Taking a shortcut through the city? There’s a good chance that you’ll duck into the maze of narrow laneways and arcades scattered around Melbourne. Instead of rushing through, take your time to look around and discover something wonderful around every corner. Marvel at a myriad of creative street art, pop into a charming boutique and check out some bustling restaurants, cafes and bars. There’s so many laneways and arcades around Melbourne that we couldn’t possibly list them all, but here are some of our favourites.
The best laneways and arcades to visit in Melbourne
1. Hosier Lane
Opposite Fed Square and next to the Forum, you’ll find the famous Hosier Lane. This bluestone laneway is a colourful canvas for local and international artists, including Banksy, whose Parachuting Rat piece was painted over by mistake in 2010. After taking in the sights, grab a drink from Apollo Inn, nibble on tapas from MoVida or try the tacos at Tres a Cinco.
2. Degraves Street
The iconic Degraves Street is decked out with an assortment of delightful eateries and shops. Sip on coffee and watch as office workers and tourists make their way through the laneway. Find plenty of sweet treats, including waffles shaped like Flinders Street Station, gelato from Pidapipo or Piccolina and cookies from The Confectionist. While you’re there, find artisanal Italian stationary from Il Papiro or locally made gifts at Clementine’s. Find it between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane.
3. Centre Place
Located off Flinders Lane, very close to Degraves Street, you’ll find Centre Place. Short but dense, this Melbourne laneway is packed with eateries. Grab some dumplings from ShanDong Mama Mini, indulge in chocolatey drinks from Mörk and venture up the stairs for booze from Hell’s Kitchen. Continue indoors to Centreway Arcade for an assortment of matcha delights from Balibola and more cute shops.
4. Block Arcade
Go shopping or indulge in sweet treats in the grand Block Arcade. This historic site was the place to be seen shopping in the late 19th century, and is now home to the famous Tea Rooms 1892, as well as other notable spots for treats, like crepes from Le Petit Chateau or chocolate from Haigh’s. Pop into one of the boutique shops, including Vault for vintage finds, and The Art of Dr Seuss for colourful treasures.
5. Hardware Lane
If you’re looking for something to eat, you can’t go wrong with a stroll down Hardware Lane. This bustling strip between Lonsdale Street and Bourke Street is packed with bars and restaurants, including Hotel Nacional, Lulu’s Malaysian Hawker, Rice Paper Scissors, Kirk’s Wine Bar and much, much more.
6. Healeys Lane
Take a walk down Melbourne’s very own Koreatown. On Healeys Lane, you’ll find an abundance of Korean restaurants, including Paik’s Noodle, Seven Star Pocha and Jang Gun. After having your fill of bibimbap and army stew, stay out late and sing a song or two at KPOP coin karaoke. Find Healeys Lane between Lonsdale and Little Lonsdale Street.
7. Guildford Lane
Looking for a bit of greenery? Go for a wander down the leafy Guildford Lane. Lined with red brick buildings, this industrial street used to have warehouses and factories in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 2017, the laneway received a makeover, and is now decked out with gorgeous green plants. While you’re there, treat yourself to a coffee from Brick Lane Melbourne or Krimper Cafe. Then, indulge in a sweet treat from Fuwa Kakigori. You’ll find this laneway between Queen Street and Sutherland Street.
8. Tattersalls Lane
You’ll find lots of laneways connected to Chinatown, but one of our favourites is Tattersalls Lane. This graffiti-covered strip is the home of Section 8, a buzzing container bar set in a car park. Follow the tunes to this popular spot and enjoy a drink or two. If you’re hungry, there’s a few restaurants for you to try in the laneway, such as The Boiling Crab or By Korea. Otherwise, simply stroll into Chinatown for more incredible eats. Keep going up Little Bourke Street to visit the very narrow Corrs Lane.
9. Royal Arcade
Stroll through the Royal Arcade, the longest-standing arcade in Australia and Melbourne’s oldest arcade. Marvel at the massive Gog and Magog statues as they strike the big clock each hour. Then, browse through the shops and find all sorts of cool stuff, like babushka dolls, magical spells and more. When you’re not shopping, take a break and grab a croissant from Agathe Patisserie.
10. Union Lane
If you’re searching for even more street art, you can’t go wrong with a trip down Union Lane. Located between Bourke Street Mall and Little Collins Street, this narrow laneway has over 550 square metres of wall space for artists to play with, so you’ll always see something cool and colourful.
11. AC/DC Lane
This laneway is named after, you guessed it, Aussie rock band AC/DC. You’ll find plenty of vibrant street art along the walls, and buzzing bars like Jack & Bones Island Bar or Bar Bambi to quench your thirst. If you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat at the fantastic Peruvian restaurant, Pastuso. AC/DC Lane connects seamlessly with Duckboard Place, which has other notable restaurants like Lee Ho Fook and Tonka. You’ll find it tucked away on Flinders Lane.
12. Meyers Place
The popular Meyers Place is one of Melbourne’s oldest laneways. Unfortunately, the Meyers Place Bar no longer exists, but you’ll still find other cool bars along the street, including Loop Roof and Lane’s Edge Wine Bar. Admire the vibrant green murals along the walls, and indulge in a delicious meal at San Telmo or The Waiters Restaurant. You’ll find this laneway between Bourke Street and Little Collins Street.