Melbourne, with its high quality of life, great green areas and wonderful neighbourhoods, is one of the best living cities in the world! Whether you are travelling here for tourism, business or a longer experience, such as a Working Holiday Visa, choosing where to stay is essential to make the most of your trip and optimise your travel time!
Here's everything you need to know about where to stay in Melbourne: the recommended neighbourhoods, those to avoid and the best areas according to your needs!
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
If you only have a few days or if this is your first time visiting Melbourne, the best option is to stay in the CBD, the city's financial and commercial heart. Here you will find accommodation of all types and, if you are travelling cheap, then we recommend you head for the beautiful Chinatown.
Besides the CBD, if you are travelling with your family, we recommend Docklands, St.Kilda, Carlton and South Melbourne! Docklands, close to the CBD, is an exclusive neighbourhood with all amenities, Carlton and South Melbourne are also well located and surrounded by greenery.
St. Kilda is a very versatile neighbourhood: located by the sea, it is ideal for families, but also for young people, especially in summer because of the nightlife in the area around the beach, and for low-cost travellers because of the many hostels! For younger people, Fitzroy, the heart of the nightlife, is also recommended!
Recommended areas tosave money: CBD (Chinatown), Fitzroy, St. Kilda
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: CBD, Docklands, St. Kilda, Carlton, South Melbourne
Recommended areas foryoung people: CBD, Fitzroy, St. Kilda
Best accommodation: We've selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Melbourne. Check out our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Melbourne on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best deals and selected hotels on booking.com
Melbourne Area Guide
The city is divided into several municipalities(Municipalities), which in turn are divided intosuburbs (Suburbs).
From a tourist point of view, the most important suburbs are the central suburbs, which are part of the Inner City of Melbourne. These are the suburbs with the most attractions and which are developed around the CBD (thus Docklands, St. Kilda, South Melbourne, Fitzroy and Carlton are included here). After the Inner City, we find the Northern Municipalities (the northern part of Melbourne), the Eastern Municipalities (the eastern part), the Southeastern Municip alities (the southern part) and finally the Western Municipalities (the western part).
Areas to avoid: Melbourne tends to be a safe city at any time of day or night. Neighbourhoods to avoid are those that are more suburban and too far from the CBD, more as a matter of convenience and transport travel time.
CBD (Inner City of Melbourne)
The CBD, or Central Business District, is definitely one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in in Melbourne, especially if you only have a few days to spare or if it's your first time visiting the city. Here you will find numerous attractions such as Fed Square, the wonderful Queen Victoria Market and the State Library Victoria, just to name a few.
It is also a district that is recommended for everyone, as it is very diverse and has a great variety of accommodation, both in terms of type and budget. If you're on a tight budget, for example, you can look for accommodation in Chinatown, if you're travelling with a family you can opt for the western part of the CBD, bordering Docklands, if you're looking for nightlife here you'll find plenty of clubs and discos of all kinds!
Finally, it is the most central district, with the large Flinders Street and Southern Cross stations, which will take you by metro, train or tram to every corner of Melbourne!
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on booking
Recommended accommodation
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel on Little Bourke Street. Rooms with private bathroom, in some cases equipped kitchenette and terrace. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel with shared bar, kitchen and lounge and free Wi-Fi. Rooms with private or shared bathroom. Ideal for young people | |
5-star residence with indoor pool, sauna and fitness centre. 24-hour reception, pets allowed and free WiFi. Suitable for families or groups | |
5 star hotel 5 min walk from Princess Theatre and Treasury Garden. Spa and wellness centre, gym, restaurant, 24-hour reception. Ideal for couples and families |
Docklands (Inner City of Melbourne)
Docklands is a very central precinct, bordering the CBD in fact, and is Melbourne's old harbour area, now completely redeveloped and transformed into one of the most exclusive precincts. Here you will find attractions such as the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and the famous Etihad Stadium, home to concerts and sporting events. In addition, you'll be within walking distance of the CBD.
This is a district especially recommended for families: very lively during the day, at night it is quieter than the CBD. It offers many amenities, from shops to restaurants, some with wonderful views of the harbour and the illuminated skyscrapers. In addition, there are many luxury hotels here, which are also suitable for those travelling on a high budget who do not want to give up anything.
Finally, the area is served by the great Southern Cross, one of Melbourne's most important stations, where most trains and numerous trams run.
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
4 star hotel 200 from Marvel Stadium. Rooms with desk with internet access, kitchenette with microwave and tea/coffee making facilities. Ideal for couples | |
4-star residence with indoor pool. Large accommodation with seating area and kitchenette. Free WiFi and free parking. Ideal for families and small groups | |
Residence of flats with wheel or harbour views. Accommodation with balcony, kitchenette, TV and air conditioning. Ideal for couples, families and groups of up to 5 people | |
4-star hotel 1km from the stadium, overlooking the Ferris Wheel. Swimming pool, gym, restaurant and room service, private parking. Ideal for couples and families |
South Melbourne (Inner City of Melbourne)
Melbourne is crossed by the Yarra River, which divides the CBD and Docklands from South Melbourne. It is a residential suburb surrounded by greenery, with wonderful attractions such as the National Gallery of Victoria andArts Centre Melbourne, the Royal Botanic Gardens with the nearby Shrine of Remembrance and theEureka Skydeck.
