Guidebook for Carlton
Food Scene
Chinese restaurant, reasonably priced, super-busy, generous portions, not at all fancy, love this place! http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/761826/restaurant/CBD/Supper-Inn-Melbourne
29 locals recommend
Supper Inn Chinese Restaurant
15 Celestial AveChinese restaurant, reasonably priced, super-busy, generous portions, not at all fancy, love this place! http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/761826/restaurant/CBD/Supper-Inn-Melbourne
Expensive but amazing fine dining restaurant and bar with spectacular food, wine and cocktails. http://cumulusinc.com.au/
200 locals recommend
Cumulus Inc.
45 Flinders LnExpensive but amazing fine dining restaurant and bar with spectacular food, wine and cocktails. http://cumulusinc.com.au/
Reasonably priced modern-Japanese restaurant in the CBD (at Federation Square). Lovely for lunch or dinner. http://chocolatebuddha.com.au/
12 locals recommend
Chocolate Buddha
Reasonably priced modern-Japanese restaurant in the CBD (at Federation Square). Lovely for lunch or dinner. http://chocolatebuddha.com.au/
Awesome restaurant, great cocktails, a bit expensive and super-busy so get in early (enjoy a drink in the bar downstairs while you wait): http://www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au/#
552 locals recommend
Chin Chin
125 Flinders LnAwesome restaurant, great cocktails, a bit expensive and super-busy so get in early (enjoy a drink in the bar downstairs while you wait): http://www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au/#
Fancy (a little pricey, too) local place for coffee, food, wine. If you enjoy trying the finer things in life, give this place a visit: http://www.gertrudestreetenoteca.com/
34 locals recommend
Gertrude Street Enoteca
229 Gertrude StFancy (a little pricey, too) local place for coffee, food, wine. If you enjoy trying the finer things in life, give this place a visit: http://www.gertrudestreetenoteca.com/
Gorgeous little French Cafe! Great for brunch, lunch, coffee - seating indoors, out front or rear courtyard. http://www.lanichecafe.com.au Check Facebook for events: http://tinyurl.com/kcdugmr
19 locals recommend
La Niche Cafe
67 Smith StGorgeous little French Cafe! Great for brunch, lunch, coffee - seating indoors, out front or rear courtyard. http://www.lanichecafe.com.au Check Facebook for events: http://tinyurl.com/kcdugmr
Finer local cafe with more fine-dining breakfast/brunch/lunch and good coffee. http://birdmaneating.com.au/
13 locals recommend
Birdman Eating
238 Gertrude StreetFiner local cafe with more fine-dining breakfast/brunch/lunch and good coffee. http://birdmaneating.com.au/
A more upmarket local cafe with great breakfast/brunch/lunch and open as a fine dining restaurant at night. Good coffee, great specials. http://backstreeteating.com.au/
12 locals recommend
Backstreet Bar & Grill
152 Kerr StA more upmarket local cafe with great breakfast/brunch/lunch and open as a fine dining restaurant at night. Good coffee, great specials. http://backstreeteating.com.au/
Lovely little cafe with great coffee and food. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Slowpoke-Espresso/221714874514535
22 locals recommend
Slowpoke Espresso
157 Brunswick StLovely little cafe with great coffee and food. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Slowpoke-Espresso/221714874514535
Mexican food, a bit more 'fine dining' that most! Great food and drinks, lovely setting, perhaps a little expensive but worth it. Often very busy so get in early. http://www.mamasita.com.au/
286 locals recommend
Mamasita
11 Collins StMexican food, a bit more 'fine dining' that most! Great food and drinks, lovely setting, perhaps a little expensive but worth it. Often very busy so get in early. http://www.mamasita.com.au/
Very modern, uber-hip restaurant/bar. Moderately priced (not cheap, not too expensive). Often busy. http://ricequeen.com.au/
43 locals recommend
Rice Queen Oriental Diner and Bar
389-391 Brunswick StVery modern, uber-hip restaurant/bar. Moderately priced (not cheap, not too expensive). Often busy. http://ricequeen.com.au/
Old-fashioned Vietnamese restaurant, good vegetarian options, inexpensive, heaps of food. BYO (there is a little drinks shop called Smith Street Cellars a few doors up, take a beer, cider or wine).
9 locals recommend
COCONUT PALMS
183 Smith StOld-fashioned Vietnamese restaurant, good vegetarian options, inexpensive, heaps of food. BYO (there is a little drinks shop called Smith Street Cellars a few doors up, take a beer, cider or wine).
Seriously cool cafe with excellent coffee (they are uber-into their coffee here) and great food. Often busy. Good for breakfast/brunch/lunch/afternoon tea/coffee. http://www.proudmarycoffee.com.au/
125 locals recommend
Proud Mary
172 Oxford StSeriously cool cafe with excellent coffee (they are uber-into their coffee here) and great food. Often busy. Good for breakfast/brunch/lunch/afternoon tea/coffee. http://www.proudmarycoffee.com.au/
Low-key Vietnamese restaurant with generous portions and not very expensive. Eat in or take away.
