• Home
  • ABOUT
    • PRESS
    • CONTACT
    • PRIVACY POLICY
  • CATEGORIES
    • Accommodation
    • Books
    • Budget Travel
    • Food
    • Lifestyle
      • Entertainment
    • Packing Lists and Tips
    • RESOURCES
    • Solo Travel
    • Working Abroad
  • PLACES
    • Asia
      • Bali
      • Japan
      • Singapore
    • Australia
      • New South Wales
        • Sydney
      • Queensland
        • Brisbane
        • Magnetic Island
      • Tasmania
      • Victoria
        • Melbourne
      • Western Australia
    • Canada
      • Vancouver
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Croatia
      • Czech Republic
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Ireland
      • Lithuania
      • Netherlands
      • Slovakia
      • Slovenia
      • United Kingdom
    • USA
      • California
      • Hawaii
      • Nevada
      • New York
      • North Carolina
      • Oregon
      • South Carolina
      • Tennessee
      • Washington State
  • WORK WITH ME
    • Content Writing Services
    • PORTFOLIO
  • SUBSCRIBE

Hayley on Holiday

51 Fun Things To Do in Melbourne

December 9, 2019 in Australia, Melbourne, Victoria
Fitzroy street art in Melbourne, Australia

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here.

If you’re looking for the most fun things to do in Melbourne, this former local has got you covered!

I previously wrote about the best free things to do in Melbourne. Now, it’s time to focus on the most fun things to do in Melbourne in general, so there are some overlaps. One of the many things I love about Melbourne is that it feels like there’s an infinite amount of things to do. From exploring its eclectic mix of suburbs to trying different brunch places to ticking its must-see attractions off your list, you can never be bored when visiting Melbourne. So settle in, as here are a whopping 51 things to do in Melbourne.

Where to stay in Melbourne

First things first – you’re probably going to need a place to stay in Melbourne, right? Well, I’ve fortunately already written a post about where to stay in Melbourne 😉. But for fellow budget travellers, I can personally recommend Space Hotel. If you want to stay somewhere different, I suggest Notel Melbourne. Located in the CBD, the accommodation here is classic airstream trailers on a rooftop, with a colourful mural backdrop. SO Melbournian. Another option is Adelphi Hotel, which has been voted Victoria’s best boutique hotel.

Where to stay in Melbourne - Notel Melbourne. Home to airstreams on a rooftop, with a colourful mural backdrop.

Notel Melbourne // Source

Things to know before you go to Melbourne

I also want to clue you in on a couple of things you should definitely know before you go to Melbourne.

• When it comes to Melbourne public transport, it isn’t exactly the easiest for visitors to navigate. Firstly, there are buses, trams and trains. You need a Myki card to use Melbourne public transport, which you can purchase at Southern Cross Station. You can then add money to it at machines around Melbourne. Now, here comes the weird part. If you’re travelling on a bus or a train, you need to touch your card on and off at the machines either inside the bus or as you exit the train. But if you’re travelling on a tram, you only touch on your Myki card. 

There’s also the Free Tram Zone within the city centre, where all tram trips within its borders are free. You do not need to touch on your card if you’re only travelling within this zone. Don’t worry, announcements are repeatedly made to let you know once you’re leaving the Free Tram Zone. I exclusively used Google Maps to figure out tram times when I lived in Melbourne as well.

• Although card is the most popular way to pay in Melbourne, it’s always good to have a bit of cash on hand. For example, many restaurants in Chinatown are cash only.

• Melbourne is known for its unpredictable weather. It can go from 30 to 15 degrees overnight, or from rain to sunshine in minutes. Therefore, I recommend always carrying a jacket and umbrella, just in case.

Melbourne, Australia

Fun things to do in Melbourne

To make things even easier, I broke this down into categories: general, food and drink, art and culture, and day trips. Enjoy!

General

1. Go up the Eureka Tower

Thanks to my work creating a Melbourne guide for a new travel app, I was able to visit many of Melbourne’s biggest attractions before I left. One of those attractions is Eureka Skydeck. As you can see from this photo, I highly recommend heading up at sunset. The views are incredible and there’s an all day ticket option, which is a must for photography enthusiasts. Purchase tickets here.

Sunset views from Eureka Skydeck/Eureka Tower in Melbourne, Australia

2. Catch a sports game

Melbourne is Australia’s sports capital, so one of the best things to do is to watch some kind of sports game when in town. In winter, AFL is the dominating sport. In summer, the options include soccer, cricket and tennis. If you want to take it one step further, you can also do a guided tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or visit the National Sports Museum.

3. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance

Victoria’s main war memorial, I’ve visited the Shrine of Remembrance a couple of times now. It has an excellent gallery downstairs and amazing city views from the rooftop. It’s a must-visit Melbourne attraction in my opinion.

