Advertisement
Melbourne Tours
Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour
5

Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour

By Hidden Secrets Tours
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Melbourne’s atmospheric lanes and beautiful 19th-century arcades are among the city’s highlights. On this walking tour of Melbourne’s historic lanes and arcades, benefit from a small group size of just eight people and pick up tips and recommendations from a local guide. End your tour with coffee and chocolates at a local café.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 8 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Explore Melbourne’s narrow laneways with confidence on a guided tour
  • Insider tips: learn where to eat, drink, and shop in Melbourne
  • Customize your itinerary: choice of morning or afternoon departure
  • Small group tour allows extra attention from your guide

  • Small-group of maximum 8 people
  • Chocolate tasting
  • Stop for Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate
  • Professional local guide
  • Confirmed departures with min of 4 people, we welcome solo travellers
What's not included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities

Meet your guide and set out to explore Melbourne’s famous laneways, filled with boutique shops, atmospheric cafés, and beautiful 19th-century shopping arcades. During the tour, experience the many different sides of Melbourne, from the elegant architecture of the Royal Arcade to the bold street art of Hosier Lane, to historic landmarks such as the Melbourne Town Hall. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll have plenty of opportunities to ask for recommendations on where to eat, drink, or shop during the rest of your stay in the city. Finally, experience Melbourne’s café culture with a tea, coffee, and chocolate tasting at a local café. Your tour ends at Flinders Lane.

Start:
  • Time Out Fed Square, 2 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
    Outside " Time Out Cafe" on the lower steps in Federation Square, NEAR the corner of Flinders Street, & Swanston Street -- opposite Flinders Street Train station. Directions: Look for our guide holding a large yellow umbrella Return point: Concludes in central CBD area
End:
  • Flinders Lane, Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
    The tour usually ends in Flinders Lane - Near the start point --- within one block from the starting point

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Pushchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3671ARCADES

  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Most travellers can participate
  • If you have mobility or access concerns please advise at time of booking to ensure we can adapt suitably. We may not be able to if not known at least 24 hours prior
  • This tour is suitable for ages 14 and over. Not ideal for toddlers/infants
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travellers

