Whatever your shopping desires, it’s a good idea to do some pre-trip planning. If you’re just in the city for a weekend, make up a rough itinerary based on the type of shopping you’re thinking about and check Melbourne hotels for those which are convenient to your plans. Make sure you leave plenty of room in your suitcase, or bring an empty one! You’ll find plenty of information online about Melbourne accommodation and retail precincts; you’ll even find suggested shopping itineraries.
Melbourne Shopping Tours
If you’re new to Melbourne, check out the shopping tours available. You can select your tour from a range of preferences depending on whether you’re looking for factory warehouses, high fashion or vintage. Tours include options like a stay in hotels in Melbourne CBD, lunch and a guide.
Melbourne Designer Shopping
Melbourne is home to some of the country’s best fashion designers, from well-known names through to cutting edge newcomers. For high fashion, head to Collins Street for chic designer shopping, exclusive Melbourne hotels and beauty salons. If your credit card can’t take the heat, head a little further west to Swanston Street where you’ll find retail centres bustling with designer chain stores. Or, head over to South Wharf to the DFO Shopping Centre for designer wear at discounted prices.
Melbourne Vintage Shopping
Delightful vintage shops are scattered all over Melbourne and these hidden treasures offer up classic fashion, fabric, furniture and more. Brunswick Street Fitzroy is a good place to start, with an eclectic mixture of shops from high fashion vintage to junky gems spilling onto the pavement. Fitzroy is also home to galleries, quirky bars and excellent Melbourne accommodation.
Chapel Street Precinct
A shopping trip to Melbourne isn’t complete without a trip to Chapel Street. You can easily spend a couple of days shopping here; whether you’re looking for clothing, accessories or art galleries, the street is jam-packed with retailers of every style. Chapel Street’s diverse neighbourhoods offer fantastic cafes and nightlife and of course some of the best Melbourne CBD hotels.
For international fashion, vintage items and furniture, head to the Windsor Quarter. Try Prahran for a bohemian flavour, containing fashion emporiums, galleries and markets. Greville Village is a great neighbourhood for a wander, with its hub of independent designers, second-hand books, records and so much more. Down the South Yarra end, don’t miss the historic Jam Factory building, now a modern shopping complex with retailers and cinemas. Best CBD UK