17 locals recommend
Viet Rose Vietnamese Restaurant
363 Brunswick StLow-key Vietnamese restaurant with generous portions and not very expensive. Eat in or take away.
Hip, cool cafe with great gluten-free and vegan options (including their famous brownies!). Small menu, regularly changes. Outdoor seating at rear. "Industrial style" decorating is worth a look.
10 locals recommend
Tomboy Cafe
356 Smith StHip, cool cafe with great gluten-free and vegan options (including their famous brownies!). Small menu, regularly changes. Outdoor seating at rear. "Industrial style" decorating is worth a look.
Kiwi-style cafe with EXCELLENT coffee (they make it) and great cafe food. Good for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or just coffee.
16 locals recommend
Elektra Caffe
268 Brunswick StKiwi-style cafe with EXCELLENT coffee (they make it) and great cafe food. Good for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or just coffee.
Gorgeous little French cafe/restaurant. Can be a bit pricey. Fine dining breakfast or brunch is amazing. Good coffee. Lovely indoor or outdoor seating.
11 locals recommend
Madame Sousou
231 Brunswick StreetGorgeous little French cafe/restaurant. Can be a bit pricey. Fine dining breakfast or brunch is amazing. Good coffee. Lovely indoor or outdoor seating.
Inexpensive vegetarian restaurant with a bar out the back. Lots of seating but always very busy. If there's a queue, have a drink out back while you wait for a table. Large meals, dietary options.
185 locals recommend
Vegie Bar
380 Brunswick StInexpensive vegetarian restaurant with a bar out the back. Lots of seating but always very busy. If there's a queue, have a drink out back while you wait for a table. Large meals, dietary options.
CHEAP. Huge student-style dining hall with lots of pre-prepared food. Don't go here if you prefer fancy, but it's a good for those traveling on a tight budget!
Threshermans Bakehouse
221 Faraday StCHEAP. Huge student-style dining hall with lots of pre-prepared food. Don't go here if you prefer fancy, but it's a good for those traveling on a tight budget!
A vibrant little CBD laneway with lots of cafes to choose from for coffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating. No cars allowed.
49 locals recommend
Degraves St
A vibrant little CBD laneway with lots of cafes to choose from for coffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating. No cars allowed.
Centrally located, very popular, perhaps a little on the expensive side, European cafe on the doorstep of the Princess Theatre and State Parliament. Good coffee. Excellent service.
58 locals recommend
The European
161 Spring StCentrally located, very popular, perhaps a little on the expensive side, European cafe on the doorstep of the Princess Theatre and State Parliament. Good coffee. Excellent service.
Famous local cafe with an enormous offering, often busy and buzzing, very spacious and plenty to choose from. http://brunetti.com.au/BrunettiCarlton.aspx
164 locals recommend
Brunetti Carlton
380 Lygon StFamous local cafe with an enormous offering, often busy and buzzing, very spacious and plenty to choose from. http://brunetti.com.au/BrunettiCarlton.aspx
If you're after excellent coffee or a specialty tea, this is your place! http://assemblystore.com/
10 locals recommend
Assembly
62 Pelham StIf you're after excellent coffee or a specialty tea, this is your place! http://assemblystore.com/
Insanely good baked goods, coffee, food. Eat in or take away. Especially amazing pies and pastries! Always busy (may need to wait a few mins). http://tinyurl.com/kptsob3
65 locals recommend
Babka
358 Brunswick StInsanely good baked goods, coffee, food. Eat in or take away. Especially amazing pies and pastries! Always busy (may need to wait a few mins). http://tinyurl.com/kptsob3
Great cafe! Delicious food & coffee, open late, highly recommended. Pleasant walk or 5min bus ride. http://www.bayte.com.au/
Bayte
56 Johnston StGreat cafe! Delicious food & coffee, open late, highly recommended. Pleasant walk or 5min bus ride. http://www.bayte.com.au/
Local cafe with home baked goods, breakfast/brunch/lunch and afternoon tea, nice coffee, pleasant atmosphere - relax with the paper or a magazine... http://www.cafelua.com/
Cafe Lua
169 Elgin StLocal cafe with home baked goods, breakfast/brunch/lunch and afternoon tea, nice coffee, pleasant atmosphere - relax with the paper or a magazine... http://www.cafelua.com/
