Walking Tours Melbourne

Can Melbourne's true essence only be discovered on foot?

Melbourne is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich culture and history. One of the best ways to explore the essence of Melbourne city is by taking a walking tour. Here's what you can expect from a walking tour of Melbourne with Walk Melbourne Tours.

Laneways, where the cool stuff happens.

The laneways and arcades (or alleyways) of Melbourne are filled with cafes, street art murals and cute little stores. They really are where all the cool stuff happens! These streets are pedestrian-only - too small for cars and coaches to visit. To find and really appreciate them, you need to explore on foot - and it’s definitely easier with a local guide. Find a walking tour that takes you through famous places such as Degraves St and The Block Arcade and also lesser-known local hangouts such as Scott Alley and Equitable Place.

Melbourne's Culinary Delights

Melbourne is well known for its multicultural and diverse food scene. This doesn’t just apply to fine dining but also to street food style snacks and the best venues are often found in the laneways. We like to highlight key parts of modern Australian eating to share with you such as Chinese dumplings, specialty coffee, sweet treats in unexpected places … and lots more.

Melbourne's History & Culture

Our walking tours in Melbourne are designed to reflect the city's rich past and its transformation into the present-day cosmopolitan hub. You will leave with an appreciation of the history of the city from the 1850’s and an explanation of how we got the modern and very liveable city we are today. Best of all, we’ll open your eyes to the way the city developed by talking about the laneways and buildings as we walk through them.

Expert Guides Provide an Insider's Perspective

All our guides are local and are passionate about sharing their favourite parts of the city with you. Having a local in-person guide with you allows you to have your personal questions answered and share a laugh along the way! We’ve dug into Melbourne’s history to share unique stories and lesser-known facts with our guests. All our walking tours are small groups so that you can interact with the guide and also with the other participants. Your experience of exploring the city will be so much richer for joining our hosted groups.

More Than Just Sightseeing – A Sensory Adventure

All our walking tours of Melbourne include tastings along the way, so your experience is not just sightseeing, but a multicultural sensory adventure. Depending on which tour you join you might be relishing in Asian style street food, savouring sweet treats like chocolate and gelati, getting the real taste of Melbourne's coffee culture or enjoying Melbourne's famous rooftop bars at twilight. 

But don’t believe us! Tara visited in May 2023 and gave us 5 stars. She said “What a wonderful way to spend a day in Melbourne! Our guide was great at sharing stories and the inside scoop on where to find fabulous food. We finished with new knowledge, good memories and satisfied bellies.”  

 Visit our tours page to pick the tour that is best up your alley! 

Exploring the Best of Melbourne City Tours: A Local’s Guide

Laneways and arcades: Why a walking tour is better than a coach tour

People who live in Melbourne - Melburnians - have a few favorite topics of conversation. We’re sports mad, we love to discuss the ever-changing weather and we’re obsessed with food and drink, especially coffee. Everyone will have a favorite coffee shop or lunch spot and the more obscure and tucked away down an alleyway, the better!

The problem for visitors is that it is hard to find these local places.

You can probably find the iconic sports venues (such the Melbourne Cricket Ground or Melbourne Park) yourself using the tram, but when booking a Melbourne city tour you should be looking for a local who can show you the small places that really make you feel like you’ve discovered something! These places can only be found on a walking tour that takes you places the coaches simply cannot go.

Upgrade your sightseeing to a delicious adventure

Why limit yourself to just a Melbourne city tour walking through the laneways? Melbourne is well known for its multicultural and diverse food scene. This doesn’t just apply to fine dining but also to street food style snacks and the best venues are often found in the laneways. Your Melbourne city tour is so much better if it includes modern Australian eating, such as Chinese dumplings, specialty coffee, sweet treats in unexpected places … and lots more.

Melbourne's History & Culture

A city tour of Melbourne should be designed to allow you time to reflect upon the city's rich past and its transformation into the present-day cosmopolitan hub. Our walking city tours will leave with an appreciation of the history of the city from the 1850’s and an explanation of how we got the modern and very liveable city we are today. Best of all, we’ll open your eyes to the way the city developed by talking about the laneways and buildings as we walk through them.

Expert Guides Provide an Insider's Perspective

All our local guides are passionate about sharing their favorite stories of the city with you. Having an expert guide with you allows you to have your personal questions answered and share a laugh along the way! We’ve dug up the best and most unique stories in Melbourne’s history to share with you. All our walking tours are small groups so that you can interact with the guide and also with the other participants. Your experience of exploring the city will be so much richer for joining our hosted groups.

