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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CafeMarket Lane Coffee
Shop 13, Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Road, Prahran
Very, very good coffee for the city that loves to drink it.
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ShopJolie & Deen
477 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Locally designed jewellery and fashion focusing on feminine and elegant styles.
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ShopBottle House
199 Toorak Road, South Yarra
This independent South Yarra bottle-o has you sorted for the weekend.
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ShopThe Fresh Flower Man
379 Malvern Road, South Yarra
Behind a colourful green facade, you'll find a neighbourhood florist ready to brighten up your home.
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ShopMarimekko South Yarra
576 Chapel Street, South Yarra
The esteemed Finnish design house is at home on Chapel Street.
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ShopMio Tesoro Boutique
568 Chapel Street, South Yarra
A luxury consignment store selling rare and vintage pieces from international designers.
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ShopHome & Abroad
4 Avoca Street, South Yarra
This South Yarra gem sells more than just gifts and homewares.
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ShopBotanics of Melbourne
356 Punt Road, South Yarra
This South Yarra florist is a one-stop shop for gifts, homewares and, of course, flowers.
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ShopJay Dillon
440 Chapel Street, South Yarra
At home in South Yarra, this designer menswear boutique is known for bold colours and statement pieces.
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ShopBerties Butchers
218 Swan Street, Richmond
This organic, paddock-to-plate butcher also has an onsite barbecue cafe.
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ShopPookipoiga
64 Bridge Road, Richmond
Stocking a huge selection of gifts, this small Richmond business is trying to make a big impact.
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ShopLocalized Organic Grocery
114 Swan Street, Cremorne
Your friendly neighbourhood grocer, supplying the residents of Richmond and Cremorne with organic Australian produce.
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ShopThe Balcony Garden
6 Albert Street, Richmond
Take your inner city garden to the next level with ethically made ceramics from this Richmond showroom.
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ShopRoyal Order of Nothing
165 Swan Street, Richmond
A collection of great brands can be found inside this Richmond shop, which has been dressing locals for a decade.
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ShopBlackhearts & Sparrows Prahran
Shop 813-814, Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Road, South Yarra
The Prahran Market branch of this Melbourne favourite boutique bottle-o.
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ShopThe Cool Hunter Store
142 Commercial Road, Prahran
Born from a design blog, this Prahran store has everything you've ever wanted to buy off the internet.
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ShopPeter Bouchier
551 Malvern Road, Toorak
This family-run butcher has been sourcing quality meats since the 1980s.
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ShopFenton & Fenton Prahran
471 High Street, Prahran
Vibrant and sophisticated designer art and homewares.
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