Adorable modern Japanese cafe and gift store owned by the loveliest couple! http://cibi.com.au/
59 locals recommend
CIBI
33-39 Keele StAdorable modern Japanese cafe and gift store owned by the loveliest couple! http://cibi.com.au/
These guys know their coffee! Little local espresso place - http://www.everyday-coffee.com/
43 locals recommend
Everyday Coffee
36-38 Sackville StThese guys know their coffee! Little local espresso place - http://www.everyday-coffee.com/
Lunch spot - good coffee - grab a pie or fancy sandwhich: http://tinyurl.com/lu4v7a5
18 locals recommend
La Parisienne Pâtés
17 Toorak RdLunch spot - good coffee - grab a pie or fancy sandwhich: http://tinyurl.com/lu4v7a5
Great food and coffee, lovely for breakfast/brunch/lunch, delightful service. Can be a little bit on the pricey side but still good value. http://tinyurl.com/n7rs4p2
9 locals recommend
Le Miel Et La Lune
330 Cardigan StGreat food and coffee, lovely for breakfast/brunch/lunch, delightful service. Can be a little bit on the pricey side but still good value. http://tinyurl.com/n7rs4p2
CHEAP EATS! Not-for-profit vegetarian eatery run by volunteers - pay what you think your meal was worth, support a wonderful charity. http://lentilasanything.com/
66 locals recommend
Lentil As Anything, Abbotsford
3 St Heliers StCHEAP EATS! Not-for-profit vegetarian eatery run by volunteers - pay what you think your meal was worth, support a wonderful charity. http://lentilasanything.com/
CHEAP EATS! Not-for-profit vegetarian eatery run by volunteers - pay what you think your meal was worth, support a wonderful charity. http://lentilasanything.com/
40 locals recommend
Lentil As Anything, St Kilda
41 Blessington StCHEAP EATS! Not-for-profit vegetarian eatery run by volunteers - pay what you think your meal was worth, support a wonderful charity. http://lentilasanything.com/
This place is an institution! You are not allowed skinny or soy milk here - great coffee, great food, old-school Italian service. http://marioscafe.com.au/
60 locals recommend
Marios
303 Brunswick StThis place is an institution! You are not allowed skinny or soy milk here - great coffee, great food, old-school Italian service. http://marioscafe.com.au/
Hidden cafe - great coffee, fabulous food, relaxed atmosphere, off the beaten track: https://www.facebook.com/MinLokal
15 locals recommend
Min lokal
422 George StHidden cafe - great coffee, fabulous food, relaxed atmosphere, off the beaten track: https://www.facebook.com/MinLokal
Cool little cafe/bar in Fitzroy - laid back, chilled out, great atmosphere: http://tinyurl.com/mf3amkg
Radio Bar & Cafe
357 Brunswick StreetCool little cafe/bar in Fitzroy - laid back, chilled out, great atmosphere: http://tinyurl.com/mf3amkg
Amazing coffee!! Delicious food and little treats. Highly recommended. Often busy. http://sevenseeds.com.au/
144 locals recommend
Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters
114 Berkeley StAmazing coffee!! Delicious food and little treats. Highly recommended. Often busy. http://sevenseeds.com.au/
Sonido
69 Gertrude StBuzzing little South American cafe in Fitzroy. http://sonido.com.au/
Coffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner. Italian flavour, home-made spelt pizza.
http://trotters.com.au/
14 locals recommend
Trotters Bistro
398-400 Lygon StCoffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner. Italian flavour, home-made spelt pizza.
http://trotters.com.au/
Vegan and gluten-free friendly restaurant that is laid back, casual, relaxed and often very busy because it is so popular. http://tinyurl.com/lzebw84
52 locals recommend
Yong Green Food
421 Brunswick StVegan and gluten-free friendly restaurant that is laid back, casual, relaxed and often very busy because it is so popular. http://tinyurl.com/lzebw84
Brilliant local Lebanese restaurant, which is a Melbourne institution having opened in 1979.
109 Elgin St
109 Elgin StreetBrilliant local Lebanese restaurant, which is a Melbourne institution having opened in 1979.
New York style deli featuring sandwiches, soups, salads, seafood. A bit pricey but a nice place to eat. Upstairs Tues-Sun dining room & bar 'saloon style', bookings recommended for dinner.
118 Elgin St
118 Elgin StreetNew York style deli featuring sandwiches, soups, salads, seafood. A bit pricey but a nice place to eat. Upstairs Tues-Sun dining room & bar 'saloon style', bookings recommended for dinner.
Fancy vegetarian food, gorgeous environment, spacious, stylish and lovely staff.
