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Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Melbourne: Your Ultimate Accommodation Guide

John Doe030 mins

Local resident and writer LC Hunter of Birdgehls shares her expertise to give you the best information for where to stay in Melbourne and a guide to its neighborhoods. From activities, tours, and accommodations in the city, this complete guide will give you all the tools you need to enjoy your stay.

Choosing where to stay in Melbourne can be difficult, especially when there are so many different neighborhoods.

Where to Stay in Melbourne, Australia

As the most liveable city in the world (seven years in a row, but who’s counting?), it can be challenging to decide exactly where you should base yourself when visiting Melbourne, Australia. This guide is here to help you out.

The city is incredibly vibrant, hosting numerous wonderful neighborhoods. For newcomers, it can be complicated to identify which area will best suit your tastes.

Do you prefer being in the heart of the action with easy access to all the sights and free transport? Or would you rather experience local life—shopping in quaint boutique stores, enjoying cocktails in trendy bars, or sipping on the city’s renowned coffee at cozy cafes?

Suggested Melbourne Neighborhoods

Here are 8 neighborhoods you can choose from in Melbourne, each offering a unique atmosphere and attractions. Use the following guide to determine which one is best for you.

Tips for Where to Stay in Melbourne

If you are in Melbourne for more than one day, the Hop on Hop Off bus tour is a great option for getting around to all the sights. Tickets can be purchased in advance via the Melbourne 1, 2, or 3-Day Hop on Hop off Bus Pass.

1. The Central Business District

The view of the city from the Shrine of Remembrance.

Melbourne’s CBD is home to its most famous sights, such as Flinders Street Station, Eureka Tower, Federation Square, and the National Gallery of Victoria. The CBD serves as a vibrant hub for artists, known for its sprawling laneways adorned with dynamic street art.

  • Wander the bustling streets of Chinatown for inexpensive and exotic meals.
  • Drink cocktails at bars perched high in towers, providing stunning views of the city.
  • Try your luck at the pokies at Crown Casino.
  • Or relax in one of the many parks scattered throughout the area.

Suggested Hotels Near the CBD

If you’re eager to be in the heart of everything Melbourne has to offer, this area is ideal for you.

Things to See in the CBD

Notable attractions include:

  • Fitzroy Gardens: Home to a conservatory, Cook’s Cottage (the abode of James Cook’s parents), and a model Tudor village.
  • National Gallery of Victoria: The oldest public art gallery in Australia featuring two sites—Australian and International collections.
  • The Laneways: Melbourne is renowned for its laneways showcasing cool bars, trendy cafes, and captivating urban art, particularly Hosier Lane.
  • Chinatown: Established during the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s, modern-day Chinatown is filled with chic bars and eateries catering to every budget.
  • Queen Victoria Market: A must-visit spot with an expansive seven-hectare layout, hosting the largest open-air market in Australia.
  • Flinders Street Station: This heritage-listed iconic railway station serves as the main hub for Melbourne’s metro lines.
  • Royal Botanic Gardens: Located near the city center, these gardens include a mix of native and exotic flora.
  • Shrine of Remembrance: Built post-World War I to honor Victorians who served, offering guided and self-guided tours daily.
  • Eureka Tower: This 91-story tower in Southbank houses Skydeck, featuring unparalleled views from the 88th floor.

Getting There

  • Flinders Street Station: Accessible via any Circle Loop train.
  • Royal Botanic Gardens: Tram lines 3, 3a, 6, 16f, 64, or 72 stop at Domain Interchange/St Kilda Rd.
  • Queen Victoria Markets: Take a train to Flagstaff Station along the City Loop and walk to the market.
  • For additional information, visit the Public Transport Victoria website.

2. St Kilda

Urban art in Hosier Lane.

A historic neighborhood by the sea, St Kilda is cherished by both locals and tourists for its picturesque views of Port Phillip, palm-lined boardwalk, and stunning sunsets.

Visitors can partake in numerous seaside activities, while the area is dotted with excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes. It features beautiful old buildings, famed theaters like the Palais Theatre, and hosts year-round festivals including the annual film festival and the St Kilda Festival in summer.

One of my favorite activities in St Kilda is visiting a cafe by the water, ordering a chai latte and a bowl of chips while enjoying some people-watching, or heading for a paddle in the ocean!

Where to Stay Near St Kilda

Things to See in St Kilda

  • St Kilda Pier: A landmark offering views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, also home to a colony of 100 Little Penguins.
  • St Kilda Beach: While it may not rival Bondi Beach, St Kilda offers beach access with nearby pubs and cafes.
  • Luna Park: A historic amusement park that opened in 1912, one of the original parks still in operation.
  • The Astor Theatre: A beloved single-screen cinema regularly showcasing classic films and hosting singalongs since 1913.

