A rundown of the best neighbourhoods in Melbourne in which to shop, dine, drink, and socialise with friends and family. Now that the title of "coolest" street in the world has been bestowed, we can reveal that it goes to Smith Street in Collingwood (drum roll, please). This may come as a surprise to some people, but when one considers the extensive variety of food and dining establishments, cool bars, artisan outlets, and vintage shops that are located in what was once considered a "working class" neighbourhood, it is easy to understand why this street is now ranked as the number one must-see street on the world hotlist compiled by Time Out magazine.
The colourful streets of Melbourne, Australia
Explore Melbourne's landmarks, and you'll instantly notice the city's electrifying energy, infinite charm, and bright colours. For instance, the bohemian flair of Brunswick Street contrasts with the exotic aromas and sights of Victoria Street.
Victoria Street, Richmond
Victoria Street is a perfect example of Melbourne's unique blend of cultures. As the Vietnamese population in Hanoi has grown, a formerly inconspicuous traffic route has been turned into a back street that could easily be mistaken for one. Chinese herbalists' shops and fruit booths are among the many places to purchase fresh produce and incense that can be found around the area.
If you're a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, head to Victoria Street. La Lot, Tran Tran, and Thanh Thanh are just a few of the city's many economical dining options to be found here.The original Thy Thy is widely regarded as one of the world's best Vietnamese dishes. If you're on a budget, this is a great spot to go, and the fact that it's so well-known only adds to the authenticity.
You can BYO (bring your own alcohol) and there is a wide range of reasonably priced dishes to choose from. The service is also prompt. Walking down Victoria Street, you'll see why this area is dubbed "Little Saigon" by the locals.
FAQs About Streets In Melbourne
Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia, known for its music, art centres and museums, and celebration and expression of art. It has been ranked, year after year, the most livable city, and it's not hard to see why.
Melbourne was the capital of Australia from 1901-1927. The capital then shifted to Canberra, which remains the capital today. In 1850 during the Victoria Gold Rush, Melbourne became the richest and largest city globally. In 1906, the world's first-ever feature film was shot in Melbourne.
Famous Streets Around the World to Explore
- Champs-Élysées. Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the world's most famous streets.
- Bourbon Street.
- Hollywood Boulevard.
- Abbey Road.
- Lombard Street.
With the proper permission, street art is legal in the City of Melbourne. Written permission is required from the building owner, and a planning permit may also be required for a property in a heritage control area.
Generally, an arterial road is assigned a more significant name. Street names are selected according to the theme assigned to the suburb where they are located (for example, the streets in Mawson are named after Antarctic exploration).
Acland Street & The Esplanade, St Kilda
Acland Street and the Esplanade are two of St. Kilda's most beloved destinations, both for those who live there and those who just happen to be passing through. Many people consider it the greatest location to go if they want to experience a genuine Melbourne Sunday. Brunch at the Galleon Café, a famous St. Kilda institution, usually includes bacon and eggs, a strong cup of coffee, and a perusal of the Sunday Age newspaper.
As you walk back along the palm-lined Esplanade from the end of St. Kilda Pier to Luna Park, one of the city's most iconic and colourful attractions, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Melbourne cityscape and Port Phillip Bay. The entrance to this Coney Island-inspired amusement park is disguised as the mouth of a raucous laughing clown.
Sunday St. Kilda Esplanade Market, conveniently located in the neighbourhood, offers a wide variety of handcrafted items, including jewellery, ceramics, and candles. A sweet treat from one of the well-known cake shops on Acland Street, or a cold drink from the Esplanade Hotel, are terrific ways to round off the day. Acland Street is home to both of these businesses.
Brunswick Street
Fitzroy, formerly a working-class neighbourhood in Melbourne's northern suburbs, and its Brunswick Street in particular, are today the epicentres of the city's alternative culture. Many different types of people frequent this inner-city destination for the cool and bizarre;tourists, hippies, animal activists, fiddle-playing punks, yuppies, and personalities with incredible body piercings are just a few examples of those who frequent this location.
