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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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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.
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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.
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
5,069 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,422 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Erendira Garner152 contributionsNice place to shopWonderful place to go shopping and eat some nice treats. Is a beautiful building and cute stores, I found a beautiful blouse that is now my favorite piece of clothing. Totally recommend visitingVisited January 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 December 2022
- Sharon H10 contributionsGreat shoppingWe visited Melbourne downtown as part of a cruise itinerary. Our local walking guide took us through - otherwise we would never have found it. I got some great Xmas gifts and the tea rooms were to die forVisited November 2022Written 27 December 2022
- Wesley CTucson, Arizona9,878 contributionsMelbourne's Most Beautiful Shopping ArcadeMelbourne is famous for its shopping arcades. With its gorgeous mosaic floors and ornate ceiling, Block Arcade may be the most beautiful. Built in 1891-93 and restored in 1988. Even if you aren't a shopper, come here for the architecture and the food! My 2 favorites are Haigh's Chocolates (in business since 1915) and the Hopetoun Tea Room (which dates back to 1892).Visited November 2022Written 18 January 2023
- C...Victoria, Australia64,640 contributionsDoing the blockConstructed between 1891 and 1893....this arcade has stood the test of time. , it is considered one of the late Victorian era's finest shopping arcades. I arrived here on Friday ... I had not been to the arcade for a couple of years, but I never lose my fascination with its stunning architecture. My Grandmother used to take us ( my siblings, and cousins) here when we were young children to see the trumpeters perform as the clock struck. This visit was with my ex and we stopped to look around, and enjoy the atmosphere. Before wandering into this arcade, I stopped at the adjoining court briefly. The building adjacent to the Block Arcade at 288-292 Collins Street was built in 1890 as the Athenaeum Club, and in 1930 the ground floor was converted into an arcade, designed by noted architect Harry Norris, one of the earliest and most elaborate Art Deco interiors in Melbourne.This arcade originally connected through to the Block Arcade with the removal of one of the shopfronts in the Elizabeth Street wing.Visited January 2023Written 21 January 2023
- travelbob1New Windsor, New York1,135 contributionsNot to Be MissedThis is one retail establishment not to be missed just based on its architecture and design; a blast from the past of shopping when money was no object. It is a museum in its own right featuring each shop with their own story. The staff are engaging, friendly and helpful. Bring you camera!Visited January 2023Written 18 February 2023
- SuecitysuefulBrisbane, Australia21 contributionsBeautiful Block!A visit to this arcade is must do Melbourne. Full of old world charm at every turn. Don't forget to visit Haigh's for some delicious chocolate and the Houptoun Tea Rooms for a decadent cake and real tea or coffee.Visited March 2023Written 15 March 2023
- Deanosaur89Edmonton, Canada2,047 contributionsExcellent Victorian Style ArcadeThis old Victorian style arcade is like a living museum. It is well maintained and has some original items like a rare and old English scale. This is a good spot to window shop or stop for an afternoon tea with many tempting cakes and chocolates.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 July 2023
- CraigH0901Adelaide, Australia1,192 contributionsShort StopA pretty arcade off Collins Street in the heart of the CBD. It is ornate and pleasant but not overly interesting. The shops are good quality but it isn't overly long, so not a lot. Good spot for a sit down and coffee.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 September 2023
- platypus150Melbourne, Australia27,499 contributionsThere is always something new to noticeI frequently walk through and walk past this arcade. The art work is amazing and amazed people even when it was built well over a century ago. Today I was gazing at the Elizabeth Street entranced and noticed detail I had previously overlooked.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 17 September 2023
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,781 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
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
5,112 reviews
Excellent
3,117
Very good
1,680
Average
277
Poor
25
Terrible
13
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,781 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
Block 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.
Written 23 November 2023
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.
C M
Auckland Central, New Zealand754 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
What a lovely old arcade with nice and quirky shops, from tearooms to Haighs chocolate and art shops. It is small but beautiful. Definitely worth a look!
Written 26 October 2023
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.
Kathleen S
England, UK19 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
You got everything from fabulous tea rooms, interesting clock, unique stores, beautiful architecture and marvellous floor tiles all the way to live music. Nice spot.
Written 22 October 2023
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.
Typist
4 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Solo
It was cool but not exactly life-changing, I definitely would not have it on the must-see list for Melbourne.
Written 7 October 2023
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.
Franz A
30 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Amazing little arcade. Very beautiful decor and good glimpse into remnants of the past. Hidden gem of Melbourne
Written 5 October 2023
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.
platypus150
Melbourne, Australia27,499 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
I frequently walk through and walk past this arcade. The art work is amazing and amazed people even when it was built well over a century ago. Today I was gazing at the Elizabeth Street entranced and noticed detail I had previously overlooked.
Written 17 September 2023
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.
CraigH0901
Adelaide, Australia1,192 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
A pretty arcade off Collins Street in the heart of the CBD. It is ornate and pleasant but not overly interesting. The shops are good quality but it isn't overly long, so not a lot.
Good spot for a sit down and coffee.
Good spot for a sit down and coffee.
Written 13 September 2023
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.
JnVSydney
Greater Sydney, Australia18,314 contributions
Jun. 2023
Lovely historic arcade built in the late 1800's, with map in hand we explored the arcades of the CBD, have to say this was our fave.
Written 15 July 2023
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.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada2,047 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
This old Victorian style arcade is like a living museum. It is well maintained and has some original items like a rare and old English scale. This is a good spot to window shop or stop for an afternoon tea with many tempting cakes and chocolates.
Written 12 July 2023
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.
Adele
Cape Town Central, South Africa72 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Business
I love The Block Arcade. The shops are beautiful and the atmosphere of the building makes it extra special to spend time there.
Written 3 July 2023
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
ROSLIX
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1 contribution
G'day mate. How do I get there by public transport? Tq
Brad W
Ann Arbor, MI1,072 contributions
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.
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Claim your listingBlock Arcade: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Block Arcade
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Block Arcade:
- Complete Melbourne Walking Tour (From AU$100.94)
- Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour (From AU$131.52)
- Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walking Tour (From AU$116.23)
- Melbourne Bites and Sights with Skydeck Entrance (From AU$95.83)
- Live like a Local: A Self-Guided Audio Tour (From AU$8.25)
- Hotels near Block Arcade:
- (0.00 km) Novotel Melbourne on Collins
- (0.19 km) The Westin Melbourne
- (0.18 km) Causeway 353 Hotel
- (0.17 km) Punthill Flinders Lane Apartments
- (0.10 km) BreakFree on Collins Melbourne
- Restaurants near Block Arcade:
- (0.01 km) Burger Project
- (0.02 km) New Shanghai - St Collins Lane
- (0.02 km) Think Asia
- (0.02 km) Meat the Challenge
- (0.02 km) A Taste Of Asia