23 of the best Melbourne shopping spots for a haul to remember

Melbourne has it all if you’re looking for unique gifts, innovative fashion and fascinating homewares.

Melbourne shopping is a masterclass in variety. The amount of innovative local fashion labels, independent boutiques, op-shops, unique design stores and factory outlets make this great city one of the best places for any keen shopper visiting Australia.

The head-spinning amount of choice in and around Melbourne CBD is as diverse as the city’s love of high-end restaurants, breezy cafes, creative bars and fascinating museums.

Melbourne shopping centres are some of the biggest and best in Australia, and you don’t have to walk far to find a factory outlet Melbourne locals swear by. Then you’ve got some of the most diverse shopping streets in the country, often with high-end and mid-range sitting comfortably side-by-side.

Below, you’ll find some of our favourite places to go shopping in Melbourne.

The best shops in Melbourne

1. Savers, Moorabbin

Best for: A great selection of vintage and pre-loved fashion

Melbourne’s best op shops are usually smaller and more focused, but Savers in Moorabbin takes a different approach. This superstore is vintage heaven at the best of times, with great prices and a better range than most of the other Savers stores you’ll find in Melbourne. Take along your pre-loved goods and the staff will give you a discount to use instantly.

Address: Suite 4&5/430 Warrigal Rd, Heatherton

2. Brother of St Laurence, Brunswick

Best for: Eccentric and hard-to-find vintage clothing

If you ask locals what their favourite op shop in Melbourne is, the most likely answer is this hidden gem in Brunswick. Brother of St Laurence has all types of eccentric, stylish and unique clothing for men and women. You’ll find plenty to satisfy any vintage designer lust, plus a selection of hard-to-find vinyl, some furniture and a lot of pre-loved books.

Address: 109 Brunswick Rd, Brunswick

3. Sacred Heart Mission, Fitzroy

the shop exterior of Sacred Heart Mission, Fitzroy — Spot the quaint shop on Brunswick Street. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Some great op-shop treasures and retro art

You’ll find this Sacred Heart Mission on one of St Kilda’s most renowned streets. Head here for unique designer pieces, accessories and an impressive selection of retro art and cooking books, with stock replenished regularly.

If you can’t make it to the store in person, visit their online store. While it is a little pricier than shopping in its brick-and-mortar stores, it’ll save you from having to trawl through racks (though that is where a lot of the fun happens).

Address: 433 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

4. Il Papiro, CBD

a stationery store at Il Papiro, Melbourne — Pick up new writing materials at Il Papiro. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Premium stationery and design-forward writing accessories

Head along to Degraves Street to find the colourful Il Papiro , a stationery store and one of the most imaginative in Melbourne. Inside you’ll find a rich stock of leather-bound journals, boxes, inks, paper, Venetian glass pans, wax seals and stamps to prove the art of physical writing is far from dead. The staff import all their goods from Florence, so artisanal quality is guaranteed.

Address: 10 Degraves St, Melbourne

5. Fazeek, Fitzroy North

wine and cocktail glasses at Fazeek, Fitzroy North — Fazeek offers colourful wine and cocktail glasses. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Stocking up on interesting glassware and tableware

Wavy, colourful glassware that looks like nothing you’d find in any department store. Fazeek is the best shop in Melbourne if you want fascinating wine or cocktail glasses, or other unique tableware. Even if you don’t walk away with a new set for your next dinner party, the collections are so bright and attractive that window shopping at Fazeek is a popular local sport.

Address: 27-29 Best St, Fitzroy North

6. Third Drawer Down, Bulleen

items on display inside the Third Drawer Down, Bulleen — Shop for unique gifts and homewares at the Third Drawer Down. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Unique gifts and homewares for design lovers

Third Drawer Down is one of the most popular stores in Melbourne for unique gifts and homewares. The store, located within the Heide Museum of Modern Art (there used to be another in Prahran but it’s now closed), is a light-filled hub of high-quality design at affordable prices. Inside, you’ll find high thread-count linens, pillowcases, tea towels, fabric swatches, and even socks from local and international artists.

