Out-of-Towner Tips

Melbourne comes into its own in wintertime and the list of things to see and do is endless, so surrender your senses and snag a front row seat to fun as Melbourne erupts into a riotous display of art, comedy, food, fashion and sport. All this plus more is what makes Melbourne. Every bit different.

Where to Eat & Drink

Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, reflected in its world-renowned food and wine scene.

From fine-dining restaurants and laneway cafés, to bistros and bars in weird and wonderful places, loosen your belt and strap yourself in for a meal you won’t forget.

Outside of the festival program, Melbourne has lots on offer. Over on Little Bourke Street, Chinatown is the Western world’s oldest continuous Chinatown and home to dozens and dozens of restaurants for those with a dumpling craving.

Or for some Seoul food, head to the city’s Koreatown in Healeys Lane, where there are 25 Korean restaurants, each offering a different speciality.

Butchers Diner is a classic American Diner at the top of Bourke Street—it’s next to nightclub Angel Music Bar and open until 1am. If you’ve missed the boat for late-night burgers, Supper Inn is a Melbourne institution with a Cantonese menu that’s open until 2am.

And if you’re looking to start earlier and something a little fancy, then be sure to check Di Stasio from famed Melbourne restaurateur, Ronnie Di Stasioor. Circl Wine House, offers a vibrant dining experience and boasts a 1500+ wine list.

When it comes to Italian, options are a plenty with influences found everywhere thanks to their enormous part in shaping Melbourne and its food scene. Tipo 00 has been adored by locals and visitors alike, as has Il Solito Posto, set within a basement on the corner of Collins Street and George Parade, and old and forever favourite in the city.

Snack on modern Australian fare at Hazel, with flavour crafted by fire, smoke and seasonality; head through the unmarked door, grab a cocktail and take in the view at city stalwart, Siglo; for a home-style diner serving traditional Greek cuisine, head to Kafeneion.

Throughout the city, there are loads of local favourites and new hotspots. In the city, check out Collins and Bourke Street between Swanston and Exhibition Streets, and find local favourites like Andrew McConnell’s Gimlet at Cavendish House; Tres a Cinco for Mexican cantina vibes; and, for one of the city’s modern culinary icons, head down Flinders Lane to Cumulus Inc.

Close to RISING venues Melbourne Town Hall and The Capitol and just off Flinders Lane in Duckboard Place you'll find Tonka, serving up one of the best modern Indian experiences in the city. If you're checking out The Blak Infinite in Federation Square, head to Big Esso for contemporary Indigenous fare, Victoria by Farmer's Daughters for local feel, or The Arbory on the river where you can soak up all that Melbourne magic.

For drinks, head to multi-level eatery, bar and music space HER; Curtin House (home to Rooftop Bar and Toff in Town; or an all-night cocktail bar experience at Curious). On Lonsdale Street, Little Lon Distillery and Caretaker's Cottage are your intimate stop-ins for cocktails. Kirk's Wine Bar, a beacon of Hardware Lane, is a great spot to settle in with a bottle of wine from the cellar and a plate of comforting bistro food.

Further afield, beyond the CBD, check out chic Portuguese restaurant Marmelo with a charcoal grill and woodfire. Or everyone’s old faithful, noodle-joint-in-a-car-park, Soi 38, which has moved to a more traditional venue with 300 seats and a proper kitchen.

For a relaxed-yet-refined experience is Maison Bâtard, which offers French-inspired cuisine with a Melbourne twist. Enjoy an extensive wine list and elegant settings, from a brasserie to a rooftop terrace. At Askal, traditional Filipino dishes and cocktails are elevated by contemporary techniques and personal stories. Upstairs from the restaurant, you’ll find Inuman, the city’s first Filipino cocktail bar.

And for a few others to explore outside the CBD :

• Marion

• Amaru

• Bar Liberty

• Gerald's Bar

Where to Stay in the city

From luxury suites with jaw-dropping city views, to chic, minimalist stays, you'll find the perfect place to lay your head in Melbourne's city centre or nearby eclectic neighbourhoods.

There are plenty of places to stay that an easy walk to RISING events. But our pick has to be our official partner hotel, The Howey. It’s right in the Night Trade precinct, our free festival meeting place fuelled by micro-bars, music and art.

Just a short stroll away, discover the grandeur of the Royal Arcade. Boutiques line the elegant alleyway, offering a curated selection of fashion, art, and handcrafted gifts. Have afternoon tea at The Grand or marvel at the arcade's exquisite glass ceiling.

There’s a world of culinary favourites beyond these arcades. From hidden cafes serving locally roasted coffee and tasty pastries to buzzing street-food vendors offering international flavours. And, if you need some help with decisions, The Howey offers curated recommendations and bespoke experiences to ensure you discover Melbourne's hidden gems.

Things to do

Ever changing, ever-evolving, Melbourne is a diverse city with a never-ending list of things to see and do.

From basement rock gigs, plays, festivals and blockbuster sporting events – there's always something new on show waiting to be discovered.

An undercurrent of energy and excitement pulses through Melbourne, ready for you to explore. Experience the galaxy-first debut of LEGO® Star Wars: The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum or peruse the art of French Impressionism at NGV International. Afterwards, squeeze in a round of shopping in Block Arcade's tiny boutiques or the ALPHA60 flagship store on Flinders Lane.

Work up a hunger on a street art tour through Melbourne's labyrinth of world-class laneway murals, before dropping by the Queen Victoria Market to explore multicultural street food, and unique products in over 600 stalls.

Or if you feel like taking in the city on a grand scale, take a laneway walking tour at ground level, or up high, there's epic views up at the Skydeck.

Outside of the city, in the Yarra Valley, on the rolling hills of Wurundjeri country, TarraWarra Museum of Art is hosting its highly anticipated TarraWarra Biennial 2025. This year it’s curated by Yorta Yorta woman and RISING Curator Kimberley Moulton and is titled We Are Eagles.

Plan where you play. Discover more restaurants, bars, accommodation, things to do and day trips with Visit Melbourne.