Richmond

You won't go hungry in Richmond, whether it's from packing in the pies at the footy, brunching in a cosy cafe, fine dining in a hatted restaurant, Vietnamese treats or pizza slices after a gig.

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, the Spread Eagle and Prince Alfred Hotel. Then head to the 'G to cheer on your assigned or adopted Aussie Rules football team.

Eat up

Tip your hat to the Good Food Guide champions adding fine culinary pedigree to the local dining scene: Anchovy on Bridge Road and Noir on Swan Street.

Dreaming of sushi? Do Jiro proud and immerse yourself in an okamase experience at three-hatted Minamishima.

Flirt with the south side of the river at Baby Pizza and Kong on Church Street. Head to Swan Street for ethical eats at Feast of Merit, and modern takes on Mexican and Vietnamese at Fonda and Hanoi Hannah New Quarter, respectively. Embrace the hustle and bustle of traditional, fast and exceptional Vietnamese food on Victoria Street, Melbourne's Little Saigon.

Typically 'Melbourne' cafes like Pillar of Salt, Touchwood, Reunion and Co. and Friends of Mine 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.

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, Bonds, Kathmandu 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.

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).