National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria's St Kilda Road home — NGV International — is the country's most-visited art gallery and a Melbourne icon. Behind its famous water wall and within the landmark modernist building lies a vast collection of international art spanning centuries and continents, from antiquities to contemporary works, with general entry free.

There's an enormous amount to take in, alongside the blockbuster temporary exhibitions the NGV is renowned for, which regularly draw crowds from across the country. Set in Melbourne's great arts precinct on Southbank, near the Arts Centre and the river, it's a cornerstone of the city's cultural life and an essential stop for any visitor.

With a 4.7 rating from more than 25,000 reviews, it's overwhelmingly admired. General admission to the collection is free, but major exhibitions have their own ticketing and hours and the big shows sell out well ahead, so it's worth checking the current program and booking directly before you visit — and allowing plenty of time, as the gallery is huge and rewards an unhurried day, starting (of course) with the water wall.