Melbourne has many distinct neighbourhoods, each of which possesses its own individual heartbeat, culture and creativity. 

Visitors who venture out to the suburbs surrounding the city discover there are endless restaurants, shops and experiences to explore. From the effortlessly cool northern suburbs, to the chic fashion hubs in the south, and the multicultural and creative precincts of the west – Melbourne’s eclectic neighbourhoods on the city fringe offer endless possibilities, just a tram or train ride away.

Albert Park

Melbourne’s bayside suburb of Albert Park is not only home to the famous Australian Formula 1™ Grand Prix around the stunning Albert Park Lake, but also an array of stylish boutiques, family-friendly cafes and delicious restaurants. Fashion stores Filly’s Stable, Le Hoof and Tienda Boutique are highlights for premium shopping along Bridport Street and Victoria Avenue.

Lenny, Albert Park Deli, Dundas & Faussettand NSHRY on the bay are great cafés to enjoy the best coffee and smashed avocado in the area. Grab an old-school burger from, Andrew’s Hamburgers which has been a staple in the area since 1939.

Families can enjoy a barbecue or picnic at Kerferd Road Pier or watch the sailboats glide along Albert Park Lake with a magnificent view of Melbourne’s skyline in the background. Sporting facilities include Albert Park Golf Course and Driving Range, plus the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

South Melbourne

Start the day with a lazy brunch on Clarendon Street, York and Cecil streets in South Melbourne. Consume caffeine at St Ali and Clement Coffee, and indulge in daybreak decadence at Chez Dré, Austro and Proper & Son. A little further afield, The Kettle Black serves up a stroll-worthy brunch.

Stock up on fresh produce at the South Melbourne Market for a picnic by the seashore or Albert Park Lake. Browse specialty shops along Coventry Street: tomes at Coventry Bookstore, designs at Mr Darcy and all things food at The Essential Ingredient.

After dark, experiment with the multisensory menu at Lûmé or opt for time-honoured elegance at Tempura Hajime. Schedule wine time at Bellota Wine Bar or beer o’clock at The Palace Hotel and Hats and Tatts.

Prahran & Windsor

Melbourne’s inner-city suburbs of Prahran and Windsor make up a buzzing precinct rich in things to do, places to eat and countless shops to explore along famous Chapel Street. Prahran Market is a highlight for locals and visitors searching for the freshest produce, freshly cut flowers, plants and gifts, or simply a coffee and bite to eat. Greville Street is a hub of both eclectic and trendy boutiques, bars, cafes and the legendary Greville Records.

Windsor has become a foodie’s delight with outstanding restaurants and bars lining the southern end of Chapel Street. Hawker Hall, Mr Miyagi and Tokyo Tina are a few of the restaurants with queues out the door every weekend. For a cocktail, or two, visit charming Ines Wine Bar, Borsch Vodka and Tears or Jungle Boy (a secret tiki bar accessible through the cool-room door of Boston Sub). Galah serves up natural wine, craft beer and cocktails with an Australian focus.

A newcomer to the Chapel Street Arts Precinct, Alternating Current Art Space is an artist-run-space operating four contemporary art gallery spaces plus The Cupboard, a small project space, all with rotating exhibitions.

It wouldn’t be a Windsor without a castle and Melbourne’s no exception. Nestled in the back streets, the iconic Windsor Castle features tropical beer garden cabanas, great pub food and a cosy fireplace.

Richmond

With footy season just around the corner, home to the almighty MCG, Richmond’s many eating, drinking and shopping destinations will keep footy fans entertained long after the game is won. Prop up the bar and soak up pre-footy atmosphere at renovated working-class watering holes like the London Tavern, the Richmond Club Hotel and Prince Alfred Hotel. The Corner Hotel is one of Melbourne’s most preeminent live music venues – the ideal destination to catch a gig or relax on its recently-opened rooftop.

Tip a hat to the Good Food Guide champions adding fine culinary pedigree to the local dining scene: Minamishima, Anchovy and Noir. Cafes Pillar of Salt, Touchwood and Reunion and Co. ensure visitors are never far from a decent coffee.

Richmond also houses some of the best boutique homewares stores in Melbourne, Lily and the Weasel is worth a look for gifts and locally designed wares, Jardan Furniture designs and crafts all their pieces in Melbourne and Mark Douglas Design’s glassware is bursting with colour.

Brunswick

The multicultural hub of Brunswick, in Melbourne’s north, is home to the quintessential hipster and a diverse mixture of the very best Melbourne has to offer – from restaurants, to bars, to live music and shopping.

See signs of Brunswick’s migration history on Sydney Road: a veritable atlas of Mediterranean shops and Arabic eateries. Stock up on pasta and porcini at Mediterranean Wholesalers and enjoy delicious treats from Middle Eastern bakeries like A1. Taste Middle Eastern flavours at hotspots like Rumi and Mankoushé. Sundowners turn into nightcaps at Mr Wilkinson, Joey Smalls, The Alderman and the Brunswick Green. Try a local brew at urban winery Noisy Ritual, Temple Brewing Co., Thunder Road Brewery or The Alehouse Project. Live acts and DJs will see the best dance moves come out at the Cornish Arms, Spotted Mallard, Howler and the Retreat Hotel.

Discover Melbourne where city venues and neighbourhood favourites invite new twists and turns around the clock: visitmelbourne.com

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