Melbourne Laneways and Arcades
If you like discovering off-the-beaten track treasures, then the fantastic maze of Melbourne laneways and arcades will keep you happy for months. Shopping in Melbourne laneways and arcades, you will discover one-off stores full of everything from lollipops to umbrella-covered cafes making the most of Melbourne weather.
Melbourne laneway shopping harks back to a by-gone era, with many of these laneways covered with blue cobblestones underfoot, close buildings and steel balustrades to complete the picture.
Visit Hardware Lane, Melbourne for restaurants and takeaway food; Howey Place, Bligh Place for cheap sushi and noodle bars; Causeway Lane for small boutiques and cafes and Centre Place for more sushi bars and cafes.
You can pick up a laneway map of Melbourne to help guide you through the labyrinth.
Some of the best Melbourne city-centre shopping arcades to explore are the Block Arcade, Royal Arcade and Cathedral Arcade.
The Block Arcade on Collins Street in Melbourne is a superbly restored Victorian building, with elegant etched glass roof, ceiling murals and detailed mosaic floor. The building is classified by the National Trust and in keeping with the elegant surrounds, haute couture is the standard.
The Royal Arcade is another Victorian era arcade and is home to more fashion stores and gift shops. You can access the Royal from Little Collins Street and Bourke Street. At the south end of the arcade, the mythical figures of Gog and Magog stand near a clock that chimes the hours.
Cathedral arcade is home to Genki, full of Japanese cult labels as well as local designer Alice Euphemia.