7 locals recommend
Green Man's Arms
418 Lygon StFancy vegetarian food, gorgeous environment, spacious, stylish and lovely staff.
Sightseeing
Doesn't every city have a Chinatown? Heaps of cheap eats and a vibrant atmosphere. http://chinatownmelbourne.com.au/
464 locals recommend
Chinatown Precinct
35 Market LnDoesn't every city have a Chinatown? Heaps of cheap eats and a vibrant atmosphere. http://chinatownmelbourne.com.au/
Check when the market is on - a fun morning, have a coffee/snacks, pick up some local produce, cheese, flowers, etc. http://www.abbotsfordconvent.com.au/calendar
280 locals recommend
Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers StCheck when the market is on - a fun morning, have a coffee/snacks, pick up some local produce, cheese, flowers, etc. http://www.abbotsfordconvent.com.au/calendar
I love this place! Grab brunch/lunch/coffee and have a wander, so peaceful and interesting.
181 locals recommend
Collingwood Children's Farm
18 St Heliers StI love this place! Grab brunch/lunch/coffee and have a wander, so peaceful and interesting.
Lovely outdoor public space a short bus ride from us. Cafes, art gallery, walk around the beautiful grounds, childrens farm: http://www.abbotsfordconvent.com.au/
280 locals recommend
Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers StLovely outdoor public space a short bus ride from us. Cafes, art gallery, walk around the beautiful grounds, childrens farm: http://www.abbotsfordconvent.com.au/
Great permanent exhibitions and often a major traveling exhibition. Set in the beautiful Carlton Gardens and only a few minutes down the road from where you're staying.
593 locals recommend
Melbourne Museum
11 Nicholson StGreat permanent exhibitions and often a major traveling exhibition. Set in the beautiful Carlton Gardens and only a few minutes down the road from where you're staying.
Take a walk along the beach, do a little shopping, eat at one of the many cafes or cake shops, have a drink at one of the many bars... an afternoon/evening well spent!
225 locals recommend
St Kilda
Take a walk along the beach, do a little shopping, eat at one of the many cafes or cake shops, have a drink at one of the many bars... an afternoon/evening well spent!
Huge, modern, architecturally designed public space in Melbourne CBD on the Yarra River. Lots to see and do, whatever the weather! Great information centre here (downstairs on main corner).
797 locals recommend
Federation Square
Huge, modern, architecturally designed public space in Melbourne CBD on the Yarra River. Lots to see and do, whatever the weather! Great information centre here (downstairs on main corner).
Large research library in historically significant building. Check out what's on for exhibitions - Ned Kelly's exhibition is permanent. Quiet, interesting and great (buzzing) cafe downstairs.
568 locals recommend
State Library Victoria
328 Swanston StLarge research library in historically significant building. Check out what's on for exhibitions - Ned Kelly's exhibition is permanent. Quiet, interesting and great (buzzing) cafe downstairs.
Beautiful, well-kept large parkland with historical Captain Cook's Cottage in the centre. Take a picnic, go for a walk or run, it's a lovely place to be and a peaceful urban sanctuary.
227 locals recommend
Fitzroy Gardens Playground
Wellington ParadeBeautiful, well-kept large parkland with historical Captain Cook's Cottage in the centre. Take a picnic, go for a walk or run, it's a lovely place to be and a peaceful urban sanctuary.
Beautiful parkland with the Melbourne Museum and historical domed Melbourne Exhibition building in the centre. Have a picnic by the little lake, take a walk or a run, lay in the grass... it's lovely.
235 locals recommend
Carlton Gardens
Beautiful parkland with the Melbourne Museum and historical domed Melbourne Exhibition building in the centre. Have a picnic by the little lake, take a walk or a run, lay in the grass... it's lovely.
A great zoo, a wonderful way to spend the day wandering around and of course stop for lunch: http://www.zoo.org.au/
389 locals recommend
Melbourne Zoo
Elliott AvenueA great zoo, a wonderful way to spend the day wandering around and of course stop for lunch: http://www.zoo.org.au/
WALKING TOUR: Melbourne's Laneways (2.5km / 1.5hrs) Guide opens as a .pdf with map and description - http://tinyurl.com/lp9rfbx
79 locals recommend
St Paul's Cathedral
Flinders StreetWALKING TOUR: Melbourne's Laneways (2.5km / 1.5hrs) Guide opens as a .pdf with map and description - http://tinyurl.com/lp9rfbx
WALKING TOUR: Melbourne Waterfront (4.75km / 2hrs) - opens as a .pdf with map and descriptions - http://tinyurl.com/mo5bkxq
Princes Walk
WALKING TOUR: Melbourne Waterfront (4.75km / 2hrs) - opens as a .pdf with map and descriptions - http://tinyurl.com/mo5bkxq
WALKING TOUR: Cosmopolitan Melbourne (3.75km / 2hrs) - start at Federation Square - city views, shopping, chinatown - opens as .pdf with map and descriptions - http://tinyurl.com/lqkne7t
10 locals recommend
Transport Hotel
Federation SquareWALKING TOUR: Cosmopolitan Melbourne (3.75km / 2hrs) - start at Federation Square - city views, shopping, chinatown - opens as .pdf with map and descriptions - http://tinyurl.com/lqkne7t
Captain Cook's cottage in the Fitzroy Gardens - a little history in a beautiful setting. http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Placestogo/MelbourneLandmarks/Historic/Pages/4450.aspx
56 locals recommend
Cooks' Cottage
Wellington ParadeCaptain Cook's cottage in the Fitzroy Gardens - a little history in a beautiful setting. http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Placestogo/MelbourneLandmarks/Historic/Pages/4450.aspx
