Iconic laneways and arcades walk
Melbourne’s arcades and laneways are packed with historic charm and hidden gems, from the grand Block Arcade with its mosaics and Royal Arcade (Australia’s oldest) to vibrant street art in Hosier Lane and unique shops in the Nicholas Building (accessed via Art Deco Cathedral Arcade). Explore foodie havens like Degraves Street, find unique fashion in Manchester Lane, discover bars in AC/DC Lane, and enjoy European vibes on Hardware Lane for a true taste of the city’s eclectic heart.
This walk is approximately 2.4km and takes around 2 hours. Download this walk
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Sights on this walk
- Degraves Street
Across from Flinders Street Station, this is the spot for street art and alfresco brunch.
One of Melbourne’s most recognised laneways is home to street art and a range of laneway dining options.
Browse handmade and local gifts at Clementine’s, bite-sized treats at Little Cupcakes or beautiful stationery at Il Papiro.
- Centre Place
This tiny bustling alleyway is packed with cafes, bars, offbeat shops and street art.
Pause to appreciate the Majorca Building on the corner, built in 1928 in the Spanish Moorish style.
Then take in the hustle and bustle of this dynamic thoroughfare and its surrounding street art, bars hidden up flights of stairs, and unusual shops.
- Scott Alley
Stop for French crepes at Roule Galette or a taste of Hanoi at Heartbreaker Bun Mee.
Look up to take in all seven storeys of Bible House, built in 1898.
- Cathedral Arcade
This beautiful Art Deco shopping arcade is the gateway to Melbourne’s famed Nicholas Building.
The nine storey Nicholas Building was built in 1926 in the Chicago School style. Today it’s filled with artists, studios and galleries.
In the ground floor arcade you can shop local fashion at Kuwaii or turn back time at Vintage Sole.
- Manchester Lane
This lane is home to independent designers, shoes and streetwear.
Manchester Lane was named for its past life as a home to fabric factories in the 1860s.
Fast-forward to today and you’ll find independent designers, chic shoes and limited edition streetwear.
- The Block Arcade
Take in the stunning glass canopy and mosaics of this historic shopping arcade.
The Block Arcade’s impressive 1893 glass canopy and mosaics are reminiscent of the Galleria Vittorio in Milan.
Stock up on spices by the gram at the fragrant Gewürzhaus and don’t miss the unique Art of Dr Seuss gallery.
- Royal Arcade
See Australia’s oldest shopping arcade, dating back to 1870.
Here you can spot the famous Gaunt’s clock, flanked on either side by mythical figures Gog and Magog.
- Hardware Lane
This European-style laneway features live music and alfresco dining.
Stop in for a drink at the locally loved Kirk’s Wine Bar, named after the laneway’s 1840s horse-trading heritage.
- Warburton Lane
Check out the street art and then head upstairs to find Spanish piano bar Murmur.
- Whitehart Lane
Stop by for a cocktail at Whitehart’s double-storey shipping container bar and rooftop.
- Rankins Lane
This laneway is home to Manchester Press, serving up great coffee and bagels.
Beloved Melbourne artist Mirka Mora once had a studio in Rankins Lane, where balconies now overflow with greenery.
- Somerset Place
Stock up on coffee and visit a one-stop-shop for food, fashion and haircuts.
The coffee odyssey continues at Cartel Roasters in Somerset Place. Overlooking the laneway, Captains of Industry offer bespoke footwear, slick haircuts, made-to-measure menswear and lunch.
- The Strand
Shop designer denim at Rag & Bone on the corner of The Strand’s rainbow-lit arcade.
The Strand Melbourne offers a mix of fashion and lifestyle retailers, among the city’s most iconic laneways and arcades.
It occupies two prime corners, with direct access to Emporium Melbourne and Melbourne’s GPO. Tenants include a flagship Australia Post, on the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets, with partial 24-hour access. There are two levels of on-site car parking.
- Driver Lane
Browse fashion at Acne, cake at Sweet Canteen or sip cocktails at basement bar Beneath Driver Lane.
- Postal Lane
A lush vertical garden leads to Ca de Vin’s lantern-lit pizzeria in Postal Lane.
More to explore
Crossley Street
This laneway features two icons of Melbourne: Pelligrini’s and The Paperback Bookshop.
Market Lane
This shortcut between Chinatown and Bourke Street showcases the city’s best Chinese dining.
Albert Coates Lane
This newer laneway within QV Melbourne is home to local designers and international labels.
Katherine Place
Revitalised via the Green Your Laneway project, this urban jungle is a foodie hotspot.