Richmond
You won't go hungry in Richmond, whether it's from packing in the pies at the footy, brunching in a cosy cafe, Greek feasts, Vietnamese treats or pizza slices after a gig.
Shopping
You'll need all the sustenance you can get for the marathon shopping sprees at Bridge Road's major label factory outlets and seconds stores – get good deals at Gorman, Metalicus and Country Road. Also pay heed to the small boutiques popping up with small, selected offerings, like Swan Street's Royal Order of Nothing and Lily and the Weasel.
International specialties and big names going local
Stop on Bridge Road for a bumper lunch in a cafe or chef's choice at Osteria La Passione. Make your way to Swan Street hill for a traditional taste of Greece. Union Dining, Noir and Bess have lifted the strip with some fine pedigree. Savour the tastes at perennial favourite, Pearl. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the fast, fresh and exceptional Vietnamese food on Victoria Street, Melbourne's Little Saigon.
Typically 'Melbourne' cafes like Demitri's Feast, Pillar of Salt, New York Tomato, Friends of Mine and Old Barber Shop Cafe ensure you're never far from a decent coffee.
The arts end of Richmond
A drink with mates in Richmond goes down better to the sounds of live music. Queue around the, er, corner to see international buzz bands, local stalwarts or heavyweights having an intimate moment at the Corner Hotel.
Church Street is the place to go for designer furniture and objets d'art. Clear your calendar for time to stroll the galleries on Albert Street. Come in May for the open day, with talks and exhibitions and entertainment. Pop into Hell Gallery on a Saturday for art that asks more questions than it answers.
Pubs and footy
Prop up the bar and soak up pre-footy atmosphere at renovated working class watering holes like the London Tavern, the Richmond Club Hotel, the Swan, the Great Britain, and Prince Alfred Hotel. Then head to the 'G to cheer on your assigned or adopted Aussie Rules football team.
How to get there
By tram: Number 70 from Flinders Street to Swan Street; Number 109 from Collins Street to Victoria Street; Number 48 from Collins Street to Bridge Road; Number 75 from Flinders Street to Bridge Road.
By train: From Flinders Street Station to Richmond Station on the Frankston, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Sandringham, Glen Waverley, Alamain, Lilydale and Belgrave lines (about 10 minutes); and Collingwood on the Epping and Hurstbridge lines for Abbotsford (about 15 minutes).