Often moving stories and history of people immigrating to Australia. http://museumvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum/
96 locals recommend
Immigration Museum
400 Flinders StOften moving stories and history of people immigrating to Australia. http://museumvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum/
Historical building; check website for access and events: http://museumvictoria.com.au/reb/
189 locals recommend
Royal Exhibition Building
9 Nicholson StHistorical building; check website for access and events: http://museumvictoria.com.au/reb/
Shopping
Cookbooks! If you love cooking, you'll be in dreamland here... http://www.booksforcooks.com.au/blog.php/
11 locals recommend
Books for Cooks
115-121 Victoria StCookbooks! If you love cooking, you'll be in dreamland here... http://www.booksforcooks.com.au/blog.php/
Designer paper, stationery, lovely art prints (not original but look great framed), sweet gift ideas: http://zettaflorence.com.au/
7 locals recommend
Zetta Florence
197B Brunswick StDesigner paper, stationery, lovely art prints (not original but look great framed), sweet gift ideas: http://zettaflorence.com.au/
CHEAP discounted clothing (huge store, gets busy) - Alannah Hill, Gorman, Dangerfield, Princes Highway. Upstairs even cheaper. Womens (mens a few doors up): http://www.yelp.com.au/biz/clear-it-fitzroy
7 locals recommend
Clear iT - Brunswick St Womens
188-192 Brunswick StCHEAP discounted clothing (huge store, gets busy) - Alannah Hill, Gorman, Dangerfield, Princes Highway. Upstairs even cheaper. Womens (mens a few doors up): http://www.yelp.com.au/biz/clear-it-fitzroy
Discount shopping mall - a bit hard to find (tram to Casino, walk down behind Exhibition Centre and Hilton Hotel, turn left at Charlie's Cafe). http://www.dfo.com.au/southwharf/
124 locals recommend
DFO www.catalogclothing.com.au
20 Convention Centre PlDiscount shopping mall - a bit hard to find (tram to Casino, walk down behind Exhibition Centre and Hilton Hotel, turn left at Charlie's Cafe). http://www.dfo.com.au/southwharf/
Inner-city shopping mall - high street and designer brand stores - food court - train station underneath - major movie theatre upstairs: http://www.melbournecentral.com.au/
313 locals recommend
Melbourne Central
Swanston StreetInner-city shopping mall - high street and designer brand stores - food court - train station underneath - major movie theatre upstairs: http://www.melbournecentral.com.au/
Independent ladies fashion/accessories boutique that specialises in small Australian designer labels.
Alice Euphemia
37 Swanston StIndependent ladies fashion/accessories boutique that specialises in small Australian designer labels.
High-end, major department store, for those who REALLY like to shop. Great Australian designer section.
102 locals recommend
David Jones
310 Bourke StHigh-end, major department store, for those who REALLY like to shop. Great Australian designer section.
Myer Melbourne
336 Bourke StMajor department store, for those who like to shop.
Fantastic local independent book shop that sells all types of books, designer stationery, CDs/DVDs and lovely gifts. http://www.readings.com.au/carlton
74 locals recommend
Readings Carlton
309 Lygon StFantastic local independent book shop that sells all types of books, designer stationery, CDs/DVDs and lovely gifts. http://www.readings.com.au/carlton
Exquisite specialty tea in the sweetest little tearoom setting with delightful staff who know their stuff. For tea aficionados, do not miss this! http://www.storminateacup.com.au/
7 locals recommend
Storm in a Teacup
48A Smith StExquisite specialty tea in the sweetest little tearoom setting with delightful staff who know their stuff. For tea aficionados, do not miss this! http://www.storminateacup.com.au/
A tea shop! So many to choose from, a wonderful shopping experience. http://www.t2tea.com/
7 locals recommend
T2 Tea
340 Brunswick StA tea shop! So many to choose from, a wonderful shopping experience. http://www.t2tea.com/
What an amazing little gift shop! Filled with french soaps, scented candles, bathroom trinkets, handcreams and scents. http://www.kleinsperfumery.com.au/
9 locals recommend
Kleins Perfumery Brand Only (Online & Wholesale)
What an amazing little gift shop! Filled with french soaps, scented candles, bathroom trinkets, handcreams and scents. http://www.kleinsperfumery.com.au/
Independent book store with a good selection in a peaceful environment. Specialty magazines and birthday cards, too. http://www.brunswickstreetbookstore.com/
27 locals recommend
The Brunswick Street Bookstore
305 Brunswick StIndependent book store with a good selection in a peaceful environment. Specialty magazines and birthday cards, too. http://www.brunswickstreetbookstore.com/
Everything Else
CHEAP haircuts and colours but remember it is a training salon so it can take a long time and may not be 100% what you wanted... http://www.bibasalons.com.au/academies.html
Biba Academy of Hairdressing Head office
236 Johnston StreetCHEAP haircuts and colours but remember it is a training salon so it can take a long time and may not be 100% what you wanted... http://www.bibasalons.com.au/academies.html
Hair salon - a well established professional salon. http://www.bibasalons.com.au/carlton-salon.html
BWS Carlton
304 Lygon StHair salon - a well established professional salon. http://www.bibasalons.com.au/carlton-salon.html
Hair salon - lovely couple with a sweet little salon. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Buddha-Hair/190792658373
Little Buddha Hair
36 Johnston StHair salon - lovely couple with a sweet little salon. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Buddha-Hair/190792658373
Main CBD train station; opposite Federation Square. Historical building.
