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7 hip spots to stay in Melbourne (that isn’t the CBD)
Melbourne is a stunning part of the world filled with more restaurants, bars, coffee shops and cute boutiques than you can poke a stick at. When you’re paying a visit to Melbourne, it’s tough to know where you should base yourself to ensure that you’re within the optimal distance between Gelato Messina and the city. It can be fraught to decide – so that’s why we have come up with an easy list of the best suburbs so you can pick and choose your serviced apartments in Melbourne and rest easy knowing you’re in the prime position to get the most out of this stunning city.
Fitzroy
Mention that you’re going to Melbourne to anyone who’s ever been there (even once), and they’ll doubtless recommend a place in Fitzroy for you to go and eat breakfast. What can we say? It’s just that the place is literally packed to the rafters with incredible eating and drinking. You will find the location is simple to access thanks to the tram slicing down the middle of Brunswick Street, and if you tire of the gallery spaces, bookstores and bars, you can always pop up to the vast green mecca of Edinburgh Gardens and enjoy a lazy afternoon spent lazing in the sun.
North Melbourne
Not quite Parkville, not quite the CBD – North Melbourne is a little pocket of awesome just north of the CBD and is home to some of the best bars and cafes you’re ever likely to find, including seminal favorite Auction Rooms. Explore the area by bike or simply stroll around. Access to the city is as easy as hopping on a tram or walking it.
Carlton North
Head up Lygon Street far enough and you’ll find the streets get a little bit wider, the air gets a little bit fresher (well, not that we mind the smell of pizza) and the trees get a lot more plentiful. Carlton North is home to streets like Drummond Street and Rathdowne and offers ample opportunity to get out and enjoy cafes and restaurants alike. Notable examples include Neighbourhood Wine if you fancy a little bit of a tipple and a spot of fantastic dining.
Collingwood
Just a bit further beyond Fitzroy and hugging the borders of Smith Street lies Collingwood. This pumping and vibrant location is a great choice if you fancy exploring Abbotsford, Richmond and the city. Smith Street is lined with a plethora of fantastic spots for people watching, so grab yourself a latte and pull up a pew on a lazy Sunday and soak up the warmth of a sunny day in Collingwood.
Northcote
Melbourne’s gritty north has long been the refuge of artists and expressive types who love nothing more than freedom of expression. That freedom of expression has translated itself rather magically into a range of bars, live music venues and restaurants each offering something seemingly more spectacular than the last. Linked to the city by the convenience of rail or tram, you’re never going to be far from home.
Brunswick East
Gritty, grungy and just a little bit crazy, Brunswick East is your suburb of choice if vegan and vegetarian food jostling alongside some of the best chicken parmas you’re ever likely to have is your bag. If this is your thing, the Cornish Arms is going to give you just what you want. Brunswick East is connected by the tram and is close to the very pleasant Princes Park if you fancy a jog or a run of the afternoon.
Prahran
OK, so we love the northside… But we couldn’t complete this list without mentioning Prahran. Home to Chapel Street and an almighty collection of bars and sights, you’ll be in seventh-heaven when you stay in Prahran. You have your pick of the bunch when it comes to restaurants and bars, and you’ll enjoy walking the streets as you explore the many sights.
Enjoy Melbourne in all its glory as you stay in one of these stunning suburbs.
