Melbourne takes its nightlife seriously, which means it can be hard to know where to go sometimes.

“Melbourne is full of good-time bars and restaurants,” says Stephanie Vigilante, Broadsheet’s social media editor. “My to-visit list is long and in parts embarrassing – I have so many blind spots. But it can be hard breaking free from the mould when the old-faithfuls always deliver. ”

So how do you conduct a perfect night in Melbourne? Vigilante says there are a few key criteria.

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“A spot that best shows off Melbourne’s natural beauty,” Vigilante says. “Somewhere that feels a little bit off the beaten track – an if-you-know-you-know vibe – and a place that just delivers a bloody good time.”

Here’s her itinerary for a perfect overnighter in the Victorian capital.

Where to see the sun go down: Johnny’s Green Room
The rooftop companion to the iconic King and Godfree, Johnny’s Green Room is a perpetual Italian summer parked above the hum of Lygon Street. If you can, head up while the late sun still catches the peach-coloured terrazzo and white marble.

“I reckon the view from this rooftop is one of Melbourne’s best,” Vigilante says. “Order a pizza, sip a blood orange sour and watch the sunset over the city. It doesn’t get much better.”

Pre-dinner drinks: Music Room at Her

Music Room takes its cues from Japan’s tiny listening bars, where the drinks share centrestage with the tunes. A beautiful, timber-panelled hideaway of audiophile acoustics and endless vinyl records, there’s really nothing else that looks like it in Melbourne.

“It feels like one of the city’s best kept secrets, but also one of Melbourne’s most frequented new spots,” Vigilante says.

This is a one-in, one-out situation, so don’t be afraid to tackle it later in the night and simply stay. “You don’t really have to leave,” Vigilante says. “DJs are spinning vinyl from the bar’s collection [of close to 3000 records] all night.”

Ideal dinner spot: Bar Margaux
One of the CBD’s buzziest joints, this French-inspired basement brasserie comes from the celebrated team behind nightlife highlights The Everleigh and Heartbreaker.

The food menu runs late into the night and features casual French fare such as duck frites, Cape Grim cote de boeuf for two, and escargot in a pernod butter, but it’s a double-patty cheeseburger the venue is famous for.

“My favourite thing about Bar Margaux is the cheeseburger,” Vigilante says. “It’s a doozy – so decadent, and perfect for soaking up alcohol if you’re going late at night. If you’re stopping by early, sit at the bar for frites and a Martini. Just keep an eye on the clock: it’s so easy to lose track of time in the basement.”

After-dinner drink: The Shady Lady
“You know the night’s going well if you find yourself at The Shady Lady,” Vigilante says.

Decked out like your cool grandma’s house with tasselled lamps, worn-in couches and a neon sign out front, this is a great spot for a quiet daiquiri, but active participation is highly encouraged.

“The cosy Fitzroy bar is – in my opinion – best on Thursdays because it’s karaoke night,” she says. “If this is your fourth stop, you’ve surely had enough liquid courage to get up on the stage and belt out a duet – or better yet, a solo rendition of Valerie, Amy Winehouse-style.”

Final late night location : The Luwow
“If you haven’t retired after a performance at The Shady Lady, keep the good times rolling at the Luwow,” Vigilante says Stephanie. “This fun little tiki bar doesn’t take itself too seriously, and the Pina Coladas are the perfect nightcap.”

The Luwow is a sensory bombardment of leopard print, canopy greens and Polynesian props where the rum cocktails are as garishly dressed as the bar. An ideal last stop for a night out because everywhere else seems positively plain in comparison.

This article is produced in partnership with Samsung.