Melbourne comes into its own in wintertime. Embrace a fleecy jacket and flit across glistening streets and cobbled laneways, for the next hole-in-the-wall bar, pop up eatery, the MCG, a gig or an art opening.

Where to eat and drink

Outside of the festival program, Melbourne has lots on offer. Over on Little Bourke Street, Chinatown is the Western world’s oldest continuous Chinatown and home to dozens and dozens of restaurants for those with a dumpling craving. Tucked in an alley arcade off Little Bourke, Shandong Mama serve traditional recipes from the fishing town of Yantai. Butchers Diner is a classic American Diner at the top of Bourke Street, it’s next to a night club and open until 1am. If you’ve missed the boat for late-night burgers, Supper Inn is a Melbourne institution with a Cantonese menu that’s open until 2am. You can grab a slice and play some pool until late at Heartbreaker too. And if you’re looking to start earlier and a bit fancier, the renowned kitchen and bar at Embla on Russell Street are open all day. Snack on modern Australian fare at hatted restaurant ARU, or grab a cocktail in the intimate surrounds of the Apollo Inn; for a home-style diner serving traditional Greek cuisine, head to Kafeneion; get competitive at Ballers Clubhouse; or sing your heart out at karaoke at rooftop bar Heroes.

Throughout the city, there are loads of local favourites and new hotspots. In the city, check out Collins and Bourke Street between Swanston and Exhibition Streets, and find fresh favourites like Andrew McConnell’s Gimlet at Cavendish House; Tres a Cinco for Mexican cantina vibes; an underground French bistro in Bar Margaux; and, further north on Bourke, try Pellegrini’s, for homestlye Italian cooking with plently of atmosphere and charm.

Close to RISING venues Melbourne Town Hall and The Capitol, you'll find Parcs' serving up a sustainable dining menu. If you're checking out The Blak Infinite in Federation Square, head to Big Esso for contemporary Indigenous fare, Victoria by Farmer's Daughters or The Arbory on the river.

For drinks, head to multi-level eatery, bar and music space HER; Curtin House (home to Rooftop Bar and Toff in Town; or an all-night cocktail bar experience at Curious. On Lonsdale Street, Little Lon Distillery’s and Caretaker's Cottage are your intimate stop-ins for cocktails. Kirk's Wine Bar, a beacon of Hardware Lane, is a great spot to settle in with a bottle of wine from the cellar and a plate of comforting bistro food.

And for a few others to explore outside the CBD:

• Bodriggy Brewing Company, 245 Johnston St, Abbotsford
• Carlton Wine Room, Carlton, 172—174 Faraday Street, Carlton
• Lona Misa, 234 Toorak Road, South Yarra
• Mya Tiger at The Espy, 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda, Victoria
• Chibog, Shop 1, 553 Barkly Street, West Footscray
• Pawa Café & Bar, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3006
• Lilac Wine, 31 Stephenson Street, Cremorne
• The Prince Dining Room, 2 Acland Street, St Kilda

Where to Stay in the city

There are plenty of places to stay that an easy walk to RISING events. But our pick has to be our offical partner hotel, The Howey. It’s right in the Night Trade precinct, our free festival meeting place that’s fuelled by micro-bars, music and art.

Just a short stroll away, discover the grandeur of the Royal Arcade. Boutiques line the elegant alleyway, offering a curated selection of fashion, art, and handcrafted gifts. Have afternoon tea at The Grand or marvel at the arcade's exquisite glass ceiling.

There’s a world of culinary favourites beyond these arcades. From hidden cafes serving locally roasted coffee and tasty pastries to buzzing street-food vendors offering international flavours. And, if you need some help with decisions, The Howey offers curated recommendations and bespoke experiences to ensure you discover Melbourne's hidden gems.

Things to do

An undercurrent of energy and excitement pulses through Melbourne, ready for you to explore. Go on an interactive trip into a world of fantastic creatures at ACMI's Beings exhibition, or peruse the Australian art at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Afterwards, squeeze in a round of shopping in Block Arcade's tiny boutiques or the ALPHA60 flagship store on Flinders Lane.

Work up a hunger on a street art tour through Melbourne's labyrinth of world-class laneway murals, before dropping by the Queen Victoria Market to explore multicultural street food, and unique products in over 600 stalls.

Or if you feel like taking in the city on a grandscale, there's epic views up at the Skydeck and roaring crowds at the MCG.

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