Abbotsford is sometimes overshadowed by neighbours Collingwood and Fitzroy but cross Hoddle street and you will find one of Melbourne's best-kept secrets. Set in an old industrial area now the warehouses are full of bars, restaurants, record stores, boutique shopping, and history. There is much to do and see in Abbotsford. 

Abbotsford Convent is a not-for-profit social enterprise, and Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct. The Australian National Heritage listed site features striking built and natural landscapes and is home to a creative community of artist studios, community events, a radio station (3MBS), live music events, exhibitions, theatre performance, markets, a bakery, a bar and a cafe. Website | Instagram | 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford

Cam's Kiosk can be found inside the Abbotsford Convent and once you find it you won't want to leave because the well-designed restaurant has a great interior ambiance and outside you can sit in the sun or under the arches. Relax and take your time to enjoy the wonderful drinks list and Italian food. Inside Cam's to your right, you will find the St Heliers Street Gallery which showcases work by the artists who rent space at the Convent and provides an affordable space for emerging artists to exhibit. Website | Menu | Book a table | Instagram | 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford

The Retreat Hotel is a traditional Melbourne pub that does the simple things right, here you will find local beer, wine, and pub food classics. There are screens for sports fans, a pool table, and a dog-friendly beer garden. Book a table | Menu | Instagram | 226 Nicholson St, Abbotsford

House of Plants is the perfect place to take a break from the inner city grind with the combination of local drinks in a cool native nursery. Chill inside or out and take in the impressive collection of plants. Hopefully, there is a DJ spinning tunes and art shows are also common, check their Instagram for more details. Website | Instagram | 366 Johnston St, Abbotsford

The Bodriggy Brewpub is an ideal stop for beer lovers with everything from easy-drinking lagers to the rich taste of double IPA and experimental dark beers. If you’re not into beer never fear because there is also a good selection of wines and cocktails. While you’re there grab some Mexican food, it is hard to go past the Fish Taco or the Ceviche and there are some good options for vegetarians too. Website | Instagram | 245 Johnston St, Abbotsford

This Australian Rules Football ground was first used for sport in 1879 and it was home to the Collingwood Football Club for 107 years. The ground has a record attendance of 47,000 fans set in April 1948. Nowadays, if the ground isn’t been used for organised sport you can though a frisbee with the dogos or kick the footy and imagine the grandstand is full of the black and white army screaming for Gordon Coventry to kick another goal. Abbot St & Lulie St, Abbotsford

Tucked under the Victoria Park train station you will find Dr. Morse - a cafe, restaurant, bar, and sometimes even a club that is why we love Dr. Morse. Get Coffee in the AM from Jr. Morse and try an Asian-inspired food menu and a long list of cocktails to get you feeling right for a good old party night in the open-air courtyard. Happy Hours: Monday to Friday / 4 - 6PM / $8 pints. Website | Instagram | 274 Johnston St, Abbotsford

Three fellas started the burger show Bottle of Milk and Pizza Pizza down in Lorne. After much success da boyz took a punt on a place in Abbotsford and start Rita's Pizzeria with chef Daniel Spizzica formally from the Stokehouse in St. Kilda. Melburnians continuously bring up Rita's when debating the best pizza in the city and with gluten-free bases, salads, risotto, house-made pasta, beer on tap, and an excellent wine list what more could you want? Website | Instagram | Phone | 239 Johnston St, Abbotsford

This saloon-style bar plays great music and the vibe is always positive. The free pool table moves well so if you are keen stand around and wait for your turn. The burgers are pretty good too. Happy hours: Monday to Friday 4 - 6PM / Weekends 12 - 4PM. $12 Margs all day Sunday. Wednesday nights jugs are $15 and burgers are $12. Website | Instagram | 225 Johnston St, Abbotsford

This restored Edwardian boathouse is the oldest in Melbourne and it is located on the Yarra River in Yarra Bend Park which is the largest natural bushland in Melbourne. You can hire a boat/kayak or set off for a rememberable hike. If you are not feeling up for it you can relax, eat and drink at the boathouse they serve up some quality modern Australian dishes. Website | Instagram | 1 Boathouse Rd, Kew

This carefully curated store is a hub for quality clothes, shoes, and accessories. Drop in for cult labels, including Melbourne designers FME Apparel and Post Sole Studio. www.postsole.com | www.fmeapparel.com.au | 342 Johnston St, Abbotsford

Kelso's are your sandwich specialises and their housemade pickles are something you have to try. All the coffee is from Supreme and here it's brewed just right. If it's your first time we recommended the Chop Cheese which comes with grass-fed beef or fried tofu. Menu | Instagram | Phone | 271 Johnston St, Abbotsford

This place got its name because the owner Tam Patton and Mark Reuten brought thousands of records from Holland to Melbourne to start what is now Dutch Vinyl. The collection is eclectic and you can definitely find a bargain in these bins. These guys take pride in their vinyl, they clean and care for the wax, so that old records play like new. They will also buy your pre-loved records too. Website | Instagram | 269 Johnston St, Abbotsford

Hub 301 owner Greg Molinaro has spent years in Melbourne’s dance music scene and his knowledge and tastes shine through in his selections on the shelves. There are plenty of records from local heroes and the worldwide wax is banging. Even second-hand records can be top-shelf material and you should keep your eye out for an in-store vinyl release party at Hub, they are always a good time. Website | Instagram | 301 Johnston St, Abbotsford

This is one of the best happy hours going around in Melbourne because of the quality of beer on all the taps. The food is great with something for everyone. Grab a sit by the fire or in the doggo-friendly beer garden. Plenty of screen for the footy too if that's what you’re into. Happy Hours: Monday to Friday / 3 - 6PM / $4 Pots, $8 Pints of every beer / Tuesdays Parma’s are $20 and Wednesdays 250g Porterhouse are $22. Website | Instagram | Phone | 191 Nicholson St, Abbotsford

Gahan Reserve is the park on Park Street, Abbotsford next to the Collingwood Town Hall and the Collingwood Station which are both in Abbotsford, confusing right? Anywho Gahan Reserve is a nice green space with a basketball ring, playground, and a some public BBQs. It's a good place to chill but no public toilet is a bit of let down. 118 Park St, Abbotsford 

Moon Dog Brewing has been slinging funky beers in the back streets of Abbotsford for over 10 years. Visit the bar where it all started. If it's quiet you can play some table tennis, and if there is a big sporting game it will be projected on a big screen but if not just relax and enjoy the beer. Website | Instagram | 17 Duke St, Abbotsford

On the back industrial streets of Abbotsford, you will find Coffee Supreme. Originally from Wellington, Coffee Supreme now has some impressive stores in Australia, NZ, and Toyko. In Abbotsford, they roast and cook up some excellent coffee, you can get it hot or any way you want it, and this is a good spot to pick up everything you need to make the perfect coffee at home. Website | Shop | Instagram | 28-36 Grosvenor St, Abbotsford