Degraves Street, Melbourne - a group of people walking down a street next to tall buildings
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Degraves Street Melbourne

4.6
·491k reviews·Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne's iconic laneway, buzzing with street art, cafes, and unique shops. A must-visit for an authentic city experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, great coffee

CrowdLow
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Degraves Street, Melbourne - a group of people walking down a street next to tall buildings

Degraves Street Melbourne

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, great coffee

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Melbourne's iconic laneway, buzzing with street art, cafes, and unique shops. A must-visit for an authentic city experience.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"It's like stepping into another world, a vibrant outdoor gallery of art, food, and culture."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Know Your Laneways

Degraves Street and Centre Place are distinct but often visited together. Explore both for the full experience!

☕ Coffee Culture Hub

Melbourne's coffee scene thrives here. Try a 'magic' coffee for a true local experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Confectionist Bakery

The Confectionist Bakery

5 Degraves St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Indulge in decadent, loaded cookies and creative cookie sundaes. A must-visit for sweet tooths!

Campbell Arcade

Campbell Arcade

Flinders Street Station

Discover this retro gem with its iconic pink tiles, a vibrant shortcut connecting Flinders Street Station.

Street Art Exploration

Street Art Exploration

Various laneways

Wander through a vibrant outdoor gallery of ever-changing street art and murals.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Melbourne's Laneways

Degraves Street and its neighbors are iconic Melbourne experiences, but can be confusing. Remember, Degraves Street is distinct from Centre Place, though they're often visited together. Expect narrow, bustling spaces perfect for exploring on foot.

Timing is Everything

While vibrant, these laneways can get crowded, especially during peak meal times. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience and better photo opportunities. Weekday mornings or late afternoons are often ideal.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, great coffee
Crowd
Low
When
Late weekday afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend lunchtimes
Why
Bustling atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Melbourne! We’re here to cure those cookie cravings 🍪 #melbournecookies #cookiesinmelbourne #degravesstreet #cookiescbd
@theconfectionistbakery
40.2K likes • 575.4K views

🎯 Know Your Laneways

Degraves Street and Centre Place are distinct but often visited together. Explore both for the full experience! Reddit

☕ Coffee Culture Hub

Melbourne's coffee scene thrives here. Try a 'magic' coffee for a true local experience. Reddit

Dis you know about this super cool laneway? #melbourne #melbourneaustralia #tiktokaustralia #laneway #hiddengems #fyp #funfactswithkimmie
@kimmconn
34.5K likes • 347.4K views
✨ Wandering through Melbourne’s laneways feels like stepping into a hidden world 🌏🎨 Every turn reveals something new — vibrant street art splashed across brick walls, quirky cafes tucked into corners, boutique shops with local treasures, and the buzz of live music drifting through the air. 🎶☕ These narrow alleys are the heart of Melbourne’s urban soul, where creativity, culture, and community co...
qulturequesttoursmelbourne
348 likes • 0 views

🍪 Sweet Treats Galore

Don't miss The Confectionist Bakery for incredible cookies and sundaes! TikTokInstagram

🎨 Street Art Surprise

Keep an eye out for vibrant street art around every corner. It's a dynamic outdoor gallery! Instagram

The Confectionist, Melb CBD ✨ When I say these cookies are next level, I mean soft, gooey, and absolutely irresistible. Zero regrets, maximum sugar happiness. We tried: 🎂 Biscoff Birthday Cake 🍪 Cookies & Cream 🍫 Nutella S’mores 🍩 Wagon Wheel 🍪 Classic Choc Chip 🍦 Biscoff Bomb Sundae 💼 Louis Vuitton Sugar Cookie If you haven’t grabbed a warm cookie or a cookie Sundae from The Confectionist on...
eatwithalexmelbourne
211 likes • 5.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Know Your Laneways

Degraves Street and Centre Place are distinct but often visited together. Explore both for the full experience! Reddit

☕ Coffee Culture Hub

Melbourne's coffee scene thrives here. Try a 'magic' coffee for a true local experience. Reddit

🍪 Sweet Treats Galore

Don't miss The Confectionist Bakery for incredible cookies and sundaes! TikTokInstagram

🎨 Street Art Surprise

Keep an eye out for vibrant street art around every corner. It's a dynamic outdoor gallery! Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Exploration

These laneways are best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes for wandering! TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Degraves Street is a beloved Melbourne icon, celebrated for its vibrant street art, bustling cafes, and unique atmosphere. While some find the dining options a bit dated, its charm as a hub for coffee culture and exploration remains strong. Visitors love the immersive laneway experience and the constant visual surprises.

