After all, no trip to Melbourne would be complete without a visit to the iconic MCG! The Melbourne CBD is also a great base from which to explore other areas such as the Docklands and Southbank, both easily reached by public transport or, depending on your specific location, walking. It doesn’t matter what you are interested in, Melbourne CBD will have something for you. The area offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets so pick what suits you and enjoy this eclectic city.
Other areas to stay in Melbourne
Richmond
Nightlife / Sports-Goers
Richmond is a trendy inner suburb that appeals to visitors both young and young-at-heart. With numerous bars and restaurants, especially on Swan St, this is the area to stay if you are looking for nightlife and good vibes. Whether you are looking to grab a beer at one of the many pubs, sip on something more sophisticated at one of the wine or cocktail bars, or head out for a dance with your friends, Richmond has it all.
Home to Melbourne’s entertainment precinct including the well-known MCG, Richmond is also a great place to stay for sports-goers. It offers walking distance to a range of sporting venues so that you can experience a live game of AFL, soccer, rugby, netball, tennis or cricket.
Fitzroy
Experience life as a local
A hip inner-northern suburb of Melbourne, Fitzroy is known for being slightly grungier than its Eastern and Southern counterparts. The eclectic suburb is the best place to stay for those looking to experience Melbourne’s café culture in a trendy, modern setting. Take a stroll down Smith Street for all of your food and drink needs. From casual cafes to themed rooftop bars, Fitzroy is a great place to experience life as a local. Make sure you take some time to wander the streets and get lost looking at street art or sitting in one Fitzroy’s many parks or outdoor areas.
Prahran
Fashion boutiques and cafes
Prahran is known for being South Yarra’s rowdier, slightly more debaucherous sister. The fun revolves around Chapel St., where you will find action 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the day, the street comes alive with brunch-goers and shoppers visiting the numerous boutiques or thrift shops. The evenings see Prahan become a mecca for international cuisines, providing beloved food options such as Italian and Thai as well as less common options such as Colombian and Polish.
For those who like to venture out after dark, you will not be disappointed. This is when Chapel St., Prahran really comes alive with bars, pubs and clubs offering drink specials to see you into the early hours of the morning.
Docklands
Shopping
Docklands is an area bordering the Melbourne CBD that offers waterside dining and great shopping. It is an excellent place to stay for those seeking to experience some of Melbourne’s best shopping and also to have easy access to the CBD and Melbourne’s main tourist attractions. The District Docklands is a hub for people of all ages. It offers a range of shopping options, glow-in-the-dark mini golf and an arcade, and also the Melbourne Star observation wheel, a must-do when in Melbourne. Wander the docks to appreciate stunning views and impressive yachts or have a meal or cocktail while looking out over the water.
East Melbourne
Architecture Lovers
Providing exceptionally easy access to the CBD, East Melbourne is a sought-after suburb. Despite being extremely close to Melbourne CBD, East Melbourne offers quaint architecture and wide, quiet, leafy streets. The suburb is the perfect place for visitors seeking a quieter spot while also being walking distance to the action.
Complete a stay in East Melbourne by seeing a musical at the Princess Theatre, having brunch at one of the many European-style cafes or taking a walk through Fitzroy Gardens. It’s also a great suburb to explore by wandering the streets and admiring the art deco buildings and charming Victorian terraces.
Southbank
Luxury Hotels / World-Class Restaurants
Southbank is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for sophistication and culinary delight. Located on the Yarra River, a bridge away from Melbourne’s CBD, Southbank offers a range of world-class restaurants. It is also home to Crown Casino, an iconic Melbourne destination. Try your luck on the roulette tables, see a live band or visit one of Crown’s many bars to complete your Melbourne adventure. Southbank is a great place to stay all year around. In summer you can stroll along the riverbanks or have a drink on one of the pop-up floats. In winter, sit under one of the many heaters and watch Southbank and Melbourne CBD come alive as the lights of the city turn on at night.
St Kilda
Beaches
St Kilda is one of the most popular neighbourhoods, which is particularly famous for its beaches and laidback style, which has amazing sand and clear waters. The Pier provides an enjoyable walk and can get busy during sunset as it offers spectacular scenery as well as opportunities to see penguins.
Luna Park is a fun day out for everyone, which is a historic amusement park and was built in the early 20th century and is perfectly situated in front of Port Philip Bay. During the day and more at night, Fitzroy Street and Acland Street are the main places to go out in with many different cuisines as well as live music being played at lots of bars and clubs. This area also has the best range of hotels and hostels as well.
South Yarra
Shopping
South Yarra is one of the oldest districts in Melbourne with many attractive tree-lined streets that offer wonderful walks and cycle paths that past many historical mansions and houses. The main features for coming here are down to shopping and entertainment purposes with the centre being Chapel Street, which hosts a great variety of shops, malls, complexes, markets, restaurants and clubs. You can also walk to the river and follow its meandering path or visit one of the large parks to relax in.
Carlton
Cultural Hot Spots
Sitting on the cusp of Melbourne’s CBD, Carlton is replete with riveting finds and cultural hot spots. Fringed with Victorian-era architectural gems, a buzzing gastronomy scene, and verdant gardens aplenty, the area is also coined for its lively ambience. Lygon Street is lined with specialty cafes, delis, bars, and top-quality restaurants, all of which boast a rich Italian background. If you’re a culture-aficionado, a foodie, or an art-lover, this is indeed the suburb for you.
Given the manifold of multicultural residents, Carlton makes for a stellar spot to stay if you’re interested in socialising with the local community. Plus, all the major hotels, hostels, and apartments are located in close proximity to the city’s highlights.
Albert Park
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Situated a just stone’s throw from the city centre, Albert Park harbours an eclectic array of activities and attractions. Neighbouring South Melbourne, the soaring city skyline paints the background from almost every angle. Home to the leafy Albert Park Lake, the suburb offers a panoply of opportunities for cycling, sailing, running, and rowing, making it the perfect location for those who love to stay fit whilst on travelling. With a wealth of outdoor space, playgrounds, picnic spots, and modern facilities, it’s ideal for families and couples too. Additionally, Albert Park hosts the Grand Prix each year, discerning it as the top spot for sports-enthusiasts and Formula 1 fanatics alike.
Collingwood
With a Car
Sitting just outside the heart of Melbourne, Collingwood couples charming architecture with a diverse dining scene. Decked out with delectable eateries, coffee shops, unique bars, and specialty-brunch stores, this inner-north enclave appeals to gastronomy-intrigued visitors and those who are looking to get a taste of the city’s dynamic food scene. Dotted with trendy boutiques, vibrant art galleries, music hubs, quirky stores, and graffiti-graced streets, this is a stellar spot for avid artists, curious travellers, and hipsters too.
As for accommodation, Collingwood benefits from a breadth of cosy apartments, stylish housing, and chic hotels. The neighbourhood boasts a well connected public transport system, with trams, buses, and train stations spanning the area.
Our recommended hotels in Melbourne
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in MelbourneNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
