There are a few guarantees when you’re staying in Melbourne: a coffee culture that’s second to none, live music and entertainment in world-class performance venues and theatres, a thriving art scene that showcases top artists from around the world, and some of the country’s best places to eat and drink.
But where you stay will also make a big difference: inner-north suburbs like Fitzroy, Brunswick and Carlton have a reputation for attracting free spirits, resulting in main streets filled with character. St Kilda, Armadale and other neighbourhoods in the inner south, meanwhile, put you closer to the beach and Royal Botanic Gardens, as well as the famed Chapel Street for shopping and nightlife.
There’s the CBD too, which puts you in close proximity to some of Melbourne’s major attractions and institutions. Or you can escape the bustle of the city and find yourself in the bush (without really leaving Melbourne) by taking a 40-minute drive to a haven surrounded by nature.
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SIGN UPWherever you end up, you’ll have a great time. Here are some of our favourite Airbnbs in Melbourne, whether you’re checking in as a first-timer to the city, a returning visitor or a local wanting to explore more of what the city has to offer.
Napier Quarter, Fitzroy
One of Melbourne’s best wine bars is also home to one of its most stylish Airbnbs. Neighbourhood spot Napier Quarter has nailed its day-to-night cafe and wine bar format, serving timeless European fare that doesn’t follow trends. You can end your evening with a glass of wine, then stroll up the stairs to owner Daniel Lewis’s moody guesthouse, with a tonal black and white colour palette and windows that look out over the leafy street. There’s a queen bed with handmade linen, a sitting room, simple bathroom and full kitchen (local market tours can also be prearranged). Basic breakfast is included, or order room service from downstairs. Sleeps 2 / from $572 a night / two-night minimum / book here.
Sherlock's Home, Richmond
Monochromatic houses abound, but this 1850s cordial factory warehouse conversion – close to Church Street and Swan Street – isn’t afraid of colour. An Aladdin’s cave of spirit and character, the space is split across four exposed levels. No two rooms boast the same architectural design: one bedroom spotlights a beautiful blue stone feature wall and the other a Japanese-inspired glass screen with wooden latticework. Sip your morning coffee on the shaded patio or venture down to the Japanese zen garden hidden underground. Sleeps up to 4 / from $380 a night / book here.
Martini Suite, Melbourne CBD
Step back to the 1920s when you step into in this glamorous Jazz Era-themed apartment. Its perch inside the heritage-listed Majorca Building allows for people-watching over the laneway through big windows, or poke your head out the balcony just off the bedroom, a sophisticated mix of black scalloped wallpaper, gold accessories and plush blue velvet cushions on the queen bed. The compact bathroom includes a shower and bath, while the kitchen is stocked with everything you need to cook a meal. There’s no TV, but one can be provided on request if you want to spend your holiday relaxing on the couch. Sleeps 2 / from $370 a night / book here.
Revel & Hide, Collingwood
Owners Lisa McKernan and Eddie Farrell’s goal is to provide a space for guests to feel like locals, especially in a cool inner-city suburb like Collingwood. The apartment is a cosy spot for two. There’s a queen-sized bed dressed in a cloud of lush linens, a blue velvet Chesterfield sofa in the lounge, and a balcony with room to perch for a gin or two. Moody, French wash walls create atmosphere, balanced by floor-to-ceiling windows to keep a breezy vibe. The building’s rooftop pool overlooks the neighbourhood’s iconic red warehouses and character-filled streetscapes. Sleeps 2 / from $445 a night / book here.
Henry Sugar, Carlton North
Nestled in the leafy allure of Rathdowne Street, this ultra-chic stay sits above Henry Sugar – one of Carlton North’s best wine bars for a sundown tipple (and feed). Steeped in heritage, the space dates back to 1881, with interiors updated in keeping with the building’s artistic style. Illustrative paintings, commissioned for the space, dress the walls in pops of colour, while a curated mix of vintage and designer furniture makes it feel quintessentially Melbourne. Beautiful floorboards, towering ceilings and a balcony with Victorian lacework are just some of the original details celebrated here. And with a vinyl player, bar cart and Scrabble board on hand, boredom isn’t an option.
Sleeps 6 / from $880 a night / two-night minimum / book here.
