Shopping in laneways and arcades

Melbourne’s historic network of laneways and arcades boasts the unique, the exotic and the quirky. Discover an eclectic and delightful mix of small boutiques selling everything from Melbourne designed fashion to Russian dolls and lollipops.

Find and explore the Block, Cathedral and Royal arcades, Degraves and Crossley streets, Presgrave and Centre places and more.

Fashion
Some of the best and brightest of Melbourne and international fashion can be found hidden away in the laneways and arcades.

Cathedral Arcade is home to the Japanese-inspired Genki, the unique and cool Alice Euphemia and the groovy Route 66.

Find fabulous lingerie at Smitten Kitten on Degraves Street and comfortable yoga and dance inspired pieces at BODY on Centre Place.

If vintage is your thing, make a beeline for Shag or Retrostar and if you want high fashion try Blonde Venus, Zambesi or Alpha 60.

Food
Melbourne’s coffee culture surrounds you in the laneways and arcades with street cafés and funky coffee shops around every other corner. Take a break from shopping to linger over a latte and watch the world go by.

Degraves Street, Centre Place and Block Place are lined with small eateries, most with an alfresco dining option, offering everything from coffee and paninis to sushi, soup and pasta.

Partake in tea and cake at the historic Hopetoun Tea Rooms (dating back to 1893) in the Block Arcade, grab an authentic Belgian waffle from Waffle On in Degraves Street or climb the stairs to Hell's Kitchen in Centre Place.

The rest
Dotted amongst the fashion hot-spots and galleries you'll find accessories, books, collectibles and homewares. Make sure you find Crossley Street for shops like De Mille Decorative & Fine Arts and Glitzern, and Block Place for blues, jazz and folk music at Basement Discs.

And don't forget to look up to see stunning 19th century architecture and detailing in the laneways and colourful stained glass windows and ceiling frescos in the arcades.