But don’t believe us! Tara visited in May 2023 and gave us 5 stars. She said “What a wonderful way to spend a day in Melbourne! Our guide was great at sharing stories and the inside scoop on where to find fabulous food. We finished with new knowledge, good memories and satisfied bellies.”

Visit our tours page to pick the Melbourne city tour that is best for you!

FAQs

How do I spend a day in Melbourne?

Melbourne has so many wonderful things to see and do, but the city is renowned for fantastic eating and drinking and it’s myriad of alleyways, or ‘laneways’ as the locals call them. So why not combine the two of those things and join a foodie walking tour of the laneways of Melbourne. Our Foodie Discovery Walk is a perfect introduction to the city, it includes a lunch composed of 6-7 generous tastings and your local guide will give lots of ideas of ways to spend the rest of your trip.

What are the best tours in Melbourne?

At Walk Melbourne Tours we combine history and delicious tastings while exploring Melbourne’s famous laneways and arcades. All our guides are locals with a passion for sharing their favorite parts of Melbourne. So naturally we think our tours are the best in town!

Where can I see the Melbourne skyline?

• Take a walk along the southern bank of the Yarra River, known as Southgate.

• Stand on the Batman Bridge (near the Melb Convention Centre) or the Princes Bridge (near Federation Square).

• Stand on the balcony at The Shrine of Remembrance.

• Head up 88 floors to Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower

• Treat yourself to a 5-star meal at Vue du Monde on level 55 of the Rialto Tower (bookings essential).

• ….or for a really great view (a few kilometers from town), head to the southern point of Albert Park Lake. This is also part of the Australian F1 Grand Prix track. The closest tram stop is Middle Park Station on the 96 tram.

What should I wear on the tour?

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking and the weather. We will spend time outside, so if it’s cold, please wear a jacket. If it’s raining, please bring a jacket or umbrella. If it’s hot, please bring a hat and some water. None of the venues we visit are formal, so casual clothing is great.

How long do the tours last?

The tours typically last 2.5-3 hours, but it’s not all walking! We stop several times to eat and drink on every tour (tastings are included in your ticket price) and typically don’t walk more than 2km/1.2mi.

Are the tours suitable for children?

Our tours aren’t really suitable for kids under 10 years old, unless they’re adventurous eaters. If you think they will have all the tastings, they are charged at full price. If you’d like to bring them along, but you don’t think they’ll eat, they are welcome to attend free of charge. But please let us know in advance so we can accommodate seating for them (our venues are small). You are welcome to buy them extra tastings along the way. All kids over 10 years old are charged at full price. If you have any questions, please get in contact.

What is the maximum group size for the tours?

We never have more than 10 people per tour guide.

Do I need to book the tour in advance?

Bookings are essential. Please visit the Melbourne Tours section of our website.

Discovering the Past: The Best Melbourne Historical Tours

Did you know that Melbourne was once the richest city in the world? The buildings that were built during that period added to the city’s allure and we were named ‘Marvellous Melbourne’ in 1885. Luckily, we’ve kept a bunch of these grand buildings to see today on our historical tours. 

The Significance of Melbourne's History

Born of a village of pioneering settlers, the rectangular grid of streets that was laid out in 1837 forms a convenient and simple way to navigate the city, even today. Everything changed when gold was struck in 1851. Melbourne was the closest port to the central Victorian gold diggings and people flooded in from all around the world to strike it rich.  The city evolved into a wealthy and cosmopolitan mix of people - a little bit like today! There are wonderful photos on walls throughout the city showing what the place looked like in the late 1800’s.      

Elizabeth Street Melbourne 1900 | Image Credit: Wikicommons

Unearthing Melbourne's Historical Gems

One of the things we hear so often on our historical tours of Mebourne is that so many styles of architecture are mixed together in this city. There are excellent examples of buildings and design from art deco (such as the Manchester Unity Building) to postmodern (such as Federation Square). You’ll learn about all of these on tour with us as we see how they fit into the living fabric of the city. 

Federation Square

Why Historical Tours Offer a Deeper Understanding of Melbourne

Our guides know the stories behind the buildings, whether it’s the life story of the original builder, why people loved it when it opened or who owns it and keeps it nice today. You can ask them questions and share their infectious passion for the stories. One of the most common things we hear on tour is, ‘we’ve walked around Melbourne for a couple of days, but your tour has really brought the city and its history to life!’. 

FAQs

 What Can I Expect From Historical Tours Melbourne?

A. You can expect to meet your friendly local guide and a small group of others - perhaps with similar interests. You’ll wander through the laneways of Melbourne where the guide will highlight their favorite spots. They may be explaining where particularly noteworthy buildings came from or perhaps they will stop at less obvious locations to take your imagination back to another time when something amazing happened on that corner.  

