A weekend trip is a fun way to get to know a new place, especially if that trip is to a great city like Melbourne. From climbing to the top of the Eureka Skydeck to eating at fine restaurants—and of course, staying in seriously cool digs—the only question is, how will you see it all? We’ve put together a list of the best places to eat, play and stay in Melbourne, so you can see the highlights in just 48 hours.

Eat

Dinner by Heston

Chef Heston takes dishes inspired by medieval Britain and brings them into the present—and the future—at this innovative Southbank restaurant. This is just about the only place we’d recommend you try dishes with names like  “Meat Fruit” or “Rice & Flesh”. For dessert, just wait for the liquid-nitrogen ice cream trolley to come ‘round. It’s dinner and a show!

The Meat and Wine Company

Photo via Yelp/The Meat & Wine Co

Also located in the awesome neighbourhood of Southbank, this steakhouse is a cut above. They even have their own exclusive line of steak. Start off with a wagyu bresaola charcuterie board and then top it off with chili lime pork belly. And just wait until you get a look at the wine list—it’s liquid silk in bottles.

Waterfront Southgate

Photo via Yelp/Nathan F. 

There’s no shortage of fantastic seafood joints in this city, and Waterfront Southgate is one of the best. Get yourself some sushi rolls, a king prawn cocktail or a dozen oysters from the raw bar. We’re getting hungry just writing about it, and it gets better. Whether you dine on the patio or with sweeping views of the Yarra River, the atmosphere can’t be beat.

Stay

The Langham

Photo via Flickr/Roderick Eime

If you’re looking to live in the lap of luxury during your holiday, look no further than The Langham. Enjoy the skyline views from your very own terrace or go all out in the Chairman Suite, where you’ll have a separate office and second bedroom. When it comes time to treat yourself like a king or queen, a few hours at the Chuan Spa will do the trick.

Citadines on Bourke

Citadines on Bourke is a fully serviced apartment hotel in the CBD that’s the perfect place to call home for the duration of your holiday. The amenities include a fully-equipped gym, a business corner with free Wi-Fi, a sauna and an indoor heated pool. What more could you ask for?

Rendezvous Hotel

After you wake up in your Heritage Suite at Rendezvous Hotel, go for an early morning walk along the Yarra River. Head back to the hotel and take a dip in the pool or enjoy a delicious breakfast from the on-site restaurant. Now you’re ready to start the day.

Play

Eureka Skydeck

Photo via Flickr/Tourism Victoria

Wandering the streets of downtown Melbourne is great, but wait until you see the city from 285m high. The Eureka Skydeck occupies the entire 88th floor of the Eureka Tower and is the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere. If you feel adventurous—or want to cure your fear of heights—venture into The Edge, a glass cube that sticks out 3m from the building. You can have dinner here, too, at Eureka 89. Just make sure you have a reservation, because this is one popular place.

National Gallery of Victoria

As you can tell from the array of fine dining options, Melbourne appreciates the finer things in life—and that includes art. At the National Gallery, the wall of Aboriginal shields and the world’s largest stained-glass ceiling are two things you must check out in addition to the rotating exhibitions.

Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens

These spectacular gardens are perfect for an afternoon adventure—and they’re free! You’ll feel like you’re back in the Jurassic period after a stroll through the Fern Gully. If you need to get in your morning workout, go for a run around ‘The Tan’, which runs in an 8km circle around the gardens and King’s Domain.

Now that you’ve got your weekend agenda in Melbourne all squared away, there’s really not much else left to do except pack up and go! See you there.

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