Hipster Hangouts: Melbourne’s Coolest Suburbs

We’ve heard it all before — Melbourne is oneof the most liveable cities in the world. And perhaps the biggest contributionto this status is the vibrant character of Melbourne’s suburbs, all of whichpossess their own individual heartbeat and creativity.

To get to know just a few of these a littlemore, we’ve come up with six of the coolest suburbs in Melbourne. Take note,there is no algorithm or survey that guided us to this list, instead, we letour appetite, caffeine craving and curiosity for culture lead the way.

1.Fitzroy

Fitzroy is not only one of Melbourne’s coolestsuburbs, but it’s also the city’s oldest, dating back to 1839. It’s where thetrue alternative side of the city lives and breathes, and where anythingcreative, goes. The suburb’s main street, Brunswick Street, is chock-full oflocally run boutique shops and carefully curated vintage stores. However, comethe weekend, Rose Street’s popular Artists’Market is where the action is at; filling a large outdoorspace and warehouse with fashion, craft, and food stalls, every Saturday andSunday.

2. Northcote

Books, bars, and brunch, oh my! The treasures abound in Northcote, making it the ultimate hipster haven. This popular suburb sports a village vibe, where older Italian and Greek residents live alongside young creatives and families. Northcote is spoilt with an impressive selection of innovative eateries and retailers, found not only along the main High Street, but also scattered throughout quieter, tree-lined streets. It’s also a hub for live music venues, with the local Northcote Social Club becoming an iconic spot for the indie-music scene in Melbourne.

3. StKilda

Although St Kilda is where you’ll findMelbourne’s beloved  Luna Park,there’s much more to this coastal suburb than its iconic amusement playground.From joggers to paddle boarders, this is where hipsters who lead activelifestyles come to dwell. Take a walk down the Esplanade and watch the yachtsand windsurfers float by on the bay. When lunchtime calls, head to nearbyAcland Street where you’ll find an entire strip lined with beloved bakeries,some of which have been there since the 1930s. Just don’t forget to pack yourswimmers and a towel with you during summer. 

4.Brunswick

Brunswick is a delightful mecca of diversityand inclusivity in terms of the people who live in this suburb, and for thatreason, becoming a well-known cultural creative hub of Melbourne. Whilst here,take your taste buds on a world tour by walking along Sydney Road, where you’llfind a mixture of offerings including Middle Eastern bakeries and Mediterraneancafes. And if you’re lucky enough to find yourself here in March, make sure tohead to the annual BrunswickMusic Festival, where the Sydney Road Street Party takesplace, shutting down traffic for a day and making way for food stalls, live music,and dancing.

 5. CBD

Although Melbourne’s CBD means business, it also knows not to take itself too seriously. After all, it’s where the city’s original laneway hub was born, showcasing unique alleyways that sport a Wizard of Oz feel — you never know what lies around the next corner. Perhaps it’s a hidden cafe? Or maybe it’ll be an underground art gallery? Who knows. All you have to do is follow the yellow brick road and explore at your own pace. And of course, there are so many cool things to do in this happening suburb outside the laneways; like seeing a show at the Princess Theatre or simply taking a scenic walk alongside the Yarra River.

6. Collingwood

Close to the CBD, but far enough to have formed its own unique identity, Collingwood has emerged as one of Melbourne’s hottest locales for eating and drinking out, attracting a young, hip and hungry crowd by the masses. From sipping on cappuccinos inside one of the suburb’s hidden cool cafes like Eddy’s, to devouring a burger on  Easey’s’ rooftop, Collingwood is truly a celebration of everything that is quintessential about this city. Oh, and if independent shops and boutiques are your thing, head here to shop your quirky socks off.