Our top itinerary picks for a Melbourne getaway this summer

Three Horses is a simple venue: small wooden tables, benches against the walls, and a bar in the centre of the space. What’s striking is the nostalgic mural above the bar; it’s reminiscent of colourful horses on a merry-go-round. It was painted by one of the three owners’ aunt, who does it for a living in Paris, and it’s a look into the distinct community vibe of the bar. The specialty is sherry – upon their recommendation I forget everything I know about sherry being sickeningly sweet. They also make a pretty mean granita-esque cocktail with a scoop of tropical sorbet.

This Japanese funk eatery has three distinct spaces – and it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new restaurant for each one. As you emerge from the stairs, you’re met with a terrace bar furnished with clusters of disco balls and warm-hued Aperol umbrellas. Step inside, and the disco-terracotta theme continues with a buzzing space that’s filled with punters filling up on salty bites and sake, priming for a night out. My destination is the raised omakase bar with eight seats. A graceful chef prepares us sashimi – everything from torched tuna belly to salmon with lime zest.

Death & Co is a New York institution, and this is your best shot at sampling one of their signature tipples without flying over there. Give your eyes time to adjust as you step behind the regal maroon curtains. It’s so dark inside that you can barely read the menus, but that’s all part of the appeal. Flip through page upon page of bespoke cocktails, but make sure you loiter on the first page, which is dedicated to Death & Co’s signature drinks from their NYC bar. 

I’m so obsessed with exploring a new city’s authentic dining scene that I often get analysis paralysis deciding where to eat. Luckily, I stumbled upon the former three venues thanks to Hidden Secret Tours. When you book yourself in for one of these tours, not only are drinks and food covered for the night at some of the city’s hottest bars and eateries, but you get running commentary of the amazing streets and laneways that connect each venue. Get your step count up while exploring the creativity of each spot (including the public art haven Hosier Lane) and the history that makes them all the more charming than what meets the eye. 

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.

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.

Leading design firm Kennedy Nolan spearheaded both the architecture and tastefully luxe fit-out of newish hotel Melbourne Place. Interior collaborators are a who’s who of internationally renowned creatives and makers. Acclaimed restaurateurs Ross and Sunny Lusted have a suave Portuguese restaurant, Marmelo, on the ground floor, while subterranean cocktail bar Mr Mills slings cool drinks and hot snacks below until late. I fell so in love with the place that I've stayed there twice in the last year.

Hotel Indigo on Flinders has a new little brother – on Little Collins, that is. You’ll find this fresh and funky stay perched quite neatly in between Little Collins Street and Bourke Street, so you’re well positioned to get the most out of the CBD. My room has very romantic views of the old architecture of the David Jones and Myer buildings across the road, and people-watching tiny shoppers below is just as good a form of entertainment as the smart TV. The spacey room, and bathroom, are spick and span thanks to how new the hotel is, so rest assured you’ll be sleeping well here for your city vacay. The joint buffet and a la carte breakfast is great value, too. 

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. The fairly affordable hotel was 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.