Design House, St Kilda
Walking distance from St Kilda Beach and its many attractions (including Luna Park, restaurants, bars, the esplanade and more), this Edwardian house combines traditional architecture with contemporary luxury. There are three bedrooms – two with queen beds and one with a single – and two bathrooms, making it a good choice for a family getaway. The Airbnb also includes a fireplace, full kitchen, a living area and courtyard garden with a woodfired pizza oven. The CBD is a quick tram ride away, or you can explore other inner-south suburbs like Windsor, Elwood and Balaclava. Sleeps 5 / from $360 a night / five-night minimum / book here.
Studio 60A, Fitzroy North
Solo travellers and couples can easily explore the best of Melbourne’s inner-north in this studio apartment, a short walk from Edinburgh Gardens and close to popular suburbs like Fitzroy, Brunswick and Northcote. Sunlight streams in through the skylight of the A-frame ceiling in the loft bedroom, while downstairs you can find a living room, compact kitchenette (with organic muesli, coffee, tea, milk and basics) and a small courtyard. The hosts have also provided two Mykis so you can make your way around the city. Sleeps 2 / from $229 a night / book here.
Moonlight House, Moonee Ponds
Don’t let the name fool you – this dreamy renovated Victorian terrace gets plenty of sunlight, too. Situated in the suburb of Moonee Ponds in Melbourne’s north-west, the multi-storey house is a haven of exposed brick walls with a rooftop garden, outdoor shower, hammock and spa. All three bedrooms have a queen bed and their own courtyard or terrace. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, two parking permits, open fire and views of the city – which is a quick tram or train ride away. Sleeps up to 8 / from $486 a night / book here.
1888 Heritage Warehouse Loft, Melbourne CBD
Close to restaurants on Hardware Lane and plenty of cafes around the CBD, this converted loft puts you right in the thick of city living. Renovated in 2019, the studio boasts seven-metre-tall ceilings, a queen bed and a double bed, full kitchen and dining table, plush sectional sofa, a 70-inch smart TV and a bathtub. The heritage-listed warehouse was built in 1888 and is a stone’s throw away from Brother Baba Budan, one of Melbourne’s best cafes. Melbourne Central, State Library Victoria, Emporium and Bourke Street Mall are also short walks away. Sleeps up to 4 / from $426 a night / book here.
Casa Warrandyte, North Warrandyte
While most spots on this list will have you staying in the inner city or close to the beach, this modernist home is more than 20 kilometres away from the CBD, nestled in Warrandyte State Park. You’ll be surrounded by eucalyptus trees and cockatoos thanks to large floor-to-ceiling windows that let the outside in. The mid-century mud-brick home is covered in warm timber that complements all that greenery, with three bedrooms (one king, one double, one with single and bunk) that can fit the whole family or a group of mates. It won’t feel like Melbourne at all – perfect for those seeking a nature retreat without completely leaving the comforts of the city. Sleeps 7 / from $654 a night / book here.
Boutique Bolthole, Armadale
Oak floors, steel windows and marble surfaces; the beauty of this Armadale stay is all in the finer details. The open-plan living and dining space invites connection with its lofty ceilings, plush linen sofas and shadowing natural light, while the European-inspired courtyard – with potted fruit trees, a herb garden and an outdoor dining setup – offers an alfresco haven for aperitivo hour. Steps from Malvern Station and Glenferrie Road’s vibrant shops and cafes, its location makes it easy to soak up Melbourne’s best highlights. Sleeps up to 6 / from $978 a night / book here.
The Eversley, Fitzroy
Nestled on a lush and leafy street in Fitzroy, The Eversley is a grand terrace that combines Victorian elegance with contemporary design. Spacious, light-filled and full of character, four bedrooms feature high ceilings, polished floorboards and classic ornate detailing. Designed for relaxation, there are multiple living areas, a chef’s kitchen leading to a private courtyard, and a balcony with city views. Just a short stroll to Fitzroy’s bars, restaurants and galleries – and minutes from the CBD – this stay offers a refined retreat at the heart of Melbourne’s inner north. Sleeps up to 8 / from $810 a night / book here.
Additional reporting by Alice Jeffery and Simone Richardson.
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