City life

Perth's cosmopolitan nature is truly reflected by the breadth of culture found throughout the city. Dining options abound with a variety of cuisines and restaurants. Explore the interesting shopping pockets or tap into the local nightlife. Whether you're hankering for a romantic picnic on the river foreshore, world-class ballet or a lively pub to meet up with friends, you'll find something to satisfy in one of Perth's neighbourhoods.

City Centre

Perth city is a shopper's delight with national fashion outlets and large department stores easily traversed by pedestrian malls and shopping arcades. Be sure to visit the David Jones gourmet food court to take dinner home - or enjoy shucked oysters and champagne if you're feeling more luxurious. Take a short walk to King Street, with its stylish boutiques, galleries and gift stores.

The city centre has many fashionable restaurants and delicious food options. Sushi aficionados and fans of Japanese cuisine should head to the chic Matsuri Japanese Restaurant; you'll love its frosted glass decor and split-level seating.

Enjoy a truly Perth experience - pack a picnic and head to Kings Park. For some delicious eats try one of Perth's continental delicatessens. Why not combine your picnic with a movie at Sunset Cinema, Kings Park outdoor movie house. Several outdoor cinemas open throughout the summer months - a popular way to enjoy a warm evening.

The city is home to several world-class theatres and concert halls. To see what's playing, visit the ticketing outlets operating for the city venues including His Majesty's Theatre, the Perth Concert Hall and the Playhouse Theatre.

Northbridge

Northbridge houses Perth's largest concentration of pubs, restaurants and clubs. This is a part of town that never sleeps.

Start your day off with a dim-sum delight. Northbridge has an array of oriental restaurants serving dim sum until noon. This is a unique way to try a range of Chinese delicacies. Steamed dumplings are a must! Try James Street, Lake Street or William Street for the best spots.

Wandering around Northbridge you'll find a selection of restaurants and markets to tempt any palate, including excellent seafood, Italian, Indian, Greek, Thai and Vietnamese. Pubs and clubs are also close by - you can walk from venue to venue. For busy pubs with lots of atmosphere, try the Brass Monkey, the Deen or the Elephant and Wheelbarrow. Geisha, Rise and the Metropolis Concert Club are some of the more popular dance clubs to take you through to the early hours.

Mount Lawley

Established in the early 1900's, Mount Lawley is one of Perth's older suburbs with beautiful old homes and leafy streets. Beaufort Street, around the Walcott Street intersection, provides the main eating and shopping strip and can be easily reached by bus from Perth city.

The area comes alive in the evening with a mix of fine restaurants—try Jacksons or the Must Wine Bar—cafés and lively bars. The Queens Hotel is an institution with open fires in winter and a large garden area in summer. The Luxe Bar is open till late and is definitely the spot for a cocktail and some people watching. During the day, you'll find excellent clothing boutiques and cosy cafes, making Beaufort Street a great place to spend an afternoon. Why not grab a movie at the art deco-styled Astor Cinema, or browse through the rare releases at Planet video and DVD store - a place for the discerning film enthusiast.

Subiaco

This small but lively neighbourhood is especially active during the football season with Subiaco oval home to Perth's Australian Football League games. The main streets, Rokeby Road and Hay Street, have a number of bars, pubs and cafés open until late. The Subiaco Hotel serves excellent meals - their breakfast menu is a great way to start the day.

For a cheap and delicious meal try the Subiaco Pavilion markets, located right alongside the train station. Or take a wander through the unique shopping stalls. Station Street Markets across the road offers a diverse mix of wares, from vintage clothing to local artwork, food stalls and an excellent fresh food market.

Subiaco's Colonnade shopping centre on Hay Street has a number of exclusive local and eastern state designers where you're sure to find that special outfit.

Leederville

Although not an extensive shopping area, Leederville's Oxford Street is worth the short train trip from Perth with its home wares stores, music shops and fashionable boutiques. You can enjoy excellent eating options with Malaysian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and modern Australian restaurants. Kailis Bros Fish Markets offers fresh fish and seafood – or you can stay for a meal at the licensed bistro. Leederville is a superb spot for coffee and cake - be tempted!

Claremont

Housed in an established area of town, Claremont has long been a favourite haunt for designer labels and fashion connoisseurs. This shopping district also boasts a gallery, excellent bookshops, garden furniture and home ware stores. After a long day's shopping, you'll have plenty of choices for a strong coffee or a cool drink. Try Al Picchio Restaurant on Stirling Highway if you're after more substance. Thirty years old with a loyal following, this is a warm, Italian style restaurant that gives great quality at reasonable prices.

South Perth

Build up a healthy appetite with a stroll along the South Perth foreshore. To get there, take the ferry across the river from the Barrack Street Jetty. The pedestrian pathways offer an enchanting and different view of the city by night. Sample an exquisite Merlot, succulent steak and french fries, as well as other superb and more health-conscious fare at the Bellhouse Café, right on the Mends Street jetty. Enjoy the view and stay a while - at least until you can fit in the sticky toffee pudding par excellence.

Fremantle

Fremantle's historic past provides a fascinating backdrop to this lively district. The place comes alive especially on weekends. Enjoy the beautifully restored pubs—all within walking distance from the train station—with their ample seating and vast range of Australian wines and boutique beers on tap. Worth trying are the Sail and Anchor, the Norfolk Hotel or the Newport Hotel for live music. Little Creatures Brewery, situated in a converted boat shed overlooking Fishing Boat Harbour, features a full working brewery - try the house beers with a plate of local mussels.

Fremantle's High Street is home to a stylish cappuccino strip and eateries with a strong European influence. Or treat yourself to an Australian favourite, fish and chips, whilst sitting outside enjoying the view of the fishing boats and luxury yachts in the bustling Fremantle harbour. For an after-dinner treat or late night espresso, take your pick of the numerous ice cream stores and cafés on the strip.

The markets in Fremantle have been an institution since 1897. Like most markets in Perth, you'll find a range of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls with vendors vying for your attention. A large number of stalls sell local produce, including delicious food stalls for a quick meal.

Cottesloe

No trip to Western Australia is complete without visiting our spectacular beaches. Cottesloe is one of Perth's most popular beaches and is easily accessible by bus from Fremantle or the city. You can stretch out and enjoy the sunshine, swim and snorkel right off the shore. The beachfront has a few casual cafés and eating spots - notable are the fun Tropicana Café and the Blue Duck Café, built above the Cottesloe Surf Lifesaving Club. The end of the day sees locals and visitors enjoying a long sunset at either the Ocean Beach Hotel or the Cottesloe Hotel. Savour an ice cold beer at the Sunday Session and admire the magnificent view clear to the horizon. Both hotels have live music on weekends and during the summer months.

Victoria Park

Close to Curtin in the vibrant suburb of Victoria Park, you'll find another busy strip along Albany Highway, alive with restaurants including Italian, Asian-fusion, Turkish and Vietnamese. Stop for a drink at the Balmoral Tavern, one of Perth's busiest pubs. With stylish decor, plenty of outdoor seating for summer and toasty fires for winter, the Balmoral is a fun place to meet and make friends. Sample boutique beers, WA wines, local bands and tasty Australian food.