Melbourne - Arcades and Laneways

Tangerine motorbike in front of tangerine shop.

Central Melbourne is a warren of 19th-century arcades and cobbled bluestone laneways that feature amazing street art, basement restaurants, teeny tiny boutiques and bars. The lanes capture edgy chic and balance the 19th-century sophistication of the arcades, remainder of the Marvelous Melbourne days during the gold-rush boom years.

Follow the map at the end to check these out - I dare you to not buy anything! - I came back with some glass figures and a vintage Chanel brooch for mummy.

This ice-cream shop seemed to be a club - loud music and the cool staff.

Melbourne and its café culture.

Do not miss Hell's Kitchen, the original hidden laneway bar, located upstairs so you can people-watch the crowd at Centre Place from its windows.


I have to say I loved the food options I saw. Straightforward dishes, nutritious and balanced. A healthy option with plenty of greens.


Built in 1891, Block Arcade was inspired on Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. Not so grand but still a lovely walk through the past.

There was a humongous queue of Asians waiting for high tea at Hopetoun's Tea Rooms [WEB]. I cannot help but be amazed of the love story between Asians and high tea. I mean really, what's the point of stuffing oneself with cakes between lunch and dinner?



With not a very impressive entrance, our last stop is Royal Arcade, built on Parisian style between 1869-1870. I was quite impressed by the giant brothers Gog and Magog, mythological figures used to decorate the watch which has been striking the hour since 1892.


With my new sweater I managed to face Melbourne's fall weather quite well. That happy face comes from buying those Kosta Boda figures I've loved since long ago with a 40% discount #winning.

Here's the map! Perfect mini-tour for a chilly day, right after checking the main sites - Birrarung Marr, Federation Square, Flinders Station and the street art lanes.