Take a trip down Fitzroy's main street, which is lined with vintage clothes boutiques and used booksellers. A broad selection of bohemian cafes and restaurants are also available in Melbourne's trendy CBD area, including vegan and vegetarian hotspot The Vegie Bar and cocktail bar Everleigh. There is a popular pub in the historic Provincial Hotel at the corner of Johnson Street where many people meet up to go out for the night. The fashionable Bar Open, just a few doors away, presents late-night entertainment and performances by local musicians on the second floor in a small and private setting. In addition to being a great area to people watch, Brunswick Street also happens to be a busy thoroughfare.
In this area, people don't get up as early, therefore you should plan your event for later in the day. It's possible that if you arrive any earlier, the street will be deserted. With a cup of coffee in hand, you can then enjoy Melbourne's most free-thinking streets like Brunswick Street Alimentari or Stagger Lee's while watching the drama play out in front of you.
Centre Place
Imagine how much money you could make if you had one dollar for every time a tourist snapped a photo of Centre Place while they were there. Cafes that appear to be carved out of the walls line this alleyway, which is ornamented by street performers and decorated with street art. It evokes ideas of European capitals like Rome, with a broad variety of dining options.
Hosier Lane
The heart of Melbourne's street art movement can be found down this little laneway, which is paved with rough bluestone stones. Tourists cluster around the walls, taking photos, because they feature every sort of street art imaginable: tags, paste-ups, stencils, and large murals. Even more art may be found on Rutledge Lane, which is connected to Hosier and forms a U-turn around it.
Tattersalls Lane
Why can't Chinatown be a part of the fun in Melbourne's streets? This little lane, which is bordered by antique brick buildings, takes on a whole new life at night. Rice Workshop is on your right as you enter Little Bourke Street. Japanese street food may be found at this establishment. Further up, you'll discover the well-known North Indian restaurant Gaylord. However, Tattersalls is most known for its assortment of Shanghai-style Chinese eateries.
Lines often gather outside Shanghai Dumpling House, which is clearly the most well-known of these restaurants. Section 8, an outdoor bar serving drinks from a refurbished shipping container, is the ideal place to round off the evening. Section 8 has no walls and is completely exposed to the elements. Ferdydurke, located on the second level, serves Russian-style wontons and upmarket hot dogs, as well as beverages and nightly live music from a DJ.
Coolest Streets In Melbourne
Degraves Street, Melbourne CBD
Bring your camera to get a shot of the graffiti. Keep going in search of food! Degraves St is one of Melbourne's CBD's most well-known alleyways, attracting tourists from all over the world to enjoy its gastronomic offerings. The "Degraves" district of Toronto is well-known for its upscale outdoor eating and abundance of cafés, restaurants, and beverage establishments.
Smith Street, Collingwood
If you're hungry, you've found the proper location. An elegant dining experience may be had at the Panama Dining Room. However, if you like a sociable, "eat 'til you can't eat any more" experience, the Old Kingdom has a lot of duck wraps.
Check out Easey's authentic Aussie fare, which is served in a real Melbourne train car on Easey St. near the Robert Burns Hotel, before you leave the city!
If you're more of a movie buff, head over to Mr. Wow's Emporium, a fun pub with free popcorn, beverages, and games. Or perhaps you prefer one of the many bars on the street, such as Yah Yah's, Mollie's Bar and Diner, or the Peel, which has been a popular nightlife destination for decades.
Browse Smith Street's wonderful outlet walk for name brands at discount prices, or take a look at the vintage part of Lost and Found Market or Smith Street Bazaar for amazing bargains if you prefer to explore during the day.
Brunswick and Johnston Streets, Fitzroy
Partygoers from both the south and north of Melbourne seem to get along just fine in Fitzroy, making it seem like a Swiss village. You can find everything you need for a night out on the town at the intersection of Brunswick and Johnston in this urban fusion of gritty and glam.
Because Fitzroy is a great area to dance the night away, let's get started. Melbourne's salsa and sangria scene can be found at The Nightcat; live music can be found at Bar Open; or hip-hop can be found at Laundry Bar. A vibrant nightlife is found in this inner-north neighbourhood.
If you like to "sit and chat on your night out," Fitzroy still has a plethora of intriguing and unusual options for you to choose from. Naked For Satan, Naked In The Sky, Rainbow Hotel,Naked For Satan and Rice Queen, and are all great places to meet locals for a drink.
