Fitzroy/ Collingwood - Melbourne Suburb Checklist (12 Must-Dos!)

On the books, Melbourne is Australia's fastest growing city... but it is also the promised land of the hipsters and everything vintage. Venture beyond the city centre and into the suburbs to be immensely rewarded by a different experience altogether. Pack in the most you can within one single visit to the Fitzroy and Collingwood suburbs area... get ready your bellies and walking shoes!

*Highly dependent on how much you linger around shops, perfecting your angle on photographs, and your walking speed. 

1. Conduct your own photoshoot along the graffiti walls.

Who can resist? There are so many talented graffiti artists around, and they leave their creative traces all over the walls that are practically begging to be photographed. There are so much of graffiti all around that it feels like a city within a museum, and I actually got jaded with so much of it. Pick the ones you really, really like or your camera's memory card will explode. Don't be afraid to explore the little laneways, you just might find gems around the corner.

2. Brunch with Grace, coffee with Industry Beans.

Breakfast places can't get better than Melbourne's, and Grace Cafe found in Fitzroy is arguably one of the best in the region. It seems like they can do no wrong with their 'kind food' menu which features default vegetarian, gluten-free with an option to add bacon if you'd like. I'd recommend the quark-filled crepes with berry coulis (or lemon curd, your pick), the banana cakes, and the mushroom & spinach baked eggs. Unfortunately, their coffees erred on the side of being mildly burnt and slightly too acidic. If you're particularly about your coffee, why not hop over to Industry Beans right beside Grace? You deserve only the best, so grab a cuppa at this boutique coffee roaster which distributes its coffee beans to many cafes around Melbourne. Definitely a gold-star contributor to the standard of cafes in this world-class coffee city.

3. Spot quirky shops (and cars! and people!)

Fitzroy is a magnet for the quirky and expressive - keep your eyes peeled for interesting people and buildings. You might just score decorated beards and cosplayers. Talk to the grungy but friendly man advertising the Rose Street Artists Market, or even take a photo with him. He can be found at the corner of Rose Street and Brunswick Street on weekends. 

5. Zip into Love, Evelyn Weekend Markets

Every weekend, magic happens at The Evelyn Hotel. Artists and flea market stall holders flock to hold a space at Love, Evelyn Weekend Markets. Here, you will find more contemporary creations and artisan cakes made by locals. Jive to the hippy background music. It isn't a huge area, but packs quite a bit of punch if you looked closer.

6. Pilgrimage trip to Gelato Messina

After all that shopping, surely you'll need a little sugar rush to keep you going. Make a stop at Gelato Messina, the sweet heart-throb for many locals... claiming that it's way better than the best of Italy's! Look at how they can't resist ice-cream even on a blustery winter day - you know you can't miss this. Still not convinced? Just read the fanatic fanmail Messina gets on their Facebook page. The only problem you'd have is choosing a flavour. I had the coconut - it was divine. People swear by the salted caramel, pandan, and apple pie.

7. Tour the Rose Street Artists Market

If you're here on a weekend (you should be, or you'll miss out on all the exciting stuff happening here), head onto the famous Rose Street market to check out the craft work of local artists. They are often priced at a premium because they are absolutely unique and handmade! Pick out a few for souvenirs or as an indulgence for yourself!

8. Delve into the world of nature at Fitzroy Nursery

The Fitzroy Nursery appears rather unimpressive from the outside, but enter to find a whole new world of expert gardening. It reminded me of the times when I could decorate my virtual garden in SIMS, except this is real. They had in stock the most comfortable chair in the world but it was promptly bought by someone already.

9. Lick on more gelato at N2 Extreme

10. Browse the Happy Valley bookstore

Welcome to my favourite bookstore in Melbourne which really deserves more publicity. Or maybe not, because I want to keep it for myself. Their collection of books convinced me to marinate myself in them until closing hour. For those who loves books: this is your to-go destination.