Footy weekend itinerary

Footy is a way of life in Melbourne and it's hard to beat the experience of a city in the grip of footy fever.

The MCG is the hub of the game: a revered sports ground, within striking distance of the CBD. Fuel up pre-game or feel the buzz in Melbourne's iconic laneways, world-class restaurants, intimate bars and cosy cafes.

Afternoon games

Kick off pre-match with breakfast or brunch in the city centre. Try Hardware Societé for a French-inspired start, New York–style diner Bowery to Williamsburg or caffeine-focused Manchester Press.

With your appetite satisfied, browse boutiques, arcades and shopping malls. Add to your footy outfit at St. Collins Lane and Emporium.

Later on in Richmond, enjoy a pint at The London Tavern, Royal Saxon or The Corner Hotel's rooftop beer garden.

Head over to the MCG early, to tour the Australian Sports Museum. Make time to pay tribute to players past, at the foot of statues on the grandstand concourse. Take your seat and give your vocal chords a workout as the teams hit the field.

When the siren sounds, head to your dinner reservation or beat the queues at no-reservations eateries. Choose from dining spots along Flinders Lane, or explore the city laneways for great restaurants and bars.

Evening games

Nothing beats the spectacle of a footy game under lights at the MCG. With some extra hours to spare before kick-off, follow up your CBD breakfast or brunch with a visit to Federation Square, where the latest exhibitions of artworks at NGV Australia are complimented by film and screen exhibits at ACMI, and in-depth talks and tours at the Koorie Heritage Trust.

Skip across into the Theatre District towards Collins and Spring Streets for high-end independent fashion outlets, before venturing north of the city to neighbouring Fitzroy, just a short tram ride away. Follow up with something tasty to eat and a hit of caffeine at Bentwood, and contemplate the game ahead.

Meander down Brunswick Street, along Gertrude Street, and up Smith Street for an absorbing overview of street art, fashion boutiques, cool cafes and small galleries.

Enjoy a pre-match beverage at nearby Stomping Ground in Collingwood, or Bodriggy Brewing Co in Abbotsford, before you head south to the MCG as night falls.

Grab a snack at the stadium – and keep your spirits high after the game, with a drink or two back in the city centre. Try some after-the-fact analysis at Ferdydurke, City Wine Shop, or Whisky and Alement.