WALK MELBOURNE TOURS TRAVEL TIPS
WHERE WE SHARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND EAT IN MELBOURNE.
Winter in Melbourne-Must Do’s !!
Discover Melbourne's winter wonders! Uncover hidden gems and exclusive events with five must-experience activities that will transform the cold months into a cultural adventure.
The Charm of Winter in Melbourne
Winter in Melbourne is undeniably charming. Sure, it can be a bit cold and windy, but all the more reason to layer up in all your favorite jackets, scarves and boots to explore the city with a hot drink in hand.
Winter in Melbourne is a great time to get involved in the cinema, art and theatre that makes Melbourne Australia's cultural capital. Once you step out of the galleries and cinemas, spend 3 hours with us exploring the laneways and eating delicious food…. including some warm drinks! Join any of our winter delight walking tours.
There’s also lots of indoor activities that go beyond the shopping malls. We’ve got you covered for culture in June, July and August.
🎨 Cultural Hits & Blockbuster Exhibitions
Rising Festival
(Until June 08)
Melbourne’s Winter Contemporary Arts Festival celebrates the darkness with light installations and theatre shows of all kinds. Whether you’re a contemporary art lover or just curious, they’ll be something for you in the extensive 2-week program.
CARTIER at the NGV
(Until October 04 )
Running through October 4, 2026, the NGV’s Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® features nearly 400 extraordinary jewels, gems, and rare royal archives
QVM Night Market
(Wednesdays nights from 5pm until Aug 26)
Enjoy incredible street food, specialty shopping and Live entertainment. Free entry! Wed 5pm – 10pm, ends 26 August 2026.
Melb International Film Festival (MIFF)
(August 6–23, cinemas across the CBD)
Snuggle into warm cinemas across the CBD for one of the world's most highly regarded film festivals (August 6–23, 2026)
A great afternoon would be attending the Foodie Discovery Walk, followed by an early session at MIFF.
Lightscape
(From June 12 to August 2, 2026)
The Royal Botanic Gardens transforms into an illuminated night trail featuring twenty new light installations.
Firelight Festival
Head to the Docklands waterfront (July 4–6) to warm up with glowing art, roaming performers, and spectacular fire displays.
☕ Laneways, Local Bites & Night Markets
Hide away from the chill in CBD staples like Degraves Street or Centre Place, grabbing a world-class latte and a pastry. Join a Coffee Lovers Walking Tour or a Winter Laneways Walking Tour
Heritage Arcades: Stay dry while admiring the 19th-century architecture and boutique shops of the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade.
🏎️Sports & Indoor Escapes
AFL Games: Experience Melbourne's obsession by catching an Australian Rules Football match live at the nearby MCG or Marvel Stadium.
ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image): Escape the rain at Fed Square to explore interactive, state-of-the-art screen culture and film exhibitions.
Melbourne's Laneways: A Foodie's Paradise
Melbourne's laneways are known for their street art, boutique shops, and hidden bars, but they're also home to some of the city's best food destinations. From hole-in-the-wall cafes to
A Foodie’s Guide To Melbourne’s Laneways
Melbourne's laneways are known for their street art, boutique shops, and hidden bars, but they're also home to some of the city's best food destinations. From hole-in-the-wall cafes to fine-dining restaurants, Melbourne's laneways offer a diverse range of culinary experiences. Here's our guide to some of the best foodie destinations in Melbourne's laneways.
Flinders Quarter
The Flinders Quarter is the neighbourhood around Flinders Lane between Swanston St and Elizabeth St. It includes the famous laneways of Centre Place and Degraves St which are lined with cafes and small places to eat. But there are many other lesser known treats in this neighbourhood. The Flinders Quarters’ unique and eclectic atmosphere makes it the perfect destination for foodies looking for a quick and delicious meal.
Flinders Lane ‘restaurant run’
The Flinders Lane ‘restaurant run’ is just east of the Flinders Quarter. It runs between Swanston St and Spring St and is home to some of Melbourne's (if not Australia’s ) best restaurants, making it a must-visit destination for foodies. From fine-dining to something more casual, Flinders Lane is the perfect destination for a night out. Don’t forget to visit a bar or two along the way as well.
