Where to stay in Melbourne: which area to choose?

Published on 26 October 2026 · 2 min read

Ideal for: Couples Solo Families Road trip

Contents

In short: for a first visit, stay in the CBD, inside the free tram zone. For shows and museums, Southbank. For street art, cafés and bars, Fitzroy and Collingwood. With kids or for the beach, St Kilda, a few minutes away by tram.

Melbourne in two minutes

The CBD is a grid of streets and laneways covered in street art, bordered to the south by the Yarra river. Across it, Southbank and its performing arts venues. To the north-east, Fitzroy and Collingwood; to the south, St Kilda and Port Phillip Bay. In the centre, trams are free within the Free Tram Zone.

The right area for your trip

First visit: the CBD

Laneways, cafés, shops, Queen Victoria Market and Flinders Street Station: everything is on foot or on the free tram. The best choice for a first visit, with plenty of hotels and apartments.

Culture and shows: Southbank

On the Yarra, near the Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria. Hotels with river and city views, a short walk from the CBD.

Nightlife and street art: Fitzroy and Collingwood

Creative neighbourhoods with vintage shops, bars, restaurants and murals. Ideal solo or as a couple to live like a local. The CBD is a few minutes away by tram.

Families and beach: St Kilda

The beach, the pier and Luna Park, with a seaside-resort feel. Linked to the centre by tram in a few minutes.

Getting to Melbourne

The SkyBus express links the airport to Southern Cross Station, in the centre, in 20 to 25 minutes outside peak hours (up to 45 minutes at busy times).

Our booking tips

Check whether the hotel is in the Free Tram Zone: you will ride for free around the centre.
Remember your travel authorisation: it is required before departure for Australia.
Book early during major sporting events, which are in high demand.
If you rent a car for the Great Ocean Road, check the hotel’s parking.
Choose free cancellation when it is offered.

Once you are there

Walk Hosier Lane and Degraves Street, browse Queen Victoria Market and the botanic gardens, then head out on the Great Ocean Road or to Phillip Island. All our ideas in Things to do in Melbourne, and our tips for the country in Travel in Australia. Useful services are on our Melbourne page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Melbourne?

For a first visit, the CBD: trams are free within the Free Tram Zone. Fitzroy and Collingwood are more creative, St Kilda is by the beach.

Are trams free in Melbourne?

Yes, within a defined area of the city centre, the Free Tram Zone. Beyond it, you need a rechargeable transport card.

How do I get from Melbourne Airport to the city?

The SkyBus express reaches Southern Cross Station in 20 to 25 minutes outside peak hours, up to 45 minutes at busy times.