Melbourne is as much a city of laneways as it is of arcades, and two of the most exquisite are the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade both heritage shopping galleries steeped in 19th-century glamour, boutique culture, and rich Victorian-era design.
Block Arcade
- Located between Collins Street and Little Collins Street, the Block Arcade opened in 1892
- Inspired by Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, with mosaic tiled floors, a glass canopy, and ornate ironwork
- Features high-end boutiques, chocolatiers, jewellers and specialty stores
Highlights
- Hopetoun Tea Rooms – A Melbourne institution (now relocated temporarily, but known for its window of cakes)
- Haigh’s Chocolates, Koko Black, and Art of Dr Chocolate
- Independent tailors, milliners, antique maps and bespoke perfume stores
Royal Arcade
- Melbourne’s oldest arcade, opened in 1870
- Connects Bourke Street Mall with Little Collins Street
- Known for its iconic Gaunt’s Clock, flanked by statues of Gog and Magog, which strike the hour
Shops to explore
- SpellBox – A magical shop for tarot, books and candles
- Babushka Dolls & Gifts – For handcrafted European and Aussie items
- Small fashion boutiques, watchmakers, and handmade sweets
When to Visit
- Open seven days
- Best visited in the morning or early afternoon to avoid shopping crowds
- Christmas season transforms both arcades into glittering festive wonderlands
Combine with a self-guided walking tour of Melbourne’s heritage buildings and laneways or take the Melbourne Free Walking Tour starting at the State Library.
