Arcades and Laneways Walk (Central Melbourne)
Wandering through the city’s historic arcades and art-filled laneways might be the ultimate way to see Melbourne on foot. Here’s where to find the secret shops, tiny wine bars and iconic restaurants of the small streets.
Explore these classic design icons on this 2.4km (2 hour) walk.
Arcades and Laneways Walk Map
Arcades and Laneways Walk
Wandering through the city’s historic arcades and art-filled laneways might be the ultimate way to see Melbourne on foot. Here’s where to find the secret shops, tiny wine bars and iconic restaurants of the small streets.
First stop is iconic Degraves Street (1), across the road from Flinders Street Station.
Named after an 1851 steam-powered flour mill, today Degraves Street is a hotspot for street art and alfresco brunch. Browse handmade gifts at Clementine’s and bite-sized treats at Little Cupcakes.
Across Flinders Lane is Centre Place (2). Pause to admire the 1928 Spanish Moorish Majorca Building, surrounded by street art, upstairs bars and offbeat shops.
Return to Flinders Lane and look out on your right for little Scott Alley (3). Stop for French crepes at Roule Galette or a taste of Hanoi at Heartbaker Bun Mee.
A little further up Flinders Lane is Cathedral Arcade (4), the last remaining with vaulted lead-light ceiling. The 1926 bijoux Art Deco interior is the gateway to the nine-storey vertical village of the Nicholas Building, filled with artists, artisans, studios and galleries.
Shop local fashion brands Kuwaii and Flinders Lane Gallery for ethically made forever pieces and turn back time at Vintage Sole. Stop in at tiny Cathedral Coffee for a freshly roasted, single-origin espresso.
Double back to Manchester Lane (5), named for its 1860s fabric factories. Fast-forward 160 years to find independent designers, chic shoes and limited edition streetwear.
Emerging onto Collins Street, turn left and cross at the pedestrian lights towards the Block Arcade (6). The 1893 glass canopy and mosaics echo the Milano Galleria Vittorio. Stock up on spices by the gram at Gewürzhaus and don’t miss the Art of Dr. Seuss gallery.
Exit down Block Place and cross at Little Collins Street to Royal Arcade (7). Australia’s oldest shopping arcade dates to 1870. Spot Gaunt’s Clock, guarded by two medieval warriors. Shop boutique gifts at Spellbox and sweet treats at Koko Black.
From Bourke Street Mall, cross at the Elizabeth Street pedestrian lights and head up the hill. Turn right into Hardware Lane (8) for live music and outdoor dining.
Head east down Little Bourke Street to find piano bar Murmur, in Warburton Lane (9). Then on to Whitehart Lane (10) for a cocktail at shipping container bar and rooftop, Whitehart.
Beloved Melbourne artist Mirka Mora once had a studio in Rankins Lane (11), where balconies now overflow with greenery. Stop for coffee and bagels at Manchester Press.
The coffee odyssey continues at Cartel Roasters in Somerset Place (12), while Captains of Industry offers bespoke menswear and slick haircuts.
Cross at the Elizabeth Street lights for designer threads inside The Strand’s (13) rainbow-lit arcade. Or go via Driver Lane (14) Pause to sip cocktails at Beneath Driver Lane’s basement bar.
Last stop is the undercover Postal Lane (15). A lush vertical garden leads to Ca de Vin’s lantern-lit pizzeria. From Little Bourke Street, find five floors of retail therapy at Emporium and walk though for more at Melbourne Central.
More Laneways to Love
Melbourne’s little laneways are bottomless treasure troves - if you know where to look. Find fresh bagels, local designers and an iconic Italian wine bar in these hidden hotspots.
BONUS Crossley Street
With 1950s Italian icon Pelligrini’s Espresso Bar on one corner, and The Paperback bookshop’s Georgian facade opposite, this little laneway is a must. Stop in at Gingerboy for Asian style street eats, or get a taste of Spain at Crossley Street Cantina.
BONUS Market Lane
This shortcut between Chinatown and Bourke Street showcases the city’s dining spectrum. From Cantonese fine dining icon Flower Drum Restaurant to Shoya’s six levels of Japanese fare and karaoke, to casual eats at Hutong Dumpling Bar.
BONUS Albert Coates Lane
This newer laneway within QV Melbourne is named after Sir Albert Coates OBE, a surgeon who served in both world wars. Check out cool local designers and international labels like Kloke, APC and Incu.
BONUS Katherine Place
This urban jungle is a foodie hotspot, recently revitalised through the Green Your Laneway project. Grab a coffee at hole in the wall spot Stand Up Cafe, or treat yourself to French toast and baked eggs at The Hardware Societe.