 How Do I Choose the Best Historical Tour in Melbourne?

Book with a company with experience and good reviews when choosing your historical tour of Melbourne. 

Are There Any Themed Historical Tours Melbourne Offers?

All our tours include loads of historical stories about the buildings that you visit and the food you eat along the way. Whether it be our Coffee Lovers Walk that talks about how Melbourne has become obsessed with coffee. Did you know that Melburnians drank coffee for 120 years before espresso machines even arrived?  Or that it was an extremely political drink in the 1880’s? Maybe you prefer our Dumpling Discovery Walk which examines the experience of the original Chinese migrants to Melbourne. Of course, our Foodie Discovery Walk covers it all and lots more. 

 What Should I Bring to Historical Tours Melbourne for the Best Experience?

You don’t need to bring anything except protection from the weather (umbrella, sunscreen and anything else useful for what Melbourne throws at you), a bottle of water and your enthusiasm! 

 As a guest of ours recently mentioned in their 5-star review: “If you love history and coffee this is a must do!” 

 You can book any of our tasty historical tours of Melbourne at by clicking on the button below.

Food Tours Melbourne Australia

Why Melbourne is the Ultimate Foodie Destination

Melbourne’s Culinary Reputation

Melbourne is celebrated as Australia’s top culinary destination and prides itself as a diverse and multicultural foodie destination. From our café culture to our farm-to-table movement, Melbourne’s culinary scene continuously grows and challenges itself to be better than any other. Melbourne celebrates its culinary diversity and reputation in a variety of ways. With an ever-growing scene of innovative fine dining experiences to fun market fairs filled with food stalls and festivals throughout the year, all demonstrating cultural diversity and yummy food, one will always find themselves a part of a multicultural foodie experience. 

Diverse Flavours to Discover

Melbourne's multicultural population brings a rich tapestry of flavours from all around the globe. You can find everything from authentic Italian and Greek to vibrant Fillipino and Ethiopian cuisines. Each neighbourhood offers its own unique culinary gems. Still, the CBD (ie downtown) shows a true reflection of multicultural vibe through a wonderful mix of cuisines along every street, laneway and street corner. Walk down any of the famous alleyways and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by two or three restaurants honouring different cuisines already. The choices are universal and endless from Chinatown on Little Bourke St, Italian fare on  Lygon Street, and the recently christened ‘K-town’ on Healy Lane! 

Best Food Tours for Group Getaways

This is what makes Melbourne’s Discovery Walk unique and special. It is perfect for any foodie adventurer or a group of taste “buds” to see what our laneways offer. What better way than to discover a hole in the wall, listen to stories of a time long ago and indulge in the food culture that makes Melbourne CBD so vibrant. An afternoon that encompasses food, a glimpse of culture and discovering Melbourne laneways while spending time with your loved ones? It sounds like the perfect quartet!

Family-Friendly Food Experiences

Traveling with children? We’ve got some options for you, too! Melbourne is lucky to have several markets all of which are fun and suitable for family-friendly food experiences. Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market and Prahran Market all have wonderful offerings and high-quality fresh produce. You’re bound to find something for everyone at these markets and perhaps even fill your inner child with delights such as delicious jam donuts, artisanal hot chocolates, nostalgic hot dogs and even meat pies! Kids can collect a market passport at Queen Victoria Market and fully immerse themselves while interacting with vendors and claim a prize at the end. A wonderful family-friendly activity awaits!  

Fitzroy| © Visit Victoria

Top Foodie Neighbourhoods in Melbourne

When venturing out to the suburbs of Melbourne for a more unique foodie experience, while each of the suburbs have their own gems, here are the top 3 Foodie Neighbourhoods for any visitor in Melbourne: 

Fitzroy /Collingwood

Just 3km outside of the CBD, in Fitzroy, once renowned as a working-class suburb, has now turned into an eclectic neighbourhood that is home to some of the best cafes, bakeries (such as To Be Frank), pubs and wine bars and a wide range of eateries. Along Gertrude Street, where you’ll find plenty of vintage shops and independent retailers, you’ll also find Maha, a Middle Eastern restaurant offering a contemporary spin on traditional dishes. Afterwards, head to Naked For Satan for stunning city views and delicious cocktails while people watch. For something more memorable, head down to Cutler and Co. for an unforgettable dining experience. Be spoilt with the fine dining service in a cool and comfortable setting.

