Secret city spots that offer the real Melbourne vibe

Melbourne is the home of hidden gems. Discover sprawling laneways, nostalgic food halls and bespoke boutiques. These are the city's best kept secrets.

Secret sanctuaries in the garden city

Melbourne is abundant with green spaces, but have you checked out these hidden nooks? The perfect rest spot awaits you on a walk through Kings Domain. Meander down winding walkways and find the Grotto Waterfall hiding in the ferns. Continue your tranquil quest and activate the senses in this thoughtfully-designed garden. Or venture across the river and discover a floral oasis at The Conservatory.

Unique and hidden bars

For an out of the ordinary bar experience, put these venues next on your list. Hiding inside a 158-year-old building is Yarra Falls. Take a seat in front of the glistening water facade and sip on drinks adorned with native botanicals. The backdrop pays respect to a now lost waterfall that once sat near Queen's Bridge. Also on Flinders Lane is Apollo Inn, a moody cocktail bar from the minds behind Gimlet. Try a menu signature like the triple whisky John McClain. Or take it from Melissa Leong and order a prawn sandwich and classic martini. For somewhere more unusual, pay a visit to Natural History. This laid-back pub is inspired by museums and even has it's own large-scale taxidermy display.

Creative hub in an historic building

Head to this Swanston Street icon for a uniquely Melbourne shopping experience. The Nicholas Building is famous for it's stunning architecture and one-of-a-kind boutiques. Be greeted by a gorgeous 1920s interior as you enter through Cathedral Arcade. On the ground floor, find threads from local designers at Kuwaii. Two levels up, the quirky Muses of Mystery host tarot readings and weekly meditation. You can even get made to measure footwear from a bespoke shoemaker on level 3. When you're finished exploring, make a pit stop at Cathedral Coffee on the way out. This quaint spot in the arcade is cafe by day, wine bar by night.

Lunch laneway for city workers

From Degraves Street to Hardware Lane, most Melburnian's are well acquainted with the city's iconic laneways. Lesser known is Equitable Place. This small strip opposite the Galleria is packed with lunch options. Craving a crispy pork roll? Head to Oh! Banh Mi and get one loaded with pork belly and fresh greens. If bagels are more your jam, the smoked salmon at Brown Bagels does not disappoint. One spot we can't not mention is Ilza. Bring your work besties to dig into juicy katsu sandwiches and specialty drinks. Think Insta-worthy strawberry matchas and salty sweet peanut butter lattes.

Car park diners

Driving to the city? You won't have to walk far to find these spots. Each have found a home either in or next to a car park. If you're after a sandwich, Saluministi make a mean porchetta. Look out for the blue and red ‘P’ sign on Flinders Lane and order a grilled panini to go. Next, satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of Kōri Ice Cream. Situated on the corner of a Bourke Street car park, Kōri specialises in Japanese flavours. Refresh your palate with Fuji apple or try the complex and indulgent miso banana caramel. Another car park corner spot is Code Black Coffee's sleek concept store on Flinders Lane. The 'Morning Bar' serves up an elevated brunch menu and experimental coffee cocktails.

Hawker-style food court

Tucked away in Chinatown, the three-level Paramount Centre is Melbourne's secret time capsule. Walk through the entrance below art deco signage and enter a maze of nostalgia. Of course, it wouldn't be Melbourne without access to delicious international flavours. Take the escalator down to the bottom level and find a myriad of authentic Asian cheap eats. Slurp up a warming bowl of boat noodles at Me Dee or stop by Asia Unique and share a set of mookata (Thai BBQ).

Melbourne's unofficial Japantown

Have you explored this slice of Japan in Melbourne? The Midcity Centre is a narrow arcade that connects Bourke Street and Chinatown. Here you'll find a cute collection of shops. A must-try is the fan favourite Hakata-style noodles of Mr Ramen San. These steaming hot bowls come with tender chashu pork submerged in a rich tonkotsu broth. For a big plate of crispy katsu, go to the experts at Katsuretsu Co. The pork cutlet is brined and cured for 48 hours then served with a generous heaping of fresh cabbage. One of the best grab n' go treats can be found at Royal Custard Puff. This one-man (and robot) operation sells custard-filled pastries in bags of 4 or 12.