🤩Melbourne Royal Arcade🤩An alternative experience⛲️⛲️⛲️
### **Royal Arcade, Melbourne**
**Royal Arcade** is the most iconic historical shopping arcade in Melbourne, Australia. Built in the 19th century, it is famous for its exquisite Victorian architecture and unique shops. It is one of Melbourne's must-visit retro landmarks.
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## **📌 Basic Information**
- **Address**: 335 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- **Opening hours**:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (some stores may be closed)
- **Year of Construction**: 1869-1870
- **Architectural Style**: Victorian arcade with Gothic Revival elements
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## **🏛️Arcade Features**
### **1. Landmark buildings and decorations**
- **Giant Bell (Gog and Magog)**:
There are two tall wooden giant statues at both ends of the arcade, which ring the bells every hour to tell the time, which is derived from British mythology.
- **Glass Dome & Mosaic Floor Tiles**:
Sunlight pours in through the glass roof, which, combined with vintage floor tiles, creates an elegant 19th-century atmosphere.
### **2. Featured Stores & Brands**
🛍️ **Hopetoun Tea Rooms** (relocated)
- Melbourne's most famous century-old afternoon tea shop, now moved to Block Arcade, but still worth a try.
🍫 **Koko Black**
- Australian high-end chocolate brand, hot chocolate and handmade truffle chocolate are recommended.
🔮 **Spellbox**
- A mysterious shop selling tarot cards, crystals, and divination supplies, full of fantasy style.
👗 **Vintage Clothing Shops**
- Multiple vintage clothing stores for vintage clothing and unique accessories.
### **3. Surrounding attractions**
- **Block Arcade**:
Another historic shopping gallery, just nearby, is even more ornate.
- **Bourke Street Mall**:
Melbourne's most prosperous shopping street is within walking distance.
- Chinatown:
Just a 5-minute walk from the arcade, you can enjoy Asian cuisine.
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## **🚆 Transportation**
- **Tram**:
- Take trams 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 or 72 to Bourke Street Mall stop.
- **train**:
- Get off at Melbourne Central Station or Parliament Station and walk for about 5-10 minutes.
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## **📸 Photo check-in point**
1. **Arcade Central Gallery**: The symmetrical arches and glass roof are perfect for taking photos.
2. **Below the Giant Clock**: Take a photo with the mythical statue.
3. **Retro shop windows**: Many small shops are exquisitely decorated and have a nostalgic feel.
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## **💡 Game Tips**
✅ **Best time**: There are fewer people in the morning or on weekdays, which is suitable for leisurely shopping.
✅ **Combination tour**: You can combine Block Arcade and Collins Street to explore Melbourne's historic districts.
✅ **Must-buy souvenirs**: handmade chocolates, vintage postcards, Australian local design items.
The Royal Arcade is Melbourne's "hidden gem" for visitors who love retro atmosphere, niche shopping and photography! 🎩✨