Free things to do in Melbourne - visit the Shrine of Remembrance

4. Try hot air ballooning

When I used to walk to work early in the morning, I could spot hot air balloons taking in the beautiful Melbourne sunrise. There’s an urban option or you can head out of the city to the Yarra Valley.

5. Go shopping along Chapel Street

Chapel Street has been known as Melbourne’s shopping street for decades. It’s home to boutiques, designer stores and the usual chain stores as well. Chapel Street is a bit of a foodie destination too, so you won’t go hungry.

Things to do in Melbourne - go shopping along Chapel Street

6. Catch the ferry to Williamstown

Williamstown is such a cool little suburb in outer Melbourne. We caught the ferry down the Yarra River and out to sea. I think it was an inexpensive way to visit Williamstown and to see Melbourne from a different perspective. It’s also only about 20 minutes on the train to get back into the city.

7. Walk around Albert Park Lake

Albert Park Lake isn’t too far from the city centre and going for a walk around it is one of the best free things to do in Melbourne. It offers great skyline views too!

Things to do in Melbourne - go for a walk around Albert Park Lake for skyline views

8. Check out Federation Square

Fed Square (as the locals call it) is the city’s cultural hub. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne because it’s home to galleries, restaurants and free events throughout the year. Fed Square is also a great spot for people watching 👀.

9. Go to the Melbourne Zoo

Another Melbourne attraction I was able to visit for work was Melbourne Zoo. I’m not a big zoo person, but I thought Melbourne Zoo had lots of interesting animals in large enclosures. They are also working to fight animal extinction. There are so many animals at Melbourne Zoo, but I particularly liked seeing the elephants, koalas, giraffes and the tiger. You can purchase tickets here.

Things to do in Melbourne - see a giraffe at Melbourne Zoo

10. Go to Jail

Built in the mid 1800s, Old Melbourne Gaol was the scene of 133 hangings. Its most famous resident was Australian bushranger, Ned Kelly. You can visit during the day or do a night/ghost tour in the evening, if you’re brave.

11. Visit SEA LIFE Aquarium

To be honest, I think SEA LIFE Aquarium is a great family-friendly thing to do in Melbourne, or a good rainy day activity. But for a solo traveller, there are better ways to spend your time. Purchase tickets here (told you it’s not cheap).

Things to do in Melbourne - visit SEA LIFE Aquarium

12. Visit Rippon Lea Estate

Rippon Lea Estate is a 19th century suburban estate. You can tour the mansion on a guided tour and walk through the manicured gardens. The estate also hosts events, including outdoor movie nights in the summertime.

13. Spend the day in Fitzroy

One of the most fun things to do in Melbourne is to go for a stroll through Fitzroy. The inner-city suburb is called the Brooklyn of Melbourne. It’s very hipster and the streets are lined with independent stores, vintage boutiques, as well as lots of cafes and restaurants. If you visit on the weekend, I recommend checking out the The Rose St Artists’ Market. This area is also street art central.

Fitzroy street art in Melbourne, Australia

14. Check out the view from the Melbourne Star

The Melbourne Star is an attraction I haven’t visited personally, but the views do look good. Tickets are available here.

15. Visit Abbotsford Convent for lunch

I actually didn’t live too far from Abbotsford Convent during my second stint living in Melbourne, so I did visit on a couple of occasions. The former convent is now a space filled with local businesses, restaurants and a cafe. I recommend visiting for lunch and enjoying a meal at Lentil as Anything. It’s a pay-what-you-want vegetarian buffet restaurant with amazing food.

Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne, Australia

16. Watch the Fire Show at Crown Casino

One of the most fun things to do in Melbourne at night is checking out the Gas Brigades Fire Show. It happens every night outside Crown Casino. The eight towers shoot the world’s largest fireballs into the sky every hour on the hour following sunset.

17. Say hi to the animals at Collingwood Children’s Farm

Just down the road from Abbotsford Convent is Collingwood Children’s Farm. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne for families. Children can get up close to many farm animals, like cows, horses, chickens and sheep. 

Things to do in Melbourne for families - visit the horses at Collingwood Children's Farm

18. Ride the City Circle Tram

The City Circle Trams are historic trams (line 35) that do a circuit around the Melbourne CBD and Docklands. They provide audio commentary and stop at many of Melbourne’s best attractions along the way. As their route is within the Free Tram Zone, it’s free to hop on and off as often as you like.

19. Photograph the city’s historic buildings

Because Melbourne boomed during the 1850s gold rush, it’s home to some exquisite 19th century buildings. I personally love the InterContinental Melbourne, the Royal Exhibition Building (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the La Trobe Reading Room inside the State Library of Victoria.

Free things to do in Melbourne: visit the La Trobe Reading Room at the State Library of Victoria

20. Go to one of Melbourne Museum’s three attractions

I worked at the cafe inside Melbourne Museum so I may be slightly biased, but I thought its exhibition were very good. It includes a combination of natural history, science and Australian history. There’s even a live forest! The Melbourne Museum also has exhibitions to suit all age levels – from toddlers to grandparents. Keep an eye on their website for cool events too (I worked and enjoyed a few Nocturnals in my time).

