The Top 10 Things to do in Melbourne

1. Eureka Tower Skydeck 88

The 92-floor Eureka Tower is not for the acrophobic, but if you can handle the height, it's one of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne. It offers a panoramic view of Melbourne from its 88th story skydeck. The building to spot because its upper ten floors have 24-carat gold plating their windows. Efficient elevators whisk you up in less than a minute. Ride in The Edge, a moving cube with nothing but glass below you.

2. National Gallery of Victoria

Art aficionados consider the National Gallery of Victoria on of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne. It covers art in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres from ancient times up through the modern day. This destination dates back to 1861, making it Australia's oldest gallery. You'll find everything from Rembrants to Egyptian artifacts and Australian Aboriginal art.

3. Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens

The Royal Exhibition Building, built in 1880 for an international fair, is one of the oldest remaining exhibition pavilions in the world. This attraction's status as a World Heritage site makes it one of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne.  Marvel at its soaring dome and the fully restored interior. It is adjacent to the Melbourne Museum, so you can easily combine these two attractions into one-day visit.

4. Old Melbourne Gaol

The Old Melbourne Gaol is an out-of-the-ordinary experience that gives you a taste of what justice was like in days gone by. Once home to both petty criminals and dangerous murders, the Gaol is now one of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne. It now offers daily tours that prove crime doesn't pay.

5. Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum has seven galleries, a Children's Gallery, and space for traveling exhibitions. As one of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne, its more interesting permanent displays include dinosaur skeletons, a Victorian forest environment with living creatures like reptiles and birds, an early-model Australian computer called CSIRAC, and the hide of famous race horse Phar Lap. Catch a 3-D movie in the Imax Theater.

6. State Library of Victoria

The State Library of Victoria is a functioning library, as well as a collection of exhibits. Bibliophiles will especially enjoy the rare book collection. Its Dome Room opened in 1913, and it still welcomes both library patrons and tourists as one of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne.

7. Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market is one of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne because of its landmark status. Since 1878, vendors have been selling fresh meat and produce, gourmet foods, arts and crafts, jewelry and apparel amidst the bustling atmosphere. Millions of visitors, both locals and tourists, shop in the market every year. Be sure to try the jam doughnut from the omnipresent hot doughnut van.

8. Melbourne Aquarium

The Melbourne Aquarium is Australia's most modern aquarium Highlights include the Great Barrier Reef display, teeming with aquatic life, and the 360-degree Oceanarium that features sharks and stingrays, with daily feeding presentations. This is definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne for anyone who loves the sea and its inhabitants.

9. Weribee Open Range Zoo

Melbourne is in Australia, but you might think you took a wrong turn and ended up in Africa at the Weribee Open Range Zoo, one of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne. The walking trail takes you past an impressive animal collection, including giraffes, rhinos, antelope, monkeys, zebras, and cheetahs. Opt for an Open Vehicle Adventure, Canoe safari, or one of the other special offerings if you're feeling more adventurous.

10.  Royal Botanical Gardens

Displaying over 50,000 plants, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne earned the reputation of being one of the world’s finest gardens.  In addition to the spectacular plant-life, the gardens offer unique tours and year-round events, making it a must-see attractions for all Melbourne visitors.

See other amazing Melbourne attractions.