Address: 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen

7. Cibi, Collingwood

a Japanese homeware store at Cibi, Collingwood — Cibi is a must for those searching for Japanese homewares. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Artisanal ceramics and homewares with classic Japanese accents

One of Melbourne’s best cafes, Cibi , also doubles as a platform for beautiful Japanese-inspired design goods and homewares. Melbourne’s most ravenous hipsters could never get enough of this immaculate cafe and store, where the retail element is found up the back and stocks incredible ceramics, homewares and furniture.

Address: 33-39 Keele St, Collingwood

8. Lightly, Collingwood

a shop selling homewares at Lightly, Collingwood — Find boho-inspired homewares and locally made pottery. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Pieces from famous Melbourne designers made from natural materials

Lightly is another one of Collingwood’s most exciting homewares stores and an easy sell for any design lovers scouring Melbourne for unique pieces. The range you’ll find here is mostly made locally from natural materials, showcasing various Melbourne-based designers and owner Cindy-Lee Davis’ work.

Address: 3 Glasshouse Rd, Collingwood

9. Fenton & Fenton, Prahran

colourful homewares at Fenton & Fenton, Prahran — Fenton & Fenton sells chic and colourful homewares. (Image: Dave Kulesza)

Best for: Vibrant and colourful furniture and homeware

One of the most attractive shops on High Street is Fenton & Fenton , a Melbourne-based interiors label that was revived recently by investment from the Berkowitz Furniture group. Creative Director Lucy Fenton is still steering the ship, curating an incredible collection of vibrant furniture, linen, fashion, artwork, jewellery, rugs and even some taxidermy. Any homeowner in Melbourne makes this a regular stop.

Address: 471 High St, Prahran

10. dot COMME, CBD

Best for: High-end Japanese fashion

Great bars and up-and-coming bands aren’t the only reasons to head along to Melbourne’s heritage-listed Curtin House. Clothing retailer dot COMME is also a resident of the Palazzo-style building, showcasing high-end men’s and women’s fashion from the likes of Commes des Garcons, Issey Miyake, Junya Watanabe, Yohji Yamamoto and Bernhard Willhelm.

Address: Curtin House, Level 4/252 Swanston St, Melbourne

11. Hill of Content, CBD

the Hill of Content book shop Bourke street, Melbourne shopping — Score great reads for a good price. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jake Roden Photography)

Best for: Hard-to-find vintage books and new releases at affordable prices

Hill of Content is one for book lovers. Opened in the 1920s, this historic independent bookstore is a treasure trove of literature alongside new releases and best-selling fiction titles. There’s also a nice range of reading accessories and other gifts, keeping the magic of a physical book alive.

Address: Level 2/86 Bourke St, Melbourne

12. Torsa, Prahran

Best for: Big-name designers with a focus on innovative high-end fashion

Torsa is another one of Melbourne’s best fashion stores, stocking innovative designers like Isabel Marant, Boy by Band of Outsiders and Alexander Wang. The shop’s accessories are also showcased, matching the stunning quality of those big-name designers and presenting one-off pieces that’ll help you build your signature style.

Address: 497 High Street Prahran

13. Double Monk, Fitzroy

men's footwear at Double Monk, Fitzroy — Double Monk offers an array of luxury men’s footwear. (Image: Visit Victoria/Paul Philipson)

Best for: Artisanal menswear imported from Italy and the UK

Double Monk is another one of those great Melbourne menswear stores that have a large reach and a premium disposition. Luxury footwear is imported from (mostly) Italy and the UK, while there is also a huge range of local and international designers across clothing and accessories.

Address: 53 Smith St, Fitzroy

14. Clothing the Gaps, Brunswick

Best for: Art, design and clothing showcasing Indigenous makers and various techniques

As an Indigenous social enterprise, clothing label and social activist hub, Clothing the Gaps is one of the most important fixtures of Northcote now. Set on the lands of the Wurundjeri people, this store showcases a range of locally made goods from The Koorie Circle. Presenting more as a two-in-one shop where you can grab unisex streetwear, jewellery and other accessories.

Shopping centres

15. Emporium

two women walking outside a fashion boutique at the Emporium, Melbourne — Peruse the fashion boutiques at the Emporium. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robert Blackburn)

Best for: Casual fashion and games at Fortress Melbourne

QV Melbourne and Melbourne Central may both be friendlier on the wallet, but if you’re shopping in the heart of Melbourne you’ll want to head on over to Lonsdale Street.