Hardware Lane
Hardware Lane is a charming laneway located in Melbourne's CBD. The laneway is lined with restaurants and cafes serving up a range of cuisine, from Italian to modern Australian. Hardware Lane's outdoor seating and lively atmosphere make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Little Collins St
The sophisticated neighbourhood near the Melbourne Town Hall offers something for those discerning foodies. You’ll find wine bars and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines and experiences, all in extreme comfort. For those that enjoy nothing but the best, visit ARU, voted Best Restaurant in Australia in 2023.
For those in the know this area offers one of the most prestigious addresses in Melbourne.
Melbourne's laneways offer a unique and unforgettable culinary experience, with their diverse range of cafes, restaurants, and bars. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a fine-dining experience, you're sure to find something that satisfies your taste buds in these laneways.
If you're interested in exploring Melbourne's laneways and discovering the best food destinations, check out Walk Melbourne Tours. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you to some of the best foodie destinations in the city, and help you discover the hidden gems of Melbourne's laneways.
Top 5 Melbourne Laneways for Food (and drink!)
If you didn’t eat in a restaurant or cafe in a laneway (or alleyway to our American friends), did you even come to Melbourne? If your local friend takes you out for dinner, don’t be surprised if you ask them ‘where are you taking me???’ for fear of the small streets you’re walking down. Don’t worry, they’re not going to mug you – they’re just finding the best places to eat!
If you didn’t dine in a Melbourne laneway cafe or restaurant, did you even come to Melbourne? While in some parts of the world you probably don’t walk down the alleyways by yourself, in Melbourne laneways are where all the cool stuff happens. Here are some of the best as per May 2023.
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 dine at one of the restaurants in AC/DC lane if not just to check out the street art memorials to the members of the band no longer with us.
Some of Melbourne’s tastiest morsels from tops chefs are down here and you’ll be surprised to find the entrance to the restaurants feels like the back door that the garbage gets taken out. This is pretty common in Melbourne and the best example if Melbourne’s top modern Indian fusion restaurant called Tonka, by Adam d’Sylva. It’s a great example modern Australian dining but book ahead – they’re often busy. Or try his outstanding South East Asian fusion (3 minutes walk away) at Coda.
Chinese immigrants have had an impact on Melbourne since the goldrush of the 1850’s to the present day, so modern Chinese food is a must have. You’ll see Lee Ho Fook within spitting distance from Tonka.
And of course, Melbourne’s best Peruvian restaurant rounds out the trio in AC/DC Lane. Pastuso not only serves ceviche, but has a ceviche menu. If you’re not into seafood, their meat dishes are also outstanding.
Niagara Lane (with bonus Melbourne laneway nearby)
There are really only two places to eat in Niagara Lane, they are both worth it! Tori’s bakery describes itself as a ‘sweet escape from bustling life’ which is perfectly apt! While it lies just metres from the traffic of Lonsdale Street, Tori’s has a feeling as if you’re relaxing in living room enjoying beautifully baked treats. While this Melbourne laneway cafe is more of an afternoon tea stop, next door is definatly for dinner. Alt is all about pasta, but not as you know it. Using elements of Japanese cooking, experimentation (and moody lighting) is the name of the game here. So maybe leave Nonna at home.
If you want bonus Melbourne laneway dining nearby, head across Little Bourke St to Warburton Lane for Myrtle. Think French style food with Australian native ingredients with a vibe that screams ‘Melbourne laneway bar’.
Drewery Lane
There is something for you at both ends of the day in this Melbourne laneway. For your morning coffee, head up to the Little Lonsdale end, for two Melbourne laneway cafes. Grab a coffee from Little Rogue and a treat from Bakemono. Note that Bakemono bakes according to a schedule, so if you’re after something specific, note the times on their website.
Later on you might like to visit the other end of this Melbourne laneway for lunch, dinner or drinks. The magnificent four stories (named HER) house multiple venues to suit your changing mood. A French saloon at street level, SE Asian fusion food upstairs at BKK and cocktails on the HER rooftop. Check out two enduring pieces of Melbourne laneway street art - the Kardashian selfie (which the city council promptly censored with black lines) and the mosaiced wall erected by Legacy Australia to honour families of defence force personnel who have been injured or killed.
Hardware Lane
Up until recently, Hardware Lane was tricky to navigate to avoid the tourist traps. But it’s having a local renaissance with a few notable openings. Try to ‘most authentic pho outside of Hanoi’ at Pho Thin, Melbourne style Italian food at The Hardware Club, Israeli roasted cauliflower with a cult following at Miznon and some good Asian fusion at Rice Paper Scissors. And if liquid is more your style on the corner with Little Bourke St offers the ever enduring and classy Kirks’ wine bar or one of the best Melbourne laneway cafes at Maker.
