Lady’s Itinerary for 3 Days in Melbourne, Australia

Today I want to share my travel itinerary for 3 days in Melbourne with you. This city in Victoria, Australia rivals Sydney in popularity, but it has its own distinct vibe that makes it worth a special trip.

3 Days in Melbourne

Melbourne seems to be on everyone’s mind lately. Whenever Australia comes up in conversation, people rave about the city.

So when I flew to the country to attend the Adelaide Festival last week, I extended my trip to spend 3 days in Melbourne to see what all the fuss is about.

As it turns out, the fuss is about a lot. From the laid-back vibe to the foodie culture, from the great riverfront scene to the hidden laneways, Melbourne impressed me with its livable, likable qualities.

Before I arrived, I heard Melbourne was a place you have to know to really get the most out of it. Lucky for me, I had the benefit of insider tips from friends, readers, and guides.

Coffee Shops in Melbourne

The city has a plethora of cafes and coffee shops, most of which are independent. I got a chance to sample a few during my 3 days in Melbourne.

These included the historic Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, where I met up with a local reader of A Lady in London, and the funky Brother Baba Budan, where I went with a fellow travel blogger.

Art Galleries in Melbourne

But coffee shops aren’t the only things Melbourne has going for it. Nor were they the only things I wouldn’t have found on my own during my 3 days in Melbourne.

As it turns out, the city is home to some excellent art galleries, some of which are so hidden I only found them thanks to an art map of Melbourne.

I spent one afternoon exploring exhibition spaces around the city.

From local artists showcased in spaces up several flights of unmarked stairs to international artists exhibited in underground rooms tucked around corners, I discovered a secret side of Melbourne I never would have found otherwise.

Shopping in Melbourne

The same went for shopping during my 3 days in Melbourne. Several people recommended I check out some of the city’s historic shopping arcades, including the famous Block Arcade and Royal Arcade.

I probably wouldn’t have found them on my own, but I was glad to have discovered their boutiques, shops, and cafes at the suggestion of others.

Melbourne Laneways

And that’s to say nothing of laneways like Degraves Street, a famous Melbourne alley brimming with coffee shops and restaurants.

All of them had tables and chairs spilling out into the middle of the street, creating a lively, social environment.

Where to Stay for 3 Days in Melbourne

When I needed a rest during my 3 days in Melbourne, I retreated to my hotel, another hidden gem near Chinatown on Little Bourke Street.

Ovolo Laneways was tucked away in a discreet space that offered a great home-away-from-home feeling.

No one I talked to in Melbourne had heard of it, which made me feel all the more like I’d discovered another of the city’s treasures.

Ovolo Laneways offered me a complimentary stay in a one-bedroom suite on the third floor. It featured sleek design with a sunny bedroom, contemporary bathroom, and incredibly spacious living room and kitchenette.

The fully-stocked minibar was entirely complimentary, and they even left me a goody bag full of snacks and sweets. The staff was friendly, and I felt perfectly safe and secure staying there as a solo female traveler.

Places to See in Melbourne

In fact, I felt that way everywhere I went in Melbourne, day and night.

Whether on a long walk along the riverfront promenade, in the heart of Federation Square, or in the graffiti-covered alleys in the laneways, Melbourne had an easygoing feel to it that made me comfortable no matter where I went.

3 Days in Melbourne and Beyond

And I went to more places than just those in the city center. In fact, there was enough fuss about Melbourne and its surroundings that I took two day trips during my 3 days in Melbourne.

I traveled further afield in Victoria to go wine tasting in the Yarra Valley and review a Phillip Island day tour. But each of those has so much fuss of its own you’ll have to stay tuned for more. To be continued…

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