Melbourne is famous for its nights, with a mix of cultures and options for all-night people. From live music venues to intimate cocktail bars, Melbourne’s nightlife is legendary for its variety and vibe. Whether you’re after classic cocktails, craft beer or dancing to electronic music, this guide will take you to the best places for an epic night out in Melbourne. And if you want a stress-free way to see the city after dark, join one of the many Melbourne nightlife tours where local guides take you to the best bars, laneway secrets and iconic clubs. Whether you’re a first timer or a local, Melbourne tours will add an extra layer of fun to your night out and make sure you hit the best of the city.
Contents
Melbourne’s Nightlife
Melbourne’s nightlife is a mix of music venues, cocktail bars and night clubs for all. Whether you’re wandering the boutique bars of Brunswick Street or the hip spots along Flinders Lane, Melbourne’s nightlife means there’s always a popular place to relax, dance or just have a drink.
Best Bars in Melbourne
Rooftop Bars with Views
If you want a drink with a view, Melbourne’s rooftop bars are the place to sip craft cocktails and take in the views. Here are a few:
- Naked for Satan on Brunswick St, eclectic vibe, signature cocktails and tapas. The rooftop looks out over the streets below, perfect for a night with friends.
- The Emerson Rooftop, a stylish spot for a night out, classic cocktails and craft beer with views.
Laneway Bars
Melbourne’s laneway bars are legendary for their charm, tucked away in secret spots, serving creative cocktails and experiences:
- Bar Margaux on Flinders Lane is French bistro chic, impressive cocktail menu and lively.
- Bar Ampere on Russell Place mixes experimental cocktails with a relaxed vibe, surrounded by greenery and art.
Dive Bars for a Chill Out
For a more low key night, Melbourne’s dive bars are the place:
- Section 8: A dive bar in a shipping container, graffiti walls and a busy beer garden.
- Baby Snakes, the new kid on Swanston St, relaxed vibes and great tunes and craft beer.
Melbourne’s Best Nightclubs
Iconic Clubs to Dance the Night Away
Melbourne’s clubs are famous for their nightlife. Here are a few to visit:
- Revolver Upstairs: Never ending parties and late night tunes, Revolver is a Chapel Street institution for those who love electronic and house music.
- Club Retro: In City East, this retro night club is the place to go for retro hits, multiple dance floors and a party crowd.
- Angel Music Bar: A stylish venue in Liverpool Street with a diverse crowd and top DJs and music.
Boutique Clubs for Unique Experiences
If you want a more intimate vibe, Melbourne’s independent bars are the alternative to the big clubs:
- Music Room: Eclectic music and a curated soundtrack for those who want to get lost in the beats.
- The Toff in Town: A Brunswick Street institution, live music early and then a dance floor with indie and electronic tunes.
Unique Nightlife Experiences in Melbourne
Jazz Bars for a Laid-Back Evening
If live music and a relaxed vibe is more your thing, Melbourne’s jazz scene will not disappoint:
- Bird’s Basement: One of the city’s best jazz clubs, world class performances in a intimate setting.
- Paris Cat Jazz Club: Hidden away in a laneway, this atmospheric venue has top notch jazz in a cabaret style room.
- The Jazzlab: For the true jazz die hards, everything from traditional to experimental jazz.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Nightlife
Melbourne is famous for its nightlife and has many LGBTQ+ friendly venues:
- Poof Doof: One of the city’s biggest LGBTQ+ nightclubs, Poof Doof has drag shows, DJs and themed nights.
- The 86: On Smith Street, The 86 has drag, cabaret and comedy nights. A local favourite in the LGBTQ+ community.
- Sircuit: A chill venue with a warm atmosphere, Sircuit is the place to go for a quiet drink or a night out dancing in the LGBTQ+ scene.
Late-Night Dining Options
Grab a Late Bite in Melbourne
What’s a night out without a late night snack? Luckily Melbourne has plenty of options to feed your post party cravings:
- Chin Chin: One of Melbourne’s most popular restaurants has late night dining with a menu of Southeast Asian goodness.
- Stalactites: 24-hour Greek restaurant on Lonsdale Street, Stalactites is the place to go for souvlakis and gyros after a night out.
- Taco Truck: Melbourne’s famous Taco Truck pops up around the city. Perfect for a quick bite before bed.
Dress Code and Entry Fees
Some of the fancier clubs and bars have dress codes so come prepared. Entry fees vary but many places offer free entry before a certain time, especially mid week.
Public Transport
Melbourne’s public transport is easy to get around at night. Trams and trains run till midnight but the Night Network has after midnight options on weekends. Taxis and Uber are also available.
Drink Responsibly
Drink responsibly! Melbourne has a strict ID policy and most venues require ID for entry. Stay hydrated, pace yourself and plan your way home.
Conclusion
Melbourne’s nightlife is unbeatable with so many options to choose from, whether you want signature cocktails at a cocktail bar, live music at an institution music venue or dancing the night away at a club like Revolver Upstairs. The city has a night owl for every type of night owl so you’ll have an Aussie night to remember in the cultural capital.
FAQs
Where are the best bars for creative cocktails?
Black Pearl, Bar Margaux and Boilermaker House are some of the top spots for creative cocktails and vibe.
Where can I find live music in Melbourne?
Angel Music Bar, The Night Cat and Music Room are top music venues with live music across many genres.
Are there late night food options in Melbourne?
Yes! Stalactites on Swanston St or Boilermaker House on Bourke St for a bite after a night out.
What’s the dress code for nightclubs?
Many of Melbourne’s clubs, especially along Collins St and Chapel St, have a smart casual dress code. Dress up a bit for the fancier venues.
Where is the best area for nightlife?
Brunswick St, Chapel St and Flinders Lane are the top streets with bars, clubs and live music venues each with a different vibe for a great night out.
