The top things to do at night in Melbourne for unforgettable fun, food, and city lights
While Melbourne doesn’t have as cool of a nickname as “the city that never sleeps,” you can’t deny that it’s teeming with one-of-a-kind experiences to enjoy at sundown.
If you were to ask me, my favorite is going to a hidden bar.
During my recent discovery of an underground speakeasy, I was greeted by candlelit booths and a bartender who mixed drinks like a magician. By the end of the night, I swore she’d actually pulled off a magic trick!
Beyond the bar scene, you’re also in for a fantastic evening with night markets, live music venues, and scenic city views.
This guide will help you find what makes Melbourne so irresistible after sundown. It includes everything from comedy shows and ghost tours to riverside dining with breathtaking skyline backdrops.
– Media credit: beneathdriverlane
Website: http://driverlanebar.com/
Address: Shop/3 Little Bourke St
Email: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 1 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 6 PM to 12 AM
Beneath Driver Lane offers a moody, underground escape in the heart of Melbourne. It’s perfect for those who appreciate fine drinks, live music, and late-night dining.
The dim lighting, exposed brick walls, and vintage decor might just be the ideal formula for the ultimate intimate setting!
The cocktail menu is filled with inventive creations, including my favorite—the rich and silky Butter Me Up and the bold, smoky Penicillin.
Bartenders are skilled at personalizing drinks, making each visit a unique experience.
Whiskey lovers will also find an extensive selection of rare and premium bottles, ranging from smooth Japanese single malts to bold, peaty Scotches. The collection caters to both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers.
While sipping on drinks, live blues and jazz performances on select nights add to the bar’s timeless charm.
The late-night food menu also goes beyond the usual bar snacks, with comforting options like truffle mac & cheese and carefully curated charcuterie boards.
Pro tip:
Let the bartender surprise you! If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for an off-menu creation based on your favorite flavors. The staff here love crafting unique drinks just for you.
2. Savor a satisfying post-drink meal at Butcher’s Diner
– Media credit: butchersdiner
Website: http://www.butchersdiner.com/
Address: 10 Bourke St
Contact details: +613 9639 7324
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday: closed
Are you hungry after having one too many drinks? Then Butcher’s Diner’s late-night eats are here for you!
The menu goes beyond typical diner fare, making it a favorite among party night owls and early risers alike. I’m talking about juicy burgers, charcoal-grilled skewers, and house-made charcuterie.
But their cheeseburger has earned legendary status and a place in my heart. It has a smash-style patty that’s simple, juicy, and packed with flavor.
The steak sandwich is another standout, featuring top-quality beef, fresh bread, and perfectly balanced sauces.
With their stainless steel counters and neon lighting, Butcher’s burgers complete the old-school diner aesthetic.
Pro tip:
Although they may cost extra, don’t skip the sides! Their crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, and house-made pickles take your meal to the next level. Add a side or two—you won’t regret it!
3. Take in the city lights with a stroll along the Southbank Promenade
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Directions:
Southbank Promenade offers a perfect mix of city views, entertainment, and dining. Stretching along the Yarra River, this bustling precinct comes alive both day and night, drawing in locals and visitors alike.
While walking, you’ll be able to pass Crown Casino’s nightly fire show that adds a dramatic touch to the promenade, with giant fireballs lighting up the sky.
The good news is, it’s free to watch! It never fails to impress me whenever I walk along the promenade.
Dining options along Southbank also cater to every taste, from fresh seafood at Waterfront Southgate to modern Australian flavors at Pure South Dining.
If you’re thinking of getting a casual meal or a special night out, the riverside setting makes it even more enjoyable.
Pro tip:
I suggest you walk from Flinders Street Station all the way to the end of the promenade. The best way to experience Southbank is by crossing the Evan Walker Bridge from Flinders Street Station. The view as you step onto the promenade is unbeatable.
4. Watch a comedy show at the Comic’s Lounge
– Media credit: bridalexposaus
Website: https://www.thecomicslounge.com.au/
Address: 1/26 Errol St
Contact details: +613 9348 9488
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 5 PM | 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 5 PM | 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
If you’re in need of quick laughs after exploring Melbourne at night, Comic’s Lounge is the go-to spot for exactly that.
This beloved comedy club delivers top-tier entertainment with a mix of seasoned pros and fresh talent taking the stage. Regulars include some of Australia’s biggest names, like Dave Hughes, Tommy Little, and Fiona O’Loughlin.
New material is also always in the mix, keeping every show fresh and unpredictable.
There are surprise international acts too that add to the excitement, like Arj Barker, Jim Jefferies, and Russell Peters.
But out of all its pros, the lounge’s dinner-and-show combo with pub-style meals, like burgers and parmas, is the aspect that made me into a regular visitor.
Audiences can also expect an open mic night. If you are up for it, you can join fellow brave newcomers testing their stand-up skills!
The mix of raw talent and unexpected hilarity keeps the crowd engaged, making it a must-see for comedy lovers.
Pro tip:
Because of the lounge’s popularity, people will try to get the best seat. So, I recommend that you arrive early for the best seats. Seating is first come, first served. Plus, you can order food and drinks before the show starts by getting there early.
5. Enjoy a rooftop movie night at the Rooftop Cinema
– Media credit: rooftopcinema
Website: http://rooftopcinema.com.au/
Address: 252 Swanston St
Contact details: +613 9654 5394
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM to 8 PM
Perched high above the city, this open-air cinema combines stunning skyline views with a relaxed, fun atmosphere. As the sun sets and the neon lights come to life, the setting becomes pure magic.