  • If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3671ARCADES

From
AU$129.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

Similar experiences

Itinerary
  • 2 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
    Outside " Time Out Cafe" on the lower steps in Federation Square, NEAR the corner of Flinders Street, & Swanston Street -- opposite Flinders Street Train station. Directions: Look for our guide holding a large yellow umbrella Return point: Concludes in central CBD area
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
    The tour usually ends in Flinders Lane - Near the start point --- within one block from the starting point
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • Hidden Secrets Tours
    680
    Australia
    Joined in July 2010
  • alineh771
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommended!
    We had a lot of fun with Dee, our tour Guide. She Shared just the right amount of history and Culture Information, while having a relaxed conversation with us during the whole tour. We really enjoyed the time, discovered so many places and little details, we wouldn‘t have noticed without her showing us. Not to forget the delicious tastings and lunch.
    Written 19 December 2024
  • 949marythereseb
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Golden Mile Heritage Walk
    Jim was our guide for the Hidden Secrets Golden Mile Heritage Walk on a Saturday morning. He was extremely pleasant and engaging. He provided a great tour of areas of Melbourne we had not yet seen, and was very knowledgeable about the historical significance of the sites we visited. We really enjoyed our time with him!
    Written 27 October 2024
  • kmlien11
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So much more than just cafes and culture!
    This tour exceeded our expectations. Dee was a wonderful guide and shared her knowledge, wisdom, sense of humor and great tidbits of information. She opened our eyes to the cafes and restaurants hidden in the lanes of Melbourne...we would never even have known they existed. Our samplings were delicious, whether coffee or sweet treat and lunch was a special surprise in another hidden away restaurant.
    Written 24 October 2023
  • laurapG7126LX
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A perfect evening!
    A true delight! We were traveling with friends and signed up for this on a whim! All four of us loved it. We learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the foodie spots we were taken to. We liked one so much we even re-visited the following day. What could be better than a progressive dinner through beautiful Melbourne?
    Written 7 October 2023
  • mellieg71
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Learn about Melbourne and taste your way around the city
    Absolute 5 star experience with Fiona our tour guide - I've lived in Melbourne my entire life and yet I learnt so much, about so many of the little details and the history about our beautiful city that Fiona pointed out as we walked from place to place. The restaurants we visited were welcoming, and delicious! So much food! Can 100% recommend this for anyone wanting to learn more about Melbourne, visit some of the best restaurants, whether you're a local or a visitor!
    Written 9 August 2023
  • Compass227789
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Informative and fun!
    Good distance covered, good history and 'stories' and over coffee a chance to exchange stories with other travellers!
    Written 26 February 2023
  • C79-Family
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hot Chocolate
    So fun to walk through Melbourne and see the evolution of art in the city (especially how they are handling the "Graffiti art" - making it an artform. We even got to go to a Chocolate Lounge and try some great Hot Chocolate - almost a meal. Fun to walk through the lanes and inner parts of the city.
    Written 29 January 2023
  • skigolf
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great evening in Melbourne!
    Fantastic evening with great food and wine. Fiona was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide. She shared great facts about the beautiful city of Melbourne and took us to wonderful restaurants. A must do!
    Written 12 January 2023
  • laurapG7126LX
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An outstanding way to spend an evening.
    What a fabulous way to experience a new city. We learned a lot while being shown some amazing places to stop in and have a bite. This was absolutely one of the highlights from being in Melbourne.
    Written 12 January 2023
  • M9002ZWdaniellep
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bring your appetite!
    An absolutely fantastic experience! The food was so delicious and varied! We started with an Asian fusion restaurant, then moved onto an Italian bistro and finished at an Argentinian steak house. The wines were paired perfectly with the dishes and the staff at each restaurant provided explanations of their restaurant, the menu and the dishes. Our guide, Catherine, was wonderful to talk to and full of information about the city and the food/wine scene in Melbourne. Bring your appetite - this is a must do if in Melbourne!
    Written 1 September 2022
  • Andre J
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Outstanding - MUST DO EXPERIENCE
    If you are looking for a very unique and memorable Melbourne experience then the Melbourne Food and Wine Walking Tour is the one for you. A very special evening where you walk the streets and laneways of Melbourne learning about the history and interesting facts behind the buildings, laneways whilst experiencing Melbourne’s games culinary offerings.
    Written 28 May 2022
  • Benicio17
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Delicious
    It was fabulous!! I highly recommend. The three venues were great and their foods and wines were delicious. I will definitely visit the restaurants again and will aim to go on the tour again in about a year's time.
    Written 6 May 2021
  • Louisesjc13
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful Guide and Melbourne is such an interesting City
    This was an amazing excellent tour of Melbourne Jess with her incredible knowledge was our guide, all I can say is you must go on this tour it was taken at an easy walking pace, lots of stops and fabulous chocolate . Thank you Jess
    Written 16 February 2020
  • Culture553112
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Informative adventure
    Thoroughly enjoyed this walking tour and our guide was excellent showing us all the interesting back streets and recommending some eateries. I was able later in my own wanderings revisit some of the interesting arcades.
    Written 17 November 2019
  • Camper30564664839
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Progressive Degustation Tour
    We had a great time on this tour. Nic, our guide was so lovely and had an excellent knowledge of the city , restaurants we visited and the food and wine we had. Amazing restaurants that I would not have found on my own and a friendly, fun and fabulous group of people. Thank you Nic and Hidden Secrets Tours.
    Written 14 November 2019
See all 680 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles167 reviews
Excellent
150
Very good
13
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
1

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

lu s
Melbourne, Australia38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020
melbourne is my favourite city, and this tour shows exactly why.

i went on this tour 15 years ago and we saw shops and secret alleys and street art, they’ve just returned now we are out of lockdown and they showed the best restaurants, street art, MORE secret alleys i never knew about, and the history of the city...

you didn’t even notice the shops weren’t open, most of the cafes are, and places like CRAFT victoria are real gems you can discover through wandering these streets and laneways.

this is how even a melbourner can rediscover the best of their city.
Written 8 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Lushr77, what a true delight to have you join us again after so many years and even more special after the stillness of 2020. We are so pleased you enjoyed our regular new additions, and loved the photos you shared. We are looking at new tours for 2021, so perhaps we can entice you to join us again sooner - not sure we need to wait 15 years again - and hopefully your mum can join too. Kindest regards and thanks from Harriet and myself. Fiona Owner HiddenSecretsTours
Written 11 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

