Block Arcade
Block Arcade
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Voted #8 of 323 things to do and see in Melbourne by Tripadvisor and winning the 2015 Travellers' Choice Award, join us on a personalised guided walk through one of Melbourne's most grand and historic landmarks,The Block Arcade. Built in 1892 and modelled on the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele in Milan, The Block Arcade is a heritage listed shopping arcade situated on Melbourne's Golden Mile and home to the largest mosaic floor in the southern hemisphere, its magnificent glass dome and the iconic Hopetoun Tearooms. Suitable for all ages, a guided walk through the Arcade will take you on a historical journey back to the early days of the Colony and a glimpse into Melbourne's rich and colourful history. Venture upstairs, which is not accessible to the general public, as you view the Arcade from its many windows and causeway. Tours run twice a week on Tuesdays or Thursdays. 11am - 12pm at $15 p/p 2 - 3.30pm at $22 p/p and includes a Devonshire afternoon tea. For groups of more than 8, prior arrangements can be made for alternative times/days.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
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.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Block Arcade
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
Full of discovery and delight, Melbourne’s laneways tease the imagination long after you’ve put your weary feet up to rest. They weave through the heart of the city: cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques, throbbing with conversation and espresso coffee. You never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner: cobblestone alleys, old beer barrel hoists and even vats of simmering organic soup. There is the air of Berlin in the street art, a touch of Paris in the umbrella-shaded cafes and, reminiscent of Rome, eateries tucked away in the most unlikely of places. Perhaps you might want a break and cross the Yarra River to Southbank - walk along the promenade, bask in the sun at a waterside bar and decide whether to go to the nearby casino or book a ticket at the Melbourne theatre company.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
6,027 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,636 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,593 contributionsArcade is an architectural iconBlock Arcade is a survivor of Marvelous Melbourne. The mosaic are intricately worked and the Classical style is impressive. A number of shops are doing business including Haigh's Chocolates and the Dr Seuss Gallery. Block Arcade can be entered either from Elizabeth Street or Collins Street. Block Arcade is a Melbourne icon.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 23 November 2023
- TJouerBellbrook, Ohio2,316 contributionsBeautiful historic arcade with eating and shopping vendorsWe were in Melbourne and visited the Block Arcade based upon prior reviews. We got there early on a weekday and started with breakfast. There are many cozy breakfast cafes and coffee spots to choose from that cater to both tourists and locals. Aside from the beautiful historical architecture, there are many nooks and crannies with cool shops. We bought some souvenirs before heading to the larger department stores in the same Collins Street area. Tip: Breakfast is served starting on the early side of 8:30 am, so you can get there early and make it your first stop if touring or shopping in the area.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 February 2024
- S KSingapore, Singapore430 contributionsShopping arcade with unique architecture.Decent sized arcade with interesting architecture. Shops on both sides, selling mainly higher value products. We had high tea at the English tea room. Very English decor cafe with pretty delicious pastries that cost $$$. But a good break to rest our legs and relax in this pretty cafe.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 May 2024
- Jill CPerth, Australia114 contributionsStepping back in time and great food out the backGorgeous arcade which has really kept its beautiful architecture. Lovely shops and nobody tells you about the little alley with the great small cafes and restaurants at the back. We not only enjoyed wandering thorough but had a great meal as well.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
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.
4.5
5,121 reviews
Excellent
3,119
Very good
1,687
Average
277
Poor
25
Terrible
13
Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,293 contributions
Mar 2020
This Arcade was built in 1892 and modeled on the Galeria Vittoria Emanuel in Milan. It is Melbourne's most grand and historic landmarks.It has the largest mosaic floor in the Southern Hemisphere.. It has the magnificent dome and the famous Hopetoun Tea rooms also founded in 1892.It is in a Boom version of the French Renaissance style with handsome plate glass shop windows. It has a six and seven storey building facing onto Elizabeth and Collins Street. It is classified by the National Trust and is No 11 on the Golden Mile Trail. It also has the delectable Haigh Chocolates shop.
Written 3 May 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.
ydissac
7 contributions
Sept 2019
Just a stroll through this arcade is worth every minute.
From the beautiful architecture, to the fascinating shops and a Tea Room with delightfully delicious cakes, you go into another world outside of the bustling city of Melbourne.
I hope they never allow this arcade to become too comercialised.
From the beautiful architecture, to the fascinating shops and a Tea Room with delightfully delicious cakes, you go into another world outside of the bustling city of Melbourne.
I hope they never allow this arcade to become too comercialised.
