Fitzroy

Fitzroy gives you a good taste of Melbourne's arts and cafe culture. The restaurants and bars are generally welcoming to solo diners, and there's usually decent foot traffic during the day and early evening. It's a good area if you're into the creative scene.

Fitzroy is the trendy area with good cafes and vintage shops, and it's generally safe for solo travelers. Brunswick Street and Gertrude Street stay busy until late, especially on weekends. The cafe scene is perfect for solo dining - you order at the counter and grab a table, no one cares if you're alone. Tram connections to the city are regular and reliable. The area has good street lighting and you'll see plenty of other people around most hours. Some bars get pretty loud and crowded late at night, but the main streets feel safe. Locals are usually friendly if you need directions.