It is an ideal neighbourhood for families and those who want to be surrounded by greenery, yet still enjoy the convenience and services of the city. Here you will find numerous accommodations, including comfortable flats, shops and clubs!
As far as transport is concerned, the best way to get around here is by tram, with numerous lines running from the CBD to the southern districts. Staying here is a great compromise between the city and the beach, as the neighbourhood lies right in the middle between the CBD and St. Kilda.
Average prices in the district range from around €80.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on bookingì
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Aparthotel offering accommodation with balcony, air conditioning, flat screen TV, private bathroom, fully equipped kitchen. Ideal for couples | |
Residence with modern, luxurious accommodation with city views. Pets allowed, great location and free WiFi | |
Flat residence with swimming pool, spa and restaurant. Accommodation with one or two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and balcony. Ideal for families and couples | |
5-star hotel with luxurious accommodation and an exclusive lounge bar with panoramic city views. Swimming pool, gym, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples |
St. Kilda (Inner City of Melbourne)
Heading south from the CBD, past South Melbourne you reach the beautiful beachfront suburb of St. Kilda. It is a residential area with ocean views, beautiful parks and attractions such as Luna Park Melbourne. In addition, from here you are only minutes away from the large Albert Lake Park, a large lake completely surrounded by greenery.
Like the CBD, St. Kilda is also a neighbourhood for everyone! In summer, for instance, it is a great area to enjoy some beach life in addition to visits to the city. It is also an area of choice for many backpackers, both because of the affordable prices and the proximity to the ocean, as well as the numerous job offers that travellers on Working Holiday Visa can find here. Finally, it is also a recommended area for families, given its proximity to the beach and large parks.
St. Kilda is about 30 min by tram from the CBD. There are several lines to this area that will allow you to get around without any problems.
Average prices in the area range from around €20.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with WiFi, luggage storage and parking. Rooms with air conditioning and mini fridge. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel with bar, restaurant and roof terrace. Luggage storage, WiFi and laundry facilities. Dormitories for 4, 6 or 8 people. Ideal for young people | |
Residence of air-conditioned flats with fully equipped kitchen, flat screen TV and private bathroom with shower. Ideal for couples and families | |
4 star hotel 2 mins from central Acland Street. Family rooms and suites, parking, WiFi. Ideal for couples and families |
Fitzroy (Inner City of Melbourne)
Photo by Marcus Bichel Lindegaard. Just north of the CBD, Fitzroy is Melbourne's artistic and bohemian quarter. It is an alternative neighbourhood, mainly frequented by university students, students and young people. The streets are completely decorated with wonderful street art, cafes and pubs are unique, housed in old buildings and with an alternative design. You will also find vintage shops, small art galleries and wine bars.
It is an ideal district especially for young people, who can party all night long along the famous Brunswick Street, thanks to the large number of clubs. Along Gertrude Street, on the other hand, you will find designer shops and numerous restaurants.
Staying in Fitzroy is a great location: the CBD is just to the south and you'll also be within walking distance of Queen Victoria Market. The area is also served by numerous tram lines.
Average prices in the district range from around €65.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Residence well connected to the city centre. The accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen and a lounge area. Free parking and free WiFi | |
Safe and well located hostel. Clean rooms and friendly, helpful staff. TV area and shared bathrooms. Ideal for young people | |
Entire 3-room flat of 200 sqm, with fully equipped kitchen, living room, bathroom. Up to 6 people. Ideal for groups of friends | |
4-star hotel with swimming pool, bar, restaurant and room service. Choice of suites, studios and two-bedroom flats. Ideal for couples and families |
Carlton (Inner City of Melbourne)
Immediately adjacent to Fitzroy is Carlton, a wonderful residential area just north of the CBD. This area is best known for its 'Little Italy', which runs along Lygon Street, with many traditional restaurants and pizzerias. One of the main attractions here is the Royal Exhibition Building, with its beautiful Carlton Gardens and the Melbourne Museum.
This is an area especially recommended for families, despite its proximity to the University. In fact, students move to the nearby Fitzroy district in the evenings to party. Here you will find plenty of amenities, including restaurants and shops.
Finally, it is in a great location: just north of the CBD, bordering Fitzroy and close to Queen Victoria Market. In addition, the area is served by numerous trams that will take you to Melbourne Central Station in no time.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €80.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on booking
Recommended accommodation
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3 star hotel with a choice of rooms and flats. Parking, restaurant and bar, WiFi access. Ideal for couples and families | |
Flat residence 1km from Melbourne Central Station. 24-hour reception, tour desk and free WiFi. Ideal for couples | |
4-star hotel with pool, gym, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star hotel in the heart of Carlton. Gym, restaurant, bar, room service. 24-hour reception and car park. Ideal for couples |
Countries near Melbourne where to stay
As we have seen, Melbourne is a very large city with a large number of districts, one completely different from the other. The only solution is to stay in the city, where you will have a great choice, even having the opportunity to stay by the sea if you wish!
This choice to stay in the city is also forced by transport: Melbourne is a city with a high cost of living and this is reflected in both the maximum efficiency of transport and the cost of the ticket. Travelling times would also be very long: just think that it takes about 30 min to get to St. Kilda from the CBD, staying outside the city means being more than an hour away!
