My favourite commercial gallery in Melbourne, Utopian Slumps represents a group of early to mid career Australian and New Zealand artists. Exhibitions are always intriguing and the opening nights are great for people watching.

The Astor always makes going to see a film feel special. The art-deco building itself is beautiful and the program of cults and classics are always well curated. There's no comparison to seeing a film in it's original format - 35mm and the rare 70mm.

Free lectures held in a cosy bars around Melbourne's inner north. This wonderful organisation runs weekly courses on a range of topics, purely for the pursuit of knowledge. The perfect antidote for a post-grad like myself who often misses lectures and class discussions. Uni with a glass of red wine - yes please.

The Vodka Bar is a surprising spot for a good coffee during the day. But when the sun goes down, it transforms into a place where pierogi and absinthe are plentiful.

Its a very central to the city and its rarely filled with people. Birrarung Marr Park is a great place to hang.