Melbourne is the perfect playground! We are the theatre capital, sports capital, arts capital, food capital and, thanks to Lygon Street, the cafe culture capital of the nation. So if you’re wondering about things to do in Carlton, simply arriving on the street will spark your imagination. It always has a story to tell, why not be a part of it?
There are so many dynamic things to do in Carlton: great international cuisine, wine bars, clubs, cafes, rooftops, galleries, exhibitions, dancing and sport. But the thing they do best – the thing that defines the best of Lygon Street – is family and friends celebrating around a table.
Time To Wine & Dine
Carlton is a feast for all the senses but holds iconic status when it comes to a menu. Sun-drenched footpaths and intimate cobblestone courtyards have made al fresco dining an art form here, with Melbourne City Council’s ongoing investment in streetside settings giving the precinct an open-air character that is distinctly its own. Pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants have embraced the full spectrum of dining, from spontaneous aperitivo stops to languid feasts, all with a warmth and conviviality that Lygon has made its trademark.
Culture Vultures
Cultural spaces take centre stage throughout the year. La Mama Theatre’s seasonal calendar presents a wealth of homegrown talent across its intimate stages, the Royal Exhibition Building, (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) stands as a perpetual marvel ready to explore, lose yourself in the prodigious adventure of Readings bookshop, or enter the shared magic of a darkened cinema where we all collectively dream at Cinema Nova.
Shop Till You Drop
Retail has embraced its own stylish makeover: whether you are searching for something a little different at Ashk Women’s Fashion, boutique chic from Black Orange, designer Italian footwear from Alberto Piazza shoes, one-of-a-kind gifts from Kohadoge Handicrafts, or the effortlessly cool fashion at Husk.
Eat To The Beat
The beauty of Lygon Street is you can just arrive and allow the myriad of activities to unfold around you. Grab a Sourdough toastie and wander the idiosyncratic East Brunswick end, make a coffee run and get distracted by the delectable pastries on display at Brunetti’s, do a D.O.C Group deli crawl for your savoury hit or get the scoop at one of the artisanal gelaterias that sprinkle Lygon Street, not unlike the luscious mountain of creamy peaked bliss that’s served. If you walk the Carlton Gardens you can work off the gelato!
Carlton has always had a pioneering spirit, leading the way as one of Melbourne’s most beloved hospitality precincts, reminding us every day of the best of Lygon Street. Come for a meal, stay for the magic: this is la dolce vita, Melbourne-style.