Like many cities, Melbourne is more a collection of villages than a single unified city. Developed throughout the city’s varied history, each suburb has its own distinct character, from architecture to streetscapes.
The city center and Southbank have the highest concentration of major sights, while other crowd-pleasers are scattered around the city’s fringes.
Rest assured that every neighborhood in inner Melbourne is brimming with accommodation, cool bars, stand-out cafes, international cuisine, lush parks, small independent art galleries, and stores to get lost in. No matter where you base yourself, you’ll quickly realize why Melbourne is voted one of the world’s most liveable cities, again and again.
City Center
Best for Accommodation
The city center (locals call it “the CBD,” short for “central business district”) has the highest concentration of accommodation options. From modern apartments and boutique designer hotels to indulgent luxury options, it’s all here. There’s even a rooftop glamping option for something completely different, where guests can enjoy a truly unique stay.
Staying in the city center puts you in the heart of the action, with excellent transport options to explore outlying neighborhoods. The CBD was once mostly busy with workers and shoppers, but over the last couple of decades, high-rise apartments have filled the center of town with residents, breathing life into the city streets day and night. You could spend a week exploring the small bars, incredible restaurants, laneway street art galleries, and ornate arcades before you’ve even thought about what’s beyond the city grid.
Southbank
Best for Riverside Views
Formerly an industrial zone, Southbank was rebuilt and rebranded as an exciting new precinct in the 1990s. This riverside promenade is peppered with big-name international restaurants and hotels, and features a large casino that draws the crowds.
However, with its Yarra River views and numerous exemplary arts institutions, this neighborhood is perfectly positioned for those seeking a blend of leisure and culture. Additionally, it has plenty of accommodation choices and is just a short walk from the city center.
Continue west on foot or by bicycle to find the Docklands, which has birthed a mini-city of high-rise apartments, restaurants, plazas, and public art, making it a surprisingly good area to explore.
Fitzroy & Collingwood
Best for Bars and Cafes
Despite the lack of traditional tourist attractions, there are myriad reasons to base yourself in the leafy northern suburbs of Fitzroy or Collingwood. A short tram ride from the city center, these neighborhoods boast an excellent food and drink scene, along with eclectic shops and contemporary art galleries.
Smith and Gertrude Streets are packed with intimate wine bars and world-class cocktail spots, while the best local pubs are found among the backstreets of Fitzroy and Collingwood. Many have leafy beer gardens for sunny afternoons, or cozy fireplaces for warmth in winter. For a slice of Australian nature, head toward Abbotsford for a stroll along the Yarra River.
One of Melbourne’s favorite rooftop bars provides stunning views over the neighborhood, making it the perfect spot for a sunset drink or a late-night tipple at a cocktail bar.
St Kilda
Best for a Nostalgic Seaside Holiday Vibe
St Kilda is Melbourne’s bohemian heart, where vibrant history intertwines with contemporary culture. Originally a 19th-century seaside resort, this neighborhood has played many roles, from a post-war Jewish enclave to a punk-rocker hub.
It features a complex jumble of boom-era Victorian mansions, charming beachside apartments, and bustling streets. Adventurers can take a ride on the vintage roller coaster at Luna Park or visit nostalgia-inducing theatres nearby, finding an array of dining options.
Carlton
Best for Families with Young Children
Carlton, home to Melbourne’s vibrant Italian expat community, is family-friendly and conveniently located near the university. It features verdant gardens, delightful cafes, and wide streets lined with picturesque Victorian houses.
From here, visitors can easily explore nearby attractions, including a zoo with native Australian marsupials, which also features fantastic playgrounds for children.
Richmond
Best for Lovers of Sport
Richmond stands as the nexus for sports in Melbourne, with its skyline dominated by iconic stadiums, including the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This vibrant area also boasts delicious dining options, particularly in the Vietnamese enclave along Victoria Street. A mixture of shopping, cafes, and pubs can be found along Bridge Road and Swan Street.
Sports enthusiasts will feel at home here, especially during the AFL matches, the Melbourne Marathon, or Australia’s Grand Slam tennis championship. Visitors can further explore the Australian Sports Museum, which showcases the nation’s sporting heritage.
