Destinations After Dark

Discover Melbourne's flourishing and ever-changing number of bars, each offering their own service, sounds and scene.

Rooftop Retreats

Year round, Melbourne's rooftop establishments are open for drinks and city views. Climb the stairs to Siglo, a salon at the top of the city, and find a seat on the terrace to take in the stunning backdrop of the Princess Theatre.

Cocktail Mix

Order something exotic at one of Melbourne's elegant cocktail bars. Neil Perry has ventured into his first stand alone cocktail bar with The Waiting Room, an opulent space that serves classic drinks from around the world at the Crown Entertainment Complex. At The Galley Room on Flinders Street, cocktail creations are served by award-winning bartenders. Its nautical theme extends beyond the bar's name, with a good selection of rum going into some of the house signature drinks.

Bar Dining

If you are planning to settle in for the evening, choose a bar that also serves something tasty to accompany your drinks. The Long Room bar is a series of intimate corners and ornate alcoves and features an authentic Japanese sushi bar and European Tapas-style deli. Chef George Calombaris' The Little Press & Cellar specialises in wine by the glass and has a meze menu and basement cellar.

Izakaya Den is a cool, casual, Japanese pub in a basement space serving izakaya bar food classics, Japanese beers and plum wine and sake. The third installment in the Movida story, MoVida Aqui is a restaurant, bar and bistro serving unpretentious Madrid street food accompanied by great beers and local sherries. Bar Lourinha's elegant interior has become a favourite destination for Melbourne's foodie set for its exceptional wine list and menu of delicious plates of food to share.

On the Water

Where better to unwind than in a bar with water views? Riverland is located in the historic bluestone vaults under Federation Square. It has expansive decks overlooking the Yarra River and a long list of quality wines and tap beer. Sotano Wine and Tapas Bar at the Hilton South Wharf mixes stylish décor with an impressive wine list, a tapas menu and a riverfront terrace.

Themed Bars

Melbourne brings creativity to its meeting places, with faraway times and places evoked at popular city bars. Berlin is modelled around the divided German capital prior to reunification in 1990, and serves Bavarian bier, wein, French Champagne and offers a unique variety of service. Madame Brussels is a rather fancy outdoor terrace and public house in the CBD designed to look like an English country setting.

Live Music Scene

Performances are staged every night in Melbourne. Lovers of classical and chamber music find a seat at the Arts Centre and Melbourne Recital Centre, while fans of popular local and international bands head to city venues and pubs in Fitzroy, Northcote, Brunswick and St Kilda. Dance fans head out to clubs in Prahran, South Yarra and St Kilda.

Alumbra is a popular nightspot with lovers of late night DJ entertainment. Located in a heritage listed cargo shed at Central Pier in the Docklands, it has an opulent penthouse feel, great views, glass dance floor, function space and serves supper until 3am. For something different, try the traditional shishas (Arabic water pipes) that come with a selection of scented tobaccos.