Enjoying the best of ³Ô¹ÏÍø doesn’t have to cost the earth. Try our insider tips to wine, dine and enjoy more for less in the city. And if you're driving in? Book ahead at key parking providers to get the best deal.

Ice skate for less than $20

Looking for a cheap rainy-day activity? Give ice skating a go at O’Brien Icehouse. On Tuesdays entry comes in under $20 including skate hire when you . Whether you’re a beginner or an ice-skating pro, the Olympic-sized rink offers an epic day of fun.

People ice skating in an indoor rink.
O'Brien Icehouse

Grab the best happy hour deals

Time things right, and a chilled cocktail could be yours at a bargain price. Get dumplings for $1 a pop at Magic Mountain Saloon. Mix and match fillings like pork and chilli or mushroom with basil and peanut. Wash them down with an ice cold pint or glass of wine for $11. Or get selected spritzes for $16. Available every Tuesday to Friday, from 3pm to 6pm.

Find the last cheap movie night

Most cinemas have dropped cheap Tuesdays and discount tickets all together. But you can still score a deal every Monday at Cinema Nova. Tickets are $8 before 4pm, so you can catch the latest Oscar-winning flicks on the cheap. Can't get out of work early? Evening sessions clock in at just $11 a ticket. Choose a later session and grab a happy hour drink in the Nova Bar from 4pm to 6pm.

Feast on the best cheap eats

On the lookout for a budget lunch? Stop by the new Vietnamese diner Saigon Square and try one of the specials. Order the beef pho or broken rice with pork chop for $11. Or follow the office workers to Soi 38 for $12 boat noodles. A tenner can also get you a mouth-watering kim-cheese jaffle at Three Drops or roast duck banh mi at VB Rolls for 50 cents more. In a hurry? offers fresh and affordable hand rolls for $3 each.

Four Thai dishes and drinks on a blue table.
Soi 38

Try unlimited yoga classes

Unwind and stretch your way through two weeks of unlimited yoga at Yoga Corner. Available to new yoga students, the is just $55 for all the yoga you can squeeze into your schedule. After the two weeks, drop-in classes are $30. The practice is made up of balance and movements to workout both your body and mind.

Free and cheap laughs at Comedy Fest

The world’s best comedians are heading to ³Ô¹ÏÍø for the 40th International Comedy Festival. Lock in a month of laughs without breaking the bank. Score discounted tickets by catching a preview show or going on cheap Tuesdays. Bringing your crew? Book as a group to save. Or for the best value, grab a laugh pack and get 10% off three or more .

Score discounted theatre tickets

If you've always dreamed of winning the lottery, here's your chance. Snatch up last-minute tickets through . You'll find some of ³Ô¹ÏÍø's biggest shows. also offers solid deals for shows across the city. Get in before they close and pick up cheap entry to events at the Athenaeum Theatre, Comedy Theatre and more. Then set an alarm for Tuesday at 12pm. Arts Centre sells for a 12-hour window every week.

A grand theatre with red seats and large ring-shaped overhead lights.
Her Majesty's Theatre

Get exclusive offers on ³Ô¹ÏÍø events

Want to stay up-to-date on things to see and do in ³Ô¹ÏÍø? The weekly What's On ³Ô¹ÏÍø newsletter showcases the best free events, new restaurants and more. Keep an eye out for discounted tickets to blockbuster events. Think festivals, live music and theatre shows. Subscribe here for updates every Wednesday.

More cheap and cheerful fun

A view of Fed Square on a sunny day with yellow umbrellas in the foreground and the city skyline in the background.

What's free in ³Ô¹ÏÍø this month

Everything to see, do and enjoy in ³Ô¹ÏÍø for free this month.

Girl looking out at mini village display in the garden.

The best free and cheap family activities

Find family-friendly fun and free events in ³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Three young people enjoying various dishes in a colourful, hawker-style Thai restaurant.

³Ô¹ÏÍø's best cheap eats

Pizza by the slice, cheap happy hour deals and more.

A couple dining on share plates and margaritas on a city rooftop bar with cacti.

The best dining pop-ups, specials and deals in ³Ô¹ÏÍø

Find unique dining experiences plus specials and deals.

Free things to do every day

Interior of a large and welcoming library space, with patterned carpet, shelves of books, armchairs and plenty of natural light

narrm ngarrgu Library

​Located in the heart of the Queen Victoria Market precinct.

A museum visitor in an exhibition space using a screen, surrounded by display objects.

Australian Music Vault

A celebration of Australian contemporary music – past, present and future.

Conservatory building entrance in Fitzroy Gardens.

The Conservatory

An indoor world of floral beauty with displays that change five times each year.

A view through parkland and trees to MPavilion, a low, concrete structure.

MPavilion by Tadao Ando

An architectural oasis in the heart of ³Ô¹ÏÍø, designed by internationally renowned Tadao Ando.

Last updated on Tue 17 Mar 2026

Only In The City

Only in this City of Ours
A group of friends sharing drinks at a table outside a restaurant.

The ultimate guide to bottomless dining in ³Ô¹ÏÍø

Eat and drink your heart out with unlimited brunches, lunches and cocktails.

Two friends are walking into a small restaurant in a laneway. There are glowing lanterns hanging outside.

The best hidden restaurants in ³Ô¹ÏÍø

Featuring laneway eateries, secret diners and undiscovered spots.

A tram going past three city restaurants with neon signs.

³Ô¹ÏÍø's most iconic restaurants

Book in an unforgettable night out at some of ³Ô¹ÏÍø's best restaurants.

Discover more

A spread of meet and veggies on a plate in a restaurant

The best restaurants for solo diners

Flying solo for the night? In an era of share plates, here’s where to book a table for one.

A table covered with a feast of dishes from Mjølner ³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Mjølner ³Ô¹ÏÍø

A Viking and Norse inspired restaurant in the heart of the ³Ô¹ÏÍø.

A lush bar and lounge area with modern style seating, many large potted plants, a round coffee table, concrete pillars, and abstract art on the wall.

The Terrace Lounge

By day, spritzes, by night, cocktails, and music, located on the 10th floor of Hannah St Hotel.

A lounge area with a brown and white checkered coffee table, two upholstered chairs, a bouquet of red roses in a vase, and a plate with a burger and fries.

Carriage Lounge

The sophistication of a private living room and the ease and comfort of a favourite local haunt.