Summer weekend

Friday night

Kick off the summer fun at Hosier Lane's Mexican cantina Tres a Cinco, or grab a pew with a CBD view for sunset cocktails at Goldilocks Rooftop Bar.

Toe-tap your way on to Melbourne's Regent Theatre for a hit show, including the musical & Juliet from February 2023 – think Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet with a major plot twist.

After the curtain falls, keep the summer vibes going at Arbory Afloat. This year's theme takes inspiration from Spain's flamboyant Balearic Islands – Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca – with a menu of tasty tapas and colourful cocktails.

With the weekend ahead, packed full of urban adventures, stay close bay and dream of tomorrow at Quincy Melbourne on Flinders Street.

Saturday morning

Start your day with brunch at Mabu Mabu's Big Esso in Federation Square. Help yourself to big and small sized share plates of seasonal produce, which incorporate incredible native flavours.

Wander across Princes Bridge to the NGV to see Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse, an exhibition exploring the progressive work of the late British fashion designer. But if sport's more your game, check out the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG, celebrating sporting greats and our most popular games.

Mad for cricket? The Boxing Day Test takes place at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds from the 26 to 30 December.

Saturday afternoon

Perhaps pack a picnic, hop in a GoBoat and cruise down the Yarra to see Melbourne riverside on a balmy summer afternoon.

Or head to Melbourne's sports precinct to explore AO Beach House. Watch the tennis action play out on the big screen from your own deckchair, or show off your skills on the sandy beach tennis court.

Saturday night

See in sunset with a summery cocktail and seafood fare at the AO, or grab a seat at a match. Alternatively, top off the night at HER ROOFTOP bar, where the terrace is open until 1am.

Sunday morning

Break your fast at Queen Victoria Market (QVM), fuel up on fresh coffee and pastries before a browse through specialty produce and gifts. Change pace and jump on a tram to Fitzroy. Wander through quiet, cobbled backstreets to check out the wares at popular Rose St. Artists' Market.

Cricket lovers should set the day aside for the unmissable summer highlight matches at the iconic MCG.

Sunday afternoon

Treat yourself to a stylish Sunday lunch at Victoria by Farmer's Daughters and maybe an early cocktail on the terrace. Take your tastebuds on a culinary adventure to regional Victoria without leaving Melbourne's CBD.  

Wander through the afternoon by foot, on a stroll around the leafy pathways and themed outdoor spaces at the Royal Botanical Gardens. If you have a head for heights, stop off along Southbank instead for 360-degree sky-high views from Melbourne Skydeck. Test your nerves and step out on the Edge, in a glass pod suspended almost 300 metres over Melbourne streets.

Sunday night

Reward yourself at The Espy with a beachside meal and some top local bands. Explore the five levels and three live-music stages of this much-loved and revamped pub on St Kilda's esplanade.