Melbourne has a knack for exceeding expectations. From its renowned coffee culture and lush green spaces to vibrant markets, diverse dining options and a fervent love for sport, Melbourne doesn’t just meet the bar, it raises it.
With AIME 2025 bringing together the global business events, incentives and meetings industry to Melbourne from 10-12 February it’s the perfect time to experience the city at its best.
Here’s your guide to seeing, sipping, eating and wandering Melbourne like a local.
Start your day in one of Melbourne’s lively markets. Queen Victoria Market, a Melbourne institution since 1878, is a must-visit. Browse the Dairy Produce Hall for free cheese and deli samples, or join the queue at the American Doughnut Kitchen for its iconic hot jam doughnuts. At South Melbourne Market, enjoy freshly shucked oysters by the dozen, or explore Preston Market for a truly multicultural spread.
Just a stone’s throw from the CBD, the Royal Botanic Gardens offers a peaceful retreat with its sweeping lawns and tranquil lakes. For those looking to stretch their legs, a riverside jog along ‘The Tan’ is a morning ritual for many Melburnians, or you can settle in for an evening at the Moonlight Cinema, where films are screened under the stars until early March.
For art lovers, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is home to an impressive collection of art spanning centuries and styles, and entry is free. But Melbourne doesn’t reserve its creativity for galleries alone. The city’s laneways are open-air art galleries with ever-changing street murals, particularly along Hosier Lane. Over at Degraves Street, the buzz of diners sipping specialty coffee fills the air.
In Melbourne, coffee is a religion. From the iconic Patricia in the CBD to Code Black’s industrial warehouse in Brunswick, each spot has its own unique flavour, so hop around and discover your perfect brew.
When it comes to dining, Melbourne has every craving covered. Carlton’s Lygon Street is an Italian food mecca, while Richmond’s Victoria Street is a haven for Vietnamese cuisine. Chapel Street in Windsor is alive with modern Asian eateries, and Flinders Lane is home to fine dining and pre-theatre favourites.
As for the bar scene, Melbourne has it all, from intimate hideaways to lively rooftop spots. Eau de Vie is a speakeasy straight out of a film noir, with cocktails that are as much performance art as they are drinks. For a drink with a view, the aptly named Rooftop Bar at Curtain House is a walk-in-only favourite with locals and city workers.
Getting around Melbourne is a breeze. The CBD is covered by a free tram zone, and for exploring beyond, a Myki card gives you access to the city’s comprehensive network of trains, trams and buses.
Whether you’re gearing up for AIME 2025 or soaking in Melbourne’s vibrant offerings post-event, this city is a playground for the curious and the perfect backdrop for both business and adventure.
For more info on AIME 2025, visit aime.com.au
