24 Hours in Richmond
One of the Coolest Suburbs in the World
24 Hours in Richmond
Just a few kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD, not quite south and not quite north, you’ll find the multicultural and lively suburb of Richmond. You certainly won’t go hungry here, whether grabbing a pie after a sporting event, exploring cosy cafes, dining in vibrant restaurants or enjoying Vietnamese pho and banh mi. Eating and drinking around Victoria Street, Bridge Road, and Swan Street is what this part of Melbourne is famous for. But there’s also plenty more going on; everything from sports and street art to live music and shopping.
Time Out released a list of the 49 coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2021, and Richmond did not only end up in first place in Australia but also tenth in the whole world. In other words – this is definitely a place worth visiting. Here’s our local’s guide to Richmond and how to spend 24 hours in this popular suburb of Melbourne.
Grab a Coffee at Uptown
Just around the corner from our Richmond property, you’ll find this special little coffee spot. You can expect really great coffee, always served with friendly smiles. We all know that Melbourne is known for outstanding coffee, and this place definitely lives up to the high standards. Whether you’re coming in for a quick grab-and-go and just want excellent service or rather stay for an interesting conversation for 30 minutes, Uptown will you leave with a smile. We’re recommending trying their batch brew coffee, delicious!
Check Out the Street Art
You can’t go to Melbourne without noticing the incredible street art around the city, and Richmond is no exception. The street art is considered to be a significant contributor to the city’s vibrant urban culture. It’s internationally renowned and has become a popular attraction for local and international visitors to experience Melbourne’s creative ambience. As you walk along the streets of Richmond, you can be sure to spot some really impressive street art. The Richmond station is a great place to start!
Have a Banh Mi
Richmond is famous for its Vietnamese culture, with Asian grocery stores and eateries serving mouth-watering food. The pho’s and especially the banh mi’s has become a cornerstone of the modern Richmond food scene, and for a good reason. It’s packed with flavour, won’t break the bank, and can be eaten on the go. There are plenty of good options around, but our favourite restaurant is Ca Com. This popular lunch spot offers a modern take on the Vietnamese classic, and it’s sure not to disappoint. The food is extremely tasty and flavoursome, with plenty of fillings to choose from, served by the very passionate and friendly staff. Our best recommendations are the banh-strami and the spiced pumpkin.
Watch a Sporting Event
Sports are a significant part of the Victorian culture, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is where much of it happens. With a capacity of more than 100,000 people, the MCG is the largest stadium in the Southern hemisphere and the tenth largest in the world. Whilst technically being just outside the suburb of Richmond, it would be very rude not to put live football on this list of one of the best things to do in Richmond. The stadium hosts the Australian football in the winter, cricket games in the summer, as well as other sports, such as soccer or rugby, and even major concerts.
Try the Delicious Food at Hochi Mama
After your tasty banh mi’ for lunch, continue to explore Richmond’s excellent food at this popular Asian fusion restaurant. Enjoy really fresh and innovative dining options that are absolutely sensational. The place is full of life and great upbeat vibes with its beautiful interior decor such as the funky neon signs and industrial design. Hochi Mama suggests cocktail matches, rather than the usual wine, and interactive elements such as melting fairy floss, fire and smoking drinks definitely make it extra special. The fact that they’re scoring 4.4/5 on Google Reviews and 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor from more than a thousand reviews, sure is pretty impressive. We suggest trying the “feed me now” option, where you can choose a selection of drool-worthy smaller, larger and side dishes for an affordable price.
Listen to Live Music at The Corner Hotel
The Corner Hotel is just a short stroll from our Richmond property and is one of Melbourne’s most popular live music hosts. The famous bar has been serving up some of the city’s best gigs for over 15 years, with the gig venue downstairs and a great big roof terrace on the top floor. The live music has something for everyone, with a selection of Indie, rock, electronic music and just about any cool band from across Australia and the rest of the world. Situate yourself amongst the vibrant greenery of the lovely rooftop bar whilst sipping a drink from the extensive cocktail list. Perfect for an early evening while catching the sunset or a late night destination with music going on until the early hours.
