Free Spirit Travel · Melbourne

Where to Stay in Melbourne

If you’re deciding where to stay in Melbourne, picture the evening you want. The CBD puts the laneways on your doorstep. Southbank gives you the river, and Fitzroy is where I’d look for a late gig and a good coffee the next morning.

Back to the Neighborhood Finder Find my Melbourne neighbourhood

Rob’s quick picks

Start in the CBD for a first visit, Southbank for the arts precinct, or Carlton if museums and a quieter side street appeal.

CBD · Southbank · Carlton · Fitzroy

Four Melbourne neighbourhoods compared

CBD

Best for · A first visit with trams and laneways

Stay near Flinders Street for the river and laneways. If you’re arriving at Southern Cross with luggage, compare the walk from the station before you book.

Worth knowing · Check street and tram noise if you’re booking directly on a main road.

Southbank

Best for · Arts venues and riverside walks

Stay towards the arts precinct if the National Gallery of Victoria is on your list. You’ll also have riverside walks along the Yarra close by.

Worth knowing · Check your nearest bridge if most of your plans are on the city side.

Carlton

Best for · Museums and relaxed meals

Look for a side street off Lygon Street if you want restaurants nearby and a quieter room. Check the walk to Melbourne Museum and your nearest tram stop.

Worth knowing · Check evening tram options if you’ll be getting back late.

Fitzroy

Best for · Independent shops, bars and cafés

Brunswick and Gertrude streets make a good base for browsing and eating out. Pick Gertrude Street for easier access towards Carlton Gardens, or look near Brunswick Street if evenings in Fitzroy are the point of the stay.

Worth knowing · Choose a side street if you want to sleep before the bars close.

Melbourne neighbourhood FAQs

Is Southbank handy for the CBD?

Yes, especially near a pedestrian crossing of the Yarra. Southbank stretches along the river, so check the route from your hotel to the part of the CBD you want.

Can I use the Free Tram Zone from any of these areas?

Check the current map before boarding. The zone covers the central grid and extends to some nearby stops. Trips beyond the boundary need the applicable fare.

Next step

Pick the two things that matter most to you and compare the areas the Finder brings up.

Shortlist Melbourne neighbourhoods Back to the Neighborhood Finder

Melbourne visitor information

Planning a wider trip? Explore the Australia travel guide.