The other two museums a part of Museums Victoria is Scienceworks and the Immigration Museum. I personally never went to Scienceworks, but the Immigration Museum had some interesting displays. However, it’s a lot smaller compared to Melbourne Museum.

Things to do in Melbourne for families - visit Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum is HUGE

21. Head to a market

Melbourne is market central. I mention Queen Victoria Market in the food and drink section, as it’s definitely the most popular market in Melbourne. Other places to check out include South Melbourne Market, Prahran Market (conveniently located just off Chapel Street) and Camberwell Market, which is known as a bit of a secondhand treasure chest.

22. Relax in one of Melbourne’s many gardens

Another one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne is to grab lunch supplies from a market and head to one of its many green spaces for a picnic. The Royal Botanic Gardens are large and you can go Punting on the Lake here. I personally love Fitzroy Gardens, which looks its best in autumn. Meanwhile, Carlton Gardens is right next to the Melbourne Museum, so I have had a picnic or five with workmates there.

Fall bucket list - Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne

23. Walk along the Yarra River

I love going for walks along the Yarra River. There’s so much to see along Southbank Promenade, and there’s also the Arbory for drinks and DFO South Wharf for shopping. However, if you don’t want to walk, there are river cruises available along the Yarra River as well.

24. Shop ‘til you drop at Chadstone Shopping Centre 

Chadstone Shopping Centre is said to be the biggest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere. I only visited in my last week, but man it is massive. My favourite shops are all there and there’s a combination of department stores and high-end designer boutiques. There’s a free shuttle available from the CBD too, as it’s located out in the suburbs. 

Things to do in Melbourne - go shopping at Chadstone

25. Go to the beach

Melbourne has some beautiful beaches, but the water can be cool year-round. Some of the most popular beaches in Melbourne include Brighton Beach, St Kilda Beach and Port Melbourne Beach.

26. Take photos in front of the Brighton Bathing Boxes

Speaking of Brighton Beach, this is also where you’ll find the iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes. The colourful beach huts make for fun photo backdrops.

Standing in front of a pastel striped beach hut at the Brighton Bathing Boxes in Melbourne, Australia - one of the best free things to do in Melbourne!

27. Get lost in the laneways and arcades

You know how people say Venice is the best place to get lost? Well, so is Melbourne. The CBD is filled with both historic arcades and laneways lined with cafes and street art. I recommend checking out Degraves Street for food, Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane for street art, and Block Arcade because it’s pretty.

28. Spend the day in St Kilda

I’ve actually written about St Kilda on the blog, as it’s one of my favourite areas in Melbourne. You could easily spend a day or afternoon there walking to Port Melbourne, browsing the Esplanade Markets on the weekend, going on the rides at Luna Park and saying hi to the penguins at the end of St Kilda Pier every night.

Sunsets in St Kilda, Melbourne

Remember, here’s my guide to all of the free fun things to do in Melbourne

Food and drink

29. Visit Queen Victoria Market

I love Queen Victoria Market. I used to go there for fresh meat and produce when I lived in Docklands. Since then, I’ve been back on numerous occasions for their awesome night market or just for a snack. I’m a sucker for the $1 churros and a borek from The Borek Shop.

30. Eat fish and chips at Hunky Dory

Hunky Dory have multiple locations across Melbourne, but I’ve personally only visited its Richmond restaurant multiple times. If you’re dining with a friend, do the Coupled Up option so you get a little bit of everything. 

Coupled Up fish and chips from Hunky Dory in Richmond, Melbourne

31. Enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar

Melbourne is known for its rooftop bars, which offer beautiful views over the city. I can personally recommend the Imperial Hotel for Parliament House views and Johnny’s Green Room on Lygon Street. Another popular option is Naked in the Sky. I wrote about more places in this post for The Culture Trip.

32. Enjoy Italian on Lygon Street

Lygon Street is Melbourne’s Little Italy. It’s also said to be where Melbourne’s cafe culture was born. I didn’t visit Lygon Street all that often when I lived in Melbourne. However, some places I have checked out and recommend include Johnny’s Green Room, Papa Gino’s and Universal. The latter serves the biggest chicken schnitzels and parmigianas for under $15. 

Dining out on Lygon Street in Melbourne, Australia

33. Eat dumplings in Chinatown

Before I left, my friends and I basically went on a dumplings mission. We tried dumplings (and other Chinese specialities, don’t worry) at places like ShanDong Mama, Shanghai Street, Shanghai Village and HuTong. You can’t go wrong with any of these options.

34. Eat gelato

I love ice cream and one of my favourite things to do in Melbourne was try all the different gelato places. I really like Pidapipo (two words: nutella fountain) and Gelato Messina.

Pidapipo gelato on Lygon Street in Melbourne, Australia

35. Snack on a crepe

If you’re hungry when walking around the CBD, head to La Petite Crêperie for a delicious crepe.

