Melbourne is a city with plenty to offer, but you don’t have to bankrupt yourself to have a good time. Here are 8 ways to enjoy Melbourne on a budget.

1. Avoid taking taxis

Melbourne has the some of the highest taxi fares in the country so try to use alternative transport. Arrange for a shuttle bus pickup from the airport and research public transport routes in the city. Book in advance to get good deals on train tickets or, if you are planning on doing a lot of travelling, rent a car for the duration of your stay. It is fairly easy to get around the city so you can save money by walking or cycling to most of the tourist spots.

2. Look out for deals on attractions

If you want to visit a lot of tourist sites then you can often save money by purchasing a package which includes entry to more than one attraction. There are usually many different packages available: some are only one day passes and others can be used for up to a week.

3. Make the most of the free sights

There are plenty of great free things to do in the city. Take a walk along the Yarra River and you will find plenty of interesting art installations and sculptures along the way. If you are still there near the end of the work day you will see the rowing clubs go past in their dragon boats. If you are looking for a fun free indoor activity then head to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image which hosts a range of exciting exhibitions from the history of the moving image to collections of the latest screen-based art.

4. Look for deals on food

There are always plenty of deals on food in Melbourne restaurants so look online or in travel guides for the latest restaurant coupons. If you are looking for cheap fresh food then wander around the Queen Victoria Markets. The markets have everything from food to souvenirs at very affordable prices. Go at the end of the day when vendors are keen to get rid of the last of their stock by dropping all their prices.

5. Spend a day at St. Kilda

St. Kilda is one of Melbourne city’s only beaches and relaxing by the sea is a great way to spend a day for free. The beach has a boardwalk and a pier that you can explore, as well of plenty of grassy areas perfect for having a budget-friendly picnic on.

6. Sign up to be part of the audience for a television show

If you are looking to do something a bit different then keep a look out for free tickets to a television show. Become a member of the audience and watch a live taping of a popular show. If you show plenty of enthusiasm and energy you may even get given a free movie pass!

7. Spend an evening watching live music

If you are looking for cheap evening entertainment then see if any local bars are hosting a free live band. Brunswick is the best place to find local musicians and a lot of the bars have spacious beer gardens which make a nice place to relax in on a warm evening.

8. Head to Federation Square

There is always something going on at Federation Square. From fashion shows to comedy acts you are sure to find some great free entertainment. There are usually people handing out vouchers to local events or restaurants, as well as free goodies – make sure to make the most of them!

By researching the best deals on travel and food and keeping an eye out for free attractions, it’s easy to enjoy exploring Melbourne while sticking to a budget.