And—they have a well-stocked rooftop bar! I can confidently say that the cocktails, craft beers, and wine they offer make the pre-movie wait even better.
Sipping a cold drink with the summer breeze sets the perfect mood for the night ahead.
Their seating makes the difference for me, with comfy deck chairs replacing standard cinema seats. Movie snacks go beyond the usual popcorn as well, thanks to the Rooftop Burger Shack, offering juicy burgers and other tasty bites!
With the combination of great food, a cozy setup, and a city view, the Rooftop Cinema turns simple film watching into something unforgettable.
Pro tip:
I suggest that you bring an extra jacket or blanket in case the temperature drops—Melbourne nights can be unpredictable, even in summer.
6. Join a nighttime ghost tour with Lantern Ghosts Tours
– Media credit: lantern_ghosttours
Website: https://www.lanternghosttours.com/
Address: 12/16 Parker St, Williamstown
Contact details: +61 1300 390 119
Operating hours: Open 24/7
Lantern Ghost Tours offers a spine-chilling way to experience Melbourne after dark.
The tour company has guided walking tours that lead through hidden alleyways and eerie historic sites, where you’ll learn about unsettling events that once unfolded there.
One of the most unforgettable stops I went to is the Old Melbourne Gaol, a place that once held notorious criminals like Ned Kelly. The building’s dimly lit cells sent a chill down my spine while the tour guide explained its gory history.
For those seeking an even darker experience, the Pentridge Prison tour takes you inside an abandoned jail where paranormal activity has been reported. This one isn’t for the faint-hearted!
The tours go beyond ghost stories, diving deep into Melbourne’s grim past.
Some guests have even captured strange orbs and shadowy figures in their photos. So, be careful—your camera might just reveal something unexpected!
Pro tip:
Keep an open mind and don’t freak out! If you believe in ghosts or not, just soak up the stories and the vibe. And if something feels a little spooky, well, that just makes it more fun!
7. Bathe in a Japanese bath under the moonlight at the Sense of Self Bathhouse
– Media credit: sos.senseofself
Website: http://www.sos-senseofself.com/
Address: 30-32 Easey St, Collingwood
Contact details: +613 9917 5412
Operating hours:
- Monday – 10 AM to 9:45 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 7 AM to 9:45 PM
A modern approach to relaxation can be found in Sense of Self Bathhouse—right at the heart of Melbourne.
The heated mineral pool is the main attraction, providing a soothing place to float and let the warm water ease muscle tension.
I go to Sense of Self just for their Finnish sauna! It offers a dry heat experience that detoxifies and improves circulation.
For those feeling adventurous, the cold plunge pool delivers an invigorating shock that boosts energy and reduces inflammation.
Additionally, their full-body massages take relaxation to another level, with every knead from the masseuse releasing any built-up stress and tension on your body.
After a treatment or heat session, the relaxation lounge provides the perfect spot to unwind. They even offer you a warm herbal tea to make the experience even more calming.
Pro tip:
Plan ahead, especially on weekends! This place gets busy, and spots fill up fast. Booking early means you’ll lock in your ideal time.
8. Admire Melbourne’s nighttime skyline from Eureka Skydeck
– Media credit: melbourneskydeck
Website: https://www.melbourneskydeck.com.au/
Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank
Contact details: +613 9693 8888
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 PM to 10 PM
Perched on the 88th floor of the iconic Eureka Tower, this observation deck offers unmatched panoramic views of the city, the bay, and even distant mountain ranges on a clear day.
The experience is both thrilling and breathtaking, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush like me, I suggest taking a spin on the Edge. Its glass cube that extends out from the tower, providing a heart-pounding, all-around view of the city below—not for the faint-hearted!
Alternatively, the VR Plank Experience offers a virtual reality challenge where participants “walk the plank” over Melbourne’s skyline, adding a fun and slightly terrifying test of bravery.
Visitors can use high-powered binoculars to spot Melbourne’s landmarks, such as the MCG, Federation Square, and the winding Yarra River.
And as a cherry on top, the floor-to-ceiling windows provide the perfect backdrop for stunning cityscape photos. I’m sure that any sky-high selfie you take here will garner that Instagram-worthy pic.
Pro tip:
I suggest you visit at golden hour. Arriving an hour before sunset gives you the best of both worlds, with daylight views and the sparkling city at night.
9. Cruise the Yarra River on a night boat tour by Melbourne River Cruises
– Media credit: melbournerivercruises
Website: https://www.melbourneskydeck.com.au/
Address: Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank
Contact details: +613 8610 2600
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM to 3 PM
Melbourne River Cruises offers a relaxing and scenic way to round up your city night adventure.
Drifting along the Yarra River, these cruises provide a fresh perspective of Melbourne, revealing both the iconic Southbank skyline and hidden pockets of greenery.
As the boat glides along the river, passengers can enjoy some of the best views of the city’s modern and historic architecture.
Their on board commentary is my favorite part of the cruise. It offers interesting insights into the city’s rich history, famous bridges, and notable buildings.
And for those looking to elevate the experience, dinner cruises are available. These options provide a chance to enjoy delicious food and wine while taking in the sights, all in a relaxed atmosphere.
Pro tip:
Many cruises in Melbourne leave from central spots close to other cool places. So, I suggest that you combine your cruise with other activities and check out nearby attractions like the Royal Botanic Gardens or Federation Square.
It’s a great way to make the most of your time in the city.