Melbourne’s Top 10 Coolest Suburbs
Ask anyone who has spent some time in Melbourne and they’ll undoubtedly tell you it’s an awesome city. But this world-class city’s depth goes beyond simply awesome. In fact, Melbourne has so many cool things going on that it can make your head spin at times.
Delicious flats whites, mouth-watering craft beers, top-notch live music venues, creative street art and an unlimited supply of incredible restaurants, this city has it all. We lived in Melbourne for over 7 years and know this dynamic and amazing city like the back of our hands.
Not sure where to begin discovering this city’s numerous hipster and bohemian areas? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our list of Melbourne’s coolest suburbs.
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Melbourne’s Coolest Suburbs #1: Brunswick
Brunswick is, hands-down, one of the coolest suburbs in Melbourne. In the many years we lived in Melbourne, Brunswick quickly transformed itself from a traditional neighbourhood into one of the most hipster areas in Melbourne.
But first, for simplicity, we’re amalgamating Brunswick, Brunswick East and Brunswick West into just Brunswick.
Brunswick is a bustling area of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. It’s also home to a uniquely Melbourne institution, CERES Environment Park. At once a park, organic shop, community garden, nursery, bike shed and events space, all Brunswick visitors should spend at least a couple of hours in this wholesome and beautiful space.
Traditionally home to Melbourne’s Middle Eastern population, you can find some of Melbourne’s best Mediterranean food in Brunswick.
For a sit-down meal, you can’t do better than Tibas Lebanese Restaurant. It’s a Brunswick institution and has been around for ages. Just beware of the platters – they’re very big.
For a quick bite, A1 Lebanese Bakery and the very Melbourne hipster joint Very Good Falafel are at the top of the list.
Brunswick is also home to one of the best pubs in town, Howler. Their burgers (especially the veggie ones) are out of this world and there are often live DJs and gigs going on.
If it’s nightlife you’re after, Rubix Warehouse and My Aeon have something going on almost every weekend. But for something a bit more mellow, the Jazzlab is one of Melbourne’s premier jazz clubs and should not be missed.
We’ll also let you in on a local’s secret: Brunswick is also home to Melbourne’s best op shop (thrift store) – Sacred Heart on the corner of Nicholson and Brunswick.
Where to next? Explore more of Australia on the Jatbula Trail
Where to stay in Brunswick
Budget
Mid-range
Artel Apartment Hotel Melbourne
High-end
Contemporary inspired luxury Apartment with stunning views and hot tubs
Melbourne’s Coolest Suburbs #2: Coburg
Okay, okay, we might be biased on this one – we lived in Coburg for 2.5 years, even before it was one of the coolest suburbs in Melbourne!
Bias aside, there’s no questioning that Coburg has to be on our list of the coolest suburbs in Melbourne. It’s an incredible place and getting even more incredible by the day.
What makes Coburg one of the best areas to visit in Melbourne? Well, for starters, it has a down-to-earth and authentic vibe. Interspersed amongst the various Melbourne hipster developments, you can still find traditional pastry shops and long-time residents going about their daily business. But a note of caution, this cool neighbourhood in Melbourne is gentrifying quickly, so get there quickly!
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Be sure to make a stop at Pentridge Prison. A former prison, this has been turned into a super fun multi-use space. There’s a brewery, cinema, restaurant, wine bar and even a hotel and apartments inside.
For a quick bite to eat, we love Half Moon Cafe. This cheap eatery serves up Egyptian-style falafel and has been around for ages. It’s absolutely delicious and one of the few bargains you can still find in Melbourne!
If you’re after a drink or a more substantial meal, head to the Post Office Hotel, Coburg’s local. It’s a great place for a bevvy and their food is decent too.
Coburg is bound by Coburg Lake, with large parklands to chill out in on a sunny afternoon. You can head off from here along the Merri Creek Trail, which will take you through many of the other coolest suburbs in Melbourne.
