Karina & Matthew
Melbourne
CBD (Central Business District)
Melbourne's CBD (or downtown, as it would be known in America) is geographically and culturally at the centre of our city. You can spend hours exploring hidden laneways lined with bars and cafes, visit one of many museums, or shop along Bourke Street Mall. Most of the city's cultural icons are in the CBD area, like Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Parliament House, and the State Library of Victoria. The CBD area is pretty walkable, although trams within the city limits are free!
Southbank
Located just south of the river from the CBD, Southbank is home to many of Melbourne's top restaurants along the Yarra River Promenade, overlooking the river and the city skyline. You'll also find some top attractions here, like Crown Casino, the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) and the Shrine of Remembrance.
St Kilda
St. Kilda is arguably Melbourne's post popular seaside neighbourhood. It is easily accessible from Melbourne City using public transportation, by taking either the 16 or 96 tram lines. Although August is "off-season," there is still plenty of good dining and nightlife in St Kilda, even in winter. There are several famous bakeries on Acland Street selling freshly made pies and cakes, and Luna Park Amusment Park is open on weekends.
Chapel Street
Chapel Street is one of Melbourne's most iconic shopping and entertainment precincts. The northern end of Chapel Street (South Yarra) is famous for high end shopping and restaurants. The southern end of chapel Street in Windsor and Prahran has many of Melbourne's most famous bars and nightclubs. Chapel Street is best accessed by the Metro train system - South Yarra station is served by the Frankston, Pakenham, Cranbourne and Sandringham Lines. Windsor and Prahran Stations are served by the Sandringham line only.
Richmond
Once one of Melbourne's less desirable neighbourhoods, Richmond's proximity to the CBD has made it one of the most sought after parts of Melbourne. Richmond is now home to many of the city's top restaurants and bars, as well as the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and National Sports Museum. Richmond is easily accessible by tram (routes 12, 48, 75, 78, 109) or Metro train (Richmond Station is served by the Lilydale, Belgrave, Glen Waverley, Alamein, Frankston, Sandringham, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines. West Richmond Station is served by the Hurstbridge and Mernda lines).
Footscray
Footscray is the hub of Melbourne's Inner West, and is home to the city's largest Vietnamese and African populations. Many of the top Vietnamese and Ethiopian restaurants in the region are located in Footscray, along with Footscray Market which is an interesting and eclectic mix of retailers and food stalls. In recent years Footscray has become one of the most desired neighbourhoods in Melbourne due to its proximity to the CBD, and many "hipster hangouts" have started to pop up. Footscray is easily accessed by Metro trains Sunbury, Werribee, WIlliamstown, and Laverton lines at Footscray Station.
Carlton
Carlton is best known as Melbourne's "little Italy." Italian restaurants, cafes and bakeries line Lygon Street -about a 15-20 minute walk from the CBD. Carlton is also easily accessible by Yarra Trams.
Collingwood & Fitzroy
Collingwood and Fitzroy are two of Melbourne's trendiest neighbourhoods, located side by side along Smith and Brunswick Streets, respectively. Here you'll find many of the city's top restaurants and bars, along with alternative shopping and art galleries. Fitzroy is easily reached by the #11 tram along Brunswick Street. Collingwood is best reached via the #86 tram along Smith Street, or the Collingwood station on Metro Merna and Hurstbridge lines.