Richmond

You won't go hungry in Richmond, whether packing in the pies at the footy, brunching in cosy cafes, dining in hatted restaurants, or gobbling Vietnamese treats or pizza slices after a gig.

Eat up

Tip your hat to the local Good Food Guide champions Minamishima and Noir, adding fine culinary pedigree to the Richmond dining scene.

Flirt with the south side of the river at Baby Pizza on Church Street. Head to Swan Street for Middle Eastern–inspired cafe fare at Feast of Merit and an evening of modern Vietnamese at Hanoi Hannah New Quarter. For traditional Vietnamese that's both fast and exceptional, embrace the hustle and bustle of Victoria Street.

Cracking good coffee and brunches aren't far away at Pillar of Salt and Reunion and Co.

Retail therapy

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 and Kathmandu.

Pubs and footy

Prop up the bar and soak up pre-footy atmosphere at renovated working-class watering holes such as the London Tavern, the Richmond Club Hotel, the Swan and the Prince Alfred Hotel. Then head to the MCG to cheer on your assigned or adopted Aussie Rules football team as they take to the field before a packed crowd.

The arts end of Richmond

A drink with mates in Richmond goes down better to the sounds of live music – head down to catch international buzz bands and local stalwarts at beloved rock spot 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.