Getting There

St Kilda does not have train stations; it is serviced by trams. Take tram lines 3, 3a, 67, or 16f from Flinders Street, or line 96 from Southern Cross. For more information, you can visit the Public Transport Victoria website.

3. Richmond

Where to stay in Melbourne CBD

Richmond is an inner-city suburb of Melbourne that experienced significant gentrification in the 1990s, making it one of the city’s most sought-after postcodes.

The area is famous for its excellent Vietnamese cuisine and is a popular spot for sports enthusiasts, thanks to the abundance of sports bars and the city’s Melbourne Cricket Grounds.

Suggested Hotels Near Richmond

Things to See in Richmond

  • Melbourne Cricket Grounds (the MCG): This iconic venue, opened in 1853, is the 10th largest stadium in the world and a key site for major sporting events, offering tours for those interested.
  • The Owl and Cat Theatre: A small yet popular theatre near Richmond Station, hosting plays and music events.
  • Explore a Craft Beer Facility: Experience the growing craft beer culture at local breweries like Mountain Goat Brewery, which offers tours, food, and beverages on-site.
  • Yarra Cruises: Enjoy the scenic highlights of the Yarra River with a one or two-hour cruise. Book ahead with Get Your Guide.

Getting to Richmond

Richmond train station is a single stop from Flinders Street Station, serviced by multiple train lines (Frankston, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Sandringham, Glen Waverley, Alamain, Lilydale, and Belgrave).

4. Fitzroy

Fitzroy stands out as one of the trendiest suburbs in Melbourne, attracting creatives with its specialty bookshops, art galleries, boutique clothing stores, and exceptional dining options.

For budget-conscious travelers, this area presents a fantastic opportunity for thrift shopping—some of the best treasures can be found at local stores. Moreover, Fitzroy is an excellent choice for a night out, adorned with incredible urban art throughout its streets.

Suggested Hotels in Fitzroy

Things to See and Do in Fitzroy

  • Hit up an Aussie Pub: Experience Australian culture by ordering up a schnitty (schnitzel) at a local pub.
  • Check out The Workers Club or Builders Arms Hotel: For an authentic Aussie atmosphere.
  • Shop along Brunswick St: Renowned for its boutique shopping, with many thrift stores sure to offer great finds.
  • Relax at Edinburgh Gardens: One of the largest parks in the city, perfect for tennis, lawn bowls, or barbeque activities.

Getting There

Fitzroy is extensively serviced by trams; catch the Number 11 from Collins Street or Number 86 from Bourke Street. For further details, visit the Public Transport Victoria website.

5. Hawthorn

Hawthorn is perfect for travelers wanting to experience Melbourne from a local perspective. Located 6 km from the city, it boasts a rich ethnic diversity that influences its high-quality restaurant scene and lively nightlife.

Suggested Hotels in Hawthorn

Things to See in Hawthorn

  • Visit the Melbourne Tram Museum: Celebrating the history of Melbourne’s iconic tram system, open on Saturdays.
  • Explore Readings Bookstore: Named Bookstore of the Year, providing a curated selection of literature from both local and international authors.
  • Indulge in Australia’s brunch scene: Experience the vibrant café culture, where brunches are more than just meals—they’re social gatherings.

Getting There

Travel from the city to Hawthorn via train to Hawthorn, Glenferrie, or Auburn Station. The area is serviced by tram lines 16, 48, 70, 75, and 109. For more details, check out the Public Transport Victoria website.

6. Prahran and Windsor

Situated a stone’s throw from the city, Prahran and Windsor are known for their stellar eateries, vintage shops, and vibrant nightlife. Chapel Street is particularly famous, featuring a blend of boutique shops, various restaurants, and eclectic bars.

Having walked down Chapel Street, it’s easy to accidentally overspend—an experience any shopper can relate to!

Suggested Hotels for Prahran and Windsor

Things to Do and See in Prahran and Windsor

  • Chapel Street: Renowned for boutique stores, trendy cafes, and lively bars, it is a hub for those seeking retail therapy.
  • Prahran Market: Famed as the #1 food market in Melbourne, open five days a week, featuring an array of fresh food and eateries.
  • Weekly Animal Farm: Every Tuesday, visit the market for an interactive experience with delightful farm animals.
  • Dining at Revolver: Known for its late-night vibe, this place also serves outstanding Thai cuisine at Colonel Tan’s.

Getting There

To reach Prahran and Windsor: Ride tram line 6 from Flinders Street. Prahran Market is accessible via line 72. South Yarra train station is the nearest point to Chapel Street. Alternatively, catch tram lines 78 or 79 along the street.