710 locals recommend
Flinders Street Railway Station
Flinders StreetMain CBD train station; opposite Federation Square. Historical building.
25m indoor swimming pool and YMCA gym. Casual entry is $5.90 for a swim or $20 for a fitness class (includes a swim before/after class, too). See website for hours/times: http://tinyurl.com/lmqdklh
37 locals recommend
Carlton Baths
248 Rathdowne St25m indoor swimming pool and YMCA gym. Casual entry is $5.90 for a swim or $20 for a fitness class (includes a swim before/after class, too). See website for hours/times: http://tinyurl.com/lmqdklh
For some quiet "time out" in the CBD, head here to sit down and read. Books, magazines, references... I love this spot for a break. Fantastic cafe at the entrance called "Canteen".
10 locals recommend
City Library
253 Flinders LnFor some quiet "time out" in the CBD, head here to sit down and read. Books, magazines, references... I love this spot for a break. Fantastic cafe at the entrance called "Canteen".
Laundromat. Laundry facilities just around the corner from us.
20 locals recommend
Soap Bar Launderette
63 Elgin StLaundromat. Laundry facilities just around the corner from us.
Olympic sized outdoor public pool with a cool vibe. Whether you're a lane swimmer or cooling off on a hot day, a great place to hang out. http://tinyurl.com/mqms3w7
99 locals recommend
Fitzroy Swimming Pool
160 Alexandra ParadeOlympic sized outdoor public pool with a cool vibe. Whether you're a lane swimmer or cooling off on a hot day, a great place to hang out. http://tinyurl.com/mqms3w7
"Hot yoga" - not for the faint hearted! They have a special $19 for 10 days. Only a 10min walk from our place along Elgin/Johnston St.
http://bikramyogafitzroy.com.au/
66 locals recommend
Fitzroy
"Hot yoga" - not for the faint hearted! They have a special $19 for 10 days. Only a 10min walk from our place along Elgin/Johnston St.
http://bikramyogafitzroy.com.au/
Drinks & Nightlife
Great for a Spanish wine in the courtyard, a beer at the bar or also a restaurant/dining room with Spanish food. http://www.robertburnshotel.com.au/
15 locals recommend
Robert Burns Hotel
376 Smith StreetGreat for a Spanish wine in the courtyard, a beer at the bar or also a restaurant/dining room with Spanish food. http://www.robertburnshotel.com.au/
Cool inner-city pub with outdoor seating and a rooftop bar. Gets crazy on Fri/Sat night. Reasonably priced, spacious, creatively decorated. http://www.thecarlton.com.au/
59 locals recommend
The Carlton Club
193 Bourke StCool inner-city pub with outdoor seating and a rooftop bar. Gets crazy on Fri/Sat night. Reasonably priced, spacious, creatively decorated. http://www.thecarlton.com.au/
Love this place for an inner city cocktail!! http://www.ginpalace.com.au/
74 locals recommend
Gin Palace
10 Russell PlLove this place for an inner city cocktail!! http://www.ginpalace.com.au/
Live music venue (younger environment, indie music). Also has a separate dining area which is often busy so go early. http://thetoffintown.com/
45 locals recommend
The Toff In Town
252 Swanston StLive music venue (younger environment, indie music). Also has a separate dining area which is often busy so go early. http://thetoffintown.com/
Little rooftop cinema at top of a CBD building with it's own bar and seating. Summer program, very casual/hip, lots of stairs (you have been warned): http://rooftopcinema.com.au/
175 locals recommend
Rooftop Cinema
252 Swanston StLittle rooftop cinema at top of a CBD building with it's own bar and seating. Summer program, very casual/hip, lots of stairs (you have been warned): http://rooftopcinema.com.au/
Very popular, always busy bar with a modern-Thai restaurant. Hip, cool, a little overpriced but worth it. http://cookie.net.au/ Gets very noisy on Friday nights, FYI.
