When most people talk about visiting Melbourne, they’re thinking of Fitzroy. Fitzroy is one of the “coolest” neighbourhoods in Melbourne, and is one of the best for experiencing the coffee culture, bars & restaurants and boutique shopping that Melbourne is so well known for. This Fitzroy neighbourhood guide includes the best things to see, do & eat in Fitzroy, including the Fitzroy Gardens, Bar Liberty, Alimentari & Marion Wine Bar.
I’ve lived in Melbourne for a decade, and have put together this quick Fitzroy neighbourhood guide to help you find the best things to do, best restaurants & bars and cafes, in Fitzroy.
You might also like other Melbourne neighbourhood guides for Carlton, St Kilda, South Yarra & Prahran or my Itinerary for 3 days in Melbourne.
Best things to do in Fitzroy
Fitzroy Gardens
Technically, the Fitzroy Gardens is just outside the boundary of the neighbourhood, but it’s close enough. The Fitzroy Gardens is one of Melbourne’s most beloved public gardens, and is one of the reasons why Melbourne is known as such a green city. The beautiful 19th century gardens are one of Australia’s most significant 19th century garden, and is perfect for a picnic or a stroll. My favourite part of the Fitzroy Gardens is the conservatory.
Smith Street & Gertrude St
Smith Street & Gertrude St are some of the coolest streets in Fitzroy, and the best place to start if you want to soak up the vibes of the neighbourhood. In fact, Smith Street has been named the coolest street in the world! You’ll find lively cafes, bars and boutiques along Smith & Gertrude, which is the heart of Fitzroy.
Best Restaurants in Fitzroy
Fitzroy has some of the highest concentration of restaurants in Melbourne. Some of the best restaurants in Fitzroy include Bar Liberty, Transformer and the dining room at Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel.
Bar Liberty
Bar Liberty is my favourite restaurant in Fitzroy, and is the perfect example of a quintessential Melbourne restaurant. The award-winning restaurant serves innovative, high quality small plates, has extremely knowledgeable and yet down to earth staff, and a cool, laidback atmosphere. It’s exactly the kind of restaurant that Melbourne’s hospitality scene is known for. Reservations are essential.
Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel
Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel is a classic Fitzroy pub, with a cosy yet stylish dining room. You can eat a casual meal in the front bar, but I think the dining room is the best seat in the house. Pub dining is something that Melbourne does extremely well.
Best Bars in Fitzroy
Marion Wine Bar
A wine bar & restaurant, Marion is one of the best places in Fitzroy for drinks to turn into dinner. Marion is the brainchild of Andrew McConnell, one of Melbourne’s leading chef / restaurateurs, which makes it the perfect Melbourne bar & restaurant to include in your Melbourne itinerary.
Provincial Rooftop
“The Prov” as its known to locals, is a landmark pub & bar in Fitzroy. Everyone in Melbourne knows the Prov! The rooftop at Provincial Hotel is one of the most popular spots on Friday and Saturday nights, but if you swing by at lunchtime it’s one of the best spots to enjoy a meal in the sun.
Best Cafes & Coffee in Fitzroy
Brunswick Street Alimentari
Alimentari is a beloved Fitzroy deli & cafe, on one of Fitzroy’s main thoroughfares. Swing by for excellent coffee & breakfast, or pick up some picnic supplies to take to the Fitzroy Gardens.
Stagger Lee’s
Stagger Lee’s is a longstanding Fitzroy cafe, serving excellent coffee and classic Melbourne cafe vibes.
Best Shopping in Fitzroy
Outre Gallery
Pop into Outre Gallery on Smith Street to find the perfect souvenir from your Melbourne trip. Outre Gallery has a wide range of art prints, starting at very affordable prices. It’s impossible to leave empty handed!
Happy Valley
Happy Valley is one of my favourite shops in Fitzroy, selling a wide range of homewares, books, puzzles and gifts, with a strong Melbourne skew.
Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived & worked in New York City and now live in Melbourne, Australia.
I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.
My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!
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