John G
Sydney, Australia15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
We have visited Melbourne many times before and walked around the city. This time we wanted to learn more beyond just wandering around and looking.
Our tour was for a half-day and our guide Lara was most friendly and informative.
We didn't cover a lot of territory - that wasn't the idea - but we did cover a great deal of history,.background and insight into the essential laneways and arcades which give Melbourne city so much character.
Our guide also told us about extra thijngs we might see on our own so that even after the tour was finished we could continue. And the coffee interlude (included) was superb.
So we unhesitatingly recommend the Hidden Secrets Tours.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear JohnG46 As a return visitor, your review is most precious. We do get many locals and regular Melbourne visitors on our walks, and it is a joy to see their ( your) eyes light up with little details tat help the city reveal itself another way. The effort to take some time to write positive notes here is truly appreciated. We thank you for your wondrous words, and perhaps we may see you on another of our tours. Your Lanes and Arcades Tour is our main tour, but we do have a few other niche and indulgent tours too :) Kindest regards Fiona.
Written 19 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

mckric
Gold Coast, Australia95 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Loved this walking tour . We found out so much about the street art and music culture of Melbourne along with the history and architecture highlights .

Our tour guide Harriet was so easy to listen to and chat with . Her knowledge of the area was exceptional .

The hot chocolate break was perfectly placed in the middle of the walk.

The walk was easy and we clocked around 6 km over the three hours .
Written 9 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Lyn M. So lovely to see your review of your tour with Harriet. We love hearing such feedback. Our walks are about 6k steps and across 4 blocks of the city, in and out of the laneways and smaller streets. Small groups with space for conversation and observations have been lovely for our guides as we share Melbourne and all its quirks. Thank you so much for taking the time. Kind regards Fiona, Harriet and the team Hidden Secrets Tours
Written 12 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mark
Melbourne, Australia10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Charlie was a wiz in leading our tour. Mixed audience from Melbourne and interstate/NZ really appreciated the whole tour. As a local, I learned so much and loved every minute. The werewolf beer at the pub I’ll possibly never find again was great. Highly recommended. Oh yes, the weather was truly Melbourne, variable.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mark, thank you so much for this fab review, it should be said you had the true mad weather on your tour, and yet Charlie said you all chose to continue on jovially into the laneways ducking and weaving the elements. We love to find corners that locals may not have been to, and yes the drinks location we included on your teams bespoke tour we hoped would be jus that. So pleased to see you enjoyed the afternoon outing. We really appreciate the feedback and loved being part of your you corporate day. We do hope to see you again soon, in and around the lanes of our fab city. Kindest regards Fiona and the team. Hidden Secrets Tours. Melbourne.
Written 19 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Stpteach
Shelton, CT5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Friends
My friend and I had the luxury of being guided by Charley, who proved to be personable, kind, and extremely knowedable of local history. We were lucky to be the entire "group" so we felt we had a personal guided tour. And the coffee/chocolate break included in the tour was a most welcome treat, indeed! It was most worthwhile!
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Stpteach. THANKYOU so much for writing a lovely note here, we have risen from our hibernation, and are so pleased you got to have a tour with Charlie - and just for you!. - We don't have this happen too often, our public tours only need a minimum of 2, so you were in luck that day. So pleased you enjoyed the chocolate stop in the middle of the tour, and that Charlies passion for our local history kept you entertained. Our small streets are just the starting point for these wonderful insights of how Melbourne evolved, and continues to do so today. thank you again for taking the time, we do hope you explore our city again soon, or take a walking tour in the next metropolis you visit. Kind regards Fiona , Charlie and the whole team Hidden Secrets Tours, Melbourne
Written 4 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Hoinzey
Clonmel, Ireland25 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2024 • Couples
This was our first day in Melbourne after landing the previous evening and we were looking forward to getting a nice tour of the city first thing in the morning.

The tour was fine and we did see some interesting artwork and arcades but it felt at all times like the guide was trying to streeeetch out each stop to make it last the required amount of time.