381 locals recommend
Cookie
252 Swanston StVery popular, always busy bar with a modern-Thai restaurant. Hip, cool, a little overpriced but worth it. http://cookie.net.au/ Gets very noisy on Friday nights, FYI.
Coffee or drinks by the river, a gorgeous little spot under the bridge near Flinders St Station and Federation Square. http://www.riverlandbar.com/
43 locals recommend
Riverland Bar
Coffee or drinks by the river, a gorgeous little spot under the bridge near Flinders St Station and Federation Square. http://www.riverlandbar.com/
Great local pub and live music venue. If you love rock/country/indie music, get down here! Pub food and beer garden out back. http://northcotesocialclub.com/
155 locals recommend
Northcote Social Club
301 High StGreat local pub and live music venue. If you love rock/country/indie music, get down here! Pub food and beer garden out back. http://northcotesocialclub.com/
Nice little Bourbon bar, they also do food (I haven't tried it yet, though). http://www.kodiakclub.com.au/
11 locals recommend
The Kodiak Club
180 City RoadNice little Bourbon bar, they also do food (I haven't tried it yet, though). http://www.kodiakclub.com.au/
Awesome rooftop for a drink. I don't like the food at all and it's way too busy on a Fri/Sat night, get up there early on a weekday to get a seat. http://www.nakedforsatan.com.au/naked-in-the-sky/
366 locals recommend
Naked For Satan
285 Brunswick StAwesome rooftop for a drink. I don't like the food at all and it's way too busy on a Fri/Sat night, get up there early on a weekday to get a seat. http://www.nakedforsatan.com.au/naked-in-the-sky/
Awesome local pub, very laid back/casual. Often live music; huge beer garden; great food (reasonably priced). Off the main road so not a tourist trap! http://www.thestandardhotel.com.au/
70 locals recommend
The Standard Hotel
293 Fitzroy StAwesome local pub, very laid back/casual. Often live music; huge beer garden; great food (reasonably priced). Off the main road so not a tourist trap! http://www.thestandardhotel.com.au/
Excellent cocktails! Perhaps a little expensive/exclusive so not for the faint at heart. Have a fancy drink here to start your night out: http://www.theeverleigh.com/
109 locals recommend
The Everleigh Melbourne
150-156 Gertrude StExcellent cocktails! Perhaps a little expensive/exclusive so not for the faint at heart. Have a fancy drink here to start your night out: http://www.theeverleigh.com/
Great little bar, laid back, lovely service, a popular local space. Outdoor seating at rear. Also serves bar food and now offers cafe-style breakfast/brunch/lunch.
6 locals recommend
Southpaw
189 Gertrude StGreat little bar, laid back, lovely service, a popular local space. Outdoor seating at rear. Also serves bar food and now offers cafe-style breakfast/brunch/lunch.
Old local pub in Fitzroy. Great for an afternoon/evening beer. Huge pub food, perhaps a little more expensive now that they are famous (Offspring tv show) but still got it going on. Outdoor seating.
50 locals recommend
Union Club Hotel
164 Gore StOld local pub in Fitzroy. Great for an afternoon/evening beer. Huge pub food, perhaps a little more expensive now that they are famous (Offspring tv show) but still got it going on. Outdoor seating.
Great little spot hidden away upstairs. NOT fancy! A few choice menu items to fill you up for lunch or dinner. Mix of old-school and sometimes student crowd. Comfy, retro, cool.
23 locals recommend
Hell's Kitchen
20A Centre PlGreat little spot hidden away upstairs. NOT fancy! A few choice menu items to fill you up for lunch or dinner. Mix of old-school and sometimes student crowd. Comfy, retro, cool.
Gorgeous, popular little bar within a wine shop that also does food around one shared table or at the bar. Can be a little expensive if ordering from their cellar, so use the wine list instead.
65 locals recommend
City Wine Shop
159 Spring StGorgeous, popular little bar within a wine shop that also does food around one shared table or at the bar. Can be a little expensive if ordering from their cellar, so use the wine list instead.
