48-hours itinerary: Romance

Friday night

Treat yourselves to a stay at the Sofitel for a weekend of quality indulgence. With chic rooms, spa suites and stunning city views, it's perfect for a romantic Melbourne getaway.

Settle in, dress up and head on out for the evening. 

With Collins Street on your doorstep, linger over drinks and dinner in Lillian's Euro-style brasserie, or stroll to Miss Mi for fresh flavours from Bangkok to Borneo.

Over on Southbank, for a pre-theatre sundowner and excellent set menu Italiano – a table at Fatto, with twinkling city views, is hard to beat.

After dinner, wander riverside along the Southbank promenade, catch Van Gogh's illuminated masterpieces at THE LUME, or take your seat at a show in the Southbank Arts Precinct.

Saturday morning

Breakfast in bed, then cross Federation Square to explore the latest artworks at the NGV International. Run your fingers through the gallery's waterwall and catch a kaleidoscope of colours as they fall to earth beneath the world's largest stained-glass ceiling.

Saturday afternoon

Take in the picturesque 'Paris End' of Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD. High-end fashion stores will tempt you in beyond sleek shopfronts and 80 Collins is one designer retail and dining destination you'll find hard to leave.

Tree-lined streets and warm cafes beckon as Melbourne's iconic trams trundle by. Head down to the St. Collins Lane collection of boutiques and stop off in the historic Block Arcade.

Follow your nose to emerge back on Collins Street, and admire all that glitters at Tiffany & Co. Enjoy modern Italian for lunch at award-winning Tipo 00, then pick sweets for your sweet at La Belle Miette, purveyor of divine macrons.

Collect your ticket for a matinee show in Melbourne's East End. Try a 2pm session for musical lovers and book ahead for the best seats.

Movie lover? Make an afternoon date with Kino Cinemas. Collect your prosecco, popcorn and tickets under the Sofitel.

Later, select an elegant Melbourne bar and critique the show. Cosy up over a glass of red at Bar Margaux, or ease into your evening upstairs at French Saloon bistro, gazing out over the terrace, as city lights flicker to life.

Saturday night

Treat your taste buds at one of Melbourne's finest restaurants. Book a date with romance at Society., Il Solito Posto or Lesa. Try exquisite modern Japanese restaurant Kisume, or opt for classic fine Italian fare at Grossi Florentino.

Up late? Head to HER BAR, basement wine bar Juliet, laneway cocktail den Arlechin, or the much lauded Embla – for a nightcap with a generous measure of romance.

Sunday morning

Early riser? Take in a neon pink sunrise along the Yarra and grab a morning pick-me-up at a top cafe.

Ready to impress? Roll out of bed and into a classic car, courtesy of d'Luxe Classic Car Tours. Let your driver show you the city's architectural icons, romantic parks and gardens, bayside boulevards and the best neighbourhood pockets. Stop off for coffee and fresh-baked croissants along the way.

Slept in? Linger over Sunday brunch at Higher Ground or Richmond-based sibling Top Paddock, then explore more of Melbourne's neighbourhoods.

Sunday afternoon

From the CBD, catch a tram a short hop north to bohemian Fitzroy. Pick out a Melbourne-made keepsake at Rose St. Artists Market, then refuel with superior caffeine at Industry Beans.

Practice self-care with a spa treatment or soak up some ancient wisdom in the bathing house at Sense of Self Bathhouse. Then take a short tram ride to Brunswick to explore colourful street art, galleries and hip cafes. Stop off at Marion or Archie's All Day, and lock eyes over a perfect drop and tasty snacks.

Sunday night

Stay close by for a fancy dinner at Congress, or make your way to leafy Carlton as the sun dips and the light turns golden.

For a relaxed, bustling vibe, share authentically rustic pizza at Carlton's Kaprica. Or pop into Neighbourhood Wine in Fitzroy North, for the kind of cosy, casual atmosphere that makes conversation flow easily.

Find dessert on Lygon Street and split your affections between gelateria Pidapipo and the cheese board at Milk the Cow. Top it off with a drink at the intimate Heart Attack & Vine.

Extra time

Got more time to spend in romantic Melbourne? Detour to South Melbourne for markets, cafes and boulangeries.

Brunch at The Crux & Co, then head to South Melbourne Market – alive with colourful locals, up to their elbows in an abundance of fresh produce.

Nearby The Kettle Black does a beaut breakfast with carefully crafted coffee. And Chez Dré bakes fresh bread and pastries to make you swoon.

As evening falls, head to the bayside suburb of Port Melbourne.

Pop into Clooney Kitchen and Bar for a great wine selection and a bite to eat from the mod-Oz-Asian menu. Or maybe a romantic booth seat and flickering fireplace sounds inviting? Book your spot at Ciao Cielo for rustic Italian dishes, served in fine surrounds.

On Wednesday evenings, rug up and rove past global street stalls and roaring fire pits, listening live music with drink in hand, at Queen Victoria Market' Winter Night Market.

A bevvy and some belly laughs are also on tap at Comedy Republic, Melbourne's bespoke comedy theatre.