Although it is a short distance, you should not overlook the opportunity to take a stroll off Brunswick Street onto Gertrude Street, which is home to a large number of independently owned stores, bars, galleries, and restaurants.
Carlisle Street, Balaclava / St Kilda
The graffiti artwork is worth a visit. Don't stop till you've had your fill of delicious cuisine! In the Melbourne CBD, Degrave St has a reputation for attracting visitors from all over the world. Degraves" (as the locals refer to it) is renowned for its elegant outdoor dining and a plethora of cafes, diners, and beverage establishments.
Whether it's brunch at Las Chicas, dinner at Radio Mexico, fro-yo at Yo-Chi, or drinks and comedy at The Local Taphouse, there's no shortage of food to try on this trip around Melbourne's inner south.
Acland Street Village, St Kilda
The international Acland Street Village will always be a hit with tourists and locals alike. Shop fronts change periodically, yet quirky stores, restaurants, and bars that are located near iconic sites like the Palais Theatre, Luna Park, St Kilda Pier and the Esplanade Markets never go out of style.
Many international restaurants can be found in the city's inner-south neighbourhood, which is always bustling and packed with tourists from across the world. Acland Street Village is a foodie's paradise, with everything from Polish Monarch continental delicacies to rock 'n' roll nostalgia at Abbey Road and delicious gelato at 7 Apples.
Food trucks and fire dancers line the streets of Melbourne's renowned St Kilda Festival as revellers of all ages dance, drink and indulge in decadence around the town during the St Kilda Twilight Market. Make time for one of the city's neighbourhood hot places like The Vineyard, Big Mouth in St. Kilda, and The Espy, a one-stop shop for dining and drinking.
Located in Ballarat, Australia's largest city, the Ballarat Avenue of Honour spans 22 kilometres. More than 3700 trees have been planted in honour of the First Australian Imperial Forces soldiers who served in the area during World War One.
Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne CBD
If you're visiting Melbourne, don't forget to check out one of the city's main shopping streets, Collins Street. The vibrant buskers, recognisable statues, humming trams, and connections to laneways and arcades make it easy to comprehend why Bourke Street Mall is one of Melbourne's principal thoroughfares.
If you're into fashion, you've found the ideal location. To examine the latest designer collections, shoppers might lose themselves for hours in Myer Basement or David Jones on Bourke Street. For a day of shopping, you'll want comfortable shoes and unoccupied hands. Like Sportsgirl and H&M, which is located in one of Melbourne's most beautiful buildings.
Barkly Street, Footscray
Barkly Street in Footscray is the best stop in the West, which has been aiming to be "The Best." Here, a foodie's dreams come true with the Plough Hotel's fine pub grub, the Small French Bar's cosy atmosphere and the Sapa Sister's homestyle Vietnamese fare and drinks. Bar Josephine, a one-of-a-kind establishment, and the nearby restaurant Zymurgy are two of the area's best kept secrets for wine connoisseurs. The gentrification of the neighbourhood won't last long, so get in while you can.
High Street, Northcote
Even if only a trace of its grungy past remained, High Street Northcote would resemble Brunswick's more sophisticated older sister. There is something for everyone in this flower-lined road, which is home to the Palace Westgarth, a 1920s-themed movie theatre, as well as the numerous individual designers and collectives.
It is a popular destination for people of all ages, with a wide variety of restaurants, taverns, shops, and other entertainment options. The Northcote Social Club, Welcome to Thornbury, or the family-run Bar Nonno are just a few of the many options available on High Street.
Other Melbourne Attractions
In the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, you may dine on a restored 1927 tram that has been turned into a luxurious restaurant on wheels. The tram is a great way to see Melbourne while enjoying good food and Australian wine at lunch or supper. You must make a reservation in advance.
From Melbourne, take a day journey or an overnight vacation to the world-famous Great Ocean Road. On this well-traveled coastal route, which follows the west coast of Victoria, you'll find stunning ocean vistas, fun in the sun, and sleepy seaside towns and maritime villages. The major attraction at Port Campbell National Park is the Twelve Apostles, a massive series of rock stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean.