And finally, in summer, hit up the Coburg Night Market. There’s food, music and other generally Melbourne hipster things. You know the drill.
Where to stay in Coburg
Mid-range
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne, Pentridge
Melbourne’s Coolest Suburbs #3: Northcote
Northcote, which is centred around High Street, is Melbourne’s home of health and wellness. Walk around Northcote’s main artery, High Street, and you’ll see an inordinate amount of yoga studios, so if you’re in the mood for some downward dog, this is your place.
Northcote is also home to the best whole foods shop in the city, Terra Madre, where you’ll find all things organic and wholesome. Prices are relatively low and the stock is good, but don’t even think about going on a weekend. Visit on a Saturday and Sunday and it seems like the entire northern suburbs will be there.
It’s not all yoga and smoothie bowls though, as Northcote has the legendary Northcote Social Club, one of the city’s premier music venues. Across the street is Open Studio, a bar-cafe that often has world-inspired music.
In Northcote, you’ll find our favourite Melbourne cinema, Westgarth Cinema, which primarily shows independent films and hosts many of the city’s numerous film festivals.
Like so many cool Melbourne neighbourhoods, Northcote is home to fabulous restaurants. Basecamp Restaurant has some of the best Indian food in the entire city, but you’ll also find good Ethiopian at Mesob, Tibetan at Wild Yak and pizza at Primo Pizza.
Be sure to walk up to Ruckers Hill for the best views of the entire city and while you’re there, stop in for a pint at the Wesley Anne, Northcote’s long-time neighbourhood pub.
Want to explore more cities? Check out our list of Bangkok’s Top 5 Coolest Neighbourhoods
Where to stay in Northcote
Mid-range
High-end
StayCentral – Northcote Hill Penthouse
Melbourne’s Coolest Suburbs #4: Footscray
Footscray is an ethnically diverse hub that’s oozing with creativity and filled with restaurants, markets, bars and cafes. This fast-up-and-coming neighbourhood is the rising star on our list of the coolest suburbs in Melbourne.
Footscray is famously home to Melbourne’s best Ethiopian food. With no less than 15 Ethiopian restaurants, all within largely the same area, if you like injera, you’ll be happy here. Ras Dashen, Queen of Sheba and Yetenbi are some of the best.
Not to be outdone by their East African friends, Footscray also has some of the best Vietnamese food in the entire city. We’re not even going to attempt counting how many Vietnamese restaurants are located in Footscray. Pho Hung Voung Saigon Restaurant and Pho Tam are certainly worth checking out.
To get your hands on some great food, our other picks here include Littlefoot Bar + Kitchen, Back Alley Sally’s and Ollie’s Deli. For a drink or two, we suggest Bar Josephine, Mr West and Trouble in Dreams.
And while we’re talking about food, if you want to experience the best of Melbourne, check out this Melbourne Foodie Tour.
While you’re in Footscray, don’t miss the Footscray Market, a great spot for people-watching and cheap produce, as well as the nearby Maribyrnong River, which offers great opportunities for cycling, walking, and boating.
Looking for a true Australian adventure? Check out the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory
Where to stay in Footscray
Budget
Mid-range
High-end
Melbourne’s Coolest Suburbs #5: Fitzroy
No list of Melbourne’s coolest suburbs would be complete without Fitzroy, arguably the birthplace of Melbourne’s hipster culture. This once-sleepy suburb was transformed into one of the coolest parts of Melbourne back in the early 2000s when artists started buying up warehouse spaces.
Nowadays Fitzroy has more hidden bars and bearded men wearing fedoras than you shake an espresso martini at, which at times makes the neighbourhood a bit too cool for school. But as per usual, once you start poking around, there’s plenty of magic yet to be discovered. In fact, you can even take a Fitzroy true crime walking tour. Fun! (And very Fitzroy).
Fitzroy has some of Melbourne’s best street art, so an afternoon spent wandering around is a worthwhile investment.
