Hidden spaces in Melbourne

Melbourne is crammed with hidden spaces, nooks and crannies. From secret drinking dens to tiny street art and rooftop bars – here are some gems you may have missed.

Two men walking into a small hidden ramen bar

The unofficial Japan-town

Insiders know MidCity Arcade is like a detour to Japan. Drop into Katsu Retsu for a deluxe crumbed pork cutlet with all the trimmings. Ride the escalator to Sushi Hotaru where all sushi and sides off the train are under $5. Try Hakata-style house-made noodles at Mr Ramen San. Or grab a table at Tokyo Motto and try curry, omurice and more hearty dishes.

Outside a small Malaysian food kiosk. There is a big neon sign saying Bao.

The multi-storey Malaysian food paradise

Find three Malaysian restaurants in this one building tucked away on Rainbow Alley. Start on the ground floor for a cheep and cheerful lunch at Da Bao where three dishes with rice come in at a cool $15. Move up to Level two and you'll discover Hi Liao – a huge food hall perfect for group catch-ups. For something a little fancier, head to Ho Jiak: Junda’s Playground. Here you'll find an impressive menu of elevated Malaysian dishes with a modern twist.

A laneway with walls covered in street art. There is a person taking photos and another person walking down the laneway.

The secret laneway cafe

Now here’s a hidden cafe only those in-the-know will be across. Follow your nose down Howey Place from Little Collins Street and make a left at Presgrave Place. Admire the street art then take a few more steps until you spot Trbl. Order your morning brew to go or go for a specialty coffee like the vanilla bean latte. Don’t skip on baked goods, especially the Korean salt bread and the chunky cookies.

A barista is making coffee in a dimly-lit coffee shop. There is an ornate glass lamp hanging from the ceiling and a cabinet full of baked treats.

The Tokyo-style coffee house

It’s no surprise that we love a secret laneway gem in Melbourne. Wander down Merriman Lane and you’ll discover Omo. This retro-style cafe is inspired by kissaten – traditional Japanese coffee shops. It's open from morning ’til night and serves up everything from brunch and katsu sets to hand-whisked matcha and highballs. Make sure you try the house-baked sweet treats. Think Basque cheesecake, Earl Grey canelé and Swiss rolls.

A man is walking downstairs into a pedestrian arcade underground. There are pink tiles on the wall.

The blush pink 1950s arcade

Melbourne's iconic Campbell Arcade has had a bit of a glow up to restore its former glory. This pedestrian underpass was built in the 1950s and is famous for its blush pink tiles and retro charm. Soon you'll find quirky artwork in the 'dirty dozen' display cases and a bunch of exciting new businesses. Enter at Flinders Street or Degraves Street to get a first look.

A woman is walking through a corridor filled with old library catalogues.

The secret rooms at State Library Victoria

Until 31 Dec

Most Melburnians are well acquainted with the State Library Victoria. But have you seen what's buried below? In this new tour, you'll get exclusive access to unseen spaces. Explore the catacombs and rummage through the library’s old card catalogue system. Then experience a rare moment of quiet in the grand dome before it opens to the public.

A group of people are enjoying cocktails in the sun on a rooftop bar.

The hidden rooftop bar

There are no shortages of hidden rooftop bars in Melbourne. Wander down an unassuming laneway just off Lygon Street and you'll discover the entrance to Johnny’s Green Room. Upstairs you’ll find sweeping city views, an Italian-inspired menu and refreshing cocktails. Good Heavens is another upper-level watering hole that can’t be missed. It’s perfect for big groups or after-work bevs. Or wander up to one of the rooftops at Hotel Nacional for gluten-free Mexican food and a round of spicy margs.

Big blocks and wheels of cheese in a cellar

The basement cheese cellar

If you’re seeking gourmet goodness, follow Spring Street Grocer’s neon cheese sign down a spiral staircase. Behold! An underground temple of cheese sourced from around the world and stored in fromage friendly conditions. From brie to blue, your heart’s desire awaits at Spring Street Cheese Cellar.

The century old building hosting sea shanty sing-alongs

To get your pirate on, heave ho to the Mission to Seafarers. Test your pipes at a free sea shanty sing-along session. These ever popular sessions are the ultimate way to blow off some steam, pirate-style. The Spanish-style courtyard and beautiful mission building chapel are a must-see, too.

Two friends are sitting in a dimly-lit bar drinking cocktails. There is another woman seated at a table having a drink.

The cosy bar in a 160-year-old bluestone brewery cellar

Tucked away in the old bluestone cellars of the original brewery in Victoria Parade is Life’s Too Short Bar. Intrepid foodies should grab a spot at the intimate eight-seat Chef’s Table. You'll feast your way through Chef Sigrid's eight-course degustation dinner. Each inventive menu is themed around a surprise ingredient.

A couple walking in a domed hallway in a museum

The underground gold vaults

The Old Treasury Building tour is more than a trip down memory lane. It’s home to the original vaults where gold bullion was stored during the Gold Rush era. Explore the vaults with free entry Sunday through to Friday.

Mannequins and shelves displaying clothing in a fashion store located in an old building with a high ceiling and arch windows

The iconic concept store in an old cathedral

This extraordinary retail space, just next to St Paul’s Cathedral, has to be seen to be believed. Walk up two flights of stairs to an elegant and lofty hall with high ceilings, expansive glass windows and a grand piano. In addition to showcasing Alpha60’s cuts and styles, it’s also a place for artistic collaboration.