How to Experience Collingwood Like a Local

Australia is a great place to visit for anyone interested in an amazing holiday. Many parts of the nation are worth visiting, including major cities like Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. If you find yourself in the northeast of Melbourne’s CBD, you are bound to see a fantastic town that is waiting to be explored. Collingwood offers a slice of urban cool with a cultural heart to anyone wanting to traverse its paths. A historic suburb reimagined by the creative thinkers and coffee lovers, it is where century-old factories coexist with contemporary galleries, and hidden laneways reveal a world of colour, craft, and character. Collingwood is your perfect alternative for travellers looking to experience Melbourne’s soul without the crowded streets.

A Canvas of Creativity

Collingwood is widely known as one of Melbourne’s most creative hubs, and it doesn’t take long to see why. The streets themselves are a gallery for anyone walking by. The walls are plastered with all forms of graffiti, murals, and other installations. Around almost every corner, you’ll spot new pieces that reflect the suburb’s evolving cultural identity. Collingwood Yards, a dynamic precinct housed in a repurposed technical college, is at the centre of all this creativity. Home to artists, designers, performers, and cultural organisations, it’s more than just a space. Collingwood Yards is a living, breathing celebration of Melbourne's creative industries. Just next door, on the exterior of the former Collingwood Technical School, the Keith Haring mural stands as one of only 31 public works by the artist still in existence. Painted in 1984 and lovingly restored recently, it’s a bold and powerful symbol of international art. The mural is just a hop, skip and jump away for anyone living at lyf Collingwood Melbourne, which is a chic social-living apartment.

Coffee: The Local Religion

In Collingwood, coffee isn’t just a beverage; it’s a way of life. The suburb is a paradise for espresso lovers, pour-over, and everything in between. There’s a distinct passion here, grounded in Melbourne’s broader coffee culture, but refined by a community that prizes quality and personality over polish. Proud Mary is one of the pioneers of Melbourne’s latest coffee craze and is a staple in the area. It is quite close to some of the Collingwood serviced apartments, which is an added advantage to the tenants. Proud Mary’s commitment to sourcing, roasting, and brewing exceptional beans has earned them international recognition. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by the all-familiar chatter, the clinking of cups, and a menu designed for the curious caffeine enthusiast. For those who prefer quieter spots, there are a few minimalist cafes and small boutiques scattered throughout the area as well.

Streets that Speak

To understand Collingwood is to walk it. Smith Street, voted the “coolest street in the world” by Time Out in 2021, anchors the suburb with an excellent mix of ancient shopfronts, independent retailers, vegan eateries, and vintage boutiques. The real action in Smith Street happens down side streets and laneways. Murals by local and international artists adorn nearly every available surface. If you're into street photography or enjoy a stroll without a map, this is the place to let curiosity guide you.

From Day to Night: Cultural Collingwood

As the sun dips, Collingwood’s artistic energy doesn’t fade; it simply shifts. Pubs like The Tote host some of Melbourne’s most dynamic live gigs, while bars like Above Board offer curated cocktails in intimate settings. If you are feeling peckish, the suburb’s food scene is as diverse as its residents. Sample contemporary Italian at Hope St Radio, or try next-level Japanese at Ides. There is a lot to choose from in Collingwood.

Final Thoughts

Collingwood is a place that rewards curiosity. It’s not a neighbourhood you can summarise in one image or experience. The suburb unfolds slowly, revealing different facets with every visit. From the colourful brushstrokes of street art to the rich crema on your morning espresso, from warehouse galleries to neon-lit bar fronts, it’s a suburb alive with expression, grounded in community, and constantly evolving.