For some of the area’s best dining, check out Afghan Gallery for an authentic Afghan experience and Vegie Bar for some of Melbourne’s best vegetarian food.
It’s a bit cliche, but you should still be sure to take in the city views from Naked for Satan, a very popular rooftop cocktail bar. If you’ve just landed in Australia, spending time at a rooftop bar is a must for any Australian itinerary for first-time visitors. Stop by The Catfish Bar for a fun neighbourhood pub with a great beer selection.
For a night out, The Night Cat is a great live music venue and Glamorama is an intimate club that attracts an excellent repertoire of DJs.
It’s worth noting that Fitzroy’s bars get very busy from Thursday to Saturday, so if you’re looking for a more chill and authentic experience, visit outside of these nights.
Where to stay in Fitzroy
Budget
Mid-range
Comfort Apartments Royal Gardens
High-end
Tyrian Serviced Apartments Fitzroy
Melbourne’s Coolest Suburbs #6: Collingwood
Collingwood is an edgy inner-city suburb located one suburb over from Fitzroy in Melbourne’s inner north. It’s known for its rich industrial heritage, and many of the old warehouses and factories have been converted into trendy apartments, cafes, and galleries.
Collingwood has a vibrant arts and culture scene, and the suburb is home to many galleries, artist studios, and performance spaces. This includes the newly revamped Collingwood Yards, a cool new art space that hosts regular exhibitions and events.
In recent years, Collingwood has become a popular spot for foodies, with a range of cafes, bars, and restaurants popping up throughout the suburb. Some of the must-visit spots include Proud Mary, a specialty coffee roaster and cafe, and Smith & Daughters, a vegan restaurant that’s known for its creative dishes.
Collingwood is also home to many boutique shops and vintage stores, particularly along Smith Street, which is one of the suburb’s main thoroughfares.
Our other favourites in this area include Trang Bakery and Cafe, arguably the best banh mi in the city, Stomping Grounds Brewery, an excellent option for craft beer lovers and New Guernica, a medium-sized club with a big personality.
Where to stay in Collingwood
Mid-range
Melbourne’s Coolest Suburbs #7: Fitzroy North
Fitzroy North is a hip little suburb that’s a great place to hang out and enjoy a more chilled-out vibe than some of its more rowdy neighbours (ahem, Fitzroy). Most of this cool Melbourne suburb’s action is along Queen’s Parade, the neighbourhood’s main strip.
Fitzroy North is home to one of our favourite places in Melbourne, Edinburgh Gardens. Edinburgh Gardens is a beautiful park with excellent views of the city and is one of the best places to hang out in Melbourne. It’s not just us that think so; it’s the entire northern suburbs. Walk through here on a summer Saturday and you might think you’ve stumbled upon a festival or concert.
Fitzroy North’s best spots include Greensleeves Coffee House, The Fitzroy Pinnacle, one of the best local pubs you’ll find in Melbourne and Just Falafs, arguably Melbourne’s best Israeli-style falafel.
Fitzroy North is also home to Melbourne’s most hipster supermarket, Piedimonte’s, which feels more like a local hangout than a place to stock up on produce.
Pro-tip: on a sunny day, stop by Just Falafs to grab some takeaway and then head over to Edinburgh Gardens to soak in the vibes. Might as well throw in a bottle of wine too while you’re at it.
Where to stay in Fitzroy North
Mid-range
COOINDA THE VILLAGE – Rejuvenate Stays
High-end
Modern Apartment opposite huge parklands
Melbourne’s Coolest Suburbs #8: Abbotsford
Little Abbotsford is a super cool suburb in Melbourne. Understated and often missed, it definitely earns a place on our list of the coolest suburbs in Melbourne.
Abbotsford is a former industrial hub, thus you’ll see lots of industrial-style architecture which have been developed into creative businesses. It also sits on the Yarra River, so amongst the old industrial buildings are plenty of green spaces to enjoy. This intersection of industry and parkland makes Abbotsford a very unique Melbourne neighbourhood and one definitely worth checking out.
