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Most of the central city's dance clubs are along the King Street strip, or near the corner of Queen Street and Little Collins Street. Clubs usually open at 9 or 10 weekends and some weeknights, and stay open until the early-morning hours. Expect to pay a small cover at most clubs—between A$15 and A$20.
Tucked in behind the Wesley Church on Lonsdale Street, in a little bluestone cottage built in 1914, you'll find one of the world's best bars. Staff say it's “probably” Victoria’s smallest pub, but it packs an international punch in its slim-yet-perfect cocktail list of three classics, three house drinks, and a martini. You'll also find Guinness and a milk punch on the menu, as befits its British roots. Open from 4 pm until 1 am, it accepts walk-ins only.
Melbourne's best-loved live music venue is a great spot to see great rock bands, with live DJs, free entry until late, and a laid-back vibe.
Not only is this hallowed live music venue a great place to see local bands, but the Esplanade, or "Espy," is a historic pub—built in 1878—listed with the National Trust. Following a recent renovation, it has retained its iconic band room, and added a swag of new bar spaces and three restaurants including Mya Tiger for Cantonese cuisine, in vibrant, beautiful settings: grab a table on the terrace to be seen.
One of the city's best cocktail bars, the Everleigh also makes a perfect spot for couples, with dark lighting, soft tunes, and glamorous, 1920s decor. Expect hand-cut ice, fine spirits, and genuinely expert bartenders.
Reminiscent of Hollywood's golden era, Gin Palace is one of Australia's best gin bars, with knowledgeable staff and over 300 gins in the late-night laneway bar. There are more than enough types of martinis to satisfy any taste, and a brace of gin and tonics featuring Australian and international craft gins and exotic tonics.
Age-buffed leather sofas, cigars, and an exhaustive wine list characterize this classy, late-night club, serving drinks and snacks until 4 am. It's also home to Kafeneion, dishing up exemplary Greek taverna cuisine (Melbourne has a large Greek population). Continue upstairs to the rooftop terrace bar Siglo, which overlooks the neoclassic architecture of Victoria's state parliament building.
This sophisticated cocktail bar on the 35th floor of the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins has spectacular views—the best are from the bathrooms. A great place to start or end an evening at one of the nearby theaters.
This comedy club is a good place for a laugh, with a light dinner and snacks menu available.
Located in a lofty warehouse-style space with exposed ceiling pipes and a balcony, Cookie focuses on domestic and international craft beer and great Thai food. It's on Level 1 in Curtin House—slip up to The Toff in Town on Level 2 for a postmeal cocktail in the art deco train carriage bar.
One of the city's best known live music venues, the Corner Hotel presents alternative, reggae, rock, blues, and jazz gigs with an emphasis on homegrown bands. Tasty pub meals can be had on the rooftop beer garden for a pre-gig dinner.
Welcoming and sophisticated, Embla is a throwback to and an improvement on Melbourne's original small bar scene. An accessible but often obscure wine list is accompanied by exciting gourmet snacks from the wood-fired oven that are cooked to perfection.
This popular live music venue is known for local and lesser-known international rock bands, and as a stand-up venue during the International Comedy Festival.
One of the oldest pubs in town, pulling pints since 1868, locals love the unpretentious vibe of this British-style establishment in the city's financial district. It's especially popular with nine-to-fivers who like an after-work guest beer in the beer garden, or dinner in The Steakhouse upstairs.
Bands and DJs play Afro-Cuban and disco dance music here Thursday to Saturday evening, and the Latin big band and salsa classes on Sunday night are legendary.
This grand theater first opened in 1927 and is the largest seated theater in Australia. It features live music, festival openings, dance, comedy, and concerts by Australian and international acts.
Mix with colorful and quirky clientele in an equally fun 1920s design with red-velvet lounges, gilt mirrors, and chandeliers. Also enjoy a traditional or contemporary cocktail—there are 55 concoctions to choose from.
For rock and roll, punk, and grunge, head to the Prince Bandroom, which opened in 1950 in the Prince of Wales hotel, which attracts a straight and gay crowd. Ticket prices vary widely, depending on the gig.
Most nights of the week, for the past few decades, this great pub located down a backstreet has been showcasing local acts. There's also a great range of craft beers available, which you can enjoy in the beer garden during the warmer months. Established in 1869, this neighborhood pub has budget steak nights on top of its regular menu, and over 100 beers for you to work your way through.
This expansive pub has local bands performing music most nights of the week, from Afro-Cuban jazz to Arabic or Big Band. It also has one of the city's best beer gardens, regular quiz nights, and a secret cocktail bar upstairs.
This Melbourne institution caters predominantly to young partygoers. Its early-morning recovery sessions—a time for revelers around town to keep on partying round the clock—are especially popular.
A shipping container located in an old parking lot in Chinatown, set in a laneway filled with street art, Section 8 is all things Melbourne. The reliably trendy bar is popular with the artsy student crowd enjoying a drink (and maybe a dance) in this mostly outdoor bar.
This family-friendly pub showcases local music on weekends. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming, with a menu featuring solid pub fare, including bangers and mash and chicken parm, with options for kids and vegans. It's filled out with a surprisingly varied wine list, including several stand-out Victorian favorites.