Centre Place / Degraves Street
There’s no doubt that these two Melbourne laneways - separated only by 3 steps across the zebra crossing at Flinders Lane - are the most famous in town. You’ll see locals rushing to and from the train station pushing through the groups of walking tours trying to soak up every detail. While some of these Melbourne laneways cafes are sometimes better for people watching than for great food and drink, there are some notable exceptions.
Definitely try a flat white (or an iced latte) at Fieldwork Coffee in Degraves. The gelato at Pidapipo is among the best in the city as are the dumplings at ShangDong Mama mini.
Experience Melbourne's Laneways with Laneway Tours
WANT TO EAT (AND DRINK) LOCAL IN MELBOURNE?
COME JOIN US!
Walk Melbourne Tours will help you get the best out of your stay in Melbourne. Our walking food tours include tastings, a bit of Melbourne laneways 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 Melbourne walking tours to feature all of these delicious delights. Click Here for more info.
Exploring the Best of Melbourne City Tours: A Local’s Guide
Discover Melbourne's hidden laneways and culinary delights on our city tours, where history and modern flavors come alive.
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.
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…
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.
Top 5 Melbourne Laneways for Coffee
Melbourne is known as the home of the coffee snob – a badge many wear with pride! Melbourne sits on the Hoddle Grid, a half square mile city area on a rectangular grid of streets. Within this you’ll find about 1000 places to get a coffee. These range from convenience stores to some of the best coffee houses in the world. The coffee culture is dominated by espresso mixed with milk. Think about the style of a caffe latte, or as Aussies prefer to call it - a flat white…
Melbourne: Home of the Coffee Snob
Melbourne is known as the home of the coffee snob – a badge many wear with pride! Melbourne sits on a half square mile rectangular grid of streets. In between these main streets, you’ll find about 200 laneways, many of which will house cafes! No wonder we have about 1000 places to get a coffee! The coffee culture is dominated by espresso mixed with milk. Think about the style of a caffe latte, or as Aussies prefer to call it - a flat white.
Of course, black coffee is widely available. If you want espresso straight up, ask for a short black. To dilute it in water, call it a long black. For a cup of American black coffee, ask for filter or ‘batchy’ (short for batch brew).
Many of the laneway cafes are tiny with just a few seats and most people electing to grab their coffee takeaway (to-go). Worried about consuming all those disposable cups? If you bring your own cup - such as the Melbourne made ‘Keep Cup’ – your barista will be happy to make it in that. Many cafes sell a version of the Keep Cup if you’d like to nice souvenir.
Degraves St
Melbourne’s most famous laneway (read: alleyway) is Degraves St and there’s certainly great quantity of places to get a coffee, but two are known as the choicest. Fieldwork Coffee is a wonderful example of the Melbourne coffee scene with just a few seats to sit and house roasted coffee. They call themselves a ‘modern Australian micro roastery’.
Rankins Lane
Melbourne’s laneways just off Little Bourke St really punch above their weight for world class coffee. Here in Rankins Lane, you’ll find two of the most famous.
Brother Baba Budan is probably Melbourne’s favourite laneway café. Opened ‘circa 2003’ by Seven Seeds coffee roasters it consistently serves some of the best ethically sourced coffees in Melbourne. The communal table in the front window is the best seat in town to soak up the sweet beats pumping through the stereo while you sip.
Head around the corner deep into Rankins Lane for Manchester Press. Here you’ll order coffee roasted by Ona coffee – another roaster that takes sustainability and ethics in coffee sourcing very seriously. Manchester Press is a great place to go if you’d like some food with your coffee.
Somerset Place
Also in the same Little Bourke St neighbourhood this laneway is a great place to find amazing coffee. Captains of Industry has been quietly tucked away up the rickety staircase on level 1 for years offering coffee, booze and haircuts. They probably won’t make a fuss about the coffee, but it will be roasted dark and roasted locally. And it’s a lovely quiet space to sit if you need some laptop time.
If you’re really up for some of the tastiest coffees in Melbourne, head to the end of this Melbourne laneway to Blue Doors. They use coffee roasted for them by Cartel Coffee Roasters in Geelong (1 hour down the highway). Cartel roast a blend for them for milk based coffee that is entirely unique. Exotic coffees are also a highlight here.
