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The Local Edit: Your Guide To Melbourne’s Bustling Flinders Lane Precinct
From strong specialty coffee to live music on your doorstep, Melbourne's Flinders Lane has culture in droves.
Created in Partnership With Hotel Indigo
The inner city of Melbourne is a grid-block full of world-class coffee, culture and gritty laneways. Walk just a few hundred metres down the street, and you’ll continuously find yourself discovering something new—whether it’s a hidden bar or a vintage store in a heritage-listed building.
In the heart of the Victorian capital sits the bustling central neighbourhood of Flinders Lane. Look a little closer, though, and you can find the best of the city.
Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders is for the curious traveller wanting to be located in the beating heart of Melbourne. The boutique accommodation is filled with nods to the glamorous and history-filled neighbourhood. The hotel’s chic styling is an ode to the legendary photographer Helmut Newton, who owned a studio on Flinders Lane in 1946. Find creative inspiration in your hotel room before immersing yourself in the culture-rich neighbourhood.
Here’s what to add to your culture-filled Flinders Lane itinerary.
Inner City Coffee
You can’t start a morning in Melbourne without coffee, and Flinders Lane has it in droves. Dukes Coffee House is an institution that serves strong specialty coffee. The hole-in-the-wall cafe has only a couple of seats available, but soak up the buzzing New York City-style atmosphere as you wait for a takeaway. Across the street is Elio’s Place. The new bistro opens day-to-night with a classic Melbourne cappuccino on offer for your early morning caffeine fix. Finally, Code Black Coffee (also located on Flinders Lane) is the place to head if you want to try some of Melbourne’s best brews (you can’t pass up the coffee negroni).
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Vintage Shopping
While the inner north suburbs of Fitzroy and Brunswick often get crowned the pinnacle of Melbourne’s vintage shopping, Flinders Lane is also a treasure trove of unique second-hand pieces. In the Nicholas Building (yes, the one from Courtney Barnett’s “Elevator Operator”), you’ll find Vintage Sole. Twenty years ago, Vintage Sole began by repairing and selling cowboy boots. Now, they have three stores across Melbourne that sell curated vintage pieces. On the first floor of the same building, you’ll also find RetroStar Vintage Clothing. It’s Australia’s largest vintage store, so you’re sure to find a fashionable souvenir.
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Live Music
Scout Melbourne’s inner streets after dark, and you may come across your favourite artist. Two of Melbourne’s premier music venues are located in the buzzing neighbourhood: The Forum and Max Watts. Since 1955, The Forum has been home to the best local and international artists. Its stage has seen the likes of Oasis, Tame Impala, Maggie Rogers, and next month, it’ll host Addison Rae for her first Australian performances.
On nearby Swanston Street, Max Watts is the venue to check out if you love seeing an artist “before they got big”. The underground-basement-style venue often hosts international acts on their first Australian tours, tribute shows and local indie bands. In 2026, artists including Blondshell, Infinity Song and Spite are all taking to the Max Watts stage, so book your tickets.
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Hidden Bars
Down famous laneways and behind unmarked doors, you’ll find Melbourne’s hidden bars. From moody jazz dens to cocktail caverns, the best of Melbourne’s inner city takes time to see.
At State of Grace, walk past the library and find the secret door to Fall From Grace, one of the city’s most unique cellar bars. On Flinders Lane, Dessous is a Thai restaurant and cocktail bar situated in the basement of the historic Richard Allen & Son building. Dessous blurs the line between a sultry speakeasy and a late-night, luxe dining experience. If whiskey is more your thing, Eau De Vie, located in between Flinders Lane and Exhibition Street, is a 1920s prohibition-inspired bar that’ll stick in your memory for a long time (no matter the type of night you have.) If you’re looking for a meal to go along with your tipple, consider Bistrot Bisou. Located on the New York end of Flinders Lane, Bistrot Bisou is a Melbourne twist on classic French cuisine. With a menu designed by acclaimed chef Luke Mangan, it’s an inner-city restaurant that’s perfect for a long lunch, an aperitif, or a date night.
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Heart of the Action
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Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders is truly situated in the heart of the action. With its character-filled interior designs and nods to the charming (yet gritty) inner city neighbourhood, the hotel is the perfect base for your late nights out. Enjoy the plush beds, city views, and rest and recharge before heading back out into Melbourne’s bustling Flinders Lane precinct.
Want to stay in the thick of it? Find out more about Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders here.
