Melbourne International Arts Festival

Melbourne laneways, arcades and streets are bustling with great cafés and many little boutique and vintage shops. Additionally, in and around the city are precincts which all offer very different experiences of Melbourne. Go out and discover a wealth of places to shop, eat and drink!

 
LYGON STREET

Lygon Street in Carlton is one of the great food precincts in Melbourne. Known affectionately as "Little Italy" it has the biggest selection of Italian restaurants and cafes of anywhere in Australia, serving traditional Italian food, fresh espresso and delicious gelati with an emphasis on alfresco dining.

Further down Lygon Street you'll find speciality delicatessens, bookshops, galleries and plenty of shops selling the latest European and Australian fashions.

How to get there: Tram 1 or 22 (from Swanston Street)
Travelling time: 10 minutes

 
CHINATOWN

Chinatown is a distinctive and well known area of Melbourne which dates back to the gold rush days of the 1850s. It proudly stands as one of the city's most popular destinations with the area dominated by restaurants (from fine dining to laneway eating houses), and is home to a number of Asian grocery stores, Chinese medicine and herbalist centres, bookstores, fashion boutiques and gift stores.

The heritage streetscape has been well preserved, with few buildings reaching over three storeys in height and the five Chinese street arches recently restored to their original magnificence.

How to get there: The essential character and main focus extends along Little Bourke Street between Swanston and Spring Streets.

 
CHAPEL STREET

When Melbournians think Chapel Street, first they think fashion, then food. A precinct made for walking, Chapel Street is sure to keep you occupied for hours.

The South Yarra end of the street has always been upmarket, home to the city's designer fashion (clothes, shoes and accessories) and gift wear stores, much loved by super-models and celebrities. Award winning restaurants, stylish bars and cool cafés offer a myriad of culinary experiences.

The Windsor end of Chapel Street is the ‘cool alternative' area for shopping, dining, joining the café set, or being entertained. It has a focus on arts, culture and music, with vintage and second-hand shops aplenty.

How to get there: Tram 8 or 72 (from Swanston St)
Travelling time: 20 minutes

 
BRUNSWICK STREET

If you were after an area of Melbourne that reflects the city's soul, it could be Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. This cafe and food precinct bordering on the CBD is very much like Melbourne in that it is tolerant and accommodating of all types of people.

Here you can be bohemian, poor, rich, alternative, trendy, young or old - you will fit in regardless of what you look like or where you come from. It has a large selection of cafes serving tasty food, organic vegetable shops, footpath flower stalls, alternative bookshops and clothing stores.

How to get there: Tram 112 (from Collins St)
Travelling time: 10 minutes

ST. KILDA

This bayside suburb is one of Melbourne's main destinations and is renowned for its picturesque beach setting, close proximity to the city, music venues, restaurants and cafe lifestyle.

Much of St Kilda's activity is concentrated in Fitzroy and Acland Streets. Fitzroy Street is renowned for its popular cafes, restaurants and bars, with tables spilling onto the footpath. Nearby Acland Street is vibrant and bustling with an eclectic mix of restaurants, wine bars and continental cake shops.

How to get there: Tram 96 (from Bourke Street) or 112 (from Collins Street)
Travelling time: 25 minutes

 
SOUTHBANK

Southbank is a unique leisure destination in the heart of Melbourne, offering magnificent views of the Yarra River and city skyline. It accommodates an eclectic mix of dining and shopping along its lively promenade. From casual cafés to award winning restaurants, food courts and a plethora of bars, Southbank caters for all tastes and styles.

This precinct also features many attractions such as designer clothing stores, markets, street theatre, museums, galleries and entertainment complexes.

How to get there: From Flinders Street Station cross Princes Bridge or take the pedestrian footbridge to the south side of the Yarra River.