The very best 12 nightlife spots in Melbourne, Australia
Welcome to Melbourne, the city that never sleeps (unless it's nap time, then we highly recommend a power nap). If you're looking for an unforgettable night out, fear not, we've got you covered. Our not-so-secret article spills the beans on the 12 hottest nightlife spots in town, from hidden speakeasies for those who like their cocktails with a side of secrecy, to rooftop bars where you can sip your gin and tonic like a sophisticated koala. So pack your dancing shoes and leave your bedtime stories at home because Melbourne is about to show you how to party like a true Aussie!
Save destination1. Cookie
252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Welcome to Melbourne, the city famous for its vibrant culture and delightful surprises! When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, look no further than Cookie. Nestled in the heart of the city, this quirky eatery is an absolute mecca for cookie enthusiasts, serving up an array of delectable treats that are simply to-die-for. Whether you prefer classic chocolate chip or enjoy pushing the boundaries with adventurous flavors like salted caramel pretzel, Cookie promises to make your taste buds dance with joy. Just be warned, one visit to this heavenly spot and you might find yourself screaming "I'm cookies for Cookie!" to anyone who will listen.
Learn more2. Section 8
27-29 Tattersalls Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Welcome to Section 8, Melbourne's quirky haven for hipsters and open-air enthusiasts! Nestled within the bustling heart of the city, this urban oasis is a repurposed shipping container turned hipster playground. With its eclectic mix of graffiti-laden walls, mismatched furniture, and funky lighting, Section 8 has all the ingredients to give you a taste of Melbourne's effortlessly cool vibe. So grab a local craft beer, strike up a conversation with the bearded bartender, and let Section 8 provide you with a fun-filled evening that will make your Instagram followers green with envy!
Learn more3. The Black Pearl
304 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Welcome to The Black Pearl, the notorious gem of Melbourne's nightlife scene! This spirited establishment is like a pirate's treasure chest, overflowing with delightful surprises and boozy adventures. Step aboard this swashbuckling vessel and indulge in their treasure trove of craft cocktails, cleverly concocted by charming rum aficionados who are seemingly one peg-leg short of complete pirate attire. Get ready to set sail on a whimsical voyage filled with infectious laughter, toe-tapping shanties, and a delightful crew of fellow jolly rogues, all eager to embrace the rum-soaked escapades that await you at The Black Pearl!
Learn more4. Lily Blacks
12 Meyers Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Situated in the heart of Melbourne, Lily Blacks is a spirited haven for cocktail enthusiasts and explorers seeking a taste of liquid artistry. With an ambiance reminiscent of the glamorous speakeasy era, this delightful establishment beckons you to step into a bygone time where cocktails ruled the world (or at least, the nights). Prepare to have your taste buds tap-dancing with joy as the talented mixologists behind the bar whip up concoctions that will make even the most seasoned drinker weak at the knees.
Learn more5. The Catfish
30 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Welcome to The Catfish in Melbourne, where you'll dive into a quirky, fishy experience that will have you hooked from the moment you step in. With its funky ambiance, this joint serves up a feast for the senses - think eclectic decor, low ceilings, and a strange mix of music that'll make you question the sanity of the DJ. Ponder the mysteries of life as you sip your craft beer, surrounded by locals who will regale you with tales of the infamous catfish that once roamed these parts.
Learn more6. Berlin Bar
Level 2/16 Corrs Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Welcome to Berlin Bar, the quirky watering hole in Melbourne where you won't need a passport, but a sense of adventure is highly recommended! This hidden gem takes the phrase "out of place" to a whole new level, as it transports you to the vibrant streets of Germany's capital without even leaving Australia. With a secret entrance located behind a nondescript hot dog shop, prepare to embark on a whimsical journey that'll have you questioning if you've accidentally stumbled into a teleportation experiment.
