There’s no mistaking the spectacular spread of art to be found in Melbourne’s CBD, from its art-adorned  laneways to  attractions such as the National Gallery of Victoria (pictured), which has more than 70,000 artworks on display  In addition to other big-ticket galleries (ACMI, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art), nearby Flinders Lane is dotted with small galleries including Anna Schwartz Gallery, Arc One Gallery and the namesake Flinders Lane Gallery.

More of a theatre person? Theatrical productions from mainstream musicals to experimental works rotate the city’s many venues regularly. Catch a blockbuster at the beautiful Princess and Her Majesty's theatres in the East End Theatre District or down to the Arts Centre and Malthouse for quality, local productions.

Artsy Abbotsford’s epicentre is The Abbotsford Convent, the country’s largest multi-arts precinct. Explore its six hectares on a self-guided Indigenous Sound Trail (Ngulu-nganjin) tour, or visit one of the artist studios. Dining at Cam’s, beloved for its homemade pasta and option of al fresco seating, brings a little of Italy to Melbourne.

Leafy Carlton’s Lygon Street is often touted as the  birthplace of the city’s Italian-influenced café culture. Case in point: macchiatos and heaving bowls of pasta with Nonna’s sauce are commonplace. Don’t leave without visiting the original outpost of Brunetti Classico (pictured), one of Melbourne’s most iconic cafés, for traditional Italian cakes, handmade pastries and generous scoops of gelato.

It seems like there’s always something happening in Richmond, the sports-centric suburb south of the CBD. In January, tennis lovers flock in the thousands here to catch their favourites on the courts; on Boxing Day, they’re at the MCG for the thrilling namesake cricket test, while NRL fans watch their Storm roll into AAMI Park. Outside of sport however, the neighbourhood is a cultural melting pot of influences, best embodied by the area’s strong contingent of delicious Vietnamese eateries. Don’t miss I Love Pho for the obvious or New Quarter for a more modern take on the traditional favourites.

Fact: Melbourne has great coffee. Another fact: South Melbourne has exceptional coffee. In this suburb known for its heritage architecture and bustling South Melbourne market, you’ll find a wealth of places to pick up your fix. St. Ali to Market Lane are experts at harnessing full-flavoured cups from their locally-roasted beans but take a random pick from the plethora of choices (Dead Man Espresso, Juniper, The Kettle Black) and you’re unlikely to go wrong.

Once known as a working-class suburb, Fitzroy now houses some of the best restaurants in Melbourne. Chef Andrew O’Connell’s Cutler & Co is one of them, known for its relaxed atmosphere paired with a sophisticated, Victorian produce-led menu. After your meal, consider its counterpart next door for late-night drinks at wine bar Marion (pictured).

At Collingwood Yards,  artists and creatives come together in a hub that not only showcases the artworks in gallery spaces and residences but also includes a host of  retail offerings such as vinyl specialists Licorice Pie and design book spruiker Uro.

With its almost five-kilometre track curving around the water delivering  panoramic views of Melbourne, Albert Park Lake is a popular walking, running and riding spot. Reward your exertions with a stroll past  to the suburb’s charming terrace houses and shopping village, dotted with al fresco cafés and one of the best bookstores in town, Avenue Bookstore.

Chapel Street Bazaar could be a metaphor for the whole street: you never know what gem you’ll find in this Aladdin’s Cave. While this particular store is known for its vintage wares, broader Chapel Street has even more on offer: check out Love Tree Interiors for retro furniture and homewares; Eurotrash for second-hand designer treasure; and holistic skin care clinic Herbario.

Stately East Melbourne houses landmarks such as Parliament House but Fitzroy Gardens has always been its true highlight, especially for children. Explore the fascinating history of Captain Cook’s Cottage, the carved Fairies Tree for wish-making and the tiny model Tudor Village, where it’s easy to imagine some adorable Lilliputian inhabitants.

Footscray’s edgy cool has created  a ’hood that’s so vibrant it makes it onto global round-ups of the world’s hippest suburbs. Mr West Bar & Bottle Shop (pictured) is  a favourite hang, while elsewhere, there are plenty of streets crammed with coffee shops, a melting-pot of eats and a riverside walking track.

Epic Melbourne Moments You Can’t Miss