Best Restaurants Near Melbourne Airport — Eat Like a Local
Melbourne guide: real food walking/short-cab from airport. Real, specific, no fluff.
Arriving in Melbourne: A Foodie's Guide from Melbourne Airport
As you step off the plane at Melbourne Airport, you're just a short distance from the city's vibrant food scene. With a range of neighborhoods to explore, you can grab a quick bite at a local eatery or head straight to your accommodation for a leisurely breakfast. In this article, we'll take you through the best places to eat and drink near the airport, as well as some of Melbourne's top neighborhoods to explore.
Food and Drink from the Airport
While Melbourne Airport itself may not have a huge range of dining options, you can still find some great places to eat and drink before you head into the city. Here are a few recommendations:
- The Travellers Bar, located in the airport, offers a range of Australian beers and wines, as well as a selection of pub-style meals.
- For a more substantial meal, try the airport's International Terminal, where you'll find a range of restaurants, including Japanese, Italian, and Indian options.
- If you're looking for something quick and easy, there are also a range of cafes and convenience stores throughout the airport.
Short-Cab Ride to the City
Once you've grabbed a bite to eat, it's time to head into the city. The journey from Melbourne Airport to the city center takes around 30-40 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
You can grab a taxi from the airport's taxi rank, or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. The cost of a taxi from the airport to the city center is around AUD $40-50, depending on traffic and the time of day.
Exploring Melbourne's Neighborhoods
Melbourne is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Here are a few of our top recommendations:
The Docklands
The Docklands is a waterfront precinct located on the city's northwest edge. It's home to a range of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as a few shops and entertainment options. You can grab a seat at a restaurant like The Boatbuilders or The Dock, or take a stroll along the waterfront.
Southbank
Southbank is a vibrant neighborhood located on the city's south bank of the Yarra River. It's home to a range of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as a few shops and entertainment options. You can grab a seat at a restaurant like The Riverland or The Boatbuilders, or take a stroll along the river.
Carlton
Carlton is a charming neighborhood located just north of the city center. It's home to a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as a few historic buildings and landmarks. You can grab a seat at a restaurant like Carlton Wine Room or The Carlton Wine Bar, or take a stroll through the neighborhood.
What to Avoid
While Melbourne is a great city to explore, there are a few areas that you might want to avoid. Here are a few of our top recommendations:
- The city's central business district can be quite busy and chaotic, especially during peak hour.
- The area around the Queen Victoria Market can be quite crowded and noisy, especially on weekends.
- The city's southern suburbs can be quite rough around the edges, especially at night.
Getting Around Melbourne
Melbourne is a walkable city, and you can easily get around on foot. However, there are also a range of public transportation options available, including trams, buses, and trains.
You can buy a Myki card, which is Melbourne's public transportation card, at most newsagents or convenience stores. The cost of a single fare is around AUD $4-6, depending on the time of day and the distance you're traveling.
Final Tips and Recommendations
Before you head to Melbourne, here are a few final tips and recommendations:
- Make sure to try some of Melbourne's famous coffee – it's some of the best in the world!
- Take a stroll along the Yarra River and enjoy the city's scenic views.
- Explore some of Melbourne's many neighborhoods and discover their unique character and charm.
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