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Lanes, Arcades and High End Fashion Shops in MelbourneThe historic network of laneways and arcades has some of the best shops in Melbourne. Degraves Lane, Centre Place & Flinders Way These are dimly lit laneways on either side of Flinders Lane between Elizabeth and Swanston Streets. I think of it as the heart of Melbourne’s intimate city life, and come back to time and again for lunch or a coffee. You don’t actually feel like you are in the city– could be Italy. It is a feast for the senses. You find the cafes intermingled with numerous small shops and boutiques. Block Arcade For the most exclusive specialty shops in Melbourne, visit the Block Arcade, Melbourne’s most famous arcade. It connects Collins, Elizabeth and Little Collins Streets with iron-lace walkways elaborate Italian mosaic floors – the largest in Australia - and an impressive glass dome ceiling.Built in 1891, it takes you back to the money, style and abundance of the gold rush heydays. The Block arcade got its name from the tradition of "doing the block” and parading ones fashion around the most fashionable Melbourne block. Royal Arcade The Royal Arcade is even older than the Block Arcade. Build in 1869; it connects Little Collins and Elizabeth Streets with the Bourke Street Mall.It is a distinctive Victorian Arcade with high glass roof and windowed stores, although not as lavish as the Block. It is filled with fashion and specialty shops and displays the statues of the mythical figures Gog and Magog and a charming clock that chimes on the hour. More Melbourne ArcadesThe city block between Collins, Swanston and Elizabeth Streets and Bourke Street Mall is permeated with lanes and arcades. You would not know they are there from the outside and need to enter to experience. Between Collins and Little Collins Streets, and up from the Block Arcade is Australia on Collins, a modern shopping precinct with distinctive quality shops. Then there is Collins two3four connecting to Howey and Presgrave Place, both lined with small designer fashion shops. Between Little Collins Street and Bourke Street Mall, up from the Royal Arcade, you will find the Walk Arcade and the Centrepoint Mall. On the other side of Elizabeth Street is the Galleria Shopping Plaza, each arcade filled with specialty shops. The Cathedral Arcade is in the historic Nicholas Building in Swanston Street opposite the St Pauls Cathedral. The Nicholas Building is home to many Melbourne designers and artists and it is residence to many eclectic and unique shops. More Melbourne Lanes The Hardware Lane is the place for romantic laneway dining, live jazz and Mediterranean food – all under the canopy of marquees and umbrellas. You also find many of the shops in Melbourne specialising in Ski and outdoor gear there. It runs parallel to Elizabeth Street, between Bourke and Little Lonsdale Streets, on the Queen Street side.Market, Crossley and Liverpool Streets run between Bourke and Little Bourke Streets, in the upper city end, between Exhibition and Spring Streets. These are insider tips for fine wining and dining with a number of chic restaurants and cafes. You also find some of the finest specialty boutiques in these side streets. High End Shopping The upper end of Collins Street is known as the Paris End of Melbourne. Here, amongst striking architecture and a tree-lined street, you find the Who’s Who of designer clothing, style and glamour.If you are after high-end jewellery, fashion and luxury goods at flagship stores including Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton, this is where to go. Little Collins Street is its younger sister. Here you find many designer boutiques, haute couture and funky styles, shoes and fashion as well as the best menswear shops in Melbourne. This is also a place to go after shopping, with many cool bars and cafes where you can relax and unwind. Return from Shops in Melbourne to Melbourne Shopping Return from Shops in Melbourne to Melbourne Home Page
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