Crossley St
At the eastern end of town are some of the most enduring eating and drinking experiences in Melbourne – many of them Italian.
Pellegrini’s on Bourke St (corner Crossley St) is credited with introducing espresso to Melbourne in 1953. It’s been in the same family since 1974 and they bought it from the Pellegrini brothers themselves. The late owner, Sisto Malaspina, has a permanent memorial out the front. That’s how much Melbourne loves this place. Don’t come here expecting the best coffee in Melbourne. Come here for a piece of living history.
Around the corner is a tiny almost literal hole in the wall called Traveller. Like Brother Baba Budan, it’s also owned by Seven Seeds. Look for the neon sign of a shoe. A coffee from Pellegrini’s side-by-side with a coffee from Traveller tells you where Melbourne coffee has come from and where it’s going.
Equitable Place
This is another hectic laneway during the week as office workers descend upon this place during their lunchbreak. The tiny Two Conversations coffee is consistently good and also offers some healthy snacks. Head towards Little Collins St and just around the corner to Industry Beans. The minimalist, also clinical Modbar layout serves wonderful coffees including some modern additions for milk lovers such as Bubble Cup (a coffee drink mimicking bubble tea) and an iced latte with the additional if Australian native wattleseed.
Drinking decaf in Melbourne
Most cafes these days will have a decaf option, but if you’re looking for some of the best there are two clear standouts. The decaf at hugely popular organic coffee roaster Dukes, is hard to differentiate from the standard variety. It has complexity and body which is something many other decafs lack. We’d happily drink it with milk or without. You will probably need to stand in line along Flinders Lane with the rest of the crowd, but it’s worth it!
One of our favourites - mentioned above - is Industry Beans and their decaf is also top notch in flavour. The beans are decaffeinated using the ‘sugarcane process’ which utilises the enzymes from the sugarcane plant to leach the caffeine from the coffee beans. But if that is getting a bit technical - don’t worry too much. Just enjoy the coffee!
WANT TO DRINK THE BEST COFFEE IN MELBOURNE?
COME JOIN US!
Walk Melbourne Tours will help you get the best out of your stay in Melbourne. Our Coffee Lovers Walking Tour will take you to visit four coffee houses and cafés around Melbourne’s laneways, sample a selection of different coffee varieties, and uncover all the secrets of brewing the perfect coffee. Click Here for more info.
Coffee Lovers Walking Tour by Walk Melbourne
A Foodie's Guide to the Melbourne Grand Prix
Experience the thrill of the Melbourne Grand Prix paired with Melbourne's best culinary spots. Indulge in a foodie adventure that goes beyond the race.
Melbourne Grand Prix 2027 - A Foodie’s Guide
Grand Prix weekend is one of the most exciting times to be in Melbourne. The festival descends upon Albert Park and all the F1 fans fill the city with a real sense of occasion. While there are lots of things to eat at the track, visitors to Melbourne can also enjoy a whole city of culinary delights while they’re in town.
Whether you’re interested in our amazing brunch scene, a quick drink and a snack or dinner after a day at the track, Melbourne’s hundreds of cafes, restaurants and bars covering a myriad of cuisines are ready for you to enjoy. Get a locals view of Melbournes Foodie scene and history with our Foodie Discovery Walk. You will leave the tour with plenty recomendations of how to enjoy your time away from the track.
Whether it’s your first time in Australia or a regular visitor, our amazing hospitality professionals are ready to welcome you during your time here for the F1 Grand Prix.
Best Spots for Quick Bites
Melbourne is renowned for it’s ‘laneways’ - which are small streets like alleyways - often filled with cafes and stores. They are pedestrian only, which makes them great for people watching while you grab a bite at one of the very informal and casual eateries. You could try Centre Place which is full of cafes for breakfast and lunch or if you’re after something later in the day, you’ll find ShanDong Mama Mini open for Chinese dumplings for dinner.
Hardware Lane is also a good option for laneway people watching with a bunch of great food options open three meals per day. Maker coffee is great for breakfast and if you like an extra punch of flavour try Lulu’s for the best Malaysian food in town. Nearby, Rice Paper Scissors will pair your Asian fusion with a delicious cocktail.
Fine Dining Experiences
If you prefer your dining environment a little more refined, pursue the myriad of options along Flinders Lane between Swanston st and Spring st. This is one of the best dining districts in Australia and you can’t walk more than a few meters without passing somewhere wonderful to eat or drink. Not all the entrances are directly on Flinders Lane. Don’t be afraid to head upstairs… or downstairs… or down the side alleys to find the entrances to the restaurants. Some highlights include Nomad, Cumulus Inc or Lucy Liu.