What People Like

Vibrant street art
Iconic laneway atmosphere
Great coffee culture

What People Dislike

Mixed dining quality
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Degraves Street is easily accessible from Flinders Street Station. Simply exit the station and turn left, then take the first left again. It's a short walk into the laneway. TikTok Many visitors also access nearby Centre Place from here. Reddit

Yes, Degraves Street is very well-served by public transport. Flinders Street Station is right on its doorstep, with numerous tram routes also stopping nearby. TikTok

Driving directly into Degraves Street is not recommended due to its narrow, pedestrian-focused nature. Parking in the CBD can be expensive and difficult. It's best to use public transport or walk. Reddit

The best way to explore is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to wander through narrow passages. Consider visiting Campbell Arcade for a unique perspective. TikTokInstagram

While there are car parks in the CBD, they can be costly. The closest and most convenient option is to use public transport and walk to Degraves Street. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Degraves Street and its surrounding laneways are public spaces and do not require tickets for entry. You can explore them freely. TikTok

The laneways themselves are always accessible. However, individual cafes and shops have their own operating hours, typically from morning to late afternoon or early evening. TikTok

The street art is part of the public laneways, so there are no entry fees to view it. It's a free, open-air art gallery. Instagram

Yes, Campbell Arcade, located within Flinders Street Station and connecting to Degraves Street, has reopened after renovations. TikTokInstagram

While the laneways are technically accessible, many of the cafes and shops will be closed at night. The atmosphere changes significantly after dark. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Degraves Street is known for its cafes. While some reviews suggest it can be 'daggy' or 'generic', it remains a popular spot for coffee. For a standout sweet treat, The Confectionist Bakery is highly recommended. TikTokInstagramReddit

Reviews for restaurants directly on Degraves Street are mixed, with some suggesting it has 'coasted on rep for years'. For highly-rated dining nearby, consider Rice Paper Scissors or The Grain Store off Flinders Lane. Reddit

You'll find a variety of casual eateries, cafes, and bakeries. Popular options include coffee, brunch items, and sweet treats like cookies from The Confectionist Bakery. TikTok

Degraves Street and its surrounding laneways are famous for brunch. Expect bustling cafes with a wide range of breakfast and lunch options. TikTok

While some find Degraves pricey, one Reddit user mentioned the B3 Bakery in Centre Place offering a delicious tandoori chicken roll for around $5. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The vibrant street art, the unique shopfronts, and the bustling atmosphere make for great photos. Campbell Arcade's pink tiles are also a popular subject. Instagram+1

Late weekday afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, making the laneways look magical. Weekday mornings are less crowded, allowing for clearer shots. Instagram

Generally, casual photography for personal use is fine. However, be mindful of patrons and staff in cafes and shops, and avoid intrusive photography. Instagram

The street art is constantly evolving, with new pieces appearing regularly. It adds a dynamic and colorful layer to the urban landscape. TikTokInstagram

Yes, you can take photos of the delicious cookies and the bakery's interior. It's a very photogenic spot! Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Degraves Street and its surrounding laneways can be a fun adventure for families, offering a sensory experience with colorful street art and unique shops. The Confectionist Bakery is a guaranteed hit with kids, offering delicious cookies and ice cream. TikTokInstagram+1 While the narrowness might require extra supervision, the vibrant atmosphere and the chance to see ever-changing street art can be very engaging for children. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid overwhelming crowds. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

