Footy weekend itinerary

Footy is a way of life in Melbourne – and experiencing the city in the grip of footy fever each season is hard to beat.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, or MCG, is the hub of the game – a revered sports arena within striking distance of the city centre. Before or after the game, build up your barracking stamina in world-class restaurants, intimate bars, convivial breweries and relaxed bakeries, and feel the buzz along Melbourne's iconic laneways.

Afternoon games

Kick off pre-match with breakfast or brunch in the city. Try Hardware Société for a French-inspired start, culinary star Higher Ground or caffeine-focused Manchester Press.

Stretch your legs around the city, exploring tucked-away laneways and arcades. Admire both historic and contemporary architecture and see what lies behind boutique shop windows in Howey Place, Royal Arcade, Block Arcade, Cathedral Arcade and The Strand.

Later on in Richmond, enjoy a pint at The London Tavern, Royal Saxon or the rooftop beer garden atop The Corner Hotel.

Head over to the MCG before the game to tour the Australian Sports Museum. Make time to pay tribute to players past at the foot of statues on the grandstand concourse. Then take your seat in the grandstand, warming up your vocal chords as the teams hit the field.

When the siren sounds post-game, head to your dinner reservation or beat the queues at no-reservations eateries. Choose from dining spots and bars along Flinders Lane and surrounding laneways, including Tonka, Lee Ho Fook, Supernormal and Coda.

Evening games

Nothing beats the spectacle of a footy game played at night under lights at the MCG. Plus, you'll have plenty of time before kick-off for exploring.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast or brunch in the city and follow up with a visit to Federation Square, where the latest exhibitions of artworks at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia are complemented by film and screen exhibits at ACMI, and in-depth talks and tours at Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT). Pick up an art piece or designer souvenir at KHT or the NGV Design Store.

Skip across into the East End Theatre District and around Collins and Spring Streets for high-end independent fashion outlets, before venturing north of the city to neighbouring Fitzroy, just a short tram ride away. Take time to grab another hit of caffeine and something tasty to eat at Industry Beans, and contemplate the game ahead.

Meander to the Rose St. Artists' Market, then head along Brunswick Street, Gertrude Street, and up Smith Street for an absorbing overview of street art, fashion boutiques, cool cafes and small galleries. Look out for the latest in male, female and unisex style at Nique, Handsom and Double Monk.

Enjoy a pre-match beverage at The Mill Brewery in Collingwood, or Bodriggy Brewing Co in Abbotsford, before you head south to the MCG as night falls.

Grab a snack at the stadium – and keep your spirits high after the game, with a drink or two back in the city centre. Try some after-the-fact analysis at Goldilocks, Gimlet, or Whisky and Alement.