Neighbourhoods

Welcome back to the neighbourhood. Step out and revisit your old favourites or explore somewhere new to you. Our neighbourhoods are full of unexpected, creative, fun and memorable experiences, whichever way you turn. No matter if you're sporty or into fashion, a gourmet grazer or a head-banging lover of rock 'n' roll, you'll find your neighbourhood scene in Melbourne.

Dive into fashionable and foody Brunswick, Carlton, Collingwood and Fitzroy to the north of the Yarra River – and enjoy the relaxed seaside life in St Kilda to the south. Fabulous flavours and diverse talents from across the globe await you in Footscray to the west and in Richmond to the east.

The 'lazy-Sunday-afternoon-in-the-pub' was invented in Brunswick. A guy at the bar told us so.

Brunswick's Sydney Road is home to vintage clothes shops and Turkish, Greek and Middle Eastern bakeries. The cafe scene here is expert and growing. Down a single origin coffee at Code Black and Wide Open Road. Old Palm Liquor hits gourmet high notes at the north end of Lygon Street and CERES organic food market keeps everyone grounded. Be social at beloved venues The Retreat and the Cornish Arms, where beer-garden bevvies meet live music tunes. And work off brunch and beer on the Princess Park circuit.

Stroll the historic leafy streets of Carlton, home of Italian food and culture in Melbourne.

The traditional vibe stays true in this neighbourhood, where all are welcome. DOC, Tiamo and Brunetti Classico have your order for wood-fired pizza, ragu, cannoli and tiramisu. Duck into King and Godfree for deli goods then pop upstairs to Johnny's Green Room for a rooftop spritz with perfect city views. Fill up on history at Melbourne Museum and relax in nature at Carlton Gardens. Browse a late-night bookshop and pick up tickets to an arthouse cinema. Then grab a scoop of fresh-made gelato to go.

Meet Fitzroy and Collingwood: Melbourne's twin star neighbourhoods of the inner north.

Dig the quirks, creativity and style on Gertrude, Brunswick, Smith and Johnston Streets. Some of the best food, fashion, music and arts sprout from historic bluestone buildings and laneways in this part of the city. At every turn you'll find local fashion, live music, elevated pub grub, award-winning chefs, sophisticated cocktail dens and wine bars you'll want to linger in for longer. Keep it low key with vintage stores, record-shop hopping and tacos, or shop indie boutiques and dress for a fancy dinner. It's up to you.

Footscray's global kitchens and markets will have you back for more. Flavour's king in the west.

You'll get generous helpings of diversity and creativity in this neighbourhood. Pile your basket high with fresh ingredients at Footscray Market or get your art into gear at a local music or theatre performance. Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian and North African restaurants here serve up some of the best wonton soups, curries and spongy injera bread in Melbourne. Visit cafes, bars and late night eateries. Pedal or walk riverside paths along the Maribyrnong River, and watch the local rowing clubs train for their next big regatta.

There's a loyal crowd of footy tragics and live music lovers in Richmond, east of the city centre.

Richmond is Melbourne's meeting point for the sporty and the stylish, for rock 'n' roll lovers and foodie fanatics of all stripes. Head here for design and fashion bargains on Church and Bridge Roads. Get behind your AFL footy team beneath the big lights at the hallowed MCG. Then head for a beer and burger at a cheery local pub, a steaming bowl of pho on Vietnamese-centric Victoria Street, award-winning dishes at Jeow and Minamishima, or a thrilling live music gig at the legendary Corner Hotel.

The seaside is one of Melbourne's best sides, and St Kilda is easy breezy in all seasons.

Get your walking shoes, grab your sunnies and head down the bay for plenty of salt-air fun, musical stages and awesome eateries. Walk, skate or cycle along the beachside boardwalk. Fitzroy and Acland Streets will have you hopping from Italian eats, to bookshops and cake shop treats. Stop for a swim at the sea baths, then wander the famous pier. Fuel up at award-winning restaurants and pubs on the Esplanade. Grab a table at Stokehouse or head to the Esplanade Hotel's dining room and stay on for a drink at the bar and a live music gig.