But what makes a city really liveable is the stuff you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Go gallery hopping The boasts an impressive collection with big names like Drysdale, Rodin and Constable among the many permanent works that can be seen for free in its international collections. Its premier gallery on St Kilda Road is itself a work of art, worth a tour in its own right, with a lofty stained-glass atrium that could make art aficionados skip with joy. At the , just up the road in Federation Square, is the Australian collection which includes a stunning ground floor gallery of Aboriginal works. Next up is the on Southbank — another architectural gem with a revolving exhibition calendar. There are a number of private galleries in the Flinders Lane precinct with smaller exhibitions of local and international artists. Start at opposite Federation Square and follow the maze of laneways heading north from there. Or break your day into a series of short hops, picking up and dropping off bikes at different kiosks all over town. For the prettiest Yarra River views, start your day at Freshwater Place on Southbank and whizz over Sandridge Bridge, checking out the Traveller installations en route to iconic Flinders Street Station on the fringe of the CBD. In almost any neighbourhood you can find markets selling fresh local produce, handmade crafts, secondhand treasures or gourmet hawker dishes at some point in the week. Soak up the bayside life at St Kilda foreshore When the city scene gets too much, head down to breezy to witness a different kind of buzz. Wander along the sea front promenade and down St Kilda pier to take in the views, watch the fishermen or gawp at the gutsy kite-surfers catching some waves. Play the spectator because the rides will cost you. On Sundays a craft market sets up along the Esplanade. The back streets of St Kilda and neighbouring Elwood also deliver plenty for the architecture buff with some Victorian mansions, Edwardian houses, art-deco apartments and modernist units from the 1950s and 60s. Families should seek out the St Kilda Adventure Playground — a real treat for older kids. Historic carousel at Luna Park, St Kilda. For an introduction to the region from the traditional custodians, the Wurundjeri people, and to learn a few things about contemporary Koorie history and culture, head to the in Federation Square. A permanent social history exhibition is complemented by changing exhibitions by new and established Aboriginal artists. The Melbourne Museum also has excellent information on indigenous social and culture heritage but is only free for students and members. Federation Square, home to the NGV and ACMI. The trundles along a loop around the city and down to the waterfront precinct of Docklands. Melbourne's free City Circle tram. This heritage building was established in 1854 and today, the collection numbers more than two million books. Its epicentre, the octagonal La Trobe Reading Room, was completed in 1913 when its dome was the largest of its kind in the world. Natural light illuminates the ornate plasterwork and the studious Melburnians who come here to pen their essays. Grab a map at the front desk and go for a self-guided tour of the Reading Room and the exhibition galleries. The library also plays host to a revolving door of exhibitions from literary to the fine arts, as well as free classes, workshops, talks and kids activities. Check out the events calendar on its website. Pack a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens Close to the hearts of all those who call Melbourne home the is a top place to engage with local life. Dating from 1857, this 38-hectare swathe of hilly green space at the edge of the CBD is divided up into different themes with a lake at its centre. Keen botanists should check the website for free guided tours. The gothic opposite Federation Square is built on the same site where the first Christian service in Victoria was held in 1835. Get ready to fill your camera data card quickly as you wander the streets spotting the famous or quirky city buildings, old advertising paintings and far-out futuristic structures. Photographers love arcades like Block Court in Collins Street. Visible from the other end of town, planning regulations continue to restrict any building that would obstruct the view of the shrine from Swanston St as far back as Lonsdale St. A climb to the steps of the shrine will be rewarded with fine views across the city. Gigs, gigs, free gigs After coffee, street art and footy Australian Rules football, that is Melburnians love their live music. There is a host of free gigs on all over the city pretty much any day of the week. Also in town is Ding Dong, Toff in Town and the John Curtain Bandroom. Beyond the CBD, suburbs such as Northcote Northcote Social Club , Brunswick The Retreat and St Kilda The Esplanade Hotel all have plenty of live-music venues. Become a literature buff at the Wheeler Centre The founders of Lonely Planet funded the in 2010, the same year Melbourne was listed as a UNESCO City of Literature. Regular events, including workshops and talks from artists, writers, architects and publishers are usually free to attend. Bookings can be made via the website. The building is made from a mix of bluestone and Tasmanian freestone and stands authoritatively on the main city thoroughfare of Swanston Street. It is still a well-used venue with concerts, comedy and public talks held in the main auditorium as well as the smaller chambers year round. Another big draw is the Grand Organ dating from 1929. To go behind the scenes and stand on the portico where The Beatles and Abba once waved to their adoring fans you can book a free Town Hall tour weekdays only by calling 03 9658 9658. Melbourne Town Hall is a popular performance venue. Get your geek on and make a beeline for the Royal Standard Hotel every second Wednesday at 6pm. There are other gaming groups that meet in different parts of the city. Check out a calendar of events on. Plane spot at Melbourne Airport and the RAAF Museum It may be a trek to get to the in Point Cook, but the aircraft and aviation displays are fascinating and free donations are appreciated. Call ahead to enquire about the guided tours, only on offer for groups of six or more, though you may be able to join another group. For more aviation enjoyment on a budget, you can join the plane-spotters watching aeroplanes taking off from Melbourne airport near the corner of Oaklands road and Sunbury Road. Last updated in August 2017.
