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Anyone who’s spent more than a hot minute in Australia’s cultural capital (Melbourne) knows that darkness is not a cue to head home. Melbourne happens after hours, in the shadows of its famous laneways and beyond the CBD’s bright lights.
Melbourne nightlife can be found in the graffiti-splashed backstreets of Brunswick, bar-hopping in Thornbury, or living it up in Collingwood’s converted warehouses. Each neighbourhood brings its own flavour to the after-dark scene. You don’t need to stick to the city centre to find it, either.
That’s the beauty of Melbourne: it’ll have you deciding between world-class cocktail bars, underground music venues, late-night art shows, or tiny wine bars tucked away in centuries-old buildings, all in one night.
Melbourne nightlife is the stuff of legend, and the best way to experience it is just to pick a location and go there. We guarantee every suburb will offer a cool music venue, bar or restaurant that it would take a ‘War & Peace’ sized book to cover off. Here are some starting points however:
Melbourne’s music scene hits differently after dark, from gritty warehouse gigs to sophisticated jazz lounges. The iconic Brunswick Ballroom, above Sydney Road, has a range of genres to check out and a historic balcony offering views of passing trams and local life below. It’s not just Friday night events, Melbourne turns it on every night of the week.
In Brunswick alone, you’ll find the Retreat Hotel’s sprawling beer garden hosting everything from punk rock to indie folk, while JazzLab draws serious jazz cats with its reputation for hosting unexpected legends (even Prince has graced its stage).
Melbourne’s after-hours food scene is where the city really flexes its multicultural muscles. The city transforms into a wonderland of late-night dining options, where you can hop from traditional Vietnamese pho joints still buzzing at midnight to upscale establishments like Gimlet at Cavendish House, where the supper menu turns fine dining into a more playful, relaxed affair.
Melbourne’s nighttime food scene is an unpretentious mix of high and low culture. You might start your evening with caviar and champagne, then devour a slice from Connie’s Pizza at Heartbreaker – and nobody would bat an eye.
Melbourne’s bar scene is best experienced at spots like Curtin House, a vertical playground of possibilities: it has Cookie’s Thai-inspired cocktails and Mesa Verde’s mezcal adventures. Each floor offers a different vibe. Then there’s newcomer HER, bringing a fresh multi-level concept to the scene with its ground-floor bustle, intimate listening bar, and cool rooftop views.
For something more intimate, Caretaker’s Cottage, tucked behind Wesley Church on Little Lonsdale Street, proves that good things come in small packages. Their seasonal cocktails and warm welcome make it worth the hunt to find it. Meanwhile, gin enthusiasts can chart a course between Union Electric’s garden oasis and the vintage charm of Gin Palace.
There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Melbourne at night for free. The city’s parks and gardens often host twilight markets and outdoor cinema events, perfect for families looking to extend their day into the evening hours. During summer, you might catch outdoor performances in the Royal Botanic Gardens or join night wildlife tours where possums and other nocturnal creatures make special appearances.
There is nothing better after a big night out than an easy trip home. Veriu makes this possible in Melbourne with apartment hotels strategically located within easy access to a range of acclaimed Melbourne restaurants and landmarks. Properties like Veriu QVM, Punthill Flinders Lane, and Punthill Manhattan deliver uniquely curated experiences tailored to every taste, ensuring you relax and recharge before your next adventure.
With 14 different Veriu locations in Melbourne, you can enjoy all the quintessential Melbourne experiences with convenient access from our comfortable and modern hotels.
If you happen to be in Melbourne over the summer, the Queen Victoria night market is a must-visit. Most suburbs will run sporadic night markets throughout the year, so a quick Google search specific to your location is always a good idea
The Queen Victoria Summer Night Market is held on Wednesday nights from November 20th to March 12th, running from 5pm until 10pm (excluding Christmas and New Year’s Day).
Melbourne has some of the best public transport in Australia, and one of the reasons is because it often runs all night and is even free within 5kms of the CBD. You also won’t be charged a return fare if you touch on before 3am in the paid zones.
