Melbourne’s Best Bars In 2026

The best of 2026: From rooftops to laneways & speakeasies

Updated January 2026: Discover Melbourne’s bar scene with our in-depth guides to the city’s best cocktail bars, hidden laneway bars, rooftop bars, old pubs, whisky bars and more.

Each guide is designed to help you explore Melbourne’s bars by precinct and style, making it easy to find the perfect spot whether you’re planning a night out in the CBD or hunting down a hidden local favourite.

And if you’d rather experience Melbourne’s bars the way locals do, let an expert lead the way on one of our Melbourne walking tours!

Our guided Melbourne bar tours take you on foot through the city’s laneways and neighbourhoods, combining great drinks, local history and stories you won’t find in a guidebook.

  • Bar Articles

    A Guide To Melbourne’s Best Rooftop Bars

    Head for the heavens as we explore the best rooftop bars in Melbourne

    Melbourne's Best Rooftop Bars
  • Melbourne Laneway Bars 101

    Hundreds of laneways to explore, so little time. Flatten your learning curve with our guide to the best laneway bars in Melbourne

    Melbourne's Best Laneway Bars
    Bar Articles
  • Bar Articles

    Of All The Melbourne Whisky Bars…

    From the Scottish Highlands to Australian expressions, here’s our favourite places in Melbourne for a damn fine whisky.

    Melbourne's Best Whisky Bars
  • Gin Joints You’ll Never Get Sick Of

    Melbourne is in the midst of a craft gin craze. Here’s our favourite three bars in the inner city to try local and international tipples.

    Melbourne's Best Gin Bars
    Bar Articles
  • Bar Articles

    The Best Of Classic Old Melbourne Pubs

    Trends come and go, but some Melbourne pubs have stood the test of time. Here’s our favourite old pubs in the inner city.

    Melbourne's Best Old Pubs
  • The Ultimate List Of Melbourne’s Best Cocktail Bars

    Melbourne invented the Japanese Slipper, and her bartenders are world class mixologists. Peruse the menu and get creative at these fantastic Melbourne gin bars.

    Melbourne's Best Cocktail Bars
    Bar Articles
  • Bar Articles

    En Melbourne’s Vino Bars, Veritas

    Victoria’s wine industry dates back to the 1830s, and our wines are among the best in the world. From Rutherglen fortified wines to Yarra Valley Pinots, here’s our favourite wine bars in the city.

    Melbourne's Best Wine Bars
  • First Date Bars To Impress

    You decide what to wear, the meeting time and how much you like this person. Let us provide inspiration for the bar choice to kick off (or possibly nightcap) your first date.

    Melbourne's Best First Date Bars
    Bar Articles

Ready to explore Melbourne’s hidden bars and fascinating history?