Written 29 January 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.
sianepeer
Bedford, UK82 contributions
Dec 2019
Really interesting set of lanes and arcades that provide Melbourne with a unique insight into times gone by. The small independent shops were a welcome counter to the brands that appear on every city high street. A great spice and salt shop and of course chocolotates.
Written 5 January 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.
lifenadventure
Dubai, United Arab Emirates2,203 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
What a treat, especially at Xmas when there is so much going on.
This is a busy arcade but with loads to see. Some very specialised and eclectic ships which you don’t see everywhere else, more one offs and beautifully decorated structures. Make sure to look up at the roof!
This is a busy arcade but with loads to see. Some very specialised and eclectic ships which you don’t see everywhere else, more one offs and beautifully decorated structures. Make sure to look up at the roof!
Written 15 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.
ogerkan
New York City, NY4,729 contributions
Mar 2020
Love these old architectural gems. The mosaic patterned floors here are very unique definitely worth wandering over. Nice shops (bought gifts at an Alpaca shop) as well as a nice French cafe to have a coffee and enjoy your surroundings.
Written 30 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.
Jacqueline Pascarl
Brighton, Australia28 contributions
Feb 2021
When the Victorian's of the bygone Gold Rush days established Melbourne, a series of covered arcades and laneways were built to allow ladies in their finery to promenade on a Sunday afternoon, unhampered by the elements. The finest of these arcades is the Block Arcade showcasing mosaic floors and exquisite plaster work ceilings all vaulted to allow the maximum light to pour through leaded glass windows. Home to the Hopetoun Tea Rooms, it was with some amusement some years ago that I discovered I was mentioned on the tour as having frequented the Tea rooms prior to becoming a Royal Princess. That aside, I love the astmosphere and the gentle colour of this Arcade and the flow through to the lovely Royal Arcade close by with Gog and Maygog the chiming clocks.
Written 24 March 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.
Lynne M
Melbourne, Australia198 contributions
May 2021
We wandered through the Block Arcade to the sound of a group of violinists playing soothing music under the dome and aromatic scents coming from one of the quaint shops. Loved the historic architecture, especially the mosaic floors. A truly beautiful place to visit.
Written 7 May 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.
Petal
Brisbane, Australia1,293 contributions
Dec 2020 • Solo
Its always a treat to wander through the Block Arcade. Centrally located just steps from the Novetel Hotel you can buy so much here, upmarket goods, Haigs Chocolates, watches and jewellery etc.
One drawcard is the little tea shop with lovely, delicious cakes in the window _ but be prepared for a long queue.
One drawcard is the little tea shop with lovely, delicious cakes in the window _ but be prepared for a long queue.
Written 27 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.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,593 contributions
Mar 2022
Block Arcade is a reminder of Marvellous Melbourne, when it was the Queen City of the South. Block Arcade is notable for its craftsmanship; it is Classified by the National Trust. Block Arcade is a corner arcade, between Collins St and Elizabeth St; keep your eyes open, it may be easy to miss. The Arcade has many features, including Hopetoun Tearooms and Haigh's Chocolates. Hopetoun Tearooms is notable for its scrumptuous afternoon teas and Haigh's is said to sell the best chocolates in the city.
Written 27 March 2022
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.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,593 contributions
May 2021
The Block Arcade remains from the time when Melbourne was truly marvelous. In the 1890s, Melbourne was one of the most prosperous cities on Earth. The Block Arcade is at the corner of Elizabeth and Collins Streets, a prime city site. The mosaics and decoration are prime examples of an age when costs was no hindrance.
Written 29 May 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.
spb-top
St. Petersburg, Russia
опечатки
Кто нИИИИИ разу не был в Австралии, советую посетить эту страну. Мельбурн прекрасен во всем. Люди, архитектура города, дух гороЖЖЖЖа. Экскурсия на трамвае принесла массу впечатлений и удовольствий. Но как говоритьЬЬЬЬся надо
Written 6 April 2017
G'day mate. How do I get there by public transport? Tq
Written 30 August 2015
In the big picture, I suggest starting at the downtown Southern Cross Station, where there is an office where a nice person will answer all of your questions, give you maps, and sell you a Myki card, if you want. If you are taking the Skybus from the Airport (which departs every 10 minutes all day and night), it takes you to the Southern Cross Station. Downtown trams are free and a station is a one or two block walk from the Southern Cross Station. A Myki card is for public transport in the larger metro area.
Written 30 August 2015
Yes kit is a two block walk down the hill to Elizabeth Street and Collins Street and the Arcade is a few meters east of Elizabeth off Collins Street.
Written 15 July 2015
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing