Laneway Culture: Melbourne

The Central Business District is full of these tiny, but thriving laneways. 

It's like a scavenger hunt walking through the city hoping to stumble into one, 

and when you do, it never lets you down.

Some of the laneways are packed with small cafes, shops and bars. 

Originally, the laneways were simply rear access for businesses that faced the main streets.

But they have been re-imagined, bursting with character and the aroma of espresso. 

In other laneways you might find yourself in the company of 

the faces and words of brilliantly colorful street art. 

A few of the laneways have been covered into arcades. 

 The lovely, 19th century Block Arcade.

Howey Place is home to our favorite bakery/cafe thus far, Phillipa's. 

They have wonderful sourdough loaves made the old-school way using 

minimal yeast and about 16 hours of rising time. Mm-mmm.

 Street art in Union Lane. 

Degraves Street, directly across from Flinders Street Station, is one of the busiest laneways. 

 Of course, we couldn't leave out our laneway go-to cafe, The Hardware Society. 

It doesn't have a website and the sign outside just says "CAFE". It has a little "farm store", which sells eggs, bread and other little treats, the food is fantastic, and the people are a delight. 

The laneways alone are a fantastic reason to visit Melbourne, and 

when you really figure them out, you can weave your way across downtown, avoiding the main streets.