7. Brunswick

Brunswick is undoubtedly one of my favorite neighborhoods in Melbourne. The community vibe is warm, where locals are friendly, and it’s not uncommon to engage in conversations with passersby.

Brunswick is known for its affordable foods and vibrant street art—making it an ideal place to explore.

Suggested Hotels for Brunswick

Things to See in Brunswick

  • Urban Art Tour: Explore the suburb’s rich street art scene, with gems hidden throughout its lanes, making it a fantastic experience.
  • Savour Chocolate & Patisserie School: Engage in delightful cooking classes for everyone—from chocolate making to pastry artistry.
  • Retreat Hotel: A popular pub where Beyoncé once enjoyed a drink during her visit to Australia in 2013.
  • Visit the Melbourne Zoo: Located close to Brunswick, offering engaging animal encounters, particularly the Butterfly House and penguin enclosure.

Getting There

For those heading to the Melbourne Zoo, take tram line 19. Alternatively, it’s a 14-minute walk from Brunswick Station. Use the Upfield line from any City Loop station and alight at Jewell or Brunswick Station for access to Sydney Road.

8. Collingwood

The butterfly house is one of the coolest features of Melbourne Zoo.

Collingwood is another suburb just a short distance from the CBD, providing a distinct ambiance. It is celebrated for its diverse dining and drinking options, alongside picturesque architecture.

Spending a day in Collingwood is a pleasure—whether shopping along Smith St, exploring art galleries, or unwinding at the excellent cafes.

Suggested Hotels in Collingwood

Things to Do in Collingwood

  • Try Melbourne Coffee: Collingwood is one of the trendiest suburbs for coffee, where you can savor some of the finest java—be sure to order a flat white!
  • Visit Collingwood Children’s Farm: Experience a unique suburban farm, offering tasty bites and hot drinks for parents while kids engage with adorable animals.
  • Stomping Ground Brewing Co: Explore this waking brewery operation that offers free tours on weekends and enticing live entertainment.

Getting There

You can catch the South Morang line from the city to Collingwood Station or opt for North Richmond. Tram line 86 serves Collingwood from the city.

Melbourne Quick Tips

The free city tram

Transportation

Melbourne boasts the finest public transport system in Australia. Navigate smoothly using the extensive network of buses, trains, and trams. Upon arrival, purchase a myki transport card to facilitate your travel around the city.

Myki cards are priced at $6 and can be pre-loaded. With fares in zones 1 + 2 costing $4.10 for a two-hour trip, and a daily fare of $8.20, investing in a myki pass for weekly visitors is economical at just $28.

For travelers staying in the central area, tram access is free along designated routes.

Melbourne does not have a direct train line servicing the city from the airport. Some suburbs are more easily reachable by booking an Uber or taxi from the airport.

Alternatively, visitors can opt for the SkyBus, which provides direct transportation to Southern Cross Station in the city. When reserved online, a one-way ticket is $18, and a return ticket is priced at $35. Using the Skybus is recommended mainly for those staying in or around the city.

Plan Your Melbourne Trip

The local currency is the Australian Dollar. $1 USD averages around $1.25 AUD—stay updated on conversions with the XE Currency Converter App.

Melbourne’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, often described as experiencing “Four Seasons in One Day.” Layered clothing is advisable during winter, paired with a waterproof coat.

Don’t expect constant warmth in summer—bring a light jacket or sweater. Don’t forget a pair of waterproof shoes.

Eagle Creek Plug Adapter: This all-in-one adapter suits Australian and global travel needs.

Consider booking day tours to the Great Ocean Road via Get Your Guide. For more adventures, explore our post introducing the Great Ocean Walk.

In conclusion, if it’s your first time in Melbourne, any of the aforementioned suburbs promise a memorable experience. Should you have other suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below.

Author Bio

LC is a proud Melburnian and an advocate of backyard travel. Visit her blog Birdgehls for more on Australia and beyond. Follow her adventures on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in the content above; however, these are for products we highly endorse. We only include items that we have verified and used personally.

Travel Planning Resources

If you’re looking to plan your next trip, utilize these tried-and-true resources for seamless travel.

Book Your Flights: Discover excellent flight deals through Skyscanner.

Book your Hotel: Find the most competitive hotel prices using Booking.com in Europe and TripAdvisor worldwide.

Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check VRBO.

Travel Insurance: Always essential—here’s what we recommend:

  • Safety Wing – For occasional travelers.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Seeking walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, or private guides? We recommend Get Your Guide.

For more trip planning assistance, please visit our Resources Page for trustworthy companies that we rely on during our travels.

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