Melbourne‘s bohemian quarter lives up to its name with chic food, vintage shopping and impressive street art
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Fitzroy, Melbourne’s oldest inner-city suburb, is a fitting haven for creative types, foodies and cultural enthusiasts. Murals and street art adorn every corner, enthralling pedestrians with stories of the neighbourhood’s diverse and dynamic community.
Brunswick Street, Fitzroy’s main artery, buzzes with life from dawn till dusk, offering everything from artisan coffee shops to lively nightlife and everything in between. Quieter backstreets invite exploration, while Victorian-era buildings house gems like vintage shops, trendy arts and crafts markets and charming courtyards. Spend a day walking around – with a coffee in hand – and come away feeling like it’s time well spent.
1. Fitzroy Swimming Pool
This beloved community spot – with its nostalgic palette of pastel blue and mustard yellow – oozes retro charm as swimmers and leisure-seekers take a dip in the cool, inviting waters of an Olympic-sized pool. Leafy trees surround the pool, providing shade as people dive in or hop out on a sun-soaked day.
2. Archie’s All Day
Textured cream walls and honey-hued tabletops create a bright and airy vibe to this upscale, all-day diner on Gertrude Street. Here, no one bats an eyelid if you order the grass-fed Juicy Lucy cheeseburger with ice-cold handcrafted soda for breakfast, or if you swap dinner fare for smashed avocado toast and a cup of single origin filtered coffee.
3. Nico’s Sandwich Deli
Fresh ingredients and inventive combinations make this walk-up artisanal sandwich deli a standout. Regulars rave about the tuna melt and Cubano sandwiches, but the vegetarian roasted veggie delight is equally enticing, packed with crisp greens and tons of flavour. As seating is limited, expect to grab and go during peak times.
4. Street art
Stroll along laneways like Rose Street to admire an ever-evolving outdoor gallery of street art. Large murals are also peppered throughout the area, including “Fitzroy Faces”, seven detailed portraits of local residents on Cecil Street, and the monochromatic “Welcome to Sunny Fitzroy” mural by the Everfresh street art crew on the side of The Night Cat live music venue. Don’t miss the late pop artist Keith Haring‘s mural on Johnston Street in the nearby Collingwood neighbourhood.
5. Industry Beans
This roastery, brew bar and café, started in 2013 by brothers Steve and Trevor Simmons, quickly gained fame and expanded to seven venues across Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. Their Fitzroy location remains a neighbourhood staple; they celebrated 10 years of coffee purveying last year by relocating to Westgarth Street, just one street away from its original spot.
6. Moon Bakery
Opened by the same team behind the wildly popular Lune Croissanterie, light and airy crullers – rings of deep-fried pastry – are expertly crafted with a perfect balance of crispiness, a light vanilla glaze and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Flavours like classic cinnamon sugar and seasonal varieties (known as wildcards) keep locals and visitors hooked.
7. Rose Street Market
Held every weekend, Rose Street Market features handmade artisan goods ranging from ceramic pots, paintings, quirky enamel pins to handcrafted jewellery. Despite its small size, the market is packed with plenty of vendor booths to keep you browsing for hours while enjoying live music and its vibrant community spirit.
8. Vintage shopping
Start at Brunswick Street, home to standout shops like Lost and Found Market, a sprawling warehouse space filled with retro clothing, vinyl records and quirky homeware. Nearby, Vintage Garage and Hunter Gatherer offer curated collections of apparel and collectibles from past decades.
