As another semester begins, hoard of students, new and old, return to the city. Do you happen to be one of them looking for something fun to do off-campus? The answer probably is… yes.
Students (and pretty much everyone) love budget friendly options to explore… SO we have compiled a list of the best things to do north of the city, that are either free or under twenty bucks. You are welcome. Also, welcome to Naarm!
- Cinema Nova
380 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
Carlton’s arthouse movie theatre with in-cinema dining and a cute terrace cocktail bar is the perfect movie and drinks combo you can grab. Mondays are the best day to go, tickets before 4pm are just $7 and tickets after 4pm are $10. - Don Tojo
164 Cardigan St, Carlton VIC 3053
A hop skip and a jump away from RMIT, Don Tojo offers authentic Japanese cuisine. With meals starting at just $8 for the Tofu Curry Don, and the most expensive being the Sashi Don (salmon sashimi) at $11.70, this restaurant is one of the most affordable around. Not only that but Don Tojo has lots of dietary options, including some great vegan options to choose from. - Good Times Pasta
214 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
Nothing says more home-y than a big bowl of pasta and with bowls starting at $9 you would be surprised on how full you get. A little bit further than the rest, the Fitzroy North pasta bar, Good Times Pasta, was born out for those of us who want a good atmosphere and a great meal duo. You can also buy sides of garlic bread and enjoy a carafe of house red (that we highly recommend). - Naked For Satan
285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 306
Talk about good deals, around the clock the social hours of bar and restaurant Naked For Satan will have you coming back every day of the week. Monday through to Saturday (between 4pm – 7pm) you can get your hands on a Sangria jug to share with your friends (or drink solo, although company sounds way better), Monday to Friday (4pm – 7pm) there is also $16 Negronis, and you can finish on the Friday with $3 Oysters (4pm – 7pm). To top it all off Monday to Thursday from Noon you can get a $3 pizza with any drink, talk about cheap in this economic crisis. - Melbourne Museum
11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053
If you’re looking for something other than food, the Melbourne Museum located in Carlton is a great place to escape the busyness and immerse yourself into the curiosity of history. At the moment, you can find the Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition as well as Unfinished Business. Fortunately, enough, if you are a student, you are able to access free general admission and subsidised tickets for exhibitions. - The Heart of Carlton
189 Elgin St, Carlton VIC 3053
Amazing hole in the wall cafe. Known for its decades long resolute 1970s prices, everything costs just $5. Grab some pasta, curry, soup, smoothie or sandwich. They have amazing, toasted baguettes. I can’t think of anywhere else in the city I could grab a meal for only $5. - The Red Triangle Snooker Rooms
2/110 Argyle St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Opened in 1977, this venue is one of the most iconic pool halls in Melbourne. This venue is perfect for people that prefer to hone their pool skills and skip the beers. They have delicious milkshakes and toasties as well as a great chess table. Standard table hire is $20p/h, solo practice is $14p/h, and all rates are half price before 6pm on weekdays (public holidays excluded). - Slowpoke Espresso
157 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Coffee every morning is a must-have but these days it’s hard to find one under $6, Slowpoke Espresso makes that much easier, ranging from $3 black coffee and $3.50 milk coffee. At 157 Brunswick Street in Fitzroy the joint serves up simple and honest food focusing on as much organic and local produce as possible. Bring your friend along and share a chai for two for just $7 or come along on a Wednesday between 12:00pm (Noon) – 3:00pm to get a $4 coffee any size and any milk!
By Eloise Dalais and Hannah Elizabeth
Header image via Allan Franca Carmo / Pexels