Places to See in Melbourne: A 3-Day Itinerary Using a Roaming eSIM

So, you’re thinking about a trip to Melbourne? Brilliant choice. It’s not Sydney, all flashy and in-your-face with its harbour. Melbourne is the cooler, more interesting cousin. It’s a city you need to get lost in to truly find. It’s a place of hidden laneway bars, incredible coffee, world-class street art, and a general vibe that’s just effortlessly cool.

It’s a city built for wandering. For spontaneous discovery. I remember being there a few years ago, and a barista gave me a tip for a tiny, unmarked restaurant that supposedly did the best dumplings in the city. There was no way I would have found it with a paper map. But with a phone in my hand and a bit of data, that tip turned into one of the best meals of my trip.

That’s the magic of modern travel. The ability to be spontaneous, to follow a whim, to discover something amazing that wasn’t in the guidebook. But that freedom relies on one thing: a reliable connection to the internet. And that, my friend, is where most of us hit a brick wall. The options are usually grim: pay a king’s ransom for your UK data roaming, or waste the first hour of your holiday in the airport, faffing around with a local SIM card.

But what if I told you there’s a third way? A way to have all the data you need, the moment you land, without the scary price tag. This is the secret to unlocking the very best of Melbourne.

The Golden Rule: Your Digital Compass

Before we dive into the perfect three-day plan, let’s sort out the most important bit of kit you’ll need. It’s not a travel guide or a fancy camera. It’s a roaming esim.

I know, it sounds a bit techy, but trust me, it’s dead simple. An eSIM is just a digital SIM card that’s already built into most modern phones. Instead of a physical chip, you just download a data plan to it before you even leave the UK. It’s a complete game-changer.

So, where do you get one? I’ll cut to the chase: I use a company called Commbitz. Their website is brilliantly simple, you pay in pounds so you know exactly what it costs, and the whole thing is sorted in about the time it takes to make a cuppa. They email you a code, you scan it, and bam – your phone is ready for Australia. It’s the first thing I sort out after booking my flights.

Right, now that you have your digital compass sorted, let’s explore this amazing city.

Day 1: Laneways, Street Art, and Rooftop Bars

Your first day is all about diving headfirst into the heart of what makes Melbourne tick.

Morning: Once you’ve dropped your bags, head straight for Federation Square. It’s a great starting point, right opposite the iconic Flinders Street Station. But don’t linger too long. The real magic is just across the road. Dive into Hosier Lane, and you’ll see what I mean. Every square inch of the walls is covered in incredible, ever-changing street art. It’s a living, breathing art gallery. Spend the morning just getting lost in this maze of laneways – AC/DC Lane, Degraves Street – and let the smell of freshly ground coffee lead you to your first (of many) amazing Melbourne flat whites.

Lunch: You’re surrounded by incredible food. But the best spots are often hidden. This is where your phone comes in. Pull it out and search for a highly-rated, hole-in-the-wall spot for some lunch. You might find a brilliant ramen joint, a tiny pasta bar, or a place that does incredible sandwiches. This is the freedom a bit of data gives you!

Afternoon: Head over to the Queen Victoria Market. It’s a massive, historic market that’s been running since the 19th century. It’s a riot of sights, sounds, and smells. You can find everything here, from fresh produce and amazing cheeses to quirky souvenirs and leather goods. Grab a hot jam doughnut from the famous van – it’s a Melbourne institution.

Evening: As dusk begins to fall, it’s time to see the city from above. Again, this is where your phone is your best friend. A quick search for “best rooftop bars near me” will give you a list of brilliant options. Find a cool spot, grab a cocktail, and watch as the city lights begin to sparkle. It’s a perfect end to your first day.

Day 2: Trams, Beaches, and Penguins

Today, we’re heading out of the city centre to explore the coast.

Morning: Do it like a local and hop on one of Melbourne’s iconic trams. Take the number 96 all the way down to St Kilda. This seaside suburb has a completely different feel to it. It’s a bit bohemian, a bit rock and roll. Walk along the famous pier, have a look at the historic St Kilda Sea Baths, and maybe take a kitschy photo outside the giant smiling face of Luna Park.

Afternoon: This is your time for spontaneous discovery. You’re by the sea, the sun is out. What do you fancy doing? A quick search on your phone for “things to see near me” might be in order. You could discover the beautiful St Kilda Botanic Gardens, a quiet spot to escape the crowds. Or it might lead you to the legendary cake shops of Acland Street for a slice of something delicious. This is what a roaming esim is all about – it lets you tailor the day to your mood.

Evening: Head back to St Kilda Pier just before sunset for something truly special. As dusk falls, a colony of little penguins waddles out of the sea and returns to their nests among the rocks at the end of the pier. It’s a magical sight. Use your phone to check the exact sunset time and the estimated penguin arrival time (yes, that’s a real thing!) so you can get the best spot.

Day 3: Culture, Sport, and a Final Coffee

For your final day, let’s soak up a bit more of what makes this city unique.

Morning: You can’t talk about Melbourne without talking about sport. It’s a religion here. Take a walk through the sports precinct and see the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (the MCG). Even if you’re not a cricket or Aussie Rules fan, it’s worth doing a tour. It’s a huge part of the city’s identity.

Afternoon: From the MCG, you can take a lovely walk through the Fitzroy Gardens back towards the city. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, jump on a tram to the suburb of Fitzroy. It’s a brilliant, bohemian area full of vintage shops, independent boutiques, and quirky pubs. It’s another great place to just wander and see what you find.

Final Coffee: It’s time to leave, but not before one last, perfect Melbourne coffee. Use your remaining time and data to find the city’s highest-rated specialty coffee shop. It’s the perfect way to cap off your trip and reflect on an amazing three days.

Your Melbourne Adventure, Unlocked

And there you have it. A whirlwind three days in one of the world’s best cities. You’ll have noticed a common thread here. The best experiences in Melbourne often come from those spontaneous, unplanned moments.

The best travel tool you can have isn’t a heavy guidebook; it’s the confidence to explore. And a reliable roaming esim gives you exactly that. It turns your phone into the ultimate key to unlocking a city’s secrets. So go on, book that trip. Melbourne is an incredible place to get lost in. And now you know the secret to doing it properly.