36. Go to brunch

Melbourne locals love to brunch. Some of my favourite brunch places include Proud Mary, Hardware Société and Darling Cafe. On the weekends, Belles also does chicken and waffles for brunch. YUM. 

Brunch at Fifty Acres in Richmond, Melbourne

37. Indulge at Chin Chin

Chin Chin has to be one of Melbourne’s most popular restaurants (if not THE most popular). This means there’s always a wait, but they conveniently have a bar downstairs where you can wait. Their Feed Me menu option involves your server choosing a selection of their best dishes. I personally thought it was a bit overpriced, but others rave about it so I think I’m in the minority.

38. Drink coffee

Melbourne is Australia’s coffee capital. You will find cafes everywhere in the CBD. Some of the more popular options include Aunty Peg’s, Seven Seeds and Patricia Coffee Brewers.

Brunch at Touchwood in Richmond, Melbourne

39. Go to a hidden bar

Another thing Melbourne is known for is its hidden bars. The Croft Institute is a science-themed bar down a couple of winding laneways in the CBD. Check out this guide by Broadsheet for more hidden bars (and how to find them).

40. Visit Asian Beer Cafe for cheap drinks

If you’re on a budget, head to Asian Beer Cafe in Melbourne Central. This place is popular with students because both the food and drinks are very affordable. 

Here are my favourite places to eat in Melbourne and in Richmond

Art and culture

41. Visit an art gallery

The NGV is Australia’s largest and most visited art gallery. It has both free and paid exhibitions. There’s also NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre, the Heide Museum of Modern Art and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.

Free things to do in Melbourne: visit NGV International

42. Catch a gig at the Corner Hotel

Did you know Melbourne has more live music venues per capita than any other city in the world? One of the city’s most popular music venues for Australian artists and smaller international bands is the Corner Hotel. I’ve personally seen a few gigs here over the years.

43. Go to the theatre

Melbourne is home to many historic theatres where you can see shows like School of Rock, The Book of Mormon, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Regent Theatre in Melbourne

44. Check out a comedy show

Spleen Bar hosts free comedy shows on Monday nights, where gold coin donations are appreciated.

45. Visit ACMI

ACMI is the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Located in Fed Square, it’s currently being redeveloped but also includes interesting free and paid exhibitions.

Things to do in Melbourne, Australia - visit ACMI

46. Enjoy a festival

Melbourne hosts a lot of festivals and fun events throughout the year. Sports-wise, there’s Boxing Day Cricket, the AFL Grand Final, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Australian Open. Fun-wise, there’s the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, St Kilda Festival, Melbourne Music Week and White Night Melbourne.

Day trips

Yes, one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne is escape the city for the day. I’ve written a post all about the best day trips to do from Melbourne, but here’s a brief recap.

47. Drive along the Great Ocean Road

I’ve previously done an organised day tour to the Great Ocean Road and it was fantastic. It’s a long day, but you can see a lot of the Great Ocean Road in one day. Here’s my tour review in case you’re interested.

Melbourne day trips: the Great Ocean Road

48. Enjoy the beaches along the Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a bit closer to Melbourne. There are several seaside towns to visit, which are known for their food and beaches. Here’s an organised tour option.

49. Head to the country

You can easily catch a train from Melbourne to country towns like Ballarat and Bendigo. However, if you’re more of an organised day tour person, here’s a Ballarat option that includes admission to Sovereign Hill.

50. Drink wine in the Yarra Valley

One of the reasons people visit Melbourne is because it’s so close to the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s best wine regions. There are organised tours available, which is definitely the way to go if you want to do some sampling.

Things to do in Melbourne - a Yarra Valley winery day trip

Source

51. Visit Phillip Island

Finally, Phillip Island is only about 1.5 hours from Melbourne. I visited quite a few years ago but I remember being enamoured by the beautiful rocky coastline. I also loved visiting the Penguin Parade. It’s a must-do experience on Phillip Island. Here’s an organised tour option.

Once again, here’s my post on all of the best day trips from Melbourne

More than 3,000 words later, this post will definitely keep you busy during a visit to Melbourne. For all of my Melbourne posts, click here for the archive.
2 Comments
Previous 12 Things To Know Before You Go To Australia
Next My Delicious Melbourne Food Diary

RELATED POSTS

Luna Park in St Kilda

Photos From A Sunny Day in St Kilda

Home in Townsville, Australia

Outgrowing a City

Luna Park Sydney on New Year's Eve

The Hits & Misses of Celebrating New Year’s...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jaclyn Kaiser says

    August 11, 2020 at 8:28 am

    Thank you for this! I will be spending a lot of time in Melbourne and this is a great starting place for me!

