Richmond has three major thoroughfares that run east to west (Victoria Street, Bridge Road and Swan Street) and Church Street runs north to south to join them together. Victoria Street a.k.a. Little Saigon is rich with Vietnamese culture, while Bridge Road and Swan Street really caters for the sporty crowd that flocks to the area because of is proximity to Melbourne’s Sports Precinct, which contains the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) , AAMI Park, and the home of the Australian Open (tennis tournament) Melbourne Park. This guide will help you get away from all that and find the hidden gems of the area.

The Corner Hotel has been a live music venue since the 1940s jazz era. Now, The Corner plays host to international and local acts from various music genres. To catch a sick gig check the gig guide below but if you are just looking for a pub experience the rooftop beer garden is a nice place for a drink. Gig guide | Book a table | Instagram | 57 Swan Street, Richmond

The Royston is a laid-back pub with a horseshoe-shaped bar, pouring craft beers and local wines. Classic pub food on the menu and its back street location keep the place feeling relaxed. Note, the smoking area out the front gets perfect afternoon sun, so you could pair this pub with an afternoon walk around the river as it’s very close to the banks of The Birrarung. Happy Hours: Everyday / 4 - 6PM / $4 pots, $8 pints / Royston Pale Ale & Lager. Website | Instagram | Phone | 12 River St, Richmond

It is one of those places where you don't know exactly what you are going to walk out with, but if you take your time you are sure to find something you will like. There are stacks of American sporting jumpers and Harley-Davidson tees. You can also find some cool vintage jackets and festival wear here too, all for a good price. Website | Instagram | 260 Church St, Richmond

Tofu Shop International is one of the better vegetarian health food feeds in the city and you can find it on top of the very sporty Richmond hill. They specialise in 'Nigari Tofu' which is made in-house with traditional Japanese handcrafted techniques. Work your way inside and you will find large bowls of East Asian and Indian food, just point to what you want on ya plate. Website | Instagram | 78 Bridge Rd, Richmond

Warkop is slinging some super tasty sandwiches on the back streets of Richmond. The food has an Indonesian influence adding some unique flavours to the much-loved sandwich classics and the coffee is good too. Check out the Warkop Instagram for specials and collaborations. Menu | Instagram | Phone | 12 Risley St, Richmond

The Vic Bar is one of the best spots for a drink on Victoria Street, even if it’s not the happy hour the drinks are cheap. You could easier spend a few hours here any night of the week drinking cocktails, beers, wine, or sprints, and you can order food from neighbouring restaurants at the bar. Happy Hours: Friday & Saturday / 6 - 9PM / $8 Pints, $12 Cocktails. Website | Instagram | 281 Victoria St, Abbotsford

Who knows where Thanh Ha 1 is? All we know is Thanh Ha 2 is da bomb! Owner Ha Nguyen specialising in Banh Xeo a Vietnamese savoury yellow crepe made with a crispy egg base, filled with pork, herbs, other fresh ingredients and then wrapped in lettuce. It doesn’t stop there the menu is long and full of amazing soups, entrees, seafood, and duck dishes. If you visit Victoria Street it is always better if you visit Thanh Ha 2 too. Website | Instagram | 120 Victoria St, Richmond

Phuoc Thanh slings some of the best Banh Mi on Victoria Street and if you want to beat the queue best to avoid the lunch hour because this place gets busy but it is well worth it. Can recommend the Crispy Pork with chili. Website | Instagram | 206 Victoria St, Richmond

A good pho isn’t hard to find along Vic. St. but I Love Pho is always a winner. With 14 different types of broth noodle soup, you will be sure to get it just how you like it, or you could try some different with beef, chicken, tripe, beef balls, oxtail, chicken giblets, heart & liver and tofu & vegetable on the menu. Open every day from 9:30AM to 10:30PM, so pho for breakfast, lunch, and dinner isn’t out of the question and their Vietnamese iced coffee is also a crowd-pleaser. Website | Instagram | Phone | 264 Victoria St, Richmond

In the back streets of Abbotsford, you will find 8 Murray Street and it’s always a good time out on the deck unless is raining but it is still cozy inside too. The staff are super friendly and serve up cafe grub and super tasty drinks including $10 cocktails if you are feeling up for a drink. Use their website to view the menu, book a table, or order takeaway. Website | Instagram | 8 Murray St, Abbotsford

Tucked away on a back street of Richmond you will find Hector’s Deli where they concentrate on improving the classic sandwiches we all know and love. All the ingredients are of the highest quality and everything is ethically sourced. The coffee also lives up to Melbourne's very high standards. Hector’s is open every day but be warned this place is popular and they can run out of some sangas. Website | Menu | Instagram | Pre-Order | 1/94 Buckingham St, Richmond

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

The Skipping Girl Vinegar sign is also known as Little Audrey. The sign was first erected in 1936 to advertise the Skipping Girl Vinegar brand and it is Australia’s first animated neon sign. The Skipping Girl has become iconic to locals and it is a part of Melbourne’s visual identity. We recommend getting down there as the sun is setting because the sign does look best at night, would be worth doing a walk around the Yarra River while you are there. 651 Victoria St, Abbotsford

Hidden away in the back street of Cremorne you will find the glorious Cherry Tree Hotel. On weeknights, the bar is full of creatives and suits from neighbouring advertising agencies, design studios, and start-ups. The bar pours over 20 different craft beers and the kitchen serves standard pub grub as well as wood-fired pizzas. Chicken wings are $1 all weekend night. Website | Instagram | Phone | 53 Balmain St, Cremorne