StayAreasMelbourne CBD or Southbank: where should you stay in Melbourne?
- Melbourne CBD is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $170 a night, against $200 in Southbank.
- Melbourne CBD is closer to 7 of the 12 big sights we timed; Southbank wins on 3.
- Southbank has less street crime: around the city average, against above the city average in Melbourne CBD.
- From Melbourne Airport, Melbourne CBD is quicker: 54 min against 62 min.
Melbourne CBDLaneways, cafés & free tramsPick Melbourne CBD if
- First-time visitors
- Food and coffee lovers
- Business travellers
SouthbankRiver views, arts precinct & big hotelsPick Southbank if
- Luxury stays
- Families
- Arts and theatre lovers
Melbourne CBD vs Southbank, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Melbourne CBD | Southbank |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $105 (better) | $120 |
| Mid-range double | $170 (better) | $200 |
| Luxury double | $365 (better) | $460 |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Flinders Street | 5 min | 5 min |
| Eureka Skydeck | 16 min walk | 2 min walk (better) |
| National Gallery of Victoria | 23 min walk | 8 min walk (better) |
| State Library Victoria | 10 min walk (better) | 26 min walk |
| Chinatown | 10 min walk (better) | 26 min walk |
| Hosier Lane | 11 min walk (better) | 16 min walk |
| Flinders Street Station | 13 min walk (better) | 16 min walk |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Melbourne Airport | 54 min (better) | 62 min |
| What it's like · crime: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria; ratings ours | ||
| Street crime | Above the city average | Around the city average (better) |
| Sights on foot | Very good | Very good |
| Nightlife | Excellent (better) | Very good |
| Quiet at night | Limited | Good (better) |
| Food | Excellent (better) | Very good |
| Families | Good | Very good (better) |
| Transport | Excellent (better) | Very good |
Hotels in Melbourne CBD and Southbank
Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Melbourne CBD or Southbank: questions
Is Melbourne CBD or Southbank better to stay in?
Melbourne CBD is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $170 a night, against $200 in Southbank. Melbourne CBD is closer to 7 of the 12 big sights we timed; Southbank wins on 3. Southbank has less street crime: around the city average, against above the city average in Melbourne CBD. From Melbourne Airport, Melbourne CBD is quicker: 54 min against 62 min. Melbourne CBD suits first-time visitors and food and coffee lovers; Southbank suits luxury stays and families.
Which is cheaper, Melbourne CBD or Southbank?
Typical doubles in Melbourne CBD: $105 budget, $170 mid-range, $365 luxury. In Southbank: $120, $200 and $460. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
Is Melbourne CBD or Southbank safer?
Street crime in Melbourne CBD is above the city average; in Southbank it is around the city average. Based on Crime Statistics Agency Victoria.
Which is closer to the sights, Melbourne CBD or Southbank?
Door to door: Eureka Skydeck is 16 min walk from Melbourne CBD and 2 min walk from Southbank; National Gallery of Victoria is 23 min walk from Melbourne CBD and 8 min walk from Southbank; State Library Victoria is 10 min walk from Melbourne CBD and 26 min walk from Southbank; Chinatown is 10 min walk from Melbourne CBD and 26 min walk from Southbank.
How far is Melbourne Airport from Melbourne CBD and Southbank?
54 min to Melbourne CBD and 62 min to Southbank, door to door by public transport.