While some cafes on Degraves Street can be pricey, there are budget-friendly options. Keep an eye out for cafes offering good value coffee and pastries. One Reddit tip highlighted a delicious and affordable tandoori chicken roll from B3 Bakery in nearby Centre Place for around $5. Reddit Exploring the free street art is also a fantastic way to enjoy the area without spending money. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Degraves Street is a photographer's dream, offering a wealth of visual interest. Focus on capturing the vibrant street art, the unique architectural details of the laneways, and the bustling cafe scenes. Instagram Campbell Arcade with its distinctive pink tiles is a must-shoot location. Instagram Aim for late afternoon for the best light, or early mornings to capture the laneways with fewer people. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Melbourne's Laneway Culture

Degraves Street, along with its adjacent laneways like Centre Place, is the quintessential Melbourne laneway experience. These narrow, often bustling arteries are where the city's creative spirit truly shines. Unlike grand boulevards, these intimate spaces are packed with character, from quirky cafes and independent boutiques to vibrant street art that transforms brick walls into ever-changing canvases. Instagram Visitors often describe stepping into these laneways as entering 'another world,' a welcome escape from the city's wider streets. Reddit

While some long-time residents and online discussions suggest Degraves Street itself might be 'daggy' or 'generic' compared to its past glory, its charm persists. Reddit The area is a testament to Melbourne's unique urban fabric, a place where you can grab a world-class coffee, discover hidden culinary gems, and soak in an atmosphere that's distinctly Melburnian. The proximity to Flinders Street Station makes it an incredibly accessible and popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to experience the city's iconic laneway culture. TikTok+1

It's important to note the distinction between Degraves Street and Centre Place, as they are separate but interconnected. Both offer unique vibes, with Centre Place often cited as a personal favorite by many for its distinct atmosphere. Reddit Exploring these interconnected spaces is key to understanding the appeal of Melbourne's famed laneways, offering a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and tastes.

A Culinary Journey Through the Lanes

Melbourne's laneways are a foodie's paradise, and Degraves Street is no exception, though opinions on its dining scene can be divided. For those with a sweet tooth, The Confectionist Bakery is a standout, drawing crowds with its incredibly popular loaded cookies and creative sundaes. TikTokInstagram+1 Their Nutella S'mores and Biscoff Birthday Cake cookies are frequently mentioned as must-tries. TikTokInstagram

When it comes to coffee, the laneways are a hub for Melbourne's renowned cafe culture. While some Reddit users feel Degraves Street cafes have become a bit 'generic,' the quality of coffee is generally high, and it's a great place to try a 'magic,' a uniquely Melbourne coffee creation. Reddit For those seeking more diverse culinary experiences, venturing slightly off Degraves Street into adjacent lanes or nearby Flinders Lane can yield excellent results. Rice Paper Scissors is often recommended for its incredible Asian-inspired dishes, and The Grain Store and Hardware Societe are popular brunch spots, though they can get very busy. Reddit

Despite some mixed reviews about the quality of food directly on Degraves Street, the sheer variety and the vibrant atmosphere make it a compelling dining destination. It's a place where you can easily spend hours hopping between cafes, bakeries, and small eateries, discovering new flavors and enjoying the lively streetscape. TikTok

The Art of the Laneway: Street Art and Hidden Gems

Melbourne's laneways are essentially an open-air art gallery, and Degraves Street is a prime example. The walls are adorned with vibrant, ever-changing street art, from intricate murals to bold graffiti. Instagram This dynamic art scene is a major drawcard, offering a visual feast for visitors and a constant source of surprise as new pieces appear. TikTok

Beyond the street art, the laneways themselves are hidden gems. Campbell Arcade, a retro-style underpass within Flinders Street Station, offers a unique visual experience with its iconic pink tiles and quirky shopfronts. TikTokInstagram It serves as a functional shortcut but also a charming detour. Exploring these interconnected spaces, including the nearby Centre Place, reveals a different side of Melbourne, one that's intimate, creative, and full of character. TikTokReddit Many visitors find these laneways feel like stepping into another world, a stark contrast to the city's more conventional streets. Instagram

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