Emporium Melbourne , opened in 2014, is a luxury shopping centre with plenty of clothing stores and design boutiques. Find big-ticket names like Calibre, Chanel, Aesop, Jac + Jack, MJ Bale, Michael Kors, RM Williams, Polo Ralph Lauren, Zimmermann and Veronika Maine.

Stocking up on the latest fashion trends is why locals would usually head straight for this five-floor shopping mecca, which has over 200 stores and plenty of nearby boutiques in the immediate area.

Address: 287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

16. Chadstone

the high ceiling of Chadstone, Melbourne shopping — Sleek, contemporary architecture meets luxury retail. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

Best for: Big designers, plenty of dining options and entertainment brands

Melbourne’s legendary shopping mecca. Chadstone is the largest shopping centre in Australia, and one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most comprehensive. With over 500 stores and a recent $70 million expansion, it’s hard to walk away from this impressive shopping hub without some major finds.

All the big-name designers are here. You’ll find Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Acne Studios, Adidas, an Apple Store, Balenciaga, Bang & Olufsen, Breitling, Cartier, Kenzo Paris and many other big names across just three floors of retail and entertainment space.

When you’re done shopping, The Social Quarter at Chadstone, one of the more recent expansions, also hosts Archie Brothers arcade, Strike Bowling and other entertainment brands. There’s a Hoyts as well, and multiple dining options – both casual and premium.

You can even stay at the attached hotel: Hotel Chadstone Melbourne – M Gallery .

Address: 1341 Dandenong Road, Malvern East

17. Block Arcade

the grand interior of Block Arcade, Melbourne shopping — The heritage-style Block Arcade is an architectural gem. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: Unique boutique stores, high-end jewellery and Melbourne’s famous tea rooms.

This heritage shopping arcade has plenty of character in the heart of Melbourne CBD. Not much has changed since it first opened in 1893, aside from the retailers themselves, which swapped designer names for artisanal boutiques and the famous Hopetoun Tea Rooms .

An architectural marvel and one of Melbourne’s most sightly tourist attractions, Block Arcade is best experienced with a guided walking tour. But if you just want to duck in and out, browse retailers including Haigh’s Chocolates, Basement Discs, Bell & Ross, Camper Shoes, Sol Alpaca and Mr Wares.

Family-owned jewellery shops like French Jewelbox are why the majority of locals would flock to Block Arcade. You can find incredible one-off pieces here.

Address: 282 Collins St, Melbourne

18. The Strand

the retail precinct at The Strand, Melbourne — The Strand features classic architecture and boutique stores. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: Historic architecture and a small variety of fashion and design shops.

Following a $20 redevelopment, The Strand Melbourne is easily one of the city’s flashiest and most exciting retail precincts. You’ll find this colourful collection of boutiques on Elizabeth Street, instantly recognisable from its row of colourful glass fins.

The diverse list of retailers takes a broad scope and you’ll find mid-range sitting next to high-end across mostly footwear, accessories and fashion – with a few cafes to break things up.

Acne Studios is also found here, for anyone who doesn’t want to trek out to Chadstone. As are Asics, Dinosaur Designs and Cos. It’s a small collection, but quality reigns over quantity.

Address: 250 Elizabeth St, Melbourne

19. Queen Victoria Market

the Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne — Pop by the Queen Victoria Market for artisan goods. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: Unique local retailers and artisans selling high-quality goods.

While Queen Victoria Market is usually best known for its food and drink options, there are still a fair few locally-minded shops spread across the controlled chaos. You’re guaranteed to come across some great vintage finds and unique gifts at this bustling set-up of stalls and shopfronts.

Some of our favourite retailers at Queen Victoria Market include Akuna Pearls with a range of freshwater pearls; Albert’s Knitwear with great knitted winter clothes; Aleppo Style with silk and cashmere scarfs; high-end footwear artisans B&S Footwear; leather goods specialist Italian House of Leather; and the Japanese-inspired Kiana Mei Designs.

Pro tip: Head along to Queen Vic as early as you can (it opens at 6 AM on Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday) to avoid the inevitable crowds.

