I remember the first time I landed in Melbourne. The city didn’t immediately strike me with grandeur—but it gently unfolded, street by street, laneway by laneway, latte by latte. If you’re heading to Melbourne for the first time, I envy you. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering this layered, curious, unapologetically artistic city for yourself.

But, as with any city, Melbourne has its quirks. It pays to be prepared—not overly scripted, but equipped enough to flow with the rhythm of this southern Australian cultural capital. After countless trips, missed trams, surprise downpours, and unexpected sunsets, here are the 10 things I wish I knew before my first time in Melbourne.

1. Pack for Four Seasons—Every Day

Melbourne weather is notorious. The locals aren’t exaggerating when they say you’ll experience all four seasons in one day. I once started a morning wrapped in a scarf and jacket, only to end the afternoon sweating in a T-shirt.

Tip:
Bring layers. Always have a light rain jacket and a compact umbrella in your daypack. A scarf comes in surprisingly handy for both warmth and sudden breezes by the Yarra River.

Bonus: For real-time weather updates, the BOM Weather app (Bureau of Meteorology) is a must-download.

2. Touch On, Touch Off — Use Myki Smartly

If there’s one thing every first-time visitor to Melbourne should prepare for, it’s navigating the Myki system. Melbourne’s public transport is excellent — clean, reliable, and sprawling — but the ticketing system isn’t always intuitive, especially if you’re coming from a city with tap-and-go bank card transport.

The Myki card is a reusable smart card used across trams, trains, and buses. It’s essential for nearly all public transport, except for the Free Tram Zone within the Melbourne CBD. (Yes, tram rides in the city centre are completely free — just hop on and off without tapping at all.)

I made the rookie mistake of not touching off on my train journey to South Yarra during my first visit, and the result was a max fare deduction from my balance. Now I always remember: touch on at the start and touch off at the end, unless you’re on a tram within the CBD.

You can get a Myki card from:

  • Any 7-Eleven
  • Major train stations
  • The PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station
  • Or order online at ptv.vic.gov.au

You’ll need to load it with either Myki Money (pay-as-you-go) or Myki Pass (unlimited travel over a set period). If you’re here for less than a week, Myki Money is probably enough. Daily fares are capped (around AUD \$10/day, cheaper on weekends), so you won’t overspend even if you’re hopping around the suburbs.

Pro Tip:
Download the PTV (Public Transport Victoria) app before arriving. It’s the best way to plan your trips, check live arrivals, and even calculate fare zones. If you’re arriving at Melbourne Airport, keep in mind there’s no train — only the SkyBus (AUD \$19.75 one-way) or rideshare.

3. Melbourne Loves Coffee — Don’t Just Grab Any Cup

Melbourne isn’t just a city with good coffee. It’s a coffee capital — an identity, an obsession, and an art form. The first time I ordered a latte from a chain cafĂ© near Southern Cross Station, a local barista jokingly asked, “Are you okay?”

There’s no such thing as a casual cup here. Coffee is serious business. Even small cafes take pride in single-origin beans, house-made almond milk, or the perfect froth-to-espresso ratio. If you’re going to dive into the culture, start with a flat white — Melbourne’s gift to the global coffee scene.

Here are a few of my go-to spots for a genuinely memorable experience:

  • Patricia Coffee Brewers (Little Bourke St, CBD): Tiny, hidden, and standing room only. It’s buzzing from 7am, and their flat white is, in my opinion, Melbourne’s best.
  • Market Lane Coffee (Prahran Market & Queen Victoria Market): These guys roast in small batches and only sell seasonal beans. Their coffee is smooth, full-bodied, and always Instagrammable.
  • Industry Beans (Fitzroy): A stylish, airy warehouse space with an in-house roastery and a food menu to match. The cold brew with coconut water is perfect in summer.

Want to take it a step further?
Book a Melbourne coffee culture walking tour via Klook or GetYourGuide. These tours usually include tastings at multiple local roasters, insider brewing tips, and plenty of laneway photography.

Local Hack:
Skip takeaway. Sit down, relax, and soak up the vibe — it’s part of the Melbourne coffee ritual.

4. Stay Central — You’ll Thank Yourself Later

Melbourne is a city best explored on foot — or via a quick tram ride. And trust me, nothing beats waking up in a central neighbourhood, grabbing coffee within minutes, and strolling straight into the city’s heart. If it’s your first time here, location is everything. Staying central will save you both time and frustration.