A lovely local bar around the corner from us, perfect for an evening drink amongst locals (off the beaten track!). http://www.markov.com.au/
12 locals recommend
Markov
350 Drummond StreetA lovely local bar around the corner from us, perfect for an evening drink amongst locals (off the beaten track!). http://www.markov.com.au/
Tiny little bar that makes 'grown up drinks' hidden down a city laneway. No sitting. Very cool, completely unique. https://www.facebook.com/baramericanomel
48 locals recommend
Bar Americano
20 Presgrave PlTiny little bar that makes 'grown up drinks' hidden down a city laneway. No sitting. Very cool, completely unique. https://www.facebook.com/baramericanomel
Arts & Culture
Local independent art gallery - check what's on for openings and exhibitions: http://strangeneighbour.com/
7 locals recommend
Strange Neighbour
395-397 Gore StLocal independent art gallery - check what's on for openings and exhibitions: http://strangeneighbour.com/
Little local independent gallery, check what's on for openings and exhibitions. http://www.c3artspace.com.au/
c3 contemporary art space
1 St Heliers StLittle local independent gallery, check what's on for openings and exhibitions. http://www.c3artspace.com.au/
Major movie theatre in the CBD. Upstairs at shopping mall that has food hall, pub, etc. http://www.hoyts.com.au/cinemas/locations/melbourne_central.aspx
322 locals recommend
HOYTS
La Trobe StreetMajor movie theatre in the CBD. Upstairs at shopping mall that has food hall, pub, etc. http://www.hoyts.com.au/cinemas/locations/melbourne_central.aspx
Small but very nice movie theatre under the Sofitel Hotel in the city. Cheap tickets Monday. A nice, comfy escape from the hustle-bustle: http://www.palacecinemas.com.au/cinemas/kino/
83 locals recommend
Kino Cinemas
45 Collins StSmall but very nice movie theatre under the Sofitel Hotel in the city. Cheap tickets Monday. A nice, comfy escape from the hustle-bustle: http://www.palacecinemas.com.au/cinemas/kino/
Our major 'arts centre' - music, theatre, dance, small art exhibitions, cafe/bar, etc. See what's on: http://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/
164 locals recommend
Arts Precinct/St Kilda Road station
Our major 'arts centre' - music, theatre, dance, small art exhibitions, cafe/bar, etc. See what's on: http://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/
Live music venue - check what's on if you're into live rock/country/punk/indie music: http://cornerhotel.com/
131 locals recommend
Corner Hotel
57 Swan StLive music venue - check what's on if you're into live rock/country/punk/indie music: http://cornerhotel.com/
Australian Centre for Moving Image - great exhibitions (some free, some paid), movie theatres and cafe/bar. http://www.acmi.net.au/
258 locals recommend
ACMI
Flinders StreetAustralian Centre for Moving Image - great exhibitions (some free, some paid), movie theatres and cafe/bar. http://www.acmi.net.au/
A must see! Melbourne's main art gallery, with permanent (often free) and visiting exhibitions. Lovely public space both inside and out. Cafe downstairs. Gift store. Easy to get to.
1737 locals recommend
National Gallery of Victoria
180 St Kilda RdA must see! Melbourne's main art gallery, with permanent (often free) and visiting exhibitions. Lovely public space both inside and out. Cafe downstairs. Gift store. Easy to get to.
Historical art, permanent free exhibitions and sometimes paid/special exhibitions in addition to this. Arts from both Eastern and Western hemispheres, ancient and modern, fine arts and decorative.
128 locals recommend
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Russell StreetHistorical art, permanent free exhibitions and sometimes paid/special exhibitions in addition to this. Arts from both Eastern and Western hemispheres, ancient and modern, fine arts and decorative.
A local, independent cinema that is very popular! Great little bar and you can take a drink into the theatre with you. Monday = discount day, cheapest in Melbourne! $6 before 4pm, $9 after.
321 locals recommend
Cinema Nova
380 Lygon StA local, independent cinema that is very popular! Great little bar and you can take a drink into the theatre with you. Monday = discount day, cheapest in Melbourne! $6 before 4pm, $9 after.
Essentials
A huge, central market for (great!) fresh food and souvenirs. Summer night market Weds 5-10pm with craft stalls, food, drinks, music is awesome. http://www.qvm.com.au/
957 locals recommend
Queen Victoria Market
Queen StreetA huge, central market for (great!) fresh food and souvenirs. Summer night market Weds 5-10pm with craft stalls, food, drinks, music is awesome. http://www.qvm.com.au/
Another supermarket option, if you don't like Woolworths. A bit further away but different products, so worth a look if you are particular about your groceries, it might be worth the short distance.
105 locals recommend
Coles Fitzroy
95-103 Johnston StAnother supermarket option, if you don't like Woolworths. A bit further away but different products, so worth a look if you are particular about your groceries, it might be worth the short distance.
Large, major supermarket chain with everything you need at competitive prices. Groceries (cereal, fruit, vegies, frozen goods, dairy, cheese, biscuits, shampoo, package meals, etc).
77 locals recommend
Woolworths Carlton
380 Lygon StLarge, major supermarket chain with everything you need at competitive prices. Groceries (cereal, fruit, vegies, frozen goods, dairy, cheese, biscuits, shampoo, package meals, etc).