Abbotsford is dominated by the Abbotsford Convent, easily one of our favourite Melbourne institutions. An old convent, the Abbotsford Convent has been re-purposed and is now an art, educational and cultural hub.
Sadly, Lentil as Anything is no longer there, but there’s still a cafe and the bakery, plus there’s usually some sort of event, market or festival happening. It’s still a really great place to hang out and the grounds are a great place to throw a frisbee, so if you’re looking for free things to do in Melbourne, look no further.
Whilst technically in neighbouring Kew, Studley Park and the Studley Park Boathouse are just across the river. You can rent a little rowboat for an hour or two to enjoy the peaceful area. Cute!
Other picks here include Bodriggy Brewing Company, serving up some of the best beers in Australia and Dr Morse Bar & Eatery, a fun and lively bar with a very nice outdoor courtyard.
Where to stay in Abbotsford
Mid-range
Corporate Living Accommodation Abbotsford
Melbourne’s Coolest Suburbs #9: Elwood
Ok ok, Elwood may not be exactly THE coolest neighbourhood in Melbourne but its understated, laidback beachside vibes are pretty great. After spending all the time in inner-city Melbourne, you may be wondering, “is Melbourne on the coast?” – well, let Elwood answer that for you.
Also, Elwood Beach is arguably Melbourne’s best centrally located beach and the views of the city (from the beach) are hard to beat. Its beautiful parks, canals and leafy streets are a nice bonus too.
Elwood is also home to many great cafes, restaurants, and bars, particularly along Ormond Road, which is one of the suburb’s main roads.
A few recommendations include Combi Elwood, a popular cafe that’s known for its organic and vegan-friendly dishes, smoothie bowls, and raw desserts, Elwood Bathers, a beachside restaurant that’s housed in a historic building and offers stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and Mr Tuppy, a popular cafe serving up delicious coffee and Asian-inspired dishes.
Elwood is a great place to enjoy a drink with friends, whether you’re after a cozy wine bar or a lively cocktail spot. The Woodfrog Bakery is a cozy bakery that also serves beer and wine, as well as delicious baked goods and light bites. It’s a great spot for a low-key drink with friends.
The Village Belle Hotel is a historic hotel that has been recently renovated and now offers a range of bars and dining areas, including a rooftop bar with panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay.
Finally, the Elwood Lounge is a cozy lounge bar that offers a range of cocktails, spirits, and beers, as well as live music and DJ sets on the weekends.
Where to stay in Elwood
Mid-range
Modern Beach Oasis in Elwood Village
High-end
Elwood Sanctuary just minutes from the beach
Melbourne’s Coolest Suburbs #10: Windsor
Windsor, one of the south side’s more understated areas, is one of Melbourne’s coolest suburbs because it boasts a fun, laidback vibe without the pretentiousness of some of its neighbours.
It’s home to many great cafes, restaurants, and bars, particularly along Chapel Street and nearby Greville Street. Some of the popular spots include Hawker Hall, a Southeast Asian restaurant that’s known for its hawker-style dishes, and Jungle Boy, a hidden bar that serves creative cocktails.
Windsor is also home to the Astor Theatre, a vibrant Art Deco movie theatre that shows classic and cult films.
Where to stay in Windsor
Budget
Mid-range
Lovely Apartment In Wonderful Windsor
High-end
Stylish Townhouse in Melbourne’s Playground
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Planning to book accommodations in Northcote. Is Northcote well-connected by public transport (like bus or train)? First time in Melbourne and I’m sure taxi is expensive! Thank you!
Hey Trisha! Northcote is really well connected by public transport. There’s a tram that goes down all of High Street, straight to downtown, plus multiple train stations as well. There are some buses as well, but these are much less dependable than trams and trains.