Carlton is the perfect spot for a date, with classy bars and restaurants that have a great atmosphere and plenty of activities for two or more. The area is well known for its Italian flair and this fully comes to life on Lygon Street, which is where Melbourne’s famous cafe culture got started. Now, the area hosts some of the city’s best parks, museums, galleries, cinemas, food, bars, and you can find them all here in this guide to Carlton. Use this Google Maps link here to help you locate things in Carlton.

The Carlton Gardens is a perfect spot for a picnic because of it’s rolling green grass, bbq’s, playgrounds, fountains, ponds, skate spots, basketball/tennis courts and it’s unparalleled architecture within the city. In the middle of the gardens is the Royal Exhibition Building, inspired by the duomo in Florence, Italy, juxtaposed with the post-modernist design of the Melbourne Museum, which boasts the world’s largest IMAX Theatre screen. The Royal Exhibition Building was built for the 1880 World Expo and then in 1889 the Expo helped to build the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Be sure to check the weather first because if it’s sunny you could easily spend half a day in the gardens and if it’s not you could see something at IMAX or Melbourne Museum | Carlton St, Carlton

The Melbourne Museum is full of some wonderful things including Frist Peoples artifacts, life-size Dinosaur installations, over 750 taxidermy animals, and a rainforest simulation and that's just the always-on collection. The museum also hosts a one-off exhibition all throughout the year, check their website for more information. Website | Instagram | 11 Nicholson St, Carlton

One of the best cinemas in the city, projecting arthouse to the most popular and unpopular movies in the world. Monday’s are half price and there are concession discounts every day. Check out the timetable on their website. Be sure to grab some popcorn and maybe a cold one from the fully licensed bar. Website | Instagram | 380 Lygon St, Carlton

Where print lives on! Readings now have seven stores across Melbourne but the Lygon Street location was the first, established in 1969. Readings normally have something you have been looking for whether it is a rare book or the selection of new vinyl records is very impressive. Great place to spend some time while you wait for your film at Cinema Nova to start. Website | Instagram | 309 Lygon St, Carlton

Brunetti is the perfect place for a pit stop. Get coffee and something sweet. We can recommend the Italian Hot Chocolate, and yes you do want whipped cream with that. Website | Instagram | 380 Lygon St, Carlton

King & Godfree first opened its doors in 1884 but it wasn't until 1955 that Carlo Valmorbida took over and he was one of the first store owners in Melbourne to stock fine foods from Italian. Products like olive oil, parmesan cheese, and tinned tuna were extremely rare in Melbourne at that time. King & Godfree fast become an institute for the Italian community and introduced Melburnians to Italian food, wine, and culture. Nowadays, King & Godfree has a deli, grocer, espresso bar, wine bar, cellar, gelateria (Pidapipó), and a rooftop bar (Johnny’s Green Room). Stop by for aperitivo on weekdays from 4 to 7PM, $10 Campari and soda, $8 Prosecco, and $5 Peroni tins. Website | Instagram | Corner of Lygon & Faraday

Pidapipo might be home to Melbourne’s best ice cream and for that, we have to thank Lisa Valmorbida. Before starting Pidapipo she enrolled at Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna, Italy to learn how to make gelato from the best. Now, we benefit from all of Lisa's hard work in a funky little Lygon Street location. The line can be long but it’s worth the wait. Website | Instagram | 299 Lygon St, Carlton

DOC Pizza is Italian simplicity at its best. This cozy restaurant takes no booking, so just roll up and ask for a table or take it away because there is plenty of nice spots to enjoy the thin, Naples-style pizza in Carlton. The wine and antipasti boards are divine so if you have the time you should sit in and unwind. Website | Instagram | 295 Drummond St, Carlton

On the south side of the River, they brought us Leonard’s House of Love and on the north side, they give us Leonardo’s Pizza Palace which serves up some of the best pizza in town. Originally, this place was Da Salvatore Pizza by the Metre, which opened in 1959. Leonardo’s has kept some of those OG Italo vibes but they have just jazzed it up a little. With DJs spinning tunes on the regular this place is great for a catch-up with M8 or a D8. Happy Hours: Monday to Friday / 5 - 7PM / $12 jugs of beers | Late night Happy Hours: Everynight / 10PM to close /$12 Negroni / $5 Peroni cans /$35 for 1L of Barbera. Website | Instagram | Phone | 29 Grattan St, Carlton

Capitano is a dimly lit Italian-American diner from the founder of Bar Liberty and the wine list is just as long. We can recommend the Grandma Square Pie and the Tiramisu. This is some of the best pizza in our fine town so make sure you give it a try. Website | Instagram | Phone | 421 Rathdowne St, Carlton

Sushi 10 is an excellent budget-friendly lunch or dinner option. Bowls are between $10 to $16. Order some sashimi, gyoza, and miso soup, and the Nigiri Don is always a good choice. The restaurant is BYO and cash-only. Instagram | 178 Rathdowne St, Carlton

The Carlton Baths is a community sporting hub with a 25m heated outdoor pool, which is open seasonally from 1 October to 30 April. The facility also has a well-equipped gym and there are group classes available. Check their website for more information. Website | 216/248 Rathdowne St, Carlton

Gerald's Bar has a relaxed atmosphere as it's normally full of friendly locals who come to have a drink, catch up with friends and listen to some vinyl on a nice sound system. The food menu changes regularly to keep things interesting and this Carlton North bar has a sister establishment over in San Sebastian, which means you should try some Jamón. Walk-ins only. Website | Instagram | 386 Rathdowne St, Carlton North

The Great Northern Hotel is famously known to be one of the best places to watch live sports because of the large screens in the dog-friendly beer garden and its selection of beers on tap. The Sunday roast is also a big plus and they do a $15 Parma on Mondays, $15 Steak on Tuesdays, and $15 burger on Thursdays, and Wednesday nights at 7:30PM it's Funky Bunch Trivia. Website | Instagram | Phone | 644 Rathdowne St, Carlton North

The name really says it all: Good Gnocchi! But while people come for the comfort food they also stay for the good times because there is always a nice bottle of wine getting around and they often have a DJ in the booth playing a good selection of music. Also, there is a free pool table down the back, so sit back and enjoy the good times. Website | Instagram | Book a table | 797 Nicholson St, Carlton North

With over 400 bottles of wine on the list from all over the world, you will need to take your time before selecting a vino but don't feel overwhelmed because this is the place to take your time. Book in for a long lunch on Saturdays or give the Sunday roast ago and dropping by for a drink and a snack is always a good option. The super helpful staff also spins vinyl on the vintage sound system, so it is a sure bet you will enjoy your time at Neighbourhood Wine. Menu | Book a table | Instagram | 1 Reid St, Fitzroy North

Lambs on Lygon Street are famous for their souvlakis and it is their rotated meat that is the true stand out here although there are set menus, mixed grills, and a nice breakfast menu if you would like to sit in. A great spot for a post-dinner bread and meat combo, if it's your first time - try the lamb souvlaki for $16. 100 Lygon St, Carlton