    Reply
    • Hayley Simpson says

      August 12, 2020 at 4:04 pm

      So glad to hear that, Jaclyn, thanks for reading ☺

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi 👋🏻. I’m Hayley, an Australian who’s been solo travelling around the world for 10 years. 40+ countries and two working holidays in Canada later, Hayley on Holiday is my one-stop resource for solo and budget travel. I hope it inspires you to take the leap and explore this wonderful world we live in.

Looking for Something?

SOLO TRAVEL

Places to visit in Australia: Mount Wellington in Hobart, Tasmania

The 10 Best Places to Visit Alone in Australia

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. I’m back with another solo travel-focused post today. This time, we’re talking about my favourite solo travel destinations in Australia for solo weekend getaways. Here are my recommendations for the best places to visit in Australia alone. My solo travels are not limited to overseas destinations. Yes, I’ve travelled solo across Europe and North America. But I’ve also visited many Australian cities alone as well. Don’t be daunted by solo travel in Australia, because I guarantee you can have a great time Down Under with or without a travel companion. Based on my personal experience (and wishlist), here are the best places to visit in Australia alone. Can you tell I’m a Queenslander? 😂   Note: Australia is a big country and most people will recommend hiring a vehicle to see all the best sights: from cute country towns to cosmopolitan cities. However, I chose these Australian solo travel destinations as you can visit them without hiring a car and still have an unforgettable vacation. The best places to visit in Australia for solo travellers 1. Melbourne Let’s start with my current home, Melbourne. Thanks to the immense amount of things to do and its great public transport network, I believe Melbourne is one of the best places to visit in Australia if travelling alone. However, I would recommend spending more than just a solo weekend here. Some of my favourite things to do in Melbourne include visiting St Kilda, having brunch and a browse of the boutiques in Fitzroy, spotting street art in the CBD and going for walks through the city’s many gardens. You also shouldn’t leave Melbourne without doing a trip along the Great Ocean Road. I did an organised tour a few years ago and thought it was excellent. Where to stay in Melbourne: I have a post on where to stay in Melbourne. But my parents have stayed at the Atlantis – great location, good price and comfortable beds. I also recently stayed at Space Hotel, which has dorms and private rooms. The central hostel is fantastic and has a rooftop deck, lounge and gym. I’ll be back on return visits to Melbourne for sure. Read more: Where to eat in Melbourne, free things to do and general things to do, where to take the best photos and other day trips to check out. 2. Magnetic Island This may be a surprise entry, but I had to include Magnetic Island on this list of solo weekend getaways in Australia. Located a 20-minute ferry ride from my hometown, Townsville, this is where my parents live. It’s one of the best solo travel destinations in Australia because it’s made for tourists. With public buses and two great hostels located in different bays, Magnetic Island is one of the best places to visit in Australia if you’re travelling alone. On Magnetic Island, I recommend doing the Forts Walk, seeing the sunset at Horseshoe Bay, feeding the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay and swimming at Alma Bay. You can get to Townsville by flying or taking the Greyhound bus from two other destinations on this list: Cairns and Airlie Beach. The bus even drops you directly at the ferry terminal – now that’s convenience 😉. Where to stay on Magnetic Island: Bungalow Bay or Base are the two hostels I mentioned. Bungalow Bay is probably my favourite though, purely because it’s located in Horseshoe Bay. Read more: Things to do on Magnetic Island, favourite photo locations and where to find koalas. 3. Sydney Ah, Melbourne’s rival and Australia’s biggest city. Sydney is another one of Australia’s best solo travel destinations. Although I think Melbourne has more things to do, Sydney does have the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. However, I found that it takes longer to get places in Sydney when using public transport, so be prepared. You can get the bus to Bondi and do the Bondi to Bronte Walk. Then you can hop on the train to Instagram’s favourite place: The Grounds of Alexandria. Where to stay in Sydney: Can we talk about the epic views from both Bondi Backpackers and Sydney Harbour YHA?! They’re also top-rated on Hostelworld, which is what matters most to me. Read more: Fun things to do in Sydney As you’ll see with these places to visit in Australia, I only recommend hostels for solo travellers. Read this post for my top hostel tips and check out this post for great ways to meet people when travelling alone. 4. Hobart I know Hobart isn’t the first place you think of visiting on a solo weekend getaway in Australia. But if you have the time, it’s a short flight from Melbourne and a totally different city. It’s home to beautiful architecture, Australia’s most unique museum and some delicious food. I recommend visiting Mount Wellington, getting up close to Aussie animals at Bonorong Sanctuary and wandering around Salamanca. Where to stay in Hobart: I stayed at The Pickled Frog and wouldn’t recommend staying anywhere else. They offer free day trips to MONA and Mount Wellington, and the hostel is conveniently located in the CBD. Read more: A visit to Mount Wellington, top things to do and where to eat in Hobart. 5. Cairns So Cairns is located a five-hour drive north of Townsville (the two cities have been frenemies forever). Thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s the fourth most-visited destination in Australia. Because it’s such a tourist hotspot, Cairns is also one of the best places to visit in Australia when travelling solo. The city centre is compact and easily walkable, and there are plenty of tours available. Top attractions near Cairns include Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Kuranda and Fitzroy Island. You could easily spend a week enjoying Cairns and its surrounds. Where to stay in Cairns: I’ve stayed at Gilligan’s before for a friend’s 21st and it’s […]

Lake Bled, a great day trip from Ljubljana.

