48-hours itinerary: Romance

Feel the love in Melbourne this summer, with romantic bars, alfresco dining on the water and seasonal menus. Linger over long lunches or a fine bottle of Victorian wine as the sun goes down. Head out on sunny afternoons for fashionable meanderings in Melbourne's laneways and inner-city neighbourhoods.

Friday night

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

Once you’re settled in, dress up and head out in the early evening. Meander down to the Yarra River and board your pick of floating dining experiences: the two-storey Yarra Botanica or delightful Afloat Melbourne. Toast the start of your weekend with a spritz, stay for snacks, or linger longer for a meal of seasonal Victorian produce as the city lights begin to twinkle. 

At Federation Square, Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero’s all-day affair Big Esso by Mabu Mabu is another enticing dining option to kick off your stay.

After dinner, wander riverside along the Southbank promenade. If you’ve dined early enough, catch Connection, featuring the most expansive tapestry of First Peoples' art ever assembled, at THE LUME. Or take your pre-booked seat at a show at the Arts Centre or elsewhere in the Southbank Arts Precinct.

Saturday morning

Breakfast in bed, then explore the latest blockbuster at NGV International. This summer, catch Triennial 2023, a powerful and moving snapshot of the world today featuring the work of 100 contemporary artists, designers and collectives. Grab a cute pic before the gallery's water wall, beneath the world's largest stained-glass ceiling or beside the NGV Architecture Commission's thought-provoking (This is) Air installation in the gallery's gardens.

Saturday afternoon

Take in Collins Street's picturesque 'Paris End'. Global fashion stores tempt with sleek shopfronts, as does designer retail and dining destination 80 Collins.

Tree-lined streets and alfresco cafes beckon as Melbourne's iconic trams trundle by. Head down to St. Collins Lane's collection of boutiques and stop off at historic Block Arcade. Back on Collins Street, 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 matinée theatre show or musical on stage in Melbourne's East End: book ahead for Elvis: A Musical Revolution, Grease the Musical and Groundhog Day the Musical. 

Trade light-hearted critiques and share your favourite moments over an alfresco rooftop drink at HER Melbourne or Farmer's Daughters.

Saturday night

Treat your palate at Melbourne's finest restaurants. Book a date with romance at Society, or slip into an intimate booth at Gimlet. Try exquisite modern Japanese at Kisume, or dine on chef's-hatted Mediterranean fare at rooftop Fable.

Care for something casual? Tuck into fresh Mexican with a zesty margarita at laneway Tres a Cinco, or head to multi-level Dom's for pizza and good-times cheer. Up late? Head to Bar Margaux or much-lauded Embla for a nightcap.

Sunday morning

Early riser? Watch a vivid pink sunrise along the Yarra, take to the sky in a hot-air balloon, or grab an espresso before a morning stroll along Birrarung Marr to get things started.

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 in a short hop north to creative Fitzroy. Pick out a Melbourne-made keepsake at Rose St. Artists' Market, then refuel with superior caffeine at Industry Beans.

Soak up some ancient wisdom as you lie back at Sense of Self Bathhouse. Stop off at Marion or Archie's All Day afterwards to lock eyes over a perfect drop and tasty snacks.

Sunday night

Stay close by for a fancy cocktail at March on Collingwood's Smith Street, followed by dinner at Cutler & Co on Gertrude Street. 

Or make your way to leafy Carlton as the sun dips and the light turns golden. For a relaxed vibe, share authentic wood-fired pizza at D.O.C. Then seek dessert on Lygon Street: split your affections between gelato at Pidapipo and a cheese board at Milk the Cow. Top it off with a rooftop drink at Johnny's Green Room for romantic city views.