The inner east has it all: sports, culture, gardens and the local shops and cafes that bring it all together.
As such, it’s the best place to grab a coffee in Richmond before a game at the MCG, or avoid the sports crowds altogether by sticking to the areas main shopping strips. Browse expensive furniture on Bridge Road before hitting up and down Chapel Street in search of the perfect coat/rug/snack.
Because the inner east can feel large and hard to navigate as a whole, we’ve put together some handy shopping lists in partnership with American Express. Armed with them, you’ll be able to shop small through Richmond, South Yarra, Prahran and Windsor — all while using your American Express Card. Pick your starting point and get going.
The 78 runs all the way along Chapel and Church streets — through St Kilda East, Windsor, Prahran, South Yarra, Cremorne and Richmond — before heading back down the other way. But be wary — on a busy day this tram is almost slower than walking, and you don’t want to miss any of the great shops.
Grab a coffee before exploring Fitzroy Gardens; don’t miss the conservatory, which has stood since 1930 and exhibits a number of floral displays each year. Then head across the river to the expansive Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria for the Aboriginal Heritage Walk or take a lap around The Tan if exercise is your thing.
Shopping hotspots in the inner east run the gamut from vintage stores to high-end boutiques. Richmond’s Swan Street and Bridge Road deserve a mention, and the south end of Chapel Street’s vintage mile is not to be missed — this is where you’ll find Chapel Street Bazaar and Design a Space — along with Greville Street.
When a dinner party is on the cards, locals head to Prahran Market to get all the best ingredients. Inside, Hagen’s Organic Butcher and Ripe the Organic Grocer have the best meat and produce, and Claringbold’s Seafood hosts its famous $5 fish auction at 4.30pm on Saturday afternoons.
THE SHOPPING LISTS
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Design & StyleSouth YarraJolie & Deen
Locally designed jewellery and fashion focusing on feminine and elegant styles.
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Food & DrinkSouth YarraBottle House
This independent South Yarra bottle-o has you sorted for the weekend.
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Design & StyleSouth YarraThe Fresh Flower Man
Behind a colourful green facade, you'll find a neighbourhood florist ready to brighten up your home.
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Design & StyleSouth YarraMarimekko South Yarra
The esteemed Finnish design house is at home on Chapel Street.
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Design & StyleSouth YarraMio Tesoro Boutique
A luxury consignment store selling rare and vintage pieces from international designers.
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Design & StyleSouth YarraHome & Abroad
This South Yarra gem sells more than just gifts and homewares.
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Design & StyleSouth YarraBotanics of Melbourne
This South Yarra florist is a one-stop shop for gifts, homewares and, of course, flowers.
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Design & StyleSouth YarraJay Dillon
At home in South Yarra, this designer menswear boutique is known for bold colours and statement pieces.
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Travel & LeisureSouth YarraDeciem
The Abnormal Beauty Company's flagship Melbourne store is a minimalist haven of good skincare products.
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Food & DrinkRichmondBerties Butchers
This organic, paddock-to-plate butcher also has an onsite barbecue cafe.
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Design & StyleRichmondPookipoiga
Stocking a huge selection of gifts, this small Richmond business is trying to make a big impact.
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Food & DrinkCremorneLocalized Organic Grocery
Your friendly neighbourhood grocer, supplying the residents of Richmond and Cremorne with organic Australian produce.
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Design & StyleRichmondThe Balcony Garden
Take your inner city garden to the next level with ethically made ceramics from this Richmond showroom.
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Design & StyleRichmondRoyal Order of Nothing
A collection of great brands can be found inside this Richmond shop, which has been dressing locals for a decade.
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Food & DrinkSouth YarraBlackhearts & Sparrows Prahran
The Prahran Market branch of this Melbourne favourite boutique bottle-o.
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Design & StylePrahranThe Cool Hunter Store
Born from a design blog, this Prahran store has everything you've ever wanted to buy off the internet.
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Food & DrinkToorakPeter Bouchier
This family-run butcher has been sourcing quality meats since the 1980s.
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Arts & EntertainmentToorakMy Bookshop By Corrie Perkin
A cosy bookstore run by ex-journalist Corrie Perkin.
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Design & StyleCremorneGlasshaus Inside
This Cremorne warehouse sells a heap of rare and unusual plants
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Food & DrinkPrahranPrahran Convenience
A 24-hour convenience store with lots of international and vegan groceries.
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Travel & LeisureRichmondAvenue Bookstore
An award-winning local favourite with great recommendations.
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Food & DrinkEast MelbourneHard Pressed
Cuban sandwiches and urban comfort at East Melbourne's newest cafe.
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Arts & EntertainmentPrahranGreville Records
Digging around for rare vinyl is half the fun at one of Melbourne's oldest record stores.
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Design & StylePrahranChapel Street Bazaar
You never know what you'll find at this Chapel Street treasure trove, but you're bound to find something special.
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Food & DrinkWindsorYellow Bird Cafe
Yellow Bird's a great spot for a simple brunch or an evening beer.
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