Art, culture, coffee... Melbourne certainly does have it all. Although you can find plenty of places to complete this holy trinity in the CBD, don't confine yourself to the city — the vibrant and varied neighbourhoods of Victoria's lively capital have all this and more. Here are the suburbs you should seek out on your next trip to Melbourne.

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See the smile of St. Kilda

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Straddling the seaside, the beachfront suburb 20 minutes drive south of the city is a hub of activity on sunny days. There are crowds of selfie-takers underneath the Luna Park grin, families picnicking on the sand, locals running up the promenade on their lunch breaks and thirsty tourists heading into the beloved ‘Espy’ (Hotel Esplanade) for a cold one. Our advice? Get amongst it.

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See the bathing boxes in Brighton

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There are 82 colourful beach boxes lined up in a row on Brighton Beach, a reminder of Victorian-era notions dictated that bathers needed covering up. Architecturally significant – and sometimes costing the same as an apartment – they make for an iconic Instagram photo.

Arts and culture in the CBD

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There’s no mistaking the spectacular spread of art to be found in Melbourne’s CBD, from its art-adorned laneways to attractions such as the National Gallery of Victoria (pictured), which has more than 70,000 artworks on display In addition to other big-ticket galleries (ACMI, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art), nearby Flinders Lane is dotted with small galleries including Anna Schwartz Gallery, Arc One Gallery and the namesake Flinders Lane Gallery.

More of a theatre person? Theatrical productions from mainstream musicals to experimental works rotate the city’s many venues regularly. Catch a blockbuster at the beautiful Princess and Her Majesty's theatres in the East End Theatre District or down to the Arts Centre and Malthouse for quality, local productions.

Explore Melbourne's coolest spots on your next getaway. Click here to find out more.

Artsy outing in Abbotsford

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Artsy Abbotsford’s epicentre is The Abbotsford Convent, the country’s largest multi-arts precinct. Explore its six hectares on a self-guided Indigenous Sound Trail (Ngulu-nganjin) tour, or visit one of the artist studios. Dining at Cam’s, beloved for its homemade pasta and option of al fresco seating, brings a little of Italy to Melbourne.

Café culture in Carlton

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Leafy Carlton’s Lygon Street is often touted as the birthplace of the city’s Italian-influenced café culture. Case in point: macchiatos and heaving bowls of pasta with Nonna’s sauce are commonplace. Don’t leave without going to the corner store behemoth King and Godfree (pictured), which houses rooftop bar Johnny’s Green Room as well as a deli, restaurant and espresso bar.

Image credit: Josie Withers/Visit Victoria

Forest bathing in South Yarra

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Although walking “around the Tan” is a popular Melbourne pastime, the Royal Botanic Gardens in South Yarra now offers shinrin-yoku, or forest therapy. It’s thought that these guided walks can help forest ‘bathers’ can elevate their mood and lower their blood pressure and stress levels. No wonder: this oasis is home to over 8500 plant species. Walks led by a First Nations guide through Kulin Nation territory is another way to experience the peaceful surrounds, with particular attention paid to native plant identification and education on traditional customs.

Melbourne is full of fascinating neighbourhoods. Plan your trip now. Click here to find out more.

Channel a sports-mad local in Richmond

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It seems like there’s always something happening in Richmond, the sports-centric suburb south of the CBD. In January, tennis lovers flock in the thousands here to catch their favourites on the courts; on Boxing Day, they’re at the MCG for the thrilling namesake cricket test, while NRL fans watch their Storm roll into AAMI Park. Outside of sport however, the neighbourhood is a cultural melting pot of influences, best embodied by the area’s strong contingent of delicious Vietnamese eateries. Don’t miss I Love Pho for the obvious or New Quarter for a more modern take on the traditional favourites.

Sip on the best of South Melbourne

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Fact: Melbourne has great coffee. Another fact: South Melbourne has exceptional coffee. In this suburb known for its heritage architecture and bustling South Melbourne market, you’ll find a wealth of places to pick up your fix. St. Ali to Market Lane are experts at harnessing full-flavoured cups from their locally-roasted beans but take a random pick from the plethora of choices (Dead Man Espresso, Juniper, The Kettle Black) and you’re unlikely to go wrong.

Fine dining in Fitzroy

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Once known as a working-class suburb, Fitzroy now houses some of the best restaurants in Melbourne. Chef Andrew O’Connell’s Cutler & Co is one of them, known for its relaxed atmosphere paired with a sophisticated, Victorian produce-led menu. After your meal, consider its counterpart next door for late-night drinks at wine bar Marion (pictured).

Cafés in Carlton, fine dining in Fitzroy – explore it all on your next Melbourne holiday. Click here to find out more.

Community culture in Collingwood

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At Collingwood Yards, artists and creatives come together in a hub that not only showcases the artworks in gallery spaces and residences but also includes a host of retail offerings such as vinyl specialists Licorice Pie and design book spruiker Uro.

Lakeside walk in Albert Park

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With its almost five-kilometre track curving around the water delivering panoramic views of Melbourne, Albert Park Lake is a popular walking, running and riding spot. Reward your exertions with a stroll past to the suburb’s charming terrace houses and shopping village, dotted with al fresco cafés and one of the best bookstores in town, Avenue Bookstore.

Explore Chapel Street in Prahran

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Chapel Street Bazaar could be a metaphor for the whole street: you never know what gem you’ll find in this Aladdin’s Cave. While this particular store is known for its vintage wares, broader Chapel Street has even more on offer: check out Love Tree Interiors for retro furniture and homewares; Eurotrash for second-hand designer treasure; and holistic skin care clinic Herbario.

Explore Melbourne's coolest spots on your next getaway. Click here to find out more.

Glorious gardens in East Melbourne

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Stately East Melbourne houses landmarks such as Parliament House but Fitzroy Gardens has always been its true highlight, especially for children. Explore the fascinating history of Captain Cook’s Cottage, the carved Fairies Tree for wish-making and the tiny model Tudor Village, where it’s easy to imagine some adorable Lilliputian inhabitants.

Urban edge in Footscray

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Footscray’s edgy cool has created a ’hood that’s so vibrant it makes it onto global round-ups of the world’s hippest suburbs. Mr West Bar & Bottle Shop (pictured) is a favourite hang, while elsewhere, there are plenty of streets crammed with coffee shops, a melting-pot of eats and a riverside walking track.