Destinations After Dark

Melbourne has turned being served a drink into an art form, with thousands of bars located in laneways, basements, rooftops, and stylish venues throughout the city.

Order a glass of Crown's own brew at its new bar and beer garden, Lagerfield. Nearby Lumia is a sophisticated cocktail bar as well as private function room decorated in Balinese-inspired decor.

The Long Room bar, located in the iconic George's Building, is a series of intimate corners and ornate alcoves and features an authentic Japanese sushi bar and European Tapas-style deli.

Slip into the warm glow of The Amberoom at the Royce Hotel, a stylish bar with a shimmering beaded curtain wall set against dark floors, walls and ceilings.

Hidden Bars

Set out to explore Melbourne's laneways and discover one of the city's eclectic bars for a memorable evening. The exotic Spice Market is tucked away in the basement of the 5-star Grand Hyatt Melbourne hotel on Russell Street.

For a sophisticated drink accompanied by a Middle Eastern-inspired menu, try The Deanery, hidden down Bligh Place in an architecturally converted car park.

Friendly Pubs

Good food and music, quiz nights and friendly crowds can be found at pubs around the edges of the city in Windsor, South Melbourne, Richmond and Fitzroy. If beer is your drink, look out for local brews on tap - there are more than 30 independent craft breweries throughout Victoria.

Rooftop

Year-round, Melbourne heads up to rooftop bars for drinks and city views. The Red Hummingbird has a rooftop bar with a Bali-style pagoda designed for all seasons. Sister venue, the elegant Emerald Peacock, has a lounge, retro dining room, cocktail bar and rooftop space with city views. Through the red door and up several flights of stairs, The Order of Melbourne is a loft-style bar that serves fabulous cocktails.

Open Air

Every summer fans flock to see new releases and their favourite films at open-air cinemas around the city. Claim a deck chair six storeys up at the Curtin House Rooftop Cinema, find a spot on the sweeping lawns of the Royal Botanic Gardens for the Fiesta Moonlight Cinema, or by the water on the rooftop of the iconic St Kilda Sea Baths at the St Kilda Open Air Cinema.

The Music Scene

Melbourne's dynamic local live music scene is supported by appreciative audiences who line up every night of the week to see their favourite bands at city venues and pubs. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is an annual event featuring great musicians from around the world, whilst dance fans head to clubs in Prahran, South Yarra, St Kilda and Richmond.