The Royal Arcade
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Royal Arcade Melbourne

4.4
·5k reviews·Melbourne, Australia

A stunning 19th-century Italianate arcade in Melbourne's CBD, featuring ornate architecture, unique boutiques, and the historic Gog and Magog clock.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful ambiance

CrowdLow
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The Royal Arcade

Royal Arcade Melbourne

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful ambiance

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning 19th-century Italianate arcade in Melbourne's CBD, featuring ornate architecture, unique boutiques, and the historic Gog and Magog clock.

4.4
(5k reviews)

"Absolutely stunning architecture, a must do if in cbd area, so much ornate features you will be blown away with boutique shops throughout."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Admire the Clock

Don't miss the Gog and Magog clock striking the hour – a truly unique historical spectacle! :clock1:

🛍️ Boutique Browsing

Explore the diverse range of independent shops, from jewellers to perfumeries, for unique finds. :shopping_bags:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 4,695 reviews

Type

Shopping Mall

♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gog and Magog Clock

Gog and Magog Clock

Center of the arcade

Witness these historic 1867 figures strike the hour, a captivating mechanical marvel that has impressed visitors for generations.

Reddit
Italianate Architecture

Italianate Architecture

Throughout the arcade

Marvel at the ornate tessellated tiles, grand archways, and intricate mosaic floors that create a timeless, elegant atmosphere.

Reddit
La Belle Miette

La Belle Miette

Within the arcade

Indulge in exquisite macarons and pastries from this charming patisserie, a sweet highlight for many visitors.

Instagram
Santa Maria Novella

Santa Maria Novella

Within the arcade

Discover this historic Italian perfumery, offering a unique sensory experience with its artisanal fragrances.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit during off-peak hours to truly appreciate the intricate details of the Royal Arcade. Weekday mornings or late afternoons offer a more serene experience, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere without the weekend crowds. TikTok

A Feast for the Eyes (and Stomach!)

Beyond its stunning architecture, the Royal Arcade houses unique boutiques and delightful eateries. Plan to explore the shops and perhaps indulge in a sweet treat or a coffee break to fully experience its charm. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful ambiance
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
On the hour
Why
See Gog and Magog strike
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

FREE things to do in Melbourne with my friend @whereiskapa 🫶🇦🇺🐨 📍Explore our iconic laneways 🚶‍♂️ 📍Walk around Royal Botanic Gardens 🌸 📍See the free exhibitions at National Gallery of Victoria 🖼️ 📍Window shopping at Royal Arcade and Block Arcade 🛍️ 📍Read or study at the State Library of Victoria 📚 📍Get around for free in the CBD on the City Circle Tram (#35) 🚃 📍See the conservatory and tiny Tudor ...
@biancainmelbourne
42.8K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Admire the Clock

Don't miss the Gog and Magog clock striking the hour – a truly unique historical spectacle! Reddit :clock1:

🛍️ Boutique Browsing

Explore the diverse range of independent shops, from jewellers to perfumeries, for unique finds. Reddit :shopping_bags:

Standing outside my new favourite perfumery. Santa Maria Novella✨
wolfsbayn
169 likes • 0 views
📍la belle miette ————————————————————————————— 🍬 rose macaron [⭐️] 🍬 strawberry basque cheesecake macaron [⭐️] 🍬 pistachio macaron [⭐️] 🍬 fleur de sel caramel macaron 🍬 earl grey chocolate macaron 🍬 creme brûlée macaron [⭐️] ; how beautiful are these macarons? in the middle of royal arcade there’s this cute tiny shop that sells amazing macarons. it was so soft and the fillings in the middle made...
forthetumtum
151 likes • 772 views

🍰 Sweet Treats

Indulge in delicious macarons from La Belle Miette for a delightful culinary experience. Instagram 🍨

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the stunning architecture and ornate details – it's a photographer's dream! TikTok :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

Who maintains the Gog and Magog clock in Royal Arcade?

If you walk through Royal Arcade often, you'll be familiar with the Gog and Magog clock where two large bearded men strike bells with their hands on the hour. I'd assumed they were 1960s or 1970s reproductions, but recently I found out they're from 1867! Something I often…

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Admire the Clock

Don't miss the Gog and Magog clock striking the hour – a truly unique historical spectacle! Reddit :clock1:

🛍️ Boutique Browsing

Explore the diverse range of independent shops, from jewellers to perfumeries, for unique finds. Reddit :shopping_bags:

🍰 Sweet Treats

Indulge in delicious macarons from La Belle Miette for a delightful culinary experience. Instagram 🍨

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the stunning architecture and ornate details – it's a photographer's dream! TikTok :camerawithflash:

☕ Coffee Break

Enjoy a coffee or tea in one of the charming cafes and soak in the arcade's ambiance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Royal Arcade for its breathtaking 19th-century architecture and the charming, unique boutiques it houses. Many highlight the Gog and Magog clock as a must-see historical feature and enjoy the delightful culinary offerings, particularly the macarons. While some note its resemblance to other arcades, its preserved elegance and serene atmosphere make it a beloved Melbourne gem.