Learn more7. Heartbreaker
234A Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Welcome to Melbourne's infamous neighborhood of Heartbreaker, where hearts are broken and good times are had! This lively and pulsating district is a playground for the heartbroken souls, ready to drown their sorrows in the city's hippest bars and clubs. Here, you'll find a plethora of watering holes to mend your broken heart, as you soak up the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps even find a new heartbreaker to commiserate with – just make sure to pack your sense of humor and a reliable hangover cure! Prepare to be enchanted by the melodramatic charm of Heartbreaker's establishments, each offering their own unique twist on the art of heartbreak. From dimly lit speakeasies reminiscent of a bygone era to trendy rooftops where heartbroken hipsters gather, there is no shortage of places to pillage through your emotions while sipping on expertly crafted cocktails. Don't be fooled by the sullen faces you may encounter in Heartbreaker; beneath their forlorn expressions lies a shared sense of camaraderie. Bond with fellow heartbroken souls as you navigate through the maze of heartbreak-themed bars, swapping tales of lost love and failed relationships, all while trying to avoid those pesky exes who seem to pop up at the most inconvenient times. So, grab your tissues and put on your emotional armor, as Heartbreaker in Melbourne is waiting to embrace you in its warm, bittersweet embrace. Whether you're nursing a fresh heartbreak or simply seeking a night full of laughter and debauchery, this neighborhood promises an unforgettable experience that will have you simultaneously wallowing in self-pity and dancing like nobody's watching.
Learn more8. Bar Americano
20 Presgrave Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Nestled in the heart of Melbourne's bustling cityscape, Bar Americano is a hidden gem for cocktail enthusiasts. With a mere 10-seat capacity, it's the perfect spot for an intimate rendezvous or a solo adventure filled with liquid libations. Just be sure to bring your magnifying glass, as the menu is as compact as the bar itself, offering a concise selection that will leave you pondering whether you accidentally stumbled upon a speakeasy for ants.
Learn more9. Eau De Vie
1 Malthouse Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Welcome to Eau De Vie, Melbourne's hidden gem that's more than just a bar - it's a whimsical time machine for your taste buds. Step into this boozy wonderland tucked away behind an unmarked door, where the ambiance screams classy and the cocktails speak volumes. From the elegant vintage-inspired decor to the impeccably dressed mixologists who look like they just stepped out of a 1920s film set, this place takes "speakeasy" to a whole new level.
Learn more10. The Everleigh
Level 1/150-156 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Welcome to The Everleigh, Melbourne's charming cocktail bar that will transport you back to the glamorous days of old Hollywood. Nestled in the heart of the city, this cozy hideaway offers an intoxicating mix of classic libations and refined atmosphere. Step inside and be prepared to sip on liquid masterpieces, expertly concocted by bartenders who could win an Oscar for their flair and mixology skills!
Learn more11. The Lui Bar
525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Towering high above Melbourne's bustling streets, The Lui Bar is an oasis for those who prefer their cocktails with a side of panoramic views. As you enter this swanky establishment, be prepared to elevate your drinking experience (literally!) to a whole new level. Marvel at the stunning skyline, sip on inventive concoctions, and let the lofty atmosphere wash away any worries of being mistaken for a flying superhero (cape not provided, unfortunately).
Learn more12. Naked For Satan
285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Welcome to Naked For Satan, a quirky and enticing spot nestled in the heart of Melbourne. This exciting bar and eatery offers a unique experience, dishing out delectable bites and tantalizing cocktails. With its vibrant and offbeat atmosphere, be prepared to embrace your inner exhibitionist (not literally!) and enjoy stunning panoramic views from the rooftop, giving you a unique perspective of the city skyline.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Melbourne, Australia by plane is to fly into Melbourne Airport (MEL) from your nearest major airport. Many airlines offer flights to Melbourne, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar.
Car
To drive to Melbourne, you can take the Hume Highway from Sydney or the Eastern Freeway from Adelaide. The journey can take anywhere from 8-10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train that runs to Melbourne from any other country or state. However, you can take a train from Sydney or Adelaide to Melbourne, which is a scenic route that takes approximately 12-14 hours.
Boat
Unfortunately, there are no direct boat services that run to Melbourne from any other country or state. However, you can take a cruise from Sydney or Tasmania to Melbourne, which is a relaxing way to see the coast and take in the scenery along the way.
Bus
A cost-effective way to get to Melbourne is by bus. Greyhound Australia offers bus services from major cities such as Sydney, Adelaide, and Canberra to Melbourne. The bus stops at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne.