Get off “main street” & discover Melbourne’s hive of bustling, creative laneways, with their hidden boutiques, famed restaurants, hole-in-the-wall cafes and quirky bars.
When you think of Melbourne, you will inevitably think of its laneways. With surprises on every turn, from quirky cafes and bars to graffiti-laden walls, the Melbourne laneways will always give you a diverse, fresh and exciting experience.
Best laneways for street art
If you’re in Melbourne for Instagram-worthy photos, be sure to visit Hosier Lane with its constantly evolving street art. Think creative murals, paste-ups, and stencils that are very ‘grunge chic’. AC/DC Lane named after Aussie rockers AC/DC is also great for street art and houses Melbourne’s most infamous rock ‘n’ roll venue, Cherry Bar. With blue cobblestone floors and changing stencil art and graffiti, prepare for a sensory overload at Centre Place. Also known for its hole-in-the-wall restaurants, Centre Place can’t be missed.
Best laneways for food lovers
If you’re interested in famed restaurants, and fresh eats and treats, the Melbourne Laneways will continue to provide. Flinders Lane is home to some of Melbourne’s best restaurants, with culinary heroes – Chin Chin, Supernormal, Cumulus Inc. and Coda. Hardware Lane is perfect for dinner and drinks on a summer’s afternoon, with crowd favourites like Miznon and Kirk’s Wine Bar. For casual eateries that aren’t awash with shoppers, try Postal lane that showcases casual Vietnamese at Mama’s Buoi, grab-and-go sushi at Gekkazan, and Italian share plates at Ca De Vin. Lastly, if you’re interested in big-name restaurants, you must visit market Lane. Home to Flower Drum, a five-star high-end Cantonese restaurant, and HuTong Dumpling House, your feast is guaranteed to be magnificent.