Address: Queen St, Melbourne

Shopping streets

20. Chapel Street, South Yarra and Prahran

Best for: A long strip of Melbourne’s best shopping spanning two suburbs and plenty of variety.

As one of the most famous shopping streets in Melbourne, spanning a few suburbs, Chapel Street is a long, winding collection of some of the finest retailers, restaurants and cafes in Melbourne.

It’s advisable to start at the St Kilda end of Chapel Street and work your way up, as some of the best boutiques are located on that side of the strip. This includes the vintage-minded Shag with great prices and unique finds, the classically stylish Nique and local favourite FinerRings.

Inch on up and there’s another outlet from Dinosaur Designs, the vibrant Gorman, and the luxurious Scanlan Theodore.

21. Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Gertrude Street in Collingwood — This charming street has long been a treasure trove of unique fashion. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

Best for: Independent boutiques and hipster fashion

Running from Carlton Gardens through Fitzroy, Gertrude Street is emblematic of Melbourne’s trendy crowd, known for its hipster fashion, grungy bars and fantastic restaurants like Poodle Bar & Bistro.

Several independent stores of note lie across this strip, such as the treasure trove that is Cottage Industry with its knitted goods; The Standard Store with its curated collection of worldly fashion; Handsom with sophisticated menswear; the long-standing Signet Bureau with its upscale independent fashion; Rose Chong with its unique costumes and wild clothing; and About Space with unique lighting fixtures and other home decor.

22. Royal Arcade, CBD

the grand ceiling inside the Royal Arcade, Melbourne — The longest-standing arcade features vintage and fashion boutiques. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Royal Arcade is a heritage-listed arcade in the heart of Melbourne. It’s the longest-standing arcade in the country, wearing its history proudly with ornate details and old-world Italianate architectural details.

It’s the perfect frame for many one-of-a-kind retailers in Melbourne, curating local jewellers, vintage and fashion boutiques, as well as some great cafes to break things up.

Grab some fresh kicks from The Archive Store; find some unique goodies at Curiosity Merchants; dress for the occasion at Moku; satisfy your love of design at Paper Republic; and follow your nose straight to the iconic Santa Maria Novella. And if you’re an astrology enthusiast, make sure to pop by Spellbox for all types of mystical finds, including daily tarot reads and spiritual guidance.

Address: 335 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Factory outlet in Melbourne

23. DFO South Wharf

Best for: Great prices from some big labels next to the waterfront

As the most recognised of all the best fashion outlets in Melbourne, DFO South Wharf is still a wise stop if you’re looking for some new threads but don’t quite know what you want. The range here is incredible, stocking big names at great prices. You’ll surely score some great finds across the likes of Academy Brand, Adidas, Adairs and Adventure Megastore. It’s a mixed bag in here, which is why Melbourne locals always flock straight to DFO’s retail precinct before having a waterside feed.

Address: 20 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf

There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.

The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.

If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.

Where to stay

The Westin Melbourne

Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.

Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.

Where to eat and drink

1. Allegro

Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.

The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.

2. Lobby Lounge

the westin melbourne lobby lounge — Step into the Lobby Lounge.

Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge .

The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.

For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea . You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.

3. Other places to dine

diners at supernormal melbourne — There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet , the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.

Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.

Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.

While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.

Things to do

1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces

a bridge across yarra river — Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.

A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.

2. Browse the boutique galleries

two women looking at an exhibition in the national gallery of victoria — See the collections of NGV. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Independent art galleries are practically synonymous with Melbourne, and many of them are conveniently situated in the city centre. You can easily hop between Flinders Lane Gallery , Arc One Gallery , Outre Gallery , Caves Gallery , Gallery Funaki and D’Lan Contemporary , allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant art scene in a single day.

If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria . The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.

3. Catch some live music

live music at the cherry bar in melbourne — Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.

Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement , Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar , or larger ones, such as The Toff , Forum and Palais Theatre , for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.

4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG

three punters in big hats at the melbourne cricket ground — Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.

Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.

5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre

the inside steps of melbourne's regent theatre — Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.

Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.

Whatever draws you to Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne is at the centre of it all. Start preparing for an adventure at marriott.com.