Brunswick

6kms from Melbourne CBD, you’ll find yourself in Brunswick. Along Sydney Road is a vibrant collection of Mediterranean groceries, cafes and some fun ice cream shops! Get yourself some tailor-made jeans at Dejour Jeans, soak up all things Mediterranean at A1 bakery or treat yourself to deliciously juicy southern fried chicken at Juanita Peaches and end your day at one of the many ice-cream retailers on Sydney Road. For traditional Aussie flavours check out Luther’s Scoop or for the more daring foodie adventurers, check out Fluffy Torpedo for unexpected flavour bombs that are mind-blowingly different and unexpectedly delicious. 

South Melbourne

Just 2 tram stops south of the CBD. This neighbourhood is a bustling foodie find with everything from bakeries to breweries within blocks of each other. The centre of the community is the South Melbourne Market, the oldest market in Melbourne, dating back to 1867. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s famous for its ‘eat on the spot’ local seafood stands and a hive of artisanal goods and produce. In the nearby South Melbourne neighbourhood, close to Clarendon St, some of the trendiest daytime venues in Melbourne are within a few steps of the market, such as Hector’s Deli and Moon Mart. 

Planning Tips for a Seamless Tour

Book in Advance: Melbourne’s growing population and popularity as a tourist destination mean reservations are essential, especially on weekends. Pre-booking ensures a stress-free experience.

Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring Melbourne’s laneways and markets on foot. Your feet will thank you!

Layer Up: Melbourne’s weather is famously unpredictable. Dressing in layers, with a scarf or a light jacket, will keep you prepared for anything.

Stay Hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle to keep yourself refreshed as you walk and dine.

Weather Protection: A light jacket with a hood is a lifesaver for unexpected rain, and a hat or sunglasses are perfect for sunny days.

Best Times to Visit

Not sure when to visit Melbourne? Spring (Sept-Nov) and Autumn months are ideal where the weather is mostly pleasant - although be prepared even for four seasons in one day! Autumn in Melbourne is known as “Mad March”as the city hosts many festivals - perhaps to distract us from an impending winter! From the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the Formula 1 Grand Prix or International Comedy Festival, there’ll be something for everyone. A month full of celebrations means that the offerings are diverse with plenty of unique experiences to be had. As the Spring months start warming up and the flora and fauna are thriving, watch Melbourne spring back into life again! It’s a beautiful time of the year for picnics at the parks, plenty of fun outdoor food markets and activities, and festivals gearing up for the festive season! 

Four Pillars Gin

Beyond the Tour: Extend Your Food Journey

Beyond your food tour and throughout your travels, don’t forget that with each culinary experience also comes a chance to take a little piece of it home. From artisanal Melbourne roasted coffee for coffee lovers, artisanal chocolates with Australian native ingredients from Koko Black, locally made wines in our rich and diverse wine regions of Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley, Melbourne-based gin and whiskey companies such as Four Pillars or Starward Distillery and even fabulous handcrafted gifts such as ceramic mugs, plates or tea towels by inspiring locals.

These unique gifts not only remind you of your time in Melbourne but can also transport you back to the memories made in Melbourne by reliving some of the culinary food experiences!

Make sure to treat yourself to an unforgettable experience, whether at Embla for sophisticated and contemporary Australian dining or at Vue de Monde for that extra memorable moment and view! If a more relaxed vibe is more your style then why not hit up one of many bars, such as HER rooftop bar or Caretaker’s Cottage? And while you’re at the international airport terminal and the end of holiday blues takes over, there’s always a last chance for preflight cakes and coffee at Brunetti Classico or a classic Melbourne flat white at St Ali.

Book a food tour with us, for a taste of Melbourne and for more insider foodie tips from our knowledgeable and passionate guides!

Top 5 Melbourne Laneways for Street Art

AC/DC Lane

Yes, this street is named after the 1970’s rock band who - although they formed in Sydney - made Melbourne their home. For hard core fans, check out the 1975 video clip to ‘It’s a long way to the top” which is filmed on Melbourne’s main drag, Swanston Street. Those same fans should definitely book in a dinner at one of the restaurants in AC/DC lane if not just to view the street art here while they dine. The best restaurant for that is a window table at Pastuso.

If you know your artists, you’ll know Banksy. At least, you’ll know Banksy’s work, because no one actually knows who Banksy is. There’s a Banksy stencil close to the door of Tonka restaurant in AC/DC Lane/Duckboard Place (which is the same street). It’s very difficult to tell you exactly where to look, but the stencil is a very simple silhouette of a parachuting rat.

Union Lane

In 2007, the City Of Melbourne created ‘the Union Lane Project where “more than 50 young people between the ages of 13 and 28 created a mural spanning 550 square metres on both sides of Union Lane.” Since then it’s been painted over daily. Sometimes you’ll find lots of tagging, sometimes you’ll find some brand new pieces. Everything from political statements to marriage proposals (!) line these walls. The only rule is that there are no rules! In 2019, street art went electric with a neon sign reading “Kiss Under the Mistletoe” erected over the Bourke St Mall end during the Christmas period.

