North Melbourne has been recognized as one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, according to Time Out magazine’s list of top global neighbourhoods. The inner-city suburb ranked 24th out of 39, surpassing Fitzroy, which was placed 27th in 2022.
The area is described as having a “charming, village-style vibe” on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD. North Melbourne scored highly for its dining, shopping, arts scene, and strong sense of community. A major attraction for residents is the Queen Victoria Market, which adds to the neighbourhood’s unique character.
Errol Street, considered the area’s “beating heart,” hosts popular spots such as Auction Rooms Cafe, Mauritian Wine Bar Manze, the Moroccan Soup Bar, and Le Bajo Milkbar for Japanese baked goods. Art lovers are drawn to Gallerysmith, Arts House, and Meat Market, while Heartland Records is recognized as one of Melbourne’s best vinyl stores.
Mary Masters, spokesperson for the North and West Melbourne Association, said residents are proud of their suburb: “We always knew North Melbourne was cool,” she said.
At the top of the global list is Jimbocho in Tokyo, followed by Borgerhout in Antwerp and Barra Funda in São Paulo, with Sydney’s Burwood at 16th place.
This recognition highlights North Melbourne’s unique charm and its ability to blend traditional village-like character with vibrant, contemporary multicultural life.
