8 Ways You Can Have An Epic Short Break In Melbourne's Inner North On A Budget
If you're planning on visiting Melbourne any time soon...but you're not keen on maxing out yet another credit card, you NEED to check out the city's inner north.
From Carlton to Collingwood, and the v. fashionable Fitzroy, Melbourne's inner north is brimming with hidden hotspots and cultural icons you can sink your teeth into, without spending big.
Our mates at Visit Victoria have joined forces with MTV's resident comedian and Melbourne local, Sam Taunton to show you the best way to have an epic time in the city's inner north on a budget.
SHOP: The Rose St. Artists' Market
60 Rose St, Fitzroy
Located in the heart of eclectic Fitzroy, The Rose St. Artists' Market is the perfect place to pick up a bargain and discover hidden treasures along the way. Each weekend, the very best talent from Melbourne's art and design scene come to spruik their handmade goods at Rose St. Artists' Market. Here, you'll find everything from quirky furniture to unique paintings and intricate jewellery - and to enter, it'll cost you nothing at all!
Cost: FREE entry every Sat & Sun
SEE: Street Art
Melbourne's inner north
One of the best parts of Melbourne's inner north is the city's thriving street art scene. Around Fitzroy and Collingwood you'll find incredible art works, murals and paintings, like the 'Fitzroy Faces' project which saw some of the country's most talented artists collaborate on a serious of portraits reflecting the "Faces of the Community." Subjects ranged from local council workers, to actors, activists, daughters, grandmothers, and everyone in between.
Cost: FREE
EAT: Easey's
3/38 Easey St, Collingwood
Fancy having lunch in the sky from the comfort of an old school train carriage? Well, you can - at Easey's in Collingwood. For just $12, you can get stuck into a delicious cheeseburger while taking in the views of Melbourne's hustle and bustle beneath. Menu prices at Easey's are printed like train times, and tables are laminated with rail maps to keep in line with the restaurant's quirky public transport vibe.
Cost: $12 cheeseburger
LISTEN: Northside Records
236 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
If you're a muso, you've got to check out Fitzroy's record stores. Northside Records on Gertrude St offers everything from second hand vinyls and rare finds, to your more mainstream sounds, like Kendrick Lamar's latest album. Starting at just $5, these records are definitely worth a spin...just add a record player, and you're good to go.
Cost: $5 albums
SCOUR: Vintage Stores
Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Why waste your hard earned cash on boring designer duds when you can pick up something truly ~unique~ at one of the inner north's many vintage joints!? American Vintage Clothing Co. in Fitzroy is all about offering customers quality used clothing as an ethical alternative to fast fashion. From pre-loved Levi's jeans, to band tees and sick 80s ski jackets, you can't leave Melbourne's inner north without nabbing yourself a new vintage piece or two.
Cost: Finds from $10
DRINK: The Evelyn Hotel
351 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
The Evelyn Hotel in Fitzroy is a bit of a Melbourne institution. This classic pub doubles as a live music venue, hosting upcoming gigs from the likes of Lime Cordiale and themed events, like a Death Cab For Cutie tribute night on the 24th of November. The Ev' is also a thrifty place to whet your whistle, with $3 pots and $6 pints during happy hour.
Cost: $3 pots & $6 pints from 5-7pm Mon-Fri
PLAY: Pixel Alley
95 Smith St, Fitzroy
Who needs GTA when you can beat your mates and drink beers at the same time? Pixel Alley is a gamer's paradise, offering a huge range of arcade games, like pinball, Donkey Kong and Pac-Man for just $1 a pop! If gaming isn't your thing, you can always stick to the bar with plenty of arcade-themed cocktails and exotic 'bubble cups.'
Cost: $1 arcade games
ROCK OUT: The Tote Hotel
67-71 Johnston St, Collingwood
If live music is your thing, you have to check out The Tote Hotel in Collingwood. From just $5 you can rock out to local punk, post-punk, heavy metal and hardcore acts in one of the city's oldest and most iconic pubs. As well an impressive roster of gigs, The Tote offers a delicious pub grub menu, including $10 burgers! YES PLEASE.
Cost: Entry from $5