City laneways, Destinations, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The where did the night go bit

This is the bit where we take a sharp turn off the beaten track and head deep, deep into the vibrant, ever-changing heart of Melbourne.

Laneways – just to whisper the name evokes a riotous colour of street art, the scent of freshly roasted coffee, cutting edge boutiques, chic restaurants, and bars - soooo many hidden bars. And forget maps, things change so quickly around here that you’re better off just following your instincts.

ACDC Lane

Streets

Named after the Australian musical heroes, ACDC Lane is the physical embodiment of Melbourne's love affair with rock 'n' roll.

Centre Place

Streets

Despite being Melbourne's quintessential laneway, Centre Place still surprises and delights with its wild street art, boutiques and buzzing cafes.

Degraves Street

Streets

Join the happy hubbub in the cafes, boutiques and eateries on this iconic laneway between the city's fashion precinct and Flinders Street Station.

Drewery Lane

Streets

Wander Drewery Lane between Lonsdale and Little Lonsdale Streets for street art, Japanese-inspired baked goods, and rooftop cocktails.

Duckboard Place

Streets

Once the place where World War II troops came to let off steam, the lane is now a chic playground for local foodies, wine lovers and artists.

Flinders Lane

Destinations

Melbourne's laneway HQ, Flinders Lane is a hotspot for award-winning fine diners and boutique bars, contemporary galleries and local fashion labels.

Hardware Lane

Streets

A breezier version of Melbourne's gritty hideaways, Hardware Lane is a sociable and popular spot for revellers and foodies.

Hosier Lane

Public art

Wander down the bluestone laneway and take in the dizzying array of colours and characters created by local and international street artists.

Tres a Cinco

Bars

Frank Camorra of Movida fame lures your tastebuds to Mexico for top-notch tacos, tequila and ceviche. Salud!

Chin Chin

Restaurants

Pick your favourite friends and settle in for a fun group date over sharing plates of fresh, spicy Thai food and plentiful wine.

San Telmo

Restaurants

Tastefully decorated to create an authentic, old-world bodega atmosphere, San Telmo is famous for its imported 2.5-metre parilla (charcoal grill).

MoVida

Restaurants

Assembling the menu for Melbourne's favourite date restaurant, MoVida chef Frank Camorra scoured Spain for the finest bite-size comestibles.

HER Melbourne

Bars

HER is an entire building dedicated to the things Melbourne loves – modern classic food, sophisticated drinks, art, design, and music. From HQ Group (Arbory...

Lee Ho Fook

Restaurants

Duck down Duckboard Place to experience Victor Liong's new-style Chinese. The ever-changing menus put a new spin on the classics.

Pellegrini's

Cafes & bakeries

Do your bit to ensure Pellegrini's gets to its centenary as it's a known fact Melbourne would be poorer without its charm and comforting Italian food.

Supernormal

Restaurants

There are few places more aptly named than Andrew McConnell's Asian-inspired eating sensation, awarded a chef's hat from Good Food Guide 2024.

Shoya

Restaurants

It's worth learning the Japanese for 'throw another shrimp on the barbie' because you'll want more from the BBQ before belting out a karaoke classic.

Shows the interior of the bar in the middle of day, with people dancing, ordering drinks and sitting

Section 8

Entertainment

Section 8 is as 'Melbourne' as it gets.Set on the site of a former carpark with seating made from recycled timber pallets and a converted shipping container...