Melbourne’s 10 Trendiest Neighbourhoods to Live in Right Now
With a thriving arts scene and foodie hotspots, these trendy Melbourne neighbourhoods are hard to beat.
From shopping to eating and nightlife, these Melbourne suburbs have some of the hippest scenes in town. They pack charm and personality on every corner luring both locals and out-of-towners alike.
Yarraville
Voted one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2020, Yarraville combines hotspot dining and culture, with beautiful heritage architecture and an inclusive community feel. From organic grocers and delicatessens to speakeasy-style bars and innovative restaurants, there’s plenty to fill your day, and your stomachs. Check out the art deco Sun Theatre, Yarraville Village Farmers Market and popular Mexican eatery Village Cantina. This westside suburb is a convenient 20-minute train ride into the CBD.
Windsor
Previously overlooked in favour of its stylish neighbours, South Yarra and Prahran, edgy Windsor has well and truly come into the limelight. Today it offers back-to-back bars, restaurants, galleries and independent fashion boutiques, along with the impressive art deco Astor Theatre. Eat your way up Chapel Street, home to some of the city’s most in-demand eateries including Hawker Hall, Mr Miyagi and Tokyo Tina.
Flemington
While many will know it solely for Spring Carnival, Flemington is steadily gaining popularity thanks to its notable brunch spots, farmers’ markets and much-loved pubs. The inner-city suburb sits just 4km from the CBD and is effortlessly connected via public transport, attracting young professionals and singles. It has a diverse dining scene along with grocery stores and supermarkets and is walking distance to stunning Royal Park.
Balaclava
With Carlisle Street at its heart, the bustling, multicultural suburb of Balaclava is all about its food. Melbournians cross town for its bakeries, hole-in-the-wall coffee shops and beer gardens, with a handful of fashion boutiques and homeware stores thrown into the mix. It’s punctuated by pretty green spaces – Alma Park is a popular picnic spot – and is well served by public transport to St Kilda, Chapel Street and the city.
Footscray
If there’s one pocket of Melbourne having undergone a facelift in recent years, it’s Footscray. This once working-class suburb is topping charts for its liveability, affordability and hip factor. It boasts a thriving arts scene and a rich multicultural lifestyle with popular cheap eats and wine bars. Footscray Market is considered one of the best produce markets in the city, while abundant creative spaces and design stores add to the daily buzz. From Quarry Park residents are treated to incredible views across the city skyline.
Thornbury
Over the past decade, the northern neighbourhood of Thornbury has evolved into a hipster haven with live music venues, alfresco eateries and a booming bar scene. The suburb is bursting with character and maintains its strong Greek and Italian roots with all the delicious homestyle cooking that entails. Check out its many creative spaces and catch a flick at the retro-style Thornbury Picture House.
Fitzroy
Jam-packed with personality, Fitzroy endures as one of Melbourne’s trendiest neighbourhoods. With endless eateries spanning all corners of the globe, there’s plenty to keep you fuelled and well caffeinated. The action unfolds along Brunswick Street with its veteran vintage stores, independent boutiques and brunch spots. There’s weekend farmers’ and artists’ markets along Rose Street and a line-up of rooftop watering holes come sundown.
Carlton
Picturesque parks, historical architecture and much-loved restaurants all share the spotlight in inner-city Carlton. Melbourne’s little slice of Italy, Lygon Street serves up some of the tastiest pizza, pasta and gelato in town. Locals spend their summers cooling off at Carlton Baths or lazing beneath the Moreton Bay Figs lining Carlton Gardens. The suburb is home to cultural icons such as Melbourne Museum and Queen Victoria Market just down the road.
Brunswick
With its thriving alternative culture and strong multicultural heritage, Brunswick continues to top lists as a hipster hangout. From craft beer to coffee, there’s plenty of entertainment for every hour. Along the main drag of Sydney Road sits galleries, thrift stores and longstanding diners serving a mouth-watering melting pot of flavours. Many locals choose to commute on bike, but the suburb is also effortlessly connected via tram, train and bus routes.
Collingwood
Striking an intriguing mix of old and new, cool and cultured Collingwood has become one of the city’s most sought-after addresses. Once considered the grittier pocket of the north, a continuous stream of new bars and restaurants has meant young singles and urban professionals are vying to move in. Find coffee roasters and taverns housed within converted warehouses and new arts precincts bringing together some of the city’s finest up-and-coming talent.
