Fitzroy

Inner suburban Fitzroy is Melbourne's bohemian heart. An edgy mix of alternative, artistic and trendy elements, it has a fascinating collection of young designer and retro clothes shops, bookshops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. You'll get a feel for the suburb with a short walk along Brunswick Street, Fitzroy's backbone. See quaint and quirky shops and eclectic art on offer in studios and galleries. Pick up bargain recycled fashion, arty homewares, locally made jewellery or just a colourful bunch of flowers. Brunswick Street's cool cafés, restaurants and boisterous bars offer anything at any time, serving all-day breakfasts and coming alive at night with crowds of locals turning up to eat, drink and enjoy themselves. The area around Brunswick Street is a good place to get a no-nonsense, decent meal with gastro pubs like the Napier, the Rose and the Standard to choose from. Nearby Smith Street is an interesting multicultural streetscape that's an alternative to the ever-popular Brunswick Street. Known for its vegetarian and whole foods, you'll also find plenty of budget-friendly Asian, Greek, Moroccan and Middle Eastern eateries, as well as an increasing number of stores stocking local designer wares. Gertrude Street is also emerging as an edgy place to explore, with an odd collection of boutiques, cafés, pubs and bars. Situated between Brunswick and Smith streets, Johnston Street is Melbourne's Spanish quarter and has a range of tapas and flamenco bars. Every year the road is closed to host the two-day Hispanic-Latin-American festival. It's no surprise that bohemian Fitzroy is also the centre of the alternative Melbourne Fringe Festival every September/October. Take tram 112 from Collins Street or number 86 from Bourke Street and within 15 minutes you'll be deep in Fitzroy.