If its neighbouring suburb of Toorak is the grand old dame of Melbourne, then South Yarra has firmly earnt its place as the spunky younger sister.A buzzing bar and nightclub scene, uber chic eateries that bump up against cheap and cheery cafes and fashion boutiques combine to make this suburb a lively holiday destination.Not to mention the modern South Yarra Hotels available. If fashion is your passion then the Chapel Streeet and Toorak Rd junction – just four kilometres from the CBD - still lays claim to being Melbourne’s style centre.Head down Toorak Rd and you won’t be disappointed by a vast array of big label designer boutiques.

Chapel Street has long been the place to go to buy the latest, most recognised brands but heading south along the strip toward Windsor and the landscape shifts from high end to achingly hip streetwear for the young at heart. Don’t miss a visit to the Chapel St Bazaar with its stalls of quirky vintage fashion or the famous Jam Factory built in 1858 which has been transformed from a, you guessed it, jam factory, to what is now a hub of entertainment offering cinemas, restaurants and retail stores galore.Wander off Chapel into Greville Street for interesting finds from tomorrow’s hot young designers, eclectic gifts, books and jewellery.

When it comes to food and drink, lively cheap pizza and pasta options compete for space with upmarket established eateries such as France Soir, a South Yarra stalwart for over 20 years, and Café e Cucina, where those in the know go to gather for a leisurely morning coffee.On weekends, the leafy boulevards and renovated backstreets of South Yarra become bustling thoroughfares as cafes compete with boutiques for passing trade.Bordered by the Yarra River and Richmond in the north, Toorak in the east, Prahran (pronounced Prar-ran) in the south, the suburb that now ranks among the most affluent in Australia, still pays homage to the humble pub. On weekends leafy boulevards and renovated backstreets are

While many have induldged in a makeover like the Argo, they still serve up lashings of great pub grub at decent prices.Melbourne’s bar scene remains unrivalled and in South Yarra you’re spoilt for choice with Parisian-style martini lounges retro-tinged decors and even a Polish vodka house that serves 100 different types.There’s also no shortage of nightclubs with Revolver and Chasers two of the biggest. Around the corner on Commercial Rd, Melbourne’s gay heartland The Market is non-stop, all-night dance action.

South Yarra also boasts some of the most beautiful parks in Melbourne. Grab some great picnic fare at Australia’s oldest continuous fresh food market – the Prahran Market - on Commercial Rd and head to the internationally acclaimed Royal Botanic Gardens or the nearby 41 hectare Fawkner Park which consists of sporting ovals and tennis courts. Hire a bike and head through the gardens and along the Yarra River’s bikeway. You’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the city skyline.

TIPS:
Trams are the easiest way to get around Melbourne. The City Circle tram is free, encircling the CBD and main city sights.

The Melbourne Museum is free if it’s raining or 40 degrees. Otherwise it’s $6 for adults.

The Melbourne tourist shuttle is a  free bus tour of major city sights like Victoria Market, the Melbourne Museum, Royal Botanic Gardens, Shine of Remembrance. Every 30min, 90min round-trip.

See also: South Yarra Hotels & Accommodation, St Kilda Hotels, Southbank Hotels, Melbourne City Hotels.