"Absolutely stunning architecture, a must do if in cbd area, so much ornate features you will be blown away with boutique shops throughout
Dollow people like me as we make the effort to present amazing places around the world for you to evaluate"

Rob the Nomad

"This is a very cool little shopping space in Melbourne. I highly recommend checking it out! We stopped and had coffee in one of the cafe’s and purchased some souvenir gifts for family. It was a nice escape from the rain!"

Christopher Leach

"Fantastic period arcade with individual merchants each with stunning window shows. Would highly recommend a walk through to learn regarding some of the ancient history things, that’s the beautiful, and even u can enjoy coffee also there."

Sahil Khanmotra

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Unique boutique shops
Gog and Magog clock

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Similar to Block Arcade

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Royal Arcade is conveniently located in the Melbourne CBD, easily accessible by public transport. You can take trams along Bourke Street or Swanston Street, and it's a short walk from Flinders Street Station. Many visitors also use the free City Circle Tram (Route 35) which stops nearby. TikTok

While there isn't direct parking within the arcade, several multi-story car parks are available in the surrounding CBD area, such as Melbourne Central or Secure Parking. Walking from these car parks is usually quite short. Reddit

Yes, the Royal Arcade is centrally located and within walking distance of many other popular Melbourne attractions like the Block Arcade, Hosier Lane, and the State Library of Victoria. TikTok

For a free and scenic way to get around the CBD, hop on the City Circle Tram (Route 35). It circles many key attractions, including those near the Royal Arcade. TikTok

The closest major train station is Flinders Street Station, which is a pleasant 5-10 minute walk to the Royal Arcade. From there, you can easily navigate to the arcade. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Royal Arcade is completely free. You can wander through its beautiful architecture and browse the shops without any admission fee. TikTok

The arcade itself is generally open daily, with shops typically operating from around 10 AM to 6 PM. However, individual shop hours can vary, so it's best to check specific retailers if you have a particular store in mind. Reddit

The Gog and Magog clock is a permanent fixture within the Royal Arcade and can be viewed freely by all visitors. There is no separate charge to see it. Reddit

The Royal Arcade is usually open on public holidays, but individual shop hours may differ. It's advisable to check the specific opening times of the shops you wish to visit beforehand. Reddit

No booking requirements are necessary for general entry to the Royal Arcade. It's a public space designed for exploration and enjoyment. TikTok

🍽️ 🛍️ Shops & Dining

The Royal Arcade features a charming mix of independent boutiques, including jewellers, gift shops, perfumeries like Santa Maria Novella, and the delightful patisserie La Belle Miette. InstagramReddit+1

There are several cafes within the Royal Arcade where you can enjoy coffee, tea, and light refreshments. La Belle Miette is also a popular spot for delicious pastries and macarons. InstagramReddit

While the arcade has various gift and novelty stores, a dedicated toy shop isn't a prominent feature. However, you might find unique toys or games in some of the general gift stores. Reddit

The renowned perfumery located in the Royal Arcade is Santa Maria Novella, an historic Italian brand offering artisanal fragrances and skincare. Instagram

Absolutely! The boutique nature of the shops in Royal Arcade makes it an excellent place to find unique souvenirs, from handcrafted jewelry to specialty food items. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & History

Yes, photography is generally allowed in the Royal Arcade. Its stunning architecture provides a beautiful backdrop, but be mindful of other visitors and shop displays. TikTok

The Gog and Magog clock dates back to 1867 and was originally built by clockmaker Thomas Gaunt. It's a significant historical artifact within the arcade. Reddit

The Royal Arcade is celebrated for its beautiful Italianate-style architecture, featuring intricate tessellated tile floors, grand archways, and a stunning glass roof, all preserved from the 19th century. Reddit

Yes, the Royal Arcade is a heritage-listed building, recognized for its historical and architectural significance to Melbourne. Reddit

While there aren't official guided tours specifically for the Royal Arcade, many CBD walking tours include it as a stop. You can also explore its history through online resources or by reading the information provided within the arcade. Reddit

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