Richmond

Best known for its bargain designer and seconds shopping along Bridge Road and Swan Street, vibrant Richmond is also the place to go for Greek or Vietnamese food, languid all-day breakfasts and great live music.

Bridge Road and Swan Street
Richmond is one of Melbourne's earliest settlements and these days it's where many Australian clothing labels have factory outlets and seconds stores – pick up bargains at Gorman, Metalicus, Mimco and Country Road. Stop on Swan Street or Bridge Road for lunch in a restaurant or cafe, many of which offer a genuine taste of Greece.

Church Street is the place to go for designer furniture and objets d'art. Be sure to make a booking and savour the tastes at stylish mod-Oz restaurant, Pearl.

Vietnamese Melbourne
Victoria Street is known as Little Saigon and is the heart of Melbourne's Vietnamese community. The long stretch of eateries, butchers, fishmongers and grocers starts at Hoddle Street and extends to the Yarra River in Abbotsford. Don't expect white linen tablecloths and hovering waiters – Victoria Street is about the hustle and bustle of fast, fresh and exceptional Asian food at a bargain price.

The music scene
Bars and live music thrive in Richmond, the Corner Hotel being one of Melbourne's most famous live-music venues, hosting big-name bands alongside obscure newcomers. If you just want to sip a cocktail in refined surrounds, Der Raum is a good bet, and for a relaxed pub with share-house comfort and a beer garden, head on over to the GB (Great Britain) Hotel.

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).