INNER EAST
THINGS TO DO IN THE INNER EAST
These buzzed-about neighbourhoods boast an elusive mix of grunge and glamour.
Multi-layered and diverse, Melbourne's Inner East packs a whole lot in. From trendy Prahran and South Yarra to affluent Toorak and grungy Windsor, there is no place for boredom in this vibrant pocket of Melbourne City.
The Inner East offers an enticing snapshot of how the other half lives; prestigious neighbourhoods, chic cafés, buzzing nightlife, vintage and designer boutiques, tree-lined streets and lush parklands. There is no doubt that these idyllic neighbourhoods are highly sought after by those who like the finer things in life. And having a bounty of top-notch cafes and restaurants at their fingertips is just the icing on the cake.
Whether you're looking for Melbourne's next hot foodie destination, vintage finds or revelries that linger well into the small hours of the morning, there are so many things to do in Melbourne's Inner East. So, buckle in because our list of things to do is long and varied.
Foodie Delight
When it comes to eating and drinking, Melbourne's Inner East delivers in a big way. Cementing Melbourne's Inner West as a premier foodie destination is the iconic Prahran Market with its impressive deli section and abundant fresh produce. Yet it's the line-up of cafes and restaurants that delight at every turn. Windsor is home to a flourishing café and dining scene, Toorak is known for its glamorous restaurants, French bistros and contemporary dining, while South Yarra has a sleek café culture. Our advice, always come hungry to Melbourne's Inner East because the food around here is some of the city's finest.
Shop 'til You Drop
For things to do in Melbourne's Inner East, shopping the impressive array of designer boutiques and vintage stores is an absolute must. Chapel Street is a shopping mecca – the Windsor's stretch of Chapel Street offers a more bohemian alternative to the fast fashion and high-end boutiques that dominates the opposite end of Chapel Street in Prahran and South Yarra. For record stores and boutiques, head to Greville Street in Prahran, while vintage fans can look to Chapel Street Bazaar in Prahran to unearth a treasure trove.
Chapel Street
Stretching between South Yarra and Windsor, buzzy Chapel Street is packed with eating, drinking, dancing and shopping. The bulk of this celebrated strip lies in South Yarra, with a mix of hip bars, restaurants and late-night clubs. But what is arguably the hipper end of Chapel Street, the boutiques and eateries of Windsor have an edgy vibe with its thriving café culture and a shopping scene with a boho vintage feel.
Prahran
When it comes to things to do in Melbourne's Inner East, this lively neighbourhood has the stamina to keep you busy, day and night. Whether it's catching a show at an independent theatre, clubbing at all hours of the night (and day), or dining at the city's hottest new venues – Prahran is where the festive crowds drink, be merry and dance the night away.
Botanical Gardens
Sitting on the edge of South Yarra is the Royal Botanic Gardens – a much-loved green space and a Melbourne institution. It's an idyllic setting for intimate picnics and gatherings or run laps around The Tan. Either way, this lush greenspace will make you feel like you are far from the bustling lifestyle of Melbourne's Inner East.
When it comes to things to do in Melbourne's Inner East, you are well and truly spoilt for choice. From foodie delights to shopping meccas to lively nightlife. Combine this with tree-lined streets, lustful homes with gardens to match, and you have a cluster of neighbourhoods that shine a spotlight on what we love most about Melbourne.
