Our top itinerary picks for a Melbourne getaway this winter

The front bar of the Builders Arms on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, still feels like the neighbourhood boozer it has been since 1853. There may be less of the titular tradies propping up the bar these days but it’s a mixed crowd and the welcoming bar staff continue to pump out pots and schooners faster than a six o’clock swill. They also serve up really good pub grub, which is one of the main reasons you should come here.

Maison Bâtard, which opened in 2024 to much hype, is another project by renowned Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas: a multi-level French dining destination in the heart of the CBD. The ambitious maze of a venue features a two-floor restaurant, a late-night supper club in the basement and a chic rooftop terrace. While our Time Out Melbourne team reviewed the main restaurant, when I visited, I sat on the starry Parisian-style terrace, which is more accessible – you can stop by for a $24 cheeseburger (yes, you should) and a glass of wine, as opposed to having to go the full, flash affair in the main restaurant. For winter, they've added a greenhouse-like roof to the terrace, so it's warm year-round.

Those who followed along Mercato Centrale's two-year journey to open its doors in Melbourne better get down there and check out the Italian foodie mega market, which launched late 2024 and is home to 23 artisan vendors. When we visited, we snacked on everything from pasta from La Pasta Fresca, pizza from La Pizza al Taglio, pastries from La Pasticceria and gelato from Il Gelato. You can also buy produce at a range of grocers, fishmongers and Italian delis, and lots more. Looking for more great Italian food? Check out this round-up of the best Italian eats in Melbs.

David Bailey’s famous portrait of Michael Caine dominates the ephemera-stacked bar at Gerald’s and, given the actor’s ability to remain cool as he ages, he is a worthy patron saint of this North Carlton stayer. The knee-knocking seating nods to the intimate neighbourhood bars of Europe as does the hand-scrawled menu that changes on a whim. This is the bar for aperitifs with a solid selection of vermouth, pastis and ouzo from all over the continent to get the palate ready for food.

Mr Mills is downstairs from Hyde Melbourne Place hotel, one of the most talked-about hotel openings in the city right now (see more, below). The culinary offerings at Melbourne Place are also exciting, including Mr Mills, which is a subterranean cocktail bar that slings cool drinks and hot snacks until late. If you prefer to take your dining and drinking sky high, jump in the elevator to level 12, where you'll find the rooftop bar, Mid Air.

Melbourne Place is one of the most talked-about openings in the city right now. It’s been a while since a new hotel created such a stir, but when you consider Melbourne Place’s long list of lures, it’s no surprise. Leading design firm Kennedy Nolan spearheaded both the architecture and tastefully luxe fit-out. Interior collaborators are a who’s who of internationally renowned creatives and makers. There’s also effortlessly glamorous Mid-Air on the rooftop – a Mediterranean-leaning restaurant and bar curated by hatted chef Nick Deligiannis. Acclaimed restaurateurs Ross and Sunny Lusted have swooped in on the ground floor to set up their suave Portuguese restaurant Marmelo, while subterranean cocktail bar Mr Mills slings cool drinks and hot snacks below until late. I fell in love with the place when I stayed four nights during Rising 2025.

Staying in Melbourne's city is always fun, but if you want to explore other areas, Fitzroy is fab – think cute retro secondhand shops and buzzing cafés to vibey artist markets, and loads of pubs and bars. And The StandardX is our hotel pick. It’s a little bougie, but still artsy enough to feel like it belongs to Melbourne's northside. The designers have taken inspiration from Fitzroy’s post-punk 'Little Band' scene of the late '70s and early '80s, paying homage to its music venues, street art and café culture. The rooms are minimalistically designed, yet contain everything you need for your stay – and in big news, the affordable hotel has just been awarded the coveted Style & Design Hotel Award in the La Liste World's Best Hotels 2025 rankings – the only Australian property to make this year's prestigious global list. Major.