My Top Picks For The 21 Best Places To Travel Alone In Europe

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. Looking for the best places to travel alone in Europe? Well, you’re in the right place. Keep scrolling to discover the best cities in Europe for solo travel and my recommendations for the safest places to travel alone in Europe. So far I’ve published posts on the best places to travel alone in Australia and the United States. Hence it’s now time to turn my attention towards Europe. Altogether, I’ve spent approximately six months travelling solo across Europe and in that time I’ve visited (and revisited) many amazing cities. So, from my personal solo travel experience, here are 21 of the best places to travel alone in Europe.  I base whether a city is a good place to visit alone in Europe on a few elements. This includes good public transport and easy navigation, hostel options, a variety of activities you can do alone and friendly locals.  Before we begin, make sure you check out these two informative guides: top tips for travelling alone in Europe and my Europe budget travel tips.  Best places to travel alone in Europe 1. Dublin I flew into Dublin after visiting family in Bristol and my initial thought was, this city is BUSY. But besides the crowds, Dublin is one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel for multiple reasons. This includes the fact you can easily walk between most attractions or catch public transport. I only caught two buses: one from the airport and the other to the train station. Dublin is also overflowing with hostels and fun things to do. I recommend doing a free walking tour (how unusual), visiting the Chester Beatty Library, having a picnic lunch in St Stephen’s Green and going on a Dublin doors excursion.  Where to stay in Dublin: Abbey Court Hostel, which has pros and cons. Pros: central location and large common area. Cons: small eight-bed dorms and tiny ensuite bathroom. Related Dublin posts: 20 things to do in Dublin and my Ireland/Northern Ireland itinerary for solo travellers. 2. Amsterdam I’ve said this before, but when I first visited Amsterdam at the ripe old age of 18, it was overwhelming. I was overwhelmed by the eccentrically-dressed locals, the smell of pot in the air and by our eye-opening adventures into the Red Light District at night. But when I returned 10 years later, it felt like I was visiting a different city entirely. Amsterdam is now firmly one of my favourite European destinations and it also happens to be one of the best places to travel alone in Europe. With friendly locals, good public transport options and many walkable districts, I highly recommend visiting Amsterdam as a solo traveller. Where to stay in Amsterdam: Generator Amsterdam, which again had pros and cons. Pros: modern facilities in a scenic park setting. Cons: expensive and located about a 30-minute walk from the city centre.  Related Amsterdam posts: My three-day guide to Amsterdam and where (and what) to eat in Amsterdam. Omg, that post makes me want a fresh stroopwafel immediately. 3. London Ah, lovely London. I don’t feel the need to live in London like so many fellow Aussies, but it’s one of my favourites cities in Europe to visit. I love that I’ve been there multiple times, yet I still have things to tick off my London bucket list. As one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel, spend your time visiting museums, having lunch at its many marketplaces, strolling through its colourful neighbourhoods and shopping along Oxford Street, of course. I also highly suggest seeing a show on the West End. I went to two matinees on my recent visit to London and my row alone was made up of multiple people seeing the musical alone. Where to stay in London: I’ve stayed at Wombats multiple times and it’s fantastic. Good common areas, kitchen facilities, an onsite bar with nightly activities, and modern rooms. I also stayed one night at Astor Victoria because it was close to the Victoria Coach Station, but it had nothing on Wombats. Related London posts: My solo traveller’s guide to London, an Oxford day trip from London and London at Christmas. 4. Copenhagen Copenhagen is definitely one of the most expensive cities to visit alone in Europe. Nevertheless, it’s a great city for solo female travellers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from, a long list of things to do and the friendliest locals. From the talkative guy behind the counter in 7/11 to the supermarket clerk, everyone politely switched to English without hesitation.  Where to stay in Copenhagen: Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger was expensive, but the dorm rooms were modern and large with plush beds. There’s also a kitchen, multiple common areas and you’re walking distance from many of Copenhagen’s main attractions. Related Copenhagen post: My budget travel guide to Copenhagen and if you’re interested in a Malmö day trip, check out this post. 5. Belfast Belfast may be one of the most surprising cities on this list of the best places to travel alone in Europe. However, I really enjoyed my weekend in the city. I did a day trip to Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and spent the following day seeing the sights and joining an eye-opening political walking tour. This is my top pick for things to do in Belfast if you want to learn more about the city’s history.  Belfast isn’t the city that instantly comes to mind when thinking about the safest places to travel alone in Europe. But I felt comfortable walking around the sleepy city centre during the day and along the main street at night to get back to my hostel. I didn’t know what to expect in Belfast as I’d previously heard mixed reviews, but I highly recommend visiting if you’re travelling alone in Europe and the UK. Where to stay in Belfast: Vagabonds, a very […]