Presgrave Place

By convention, this laneway is not a place to bring your spray can, but your art in a picture frame to ‘hang’ (or glue) on the wall. If you’re there during cocktail hour, you might like to stop in for a drink at Bar Americano.

Hosier Lane

If you’re looking for street art this is defiantly the most famous place to come. Hosier Lane is a curious phenomenon because even though it is super popular with tourists looking for the best selfie, it’s also the first place that artists go with political messages. It’s the place to have your message seen. To see the most enduring and best piece in the city, stand half way down Hosier Lane against the western wall and look up. You’ll notice the 23 metre high mural called ‘Aboriginal Boy’ painted by renowned street artist Matt Adnate in 2014.

There are also a couple of great bars and restaurants down here, namely MoVida, MoVida Next Door and BarTini all serving Spanish food.

Degraves Street

Undoubtedly the best place in Melbourne for a bit of people watching over a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, Degraves is also rewarding for those looking for street art. For those willing to look around corners and spot smaller pieces, there are often some cute works.

WANT TO EXPLORE MELBOURNE’S LANEWAYS WITH A LOCAL?

COME JOIN US!

Walk Melbourne Tours will help you get the best out of your stay in Melbourne. Our tours include tastings, a bit of Melbourne history, and a lot of tips about how to best spend your time here. We aim to show you places and share flavors that you wouldn't find on your own. Coffee, sweets, dumplings and bars are our favorite things and we have tours to feature all of these delicious delights. Click Here for more info.

Uncovering Melbourne's Best-Kept Secrets: How to explore the ‘laneways’.

Melbourne Laneway Tours - The City's Culture Unveiled

Melbourne is Australia’s most vibrant and multicultural city. It’s known for its stunning architecture, fantastic dining scene, and thriving arts culture. However, there's more to this city than meets the eye. Hidden within the maze of alleyways and laneways lies a treasure trove of unique experiences waiting to be discovered. From colourful street art to charming cafes and boutique shops, Melbourne's laneways are full of surprises. One of the most authentic ways to explore these hidden gems is through Laneway Tours Melbourne. So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore the laneways of Melbourne.

What is a ‘Laneway?’

Melbourne's laneways date back to the city's earliest days. In the mid 1800’s, when the city was first established, narrow alleyways were used as service roads for shops and warehouses.

Melbourne's laneways are more than just a relic of the past; they are a vital part of the city's cultural fabric. They provide a space for creative expression, with street artists and performers showcasing their talents in public spaces. They are also home to some of the city's most innovative businesses, including cafes, bars, and boutique shops.

Symbol of the City’s Creative Spirit

The laneways of Melbourne have become a symbol of the city's creative spirit, attracting artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Today, they are simply where all the cool stuff happens! Many locals prefer to navigate the city through the laneways as it’s more pleasant than simply walking along the main streets. You’ll never know when you’ll find something new! Visitors to Melbourne can really get a sense of local life here by exploring the laneways – and a great way to do that is on a guided laneways tour.

Taking a laneways tour of Melbourne is a great way to explore like a local.

Hidden Cafes and Bars in Melbourne's Laneways

Melbourne's laneways are also home to some of the city's best cafes and bars, with hidden gems tucked away in every corner. From cozy coffee shops to trendy cocktail bars, there is no shortage of places to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

Degraves Street, located in the heart of the city, is one of Melbourne's most famous laneways for cafes and restaurants. It is famous for the collection of cafes under the black umbrellas – but don’t forget some of the other vendors who offer excellent gelato. Hardware Lane, another popular laneway, is home to an everchanging variety of bars, cafes and restaurants.

There are other laneways worth exploring and the best way to see them and discover the best cafes in town is to join a foodie walking tour of Melbourne’s laneways.

How to Explore Melbourne's Laneways Like a Local

To best way to exploring Melbourne's laneways like a local is on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. If you’d like to get to know the locals, you can join a local walking tour. Often the guides are Melbourne locals and are a treasure trove of information about their favourite places to try.

Take a Melbourne Laneway Tour

Melbourne's laneways are a true reflection of the city's creative spirit and entrepreneurial drive. They are home to a variety of businesses and attractions, from street art to cafes and boutiques. Exploring Melbourne's laneways is a great way to experience the city's unique culture and to discover the hidden gems that make Melbourne truly special. So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore Melbourne's laneways like never before. You never know what surprises you might discover.