Seaside St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s most iconic neighbourhoods. A magnet for tourists and locals alike, especially during Melbourne’s long summer days, visiting St Kilda is one of the best things to do in Melbourne for first time visitors. Come to St Kilda for its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, historic landmark architecture like Luna Park, the St Kilda Sea Baths & the Palais Theatre, and stroll the esplanade or enjoy fish & chips by the beach – whether that’s from a takeaway shop or from a prime position table at Stokehouse.
St Kilda is easy to visit, as an inner suburb of Melbourne, just a short tram ride from the city (get the 96 or the 16 tram). I’ve lived in Melbourne for 8 years and know St Kilda well – and often include it in my Melbourne itineraries when I have visitors in town! I’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in St Kilda, whether you’re visiting St Kilda for the first time or are a Melbourne local.
St Kilda Beach & Foreshore
Hang out at St Kilda Beach to soak up the lively yet laidback St Kilda atmosphere. St Kilda Beach may not be the best beach in the world, or even Melbourne, but it’s easily the most iconic beach and has the most bars, restaurants and cafes along the waterfront.
The Espy
Hotel Esplanade, AKA The Espy, is the best pub in St Kilda and the most iconic pub in Melbourne. The multi-level, multi-concept pub is a local landmark and one of the most popular bars on Melbourne’s southside, and is easily one of the best things to do in St Kilda. Head to The Espy for a classic pub meal in the front bar, head to The Ghost of Alfred Felton, the cocktail bar tucked away upstairs, or dine at one of the two restaurants; chic Cantonese restaurant Mya Tiger or the new Italo-disco hotspot, Louey’s.
Palais Theatre
The Palais Theatre is a St Kilda icon. The gorgeous 1920s theatre and former cinema is home to live music, ballet and comedy throughout the year, but even if you can’t catch a show while you’re in town, it’s worth swinging by the Palais just to admire the gorgeous facade and impossibly picturesque location by the water, and next to the equally iconic gates of Luna Park. I love seeing a show at the Palais, and the gorgeous setting is half the appeal.
Luna Park
Luna Park is Melbourne’s iconic amusement park, which has stood on the Esplanade for more than 100 years. Even if you’re not up for the rollercoaster or games, it’s worth a detour to take in the famous clown mouth facade, which is a classic photos opp in St Kilda.
Milk the Cow
Milk The Cow is a licensed fromagerie and cheese bar, and a must-visit for cheeseheads. Dine in for a cheese flight paired with your choice of wine, sparkling wine, beer, cider, gin or whisky. They also offer a variety of cheeseboards, including a vegan cheeseboard, and a range of different fondue and cheese hot pots, perfect for winter visitors!
Readings
Fellow bookworms will be in heaven in Readings, Melbourne’s favourite independent bookstore. Readings has been a Melbourne institution for more than 50 years, since it was founded in Carlton in 1969. The St Kilda outpost of Readings is on Acland Street, making it the perfect set up for browsing, buying a book and holing up at a cafe afterwards with your new read.
Acland St
The pedestrian mall along Acland Street is one of the most well known spots in St Kilda, and one of the oldest streets in the neighbourhood. Acland Street is an eclectic mix of old school cafes, hippie shops, big brands and a handful of historic cake shops and bakeries, which have stood the test of time. Check out the mouthwatering window displays at Monarch Cakes, Europa and Le Bon Continental, pick up an ice cream from new school Piccolina, or stop in for coffee at unpretentious La Roche. Abbey Road Cafe is an eclectic cafe-meets-diner and small Italian restaurant Cicciolina is a local institution. And of course, stop in at Readings!
Stokehouse & Stokehouse Pasta Bar
Stokehouse is the best restaurant in St Kilda, and one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. This seafood focused fine diner is an institution, and offers unbeatable views over the bay from its beachfront position on the Esplanade. For something more casual, head downstairs to Stokebar, a light and airy casual restaurant with the same waterfront views (albeit with a few more pedestrians). Stokehouse is definitely one of the best restaurants I’ve been to in Melbourne for seafood, and is regarded as a local institution. I’ve been to Stokebar a number of times, it’s a relaxed dining experience and a great spot to take visitors.
Brunch at Jerry’s Milk Bar
Technically, Jerry’s Milk Bar is in neighbouring Elwood, but it’s on Barkly Street and is such a short walk from Acland Street that I think it’s worth a mention! It’s definitely worth a minor detour if you’re in the area. St Kilda has a very eclectic mix of cafes, but for a quintessential “Melbourne brunch” or “Aussie brunch”, Jerry’s is your best bet. Jerry’s Milk Bar is housed in a former 20th century corner milk bar, with photos lining the walls of the family who used to run Jerry’s in the 1940s and 50s. Today, Jerry’s is extremely popular with St Kilda and Elwood locals, and their four-legged friends.
St Kilda Botanic Gardens
The St Kilda Botanic Gardens is one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets, and one of the best things to do in St Kilda. The small botanic garden is tucked away from the hubbub of Acland Street and the foreshore, and offers an oasis of calm across several lawns, a tropical greenhouse and my favourite spot, the central rose garden. This is a perfect place in St Kilda for a picnic!
See the Penguins on the Pier
St Kilda Pier and breakwater is famously home to a colony of little penguins, formerly known as fairy penguins. The St Kilda pier is under redevelopment until mid 2024, but after its completion visitors will be able to once again visit the pier at sunset and just after dark, to spot the little penguins.
Catani Gardens
The Catani Gardens are beautiful public gardens located between St Kilda Beach and the intersection of Acland Street & Fitzroy Street. Walking paths are lined with stately Canary Island palms, making the gardens a popular place for walkers, joggers and picnics.
Coffee on the Beach
During the warmer months, Beachcomber Cafe has deck chairs lined up in the sand on St Kilda Beach. It’s my favourite place to get a coffee on a sunny day, and surprisingly under utilised. It’s the only place I know of in Melbourne where you can sit on the beach (at a table) with a coffee, it’s such a nice spot. Of course, you can also get a take away from any number of cafes and plonk down on the sand too.
St Kilda Sea Baths Complex
In a prime location on the St Kilda beachfront, The St Kilda Sea Baths complex is a local landmark. Visit the heated indoor seawater pool, hydrotherapy pool or aromatherapy steam room, or simply enjoy one of the cafes, bars & restaurants in the complex while taking in the ocean views.
Albert Park Lake
Albert Park Lake is one of my favourite parts of Melbourne! Look, it’s not technically in St Kilda but it’s so close that I think it still belongs on the list of the best things to do in St Kilda (and to be honest, I’m unlikely to write a post Albert Park or Middle Park, the quiet residential suburbs on Albert Park Lake.). The 5km circuit around Albert Park Lake is one of the best places for a walk or run on a nice day, and reminds me so much of the reservoir in Central Park (minus the cherry blossoms!).