Enjoying the view at Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida in Bali, Indonesia

The Ultimate Bali Solo Travel Guide – What You Need To Know Before You Visit Bali Alone

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. As someone who’s visited Bali, Indonesia on multiple occasions (both with my family and as a solo female traveller), here is my top advice for solo travel in Bali. Keep reading to discover the best places to visit in Bali for solo travellers and the top things to do in Bali alone. Hi, my name is Hayley and I miss Bali. But seeing as we can’t travel there right now, the next best thing (for me, anyway) is to write about it. I’ve visited Bali on several occasions and last year I stayed for a whole month (and didn’t get sick 🙌🏻). Bali will always be one of my favourite places and it’s already been the focus of quite a few blog posts. But I thought I would talk about Bali from a solo female traveller’s perspective today. With detailed information on the best places to visit, things to do in Bali alone and general travel tips, this is the only travel guide you’ll need to read before you solo travel in Bali. General solo travel in Bali tips Firstly, I want to direct you to this post, as it covers all of my top Bali travel tips. But here are some additional tips, specifically in regards to solo travel in Bali. Getting around Bali as a solo traveller Arriving at the airport You’ll undoubtedly be arriving in Bali via plane. The airport has gotten a lovely renovation in recent years (I still have fond memories of the previous airport). Nonetheless, once you step outside you will be overwhelmingly greeted by hundreds of locals holding signs that display different names. Most accommodation in Bali will offer to organise airport transport for you. I take them up on the offer as it’s the easiest option, especially when you’re arriving in a foreign country late at night. Alternatively, you can visit the taxi desk at the airport. Day to day transport As for day to day transport, if you feel comfortable renting a scooter, it’s one of the most popular options. There are locals renting scooters everywhere in Bali, which shouldn’t set you back more than 60,000 IRP per day. However, if you want to hire a scooter I recommend organising an international driver’s licence before you leave your home country. Personally, I rely on walking and Blue Bird taxis as a solo traveller in Bali. Blue Bird has an app, but I’d just walk and wait for one to appear on the main road. Once you arrive in Bali you’ll understand what I mean. The Balinese streets are overwhelmingly filled with a lovely combination of scooters, cars and taxis. Now, Blue Bird is the best company because all taxis have meters for the most affordable rate. If you hop into a different taxi, the driver may try to barter with you or “forget” to turn the meter on and no one has time for that. Uber and Grab are also present in Bali, but drivers are prohibited from entering many of the main tourist areas. As for public transport, the only option is the Kura-Kura public shuttle bus service. It travels between Bali’s most popular tourist attractions and destinations. I’ve never used this bus network, but I have seen them travelling around Bali. Travelling around Bali alone On my last solo trip to Bali, I also travelled from Kuta to Ubud and back again. In the first instance, I got my family’s driver to drive me as I wanted to stop at a few different places along the way. He’s fantastic, isn’t pushy like some drivers and speaks great English. If you’d like his details, let me know. On the other hand, from Ubud to Kuta I paid 60,000 IRP to travel on a shuttle bus with other people backpacking Bali alone. I just booked it at the travel desk outside my homestay in Ubud. If you’re a fellow budget traveller, this is a good option.  Money tips When I visit Bali, I travel with my Citibank debit card as I don’t get charged any international fees. I also predominantly use official bank ATMs. If you prefer, you can also bring cash in your local currency and change it at a money exchange. Although a few high-end restaurants have card facilities, cash is king in Bali. Tipping is also always appreciated at both restaurants and spas.  What to pack for solo travel in Bali As luck would have it, I’ve already written a post that highlights the 10 things I highly recommend packing for a trip to Bali. Check it out here. How to avoid Bali Belly on your solo trip to Bali We have to get real for a second because Bali Belly is a menace I am, unfortunately, all too well acquainted with. It’s essentially an upset stomach or travellers’ diarrhea that you can get while travelling around Bali. Predominantly caused by contaminated food and water, stay away from Bali’s tap water as it isn’t potable. Although experts say to not drink the ice in Bali, it’s government-regulated now and safe to drink.  I also take Travelan before lunch and dinner in Bali and it seems to be the magic ingredient. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited as I was when I travelled around Bali for one month without getting sick. Life goals, friends 😂. If you do inevitably get struck down by Bali Belly, make sure you stay hydrated, take rehydration drinks (available from convenience stores) and stick to a bland diet. Bali Belly is also why I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your solo trip to Bali.  Is Bali safe for solo female travellers? This is probably one of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to solo travel in Bali. In my option, Bali is safe for solo female travellers. Personally, I’ve never felt afraid while walking around Bali alone. On my last trip, I stayed […]

