How to spend the perfect weekend day in Brunswick

If you like unpretentious cafes, independent shops and street art as far as the eye can see, you need to check out Brunswick.

Located just north of Melbourne’s CBD, Brunswick is a melting pot where young professionals, European migrants and plenty of modern hipsters have come together to make one unique, vibrant community.

Keen to check out all Brunswick has to offer? Make sure you clear your whole day, as there’s plenty to keep you entertained in this suburb. Here are some of our favourite spots:

9:30 – Fuel up at Code Black Coffee

When in Brunswick, it only makes sense to begin your day with a coffee from Melbourne staple, Code Black Coffee.

Take your pick of the Code Black seasonal blend or the rotating single-origin they have on. We can assure you either is incredible and prepared with the level of precision and excellence other Melbourne cafes aspire to.

Don’t be too tempted by the food menu – you’ve got a lot planned for today!

10:00 – Pick up something for the home at Nature Boy Nrth

While there are plenty of plants for sale at Nature Boy Nrth, there are also heaps of ceramics, jewellery, cards, recipe books and handmade gifts from a variety of artisans.

If you love it here – which you will – check out their upcoming workshops and plan your return visit. Recent events have included introductions to botanical art, macrame and tarot card readings.

10:30 – Grab breakfast at home.one

Melbourne has no shortage of amazing cafes, but home.one stands out in a big way. You’ll find it in Florence Street, at the front of the Nightingale 1 building.

They offer artisanal porridge in the morning and delicious filled bagels in the afternoon, alongside specialty coffee all day long.

This non-profit social enterprise donates 100 per cent of their profits to good causes, including fighting childhood hunger and  youth homelessness.

11:30 – Retail therapy on Sydney Road

Call us biased northsiders, but we think Sydney Road is as good as it gets when it comes to shopping in Melbourne. Packed with trendy boutiques, op shops, record stores and much more, this isn’t what you’ll find on Chapel or Bourke Street.

Don’t miss:

• Brunswick Bound, packed to the ceiling with art, jewellery, records and more, this isn’t your average bookstore;
• Dejour Jeans, where you can get designer jeans tailored at no extra cost;
• Recycle Boutique, a sustainable shop stocking unique vintage pieces.

1:00 – Admire the works at Neon Parc II

The larger of Geoff Newman’s two Melbourne galleries, Neon Parc in Brunswick is often used to display larger works – giving the venue a museum-like appeal.

Take in the works of famous Australasian artists in this bright, open contemporary space.

2:00 – Carb load at Juanita Peaches and All Day Donuts

There’s very little health food on the menu at Juanita Peaches and that’s the way we like it. This is where you go to enjoy the north’s best friend chicken, burritos and burgers – served in unassuming red, plastic baskets with checkered wax paper.

Everything here is made from scratch as well, including the donuts prepared in the same warehouse space.

3:00 – Overcome your fear of heights at Northside Boulders

Alright, time to kick the food coma and make your way to Northside Boulders.

This climbing gym is an ideal place to stretch out, practice your skills and have a bit of unconventional weekend fun. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or an expert climber, you’ll find an exciting challenge at Northside Boulders.

5:00 – Treat yourself to a pint at Thunder Road Brewing

At this point, you’re probably feeling a bit tired and sore, and what better way to turn that around than with an ice cold pint from a local brewery?

Thunder Road Brewing offers some of the best craft beer variety in Melbourne, with tasty lagers, bitter ales, ciders, IPAs and Japanese saisons all on tap.

6:00 – Comer la cena en Los Hermanos Mexican Taqueria

If your Spanish is a bit rusty, that means “Eat dinner at Los Hermanos (the Brothers) Mexican Taqueria”.

Los Hermanos’ menu is filled with a mouthwatering variety of authentic Mexican tacos. Our recommendation? Order heaps and share amongst your party. The slow cooked lamb (de barbacoa) and beer battered fish (de pescado) are not to be missed.

8:00 – Catch a gig at Howler

In Brunswick, the night is still young, so stop into Howler for tasty cocktails, ice cold beers and amazing gigs. This converted woolshed has the look and feel of a cosy, intimate bar, but with the soundsystem of a nightclub. There are always talented DJs on, so show up early to beat the crowd.

By the end of your perfect day in Brunswick, you’re probably already convinced to move there. That’s where we come in. At Nelson Alexander, we have extensive experience in the northside property market. Drop into our Brunswick office or give us a call to find out about houses for sale and rental properties alike!