Some of my favourite suburbs to stay in include:

  • Melbourne CBD: The obvious choice. You’re close to the Free Tram Zone, Federation Square, Chinatown, and all the shopping you can handle.
  • Fitzroy: A hipster paradise filled with vintage stores, brunch cafĂ©s, and indie galleries. It’s less touristy but well-connected.
  • Carlton: Leafy and cultural, home to Melbourne Uni and some of the best Italian food outside Italy.
  • Southbank: Great for riverside walks, dining with a view, and proximity to the Arts Precinct.

Where I Stayed and Loved:

  • The Jazz Corner Hotel: Boutique comfort with city views and walking distance to Queen Victoria Market.
  • Adelphi Hotel: Playful, ultra-stylish, and perfect for design lovers.
  • Laneways by Ovolo: Funky interiors, helpful staff, and breakfast that actually impresses.

Accommodation tip:
Use Booking.com.au for flexible options, Agoda Australia for last-minute deals, or Qantas Hotels to earn Qantas Points while you sleep.

5. Markets Aren’t Just for Shopping—They’re for Living

Queen Victoria Market is where I fell in love with the soul of Melbourne. Locals banter with stallholders, tourists sample boreks, buskers strum guitars near the deli section. It’s more than a place to buy produce—it’s a community.

What to Eat There:

  • Lamb borek (Shed C)
  • Cheese toastie at ReWine
  • Hot jam doughnuts from the vintage van

Other Markets Worth Visiting:

  • Prahran Market – Gourmet heaven.
  • South Melbourne Market – Amazing dim sum at South Melbourne Dim Sims.

Booking tip: Use Viator to book guided tasting tours—they often include wine, cheese, and local bites.

6. Book Tickets for Attractions in Advance

Melbourne is spontaneous in spirit, but when it comes to major attractions, advanced planning wins. Whether it’s a sunrise hot air balloon ride or a timed entrance to the National Gallery of Victoria, early bookings save time and money.

Must-Sees That Get Crowded:

  • Melbourne Skydeck (Eureka Tower) – Best views of the city skyline.
  • Phillip Island Penguin Parade – Family-friendly and unforgettable.
  • Great Ocean Road Day Tours – Try to go with a small group operator.

Booking platforms I trust:

7. Yes, You Can Do a Day Trip—Or Five

Melbourne is not just about the city. Its magic lies in the short escapes—places I’ve visited again and again because they still surprise me.

Favorites:

  • Great Ocean Road – Breathtaking. Start early.
  • Yarra Valley – Wine tasting, vineyards, and a hot air balloon.
  • Dandenong Ranges – Cute villages, forest walks, Puffing Billy train.

Driving tip:
For car rental, I often use DriveNow or Rentalcars.com.au for comparing deals. If you don’t drive, small group tours with local guides are plentiful and reliable.

8. Laneways Are the Real Melbourne

I didn’t understand Melbourne until I explored its laneways. These alleys are filled with murals, secret cocktail bars, vintage bookstores, and world-class restaurants with zero signage.

Laneways You Can’t Miss:

  • Hosier Lane – Ever-changing graffiti and portraits.
  • Centre Place – Bustling with cafĂ© tables and breakfast chatter.
  • Degraves Street – Classic espresso pit stops.

Foodie tip:
Download TheFork AU or OpenTable AU to score last-minute deals at hidden restaurants. I’ve saved up to 40% using their flash sales.

9. Australian SIM + Wi-Fi Is a Must

Roaming charges are outrageous. I always get a local SIM card the moment I land. Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra have kiosks at the airport.

Pro Tip:
You can buy prepaid travel SIMs at Australia Post or 7-Eleven for under \$30 AUD, with plenty of data. Download Melbourne Free Wi-Fi zones map in advance for backup.

10. Cultural Etiquette & Safety

Melbourne is generally safe, but being aware is never a bad thing. The city thrives on diversity and social respect—so keep an open mind and a curious heart.

What I Learned:

  • Tip culture is minimal, but appreciated (around 5-10% if the service is great).
  • Keep left when walking on paths and stairs—just like on the roads.
  • Don’t talk loudly on trams. Seriously, it’s a thing.

If you’re planning nightlife, download Uber or 13Cabs, especially if you’ll be out late in the outer suburbs.

Your first visit to Melbourne is a mosaic of art, weather, flavor, friendliness, and unpredictability. The more you open up to its flow, the more it gives. Let the laneways lead you. Let the weather surprise you. Let the city seduce you in its own quiet, quirky way.

Bonus Resource:
I always recommend checking out Australia.com, VisitVictoria.com, and Melbourne Now App (by NGV) for updates on cultural events, free festivals, and seasonal tips.