Tower Bridge in London, England

My Complete Solo Traveller’s Guide to Lovely London

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. My latest solo travel guide focuses on lovely London. Keep reading to find out where I stayed in London, solo London travel tips and the best things to do alone in London. It’s about time I wrote a guide on solo travel in London. I’ve spent nearly a month in London overall, so I’m basically a local 💁‍♀️. It’s one of my favourite cities to visit – there’s just so many cool neighbourhoods to visit and attractions to see. It’s also a great city to visit as a solo traveller. So here’s my guide to visiting London by yourself, including the best things to do alone in London. If you’ve ever wondered what to do alone in London, I have you covered. Solo London travel tips First up, here are a couple of travel tips for fellow solo travellers visiting London alone. Most importantly, be aware of your surroundings in busy places as there are pickpockets in London (like every other major city in the world). I also found I felt safe walking from the tube back to my hostel at night alone, as it was located on a busier street and there were always people around. However, I only did this on a couple of occasions. As always, do what feels right to you. All of the amazing things to do alone in London listed below are daytime activities anyway. How to get to London alone Hello, my name is Hayley and I am now a pro at travelling to London alone. So far I’ve arrived and departed from London by plane, train and bus. I’ve flown in and out of London from both Vancouver and Australia – check Skyscanner for the best flight deals. I’ve also taken the Eurostar from London to Paris and FlixBus to Bruges. Within the UK, I have taken National Express buses and the train from London as well. So yes, there are plenty of ways to get to and from London. How to get around London Public transport is fantastic in London, so take advantage. I used the tube most days and even caught a few buses. I simply relied on Google Maps to figure out which tube line or bus would take me to my destination. The best hostel in London for solo travellers In my opinion, the best hostel in London for solo travellers is Wombats City Hostel. I’ve now stayed there multiple times in a six-bed female dorm room (with an ensuite). It’s conveniently located 10 minutes from both Tower Bridge and Brick Lane in East London. The hostel is also within walking distance of two tube lines and two grocery stores. I like the large common areas at the hostel and the onsite bar. The bar hosts weekly events as well, which is the perfect place to meet other solo travellers in London. I’ve also stayed overnight at the Astor Victoria as it’s walking distance from Victoria Coach Station. Let’s just say, Wombats is 100 times better. I had to walk up seven flights of narrow stairs to my female dorm, which isn’t the easiest with a nearly 20kg suitcase. I also thought the shared bathrooms weren’t the cleanest and the common areas at Wombats are so much better.  Here are my top hostelling tips & travel essentials for fellow solo travellers Fun things to do alone in London  Here are lots and lots of things to do in London on your own. You won’t be bored in London after reading this list! 1. Walk along the Thames to see the best London attractions If you’re wondering where to go alone in London, here are several ideas. On my first day in London in 2017, I ended up walking from my hostel near Tower Bridge to Oxford Street. It was a lot of steps, but I passed so many beautiful London attractions on the way. Firstly, there’s Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. I haven’t been to the Tower of London yet, but I’ve heard it’s worthwhile. Then there’s St Paul’s Cathedral before you make it to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It was pretty quiet until I got to Big Ben, which is always overflowing with tourists. Don’t forget Westminster Abbey either. On another day, I walked on the other side of the River Thames to visit some Christmas markets. This is where you’ll find the Shard, the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe. A final, but nonetheless awesome option, is to take a cruise along the River Thames.  2. See the Queen at Buckingham Palace Can you even say you’ve been to London if you don’t visit Buckingham Palace? It’s fortunately located in central London, so there are other things to see and do nearby. If you happen to visit in autumn like me, don’t miss seeing all the falling leaves in St James’ Park and Green Park. It’s magical! While we’re on the topic, check out my autumn packing list 😉 3. Do a free walking tour Can you believe I’ve never done a free walking tour in London? I’ve done one in like every other country in Europe, but not London. Anyway, don’t be like me and join a free walking tour. It’s one of the best things to do alone in London (and any place for that matter). 4. Go shopping along Oxford and Regent Streets Oxford and Regent Streets are hectic, no matter when you visit. But Oxford Street is home to all of my favourite English stores (a.k.a. Primark), so it’s always on my personal list of things to do alone in London. If you end up visiting London at Christmas, you also must see the Christmas decorations along Oxford and Regent Streets. While you’re in the area, head to Carnaby Street, which has more independent stores. I loved the handmade products and unique London souvenirs inside We Built This City. Here are […]

BUDGET TRAVEL

Sydney Opera House at sunset.

30+ Free Things To Do in Sydney

Edinburgh Castle glowing at sunrise from Edinburgh's Grassmarket neighbourhood.

20+ Cheap & Free Things To Do in Edinburgh

FlixBus parked in front of snowy mountains in Innsbruck, Austria (Europe budget travel tips)

16 Easy Tips For Travelling Across Europe On a Budget

The colourful waterfront buildings of Nyhavn in Copenhagen.

The Ultimate Copenhagen Budget Travel Guide

Copyright © 2023 Hayley on Holiday
Theme by SheShoppes