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Block Arcade

Block Arcade

Block Arcade
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 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
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: 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
See what travelers are saying
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,736 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Arcade is an architectural icon
    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.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 23, 2023
  • TJouer
    Bellbrook, Ohio2,307 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful historic arcade with eating and shopping vendors
    We 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 1, 2024
  • S K
    Singapore, Singapore467 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Shopping 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 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 13, 2024
  • Jill C
    Perth, Australia114 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stepping back in time and great food out the back
    Gorgeous 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 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written September 18, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles5,119 reviews
Excellent
3,121
Very good
1,684
Average
276
Poor
25
Terrible
13

Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,293 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 May 3, 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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 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.
Written January 29, 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, UK81 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 January 5, 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 Emirates2,196 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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!
Written February 15, 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, NY4,718 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 March 30, 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 March 24, 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, Australia197 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 May 7, 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, Australia1,476 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

Written December 27, 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, Australia13,736 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 March 27, 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, Australia13,736 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 May 29, 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.

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BLOCK ARCADE (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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