Take the amount of time you've allotted to hang out on Gertrude Street, and double it. Getting to grips with this microcosm of the best bits of Fitzroy is equal parts time consuming and rewarding.
In just one strip you'll find bars, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, vintage wares, costume hire and old-school pubs. You just need to decide where to begin.
Starting the day
Will you go for breakfast bagels at Arcadia? Gourmet brunch at Archie's All Day? Load up on energy for some mega browsing.
Tick off the galleries first. This Is No Fantasy, Oigall and the Australian Print Workshop (AWP) Gallery will expand your mind with emerging and contemporary works.
Locals who lunch
Locate the luncheon spot of choice: try pizza at Ladro, coffee and takeway pastries or sandwiches from hip Morning Market, or tasty arepas at Sonido. Be tantalised by tapas at Añada.
Shopping on the strip
Ditch downloading for the joys of flipping through vinyl at Northside Records, check out the textiles and crafts at Spacecraft and Cottage Industry, and up your sartorial game at Smart Alec Hatters.
Feel the flush of pride in local labels Leonard St, Edgeley and Aesop. Dress up for dinner with designer duds from The Signet Bureau and ESS Laboratory.
Late-night delights
Make room for a course or two of perfection on a plate at Cutler & Co., the Builders Arms or hatted wine bar Marion. Taste classic Euro dishes at public bar and bistro Poodle Fitzroy and southern-style spice at Belle's Hot Chicken.
Ascend unassuming stairs to the pedigreed sophisticated boozy reading room that's the Everleigh and sip the bartender's choice through a metal straw.
End your night where all good nights must, standing shoulder to shoulder with your mates by the stage at The Workers Club.
