Block Arcade

The Block Arcade is a heritage arcade in Melbourne’s CBD that dates back to 1893. It’s an ‘L’ shaped arcade connecting Collins Street to Elizabeth Street, and was designed in a style similar to Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. It’s one of the grandest, and few surviving examples of the Victorian Mannerist style of architecture. The mosaic-tile flooring, glass canopy and carved stone all combine to create a grand walk that every visitor to Melbourne should check out.

The name came from men walking around 'the block' one direction and women in the opposing direction, as a tradition before going to the Victorian Football League matches. It is a significant Victorian era arcade and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. Along with Melbourne's other main arcade, the Royal Arcade, and Melbourne's lanes, it is a tourist icon of the city.

There are many shops and cafes in and connected to Block Arcade. One of the most famous is the Hopetoun Tea Rooms, which opened at the same time that the Block Arcade opened, and still operates today. It’s famous for its high teas and often has lines, so make sure you visit early. Also worth visiting is the Beechworth Honey Shop, which has over 40 different kinds of honey to try and buy, along with a variety of other honey related products.