Relaxation Spots
Botanical Gardens Melbourne
If it’s a lovely day you might like to take yourself away from the buzz of the track for a quiet morning wandering through the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Terrace cafe has recently been revamped by one of Melbourne’s best cafe owners, so you won’t go hungry either.
To relax with a quiet drink, the open air bars under Princes Bridge near Federation Square have a lovely atmosphere. Riverland and Pilgrim might still be busy, being near the river and amongst the trees of Birrarung Marr is still a nice place to relax. If you’re looking for slightly more adventurous flavors, head into the main piazza at Fed Square and try some indigenous flavors (and maybe even a cocktail!) at Big Esso.
Activities and Attractions
National Gallery of Victoria
While you might be in town for the race, there are so many other things to do in Melbourne while you’re visiting. While art and F1 are not a classic combination, Melbourne’s hosts some of the best art galleries in the country. The NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) is hosting a once every three year exhibition 13 Dec 26 – 11 Apr 27, free entry - aptly named the Triennial - where cutting edge modern art from around the world is scattered through the permanent collection of much older and more traditional art.
MOTHER, Opening in March 2027 in The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia (Federation Square, Melbourne) is a free, comprehensive thematic exhibition exploring the multifaceted experiences of motherhood across cultures and generations. It features over 200 historical and contemporary works making for a fascinating experience.
You could also try for an evening experience at one of Melbourne’s classic theaters to catch a show. Head to Halftix on Little Collins St (just behind the Town Hall) to snatch some last minute discounted tickets to any number of Melbourne’s theatre shows.
Foodie Discovery Walk
Of course, one of the ultimate Melbourne experiences is to immerse yourself a walking tour with a local to soak up the local history. Our Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walk will answer all your questions and you’ll get fed with some of Melbourne's most delicious bites from places you wouldn’t find on your own. Book our Foodie Discovery Walk today!
Uncovering Melbourne's Best-Kept Secrets: How to explore the ‘laneways’.
Melbourne's laneways are full of surprises. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through some of the city's best-kept secrets, uncovering the hidden gems that make Melbourne truly special.
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.
Best Photo Spots in Melbourne's Laneways
Melbourne's laneways are not only a popular destination for their cafes, bars, and shops, but also for their stunning street art and unique architecture. Whether you're an Instagram influencer or just looking for some ‘happy snaps’
Melbourne's laneways are not only a popular destination for their cafes, bars, and shops, but also for their stunning street art and unique architecture. Whether you're an Instagram influencer or just looking for some ‘happy snaps’ these laneways offer some of the best photo spots in Melbourne. Here are some of our favorites:
Hosier Lane
Hosier Lane is one of Melbourne's most famous and iconic laneways. Its walls are covered with colorful and intricate street art, making it the perfect backdrop for photos. The laneway is often crowded with tourists and locals, so we recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the evening for the best photo opportunities.
Hardware Lane
Hardware Lane is a food photographers’ delight! If you like to take photos of the latte art on your coffee, the steam rising off your Malaysian noodles or the sun beaming through your glass of wine, this is the place! Of course, this is equally as appealing of those that don’t have a camera and just prefer to eat and drink!
Centre Place
Centre Place is a charming laneway filled with cafes and restaurants, and it's also one of the best spots in Melbourne for street photography. The laneway's narrow walls and vibrant street art create a unique and dynamic backdrop for photos. Top tip: Stand at the top of the stairs at the Collins St end and take your photo looking back towards Flinders Lane. All that photography is thirsty work! Stop for a drink and a bite to eat as well.
The Block Arcade
Melbourne‘s laneways aren’t all about grunge and graffiti. Head into the The Block Arcade – built in 1892 – to photograph the original mosaic floors, the luscious desserts in the window at the tea rooms or the domed ceiling in the centre of the walkway. Top tip: while you’re there, look up and check out the photo of Melbourne’s socialites ‘doing the block’ taken in 1905.
Melbourne's laneways offer some of the best photo spots in the city, with their stunning street art, unique architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, you're sure to find something that inspires you in these laneways.
If you're interested in exploring Melbourne's laneways, check out Walk Melbourne Tours. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you to some of the best photo spots in the city, and help you capture the perfect shot.