Enjoy la dolce vita in village-like Carlton. Revisit student life with the uni students, discuss the Il Globo headlines over espresso with the Italian stalwarts, take in a slice of Federation history, and eat till you're fit to burst.
Food and wine
Lygon Street and its neighbours are going through a revival, and there's plenty to discover, both old-school and new.
At the southern end of Lygon Street, old-school Italian eateries fronted by ardent spruikers serve up pizza and pasta in family friendly volumes. At the northern end, local institutions Tiamo and Jimmy Watson's share street space with new-school Milk the Cow and Heartattack and Vine.
Wander beyond Lygon Street to discover plenty more: Epocha (hatted by the Good Food Guide 2018), Carlton Wine Room and D.O.C.
Caffeine and sweet treats
Getting good coffee is a safe bet in the neighbourhood credited with being the birthplace of Melbourne's cafe culture. For a guaranteed cup of goodness visit roastery Seven Seeds. For accompanying sweet treats, try shiny sugar emporium Brunetti Classico or one of Lygon Street's many excellent gelaterias.