This was especially true at lunch which I don't think is a necessary thing for such a short walking tour and it felt like a way to just make the tour seem longer than it is.
Written 5 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Hoinzey- Thank you for your review. We appreciate feedback and are pleased to hear you enjoyed aspects of our tour. We’d like to clarify a few things with readers, as this is the first we have heard of your disappointment. We believe you joined our Lanes and Arcades Walk and see there were only four of you on tour that morning (lucky you), that you were joined by a father and teenage son from the Netherlands and hosted by one of our most experienced guides. Our walks are casual and conversational. We focus on approx. 6 blocks of the CBD for this tour, which is a little under 3 kms. The pace is not fast, allowing everyone the time to immerse themselves in the city’s atmosphere and the lesser-known corners and stories, ask questions and have conversations with our expert guides. In speaking with the guide who took you, she was surprised by the stretching out comment, the midpoint coffee stop was not long, and all usual stops included. We will look at your comments with our whole team. We are confused by your comment regarding lunch as your agent did not book lunch with us for you. We offer lunch as an optional extra at the end of the tour, as we understand guests may like to find their own or have time constraints. Many of our guests are international visitors, like you, and join us on their first day in Melbourne, to familiarise themselves with the city grid, but also the local insider stories of the urban laneways and appreciate our personalised suggestions too. We acknowledge you for taking the time to leave your thoughts here. They will be used in our continual improvement discussions with the team, and our agents. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your celebration time in Australia.
Written 13 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

109greg
Gungahlin, Australia2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Couples
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour, led by the very knowledgable Kathy, a Melbourne local who showed an obvious love for her city. She told us stories and gave insights into the history and development of Melbourne and its laneways and arcades, and at the end of the tour we felt that we had a greater appreciation of this marvellous city. We can thoroughly recommend this tour, and if you are lucky enough to have Kathy as your guide, you will be in good hands!
Written 1 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MK and Josh
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
This tour was perfect for our first day in Melbourne to get a sense of the hidden gems in this city. Lara did a truly wonderful job. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, gave excellent suggestions, and went out of her way to give recommendations for each couple on the tour based on theirs interests. Great start to our visit to Melbourne. Thanks, Lara!!!
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear MkandJosh We are so pleased to read this review not a little while after your visit. What a year. Our late February and early March tours are always so lovely, and Lara is a very special guide with us. So pleased you enjoyed your visit to our hidden spaces, and the recommendations on tour too. Its such an important part of our guide training, and also keeps us excited on researching what else is on. After a few hours with guests we work hard to personalise these updates before you leave us. Lets hope we all get to travel with such gusto soon, our tours start again this month. Thank you for taking the time to write this, more than ever these are special details we cherish. Kind regards Fiona Owner, Hidden Secrets Tours, Melbourne
Written 4 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ChloesMomBetsey
Columbus, OH244 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Couples
Melinda was a great guide, taking our interests into consideration, as we walked the lanes and alleyways of the CBD, on this private tour. She was filled with stories and insights and patience for my slower walking.

The only "meh" part of our tour was lunch, but in fairness she chose a gluten free restaurant that was on my list of possible "go-tos." The meh-ness was not her but the restaurant.

I would take this tour with her again in a second. She did a great job and was a highlight of our visit to Melbourne.
Written 13 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted you enjoyed your tour with Melinda, who tailored the experience to your interests. We appreciate your understanding regarding the lunch choice and value your feedback for future improvements. We're glad Melinda was a highlight of your Melbourne visit and would love to welcome you back for another tour. Safe travels!
Written 20 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lema2014
Hamburg, Germany335 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Our tour guide Browyn was great, shared her knowledge in an interesting and humorous way and definitely had a soft spot for street art. We were pointed out little details and exciting things that we wouldn't have noticed on our own. Since there was only one other couple with us, it was very pleasant to meander through the alleys and arcades together. Highly recommended!
Google
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danke! Thank you Lema. We are so pleased you enjoyed The Lanes and Arcades Walk, Bronwyn has wonderful insights into the city corners as do all our guides. Safe onwards travel and thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts here. Kindest regards Fiona and the team. Hiddensecretstours Melbourne.
Written 3 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Showing results 1-10 of 163
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour provided by Hidden Secrets Tours

All Melbourne HotelsMelbourne Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Melbourne
All things to do in Melbourne
Day Trips in Melbourne
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars