From late-night ice cream bars to art deco cinemas, Lygon Street is home to some of Melbourne’s most well-loved treasures.
Welcome to the origins of Melbourne’s café scene. With tree-fringed streets and the characteristic Victorian terraces with intimate balconies, Lygon Street is a bustling spot that oozes character.
Lygon Street starts from Russell Street in Carlton and ends in Brunswick East. At its tail end, it morphs into Nicholson Street, running all the way to Coburg.
Let’s go from Carlton Gardens, all the way up to Brunswick East, and explore the treasures of Lygon Street.
The 6 and the 1 trams travel along Lygon. Hop on one of these trams to experience the beauty of Lygon Street. Lygon Street’s classic beginnings start off in Carlton, just a short ride from the CBD.
‘Little Italy’
Lygon Street in Carlton is labelled as ‘Little Italy’ due to the influx of Italian immigrants arriving there between 1951-1960. During the 70s and 80s, Lygon Street’s Italian culture flourished.
Lygon Street became a watering hole for Italian culture. It was the ultimate meeting place, a spot for Italians to congregate and meet. Iconic eateries and bars in the area began during this time, such as Jimmy Watson’s Wine Bar, Brunetti’s and Tiamo.
Lygon Street is where Melbourne’s café culture and thriving European hospitality scene first began. Bursting at the seams with Italian cuisine, Lygon Street is home to some of Melbourne’s oldest and most essential eateries. Lygon Street is bursting with great hospitality venues, with some of Melbourne’s oldest and coolest spots nestled into it.
Carlton Gardens
The gardens at Carlton offer some great walks around, with fantastic architecture. Carlton Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s on the edge of the CBD. These gardens are a great spot for a picnic in the summer, and a great spot to walk around in the winter.
Nova Cinema
This isn’t your average cinema! This independent cinema is a well-loved staple of Melbourne’s bustling Lygon Street.
As well as showing big blockbuster current movies, this Art Deco-style classic cinema holds monthly events that showcase some of the highest quality films from Australia and from around the world. Nova is a staple of Melbourne’s independent film scene.
Born in 1992, this iconic and unique Carlton favourite has grown up to be a well-loved icon of Melbourne’s entire art scene.
It even has a sister cinema in Richmond (Westgarth).
With the cinema bar and balcony overlooking Lygon Street, the Nova Cinema is your ultimate late-night spot. Plus, it’s right next to Brunetti, so it’s the perfect spot to go before your late-night dessert fix.
Brunetti
The Brunetti Classico in Carlton is a favourite desert spot of Melbourne ever since it opened in 1985. Positioned on Lygon Street, the Brunetti Classico is a great spot to pick up an ice cream, sample some cake. Or, pick up a night time coffee – Italian style!
Readings
A Melbourne icon, this famous book shop has been culturally ingrained into Melbourne’s literary fabric now.
In 1969, it was a small shop, which then snowballed into a larger premises on Lygon Street.
Readings in Carlton is an award-winning bookstore. Famous for its open late culture, Carlton is a hub of activity for readers and literature fans. Open until 9 pm, Readings is a great spot to browse through some of your favourite authors, open late.
The Carlton end of Lygon Street is home to a bustling atmosphere and classic architecture.
Lygon Street: Brunswick East
Heading further up Lygon Street, and past the cemetery, you’ll notice as the street begins to shift from classic Victorian architecture into more modern, gentrified urbanisation, although some buildings have still retained their Victorian heritage.
The Brunswick East end of Lygon Street is home to an eclectic mix of urban wine bars, cool hipster hangouts, rustic eateries and minimalist cafes.
Sip on thoughtful cocktails in 70s-themed record bar Waxflower, or take your mates to a Tuesday Trivia at the Beast.
For fine dining spots, check out Etta or Figlia.
Full of great date night spots as well as quirky bars and cafes, Lygon Street in Brunswick East certainly doesn’t lack character.
Lygon Street always has new things popping up around it, but the busy, bustling culture around it continues to thrive! So hop on the 6 or 1 tramline, and explore this cute part of Melbourne.