Sipping in the city: must-visit bars and cocktail lounges in Melbourne
Experience Melbourne's vibrant bar scene in the myriad of eclectic laneways or atop many city buildings. Whether you're after a colourful cocktail with a million-dollar view or a few quiet drinks with friends, you're bound to find something that suits your mood and budget. Check out Rooftop Bar seven storey's above Curtin House for glorious city views and vibe or Arlechin in Mornane Place for those with more discerning tastes. In the laneways, discover addresses that reveal themselves to be velvety jazz clubs and flashy wine bars, or bare-bone hangouts and dimly lit hideaways.
A taste of Melbourne's history: old favourites in the city's famous laneways and arcades
Tried and true laneway Meyers Place still hosts the old-school, no-fuss Italian Waiters Restaurant and adventurous cocktails at Lily Blacks, while the Pellegrini's welcome to Crossley Street is an institution. Hardware Lane, Degraves Street and Centre Place are vying to feed you and ensure you look the part. For those seeking a tour experience that goes beyond the standard and unearths many of Melbourne's hidden gems then be sure to check out Hidden Secrets Tours.
Walking Melbourne's urban art trail: a guide to finding the best murals and graffiti
Melbourne is without question home to one of the largest collections of urban street art anywhere in the world and downtown seems to have art in every corner. It's the perfect city to lace up your runners and head off on an adventure or book one of the amazing tours on offer to explore its many hidden laneways where if they aren't hiding boozy dens or caffeine lairs, you're likely to find an ever-changing outdoor gallery of street art. Check out the murals, paste-ups and stencils in the laneways off Flinders Lane between Russell Street and Swanston Street. Don't miss Hosier Lane, Duckboard Place and AC/DC Lane. Union Lane, off the Bourke Street Mall, is usually freshly painted, as is Blender Lane, off Franklin Street. Beyond downtown, keep an eye out for eye-catching art on the walls in Fitzroy and Collingwood. For those seeking to learn more about the stories behind the art and artists then be sure to book Melbourne Street Art Tours.
A feast for the senses: indulge in the food and art of Block Arcade in Melbourne's laneways
Since opening its doors way back in 1892, Block Arcade has remained one of Melbourne's best-loved and most ornate shopping precincts. The arcade boasts a soaring glass canopy and mosaic floors, which were inspired by Milan's famed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
Saunter in off Collins Street and make your way through the dazzling interiors, checking out the bespoke tailors and jewellers, art dealers and spice merchants that inhabit this special piece of Melbourne. Pick up sweet treats at the chocolate shop, then walk on through to Block Place or Block Court to continue exploring the bustling cafes, bakeries and boutiques.
Rock and roll and culinary delights: exploring AC/DC Lane and beyond in Melbourne's laneways
The name says it all, really. Named after the Australian musical heroes, AC/DC Lane is the embodiment of Melbourne's love affair with rock 'n' roll. Once home to the infamous Cherry Bar, this corner of the city kick-started in many ways the laneway lifestyle that Melburnians have come to know and love. Over time the laneway has changed, but it continues to be one of the finest examples of street art creativity in the city and ideal for elite dining experiences. If you're on the hunt for flavour, pop into Pastuso for elevated Peruvian street food and pisco-based cocktails or turn the corner into adjoining Duckboard Place where you can find high-end Indian, Chinese and even Danish cuisine.
Just across Flinders Lane from Centre Place, bustling Degraves Street was one of the first Melbourne “laneways” to turn heads. Take some time in this iconic Melbourne laneway that embodies everything there is to love about the city in one place. From street art, quirky boutiques like Clementine's, specialty hole-in-the-wall café's such as Tulip Coffee and delicacies from Little Cupcakes, Degraves has it all on show.
Despite the Parisian vibe cast by the café umbrellas in the shadow of the impressive Majorca Building, the dining on Degraves veers towards the Italian, with Il Tempo and Andiamo leading the charge. For the sugar fiends, there's Little Cupcakes and Waffle On.
If you haven't had your fill of Melbourne's creative scene after all that exploring, check out 7 ways to immerse yourself in Melbourne's arts and culture to delve deeper into the city's cultural scene.