Melbourne and its surrounds may be seen 60 kilometres away from the Eureka Skydeck 88, which is the highest observation platform in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Moonlight Cinema in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens is the city's favourite open-air cinema, screening new releases and classics all summer long. This is the best of all worlds: an evening at the park, dinner on the grass, and a movie all in one!
A visit to the Queen Victoria Market is a worthwhile investment of time. One of Melbourne's best-known landmarks and a key historical monument, this 19th-century market is a must-see for visitors and locals alike. Except for the Victorian exterior, the meat market structure was in use from 1866 until 1878, when the "Queen Vic" was opened. The night market takes place on every third Wednesday of the month from November to March, and it includes everything from live music to tarot card readers to odd arts and crafts.
The Southbank precinct, which houses Melbourne's art and culture, is home to the Victorian Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria's international collection. It's unusual to find a place like Federation Square, where local artists and designers can display their work, where architecture and the arts come together. Many museums, theatres, and events in Melbourne will also introduce you to a new city for you.
A journey to Melbourne would be incomplete if it didn't include a stop at the Yarra River. Its banks have seen the construction of new buildings, walkways, and parks, notably Riverside Park. Yarra River views can be had by strolling along St. Kilda Road to Princes Bridge, packing a picnic, or taking an excursion down the river from Princes Walk (below Princes Bridge).
The Royal Exhibition Building, one of Melbourne's most recognisable buildings and Australia's first structure to be included on the World Heritage List, has a fascinating history that deserves to be explored.
Take in a "Aussie Rules" (Australian Football League/AFL) game at either the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or Docklands Stadium. A normal game can attract a nearly full crowd of enthusiastic but hushed spectators, making this sport the most popular and only one in the country.
Conclusion:
But in a city like Melbourne, where there are so many cool streets to choose from, it might be difficult to pick just one as the "coolest." As a result, in order to level the playing field, we have compiled a list of some additional strong candidates for must-see streets in one of the most liveable cities in the world.
Content Summary
- A rundown of the best neighbourhoods in Melbourne in which to shop, dine, drink, and socialise with friends and family.
- Now that the title of "coolest" street in the world has been bestowed, we can reveal that it goes to Smith Street in Collingwood (drum roll, please).
- If you're a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, head to Victoria Street.
- Acland Street & The Esplanade, St Kilda Acland Street and the Esplanade are two of St. Kilda's most beloved destinations, both for those who live there and those who just happen to be passing through.
- Sunday St. Kilda Esplanade Market, conveniently located in the neighbourhood, offers a wide variety of handcrafted items, including jewellery, ceramics, and candles.
- Take a trip down Fitzroy's main street, which is lined with vintage clothes boutiques and used booksellers.
- A broad selection of bohemian cafes and restaurants are also available in Melbourne's trendy CBD area, including vegan and vegetarian hotspot The Vegie Bar and cocktail bar Everleigh.
- In addition to being a great area to people watch, Brunswick Street also happens to be a busy thoroughfare.
- In this area, people don't get up as early, therefore you should plan your event for later in the day.
- However, if you like a sociable, "eat 'til you can't eat any more" experience, the Old Kingdom has a lot of duck wraps.
- In the Melbourne CBD, Degrave St has a reputation for attracting visitors from all over the world. "
- Acland Street Village, St Kilda The international Acland Street Village will always be a hit with tourists and locals alike.
- Many international restaurants can be found in the city's inner-south neighbourhood, which is always bustling and packed with tourists from across the world.
- Located in Ballarat, Australia's largest city, the Ballarat Avenue of Honour spans 22 kilometres.
- Barkly Street, Footscray Barkly Street in Footscray is the best stop in the West, which has been aiming to be "The Best."
- From Melbourne, take a day journey or an overnight vacation to the world-famous Great Ocean Road.
- Except for the Victorian exterior, the meat market structure was in use from 1866 until 1878, when the "Queen Vic" was opened.
- A journey to Melbourne would be incomplete if it didn't include a stop at the Yarra River.
- The Royal Exhibition Building, one of Melbourne's most recognisable buildings and Australia's first structure to be included on the World Heritage List, has a fascinating history that deserves to be explored.
- As a result, in order to level the playing field, we have compiled a list of some additional strong candidates for must-see streets in one of the most liveable cities in the world.