Scattered throughout the great city and around Melbourne family accommodation hubs, hotels or resorts the likes of Oaks on Market and others, laneways and arcades have become a charming feature here. Lined with restaurants, bars and quirky boutiques, laneways and arcades are engaging recreational and cultural spaces with plenty of personality and crowd appeal. Regardless of their location in the city, tourists can be guaranteed of having a memorable time exploring, wining and dining in these historic and novel recreational precincts.
When it comes to the best arcades in Melbourne, one cannot forget the Royal Arcade which is an iconic and historic shopping hub which has occupied the area since the late 1860’s. The Block Arcade is no less impressive with its decidedly 19th-century architecture and overhead canopy of glass, while the mosaic tiled floors underfoot also add to the venue’s considerable charm. The Walk Arcade links Little Collins Street with the famed Bourke Street Mall and is home to an array of accessory and jewellery vendors as well as gift and homeware boutiques. The eateries along the Walk Arcade are just as popular although the underground Campbell Arcade which is accessible via Flinders Street is perfect for underground shopping and dining fanatics.
Dining highlights in Melbourne’s laneways and arcades include Ca De Vin which occupies a stunning location down Postal Lane, while Movida serves modern Spanish fare with its refreshing take on old favourites such as tapas. Hell’s Kitchen is another hidden gem while the Section 8 Bar is by far the most versatile drinking hole in the city. The Misty Bar and Lustre Bar come in second and third with the latter’s selection of desserts and cocktails earning high praise from locals and tourists alike. Those in search of the perfect music bar should look no further than the Cherry Bar which has been dubbed the city’s first rock bar with a history that spans 15 years.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
