The Block Arcade is one of Melbourne’s oldest shopping arcades, built in 1893 it is still considered one of the finest surviving shopping arcades in the world. Today, the Block is one of Melbourne’s biggest tourist attractions.
The Arcade itself is a host to a variety of boutique businesses, ranging from fancy chocolates, watch stores, and vintage tailors. Inside the Arcade is also a Dr Seuss Museum, dedicated to his art and writings, as well as a small statue of his famous character “The Cat in the Hat” out front.
Further inside you can find the famous Tea Rooms, originally opening in 1892, the Tea Rooms are some of the oldest surviving in Australia. Kept in near-original style, with colorful wallpaper and most of the original signage, entering the Tea Rooms is like stepping back in time. Tourists often use the pastry display window as a photo opportunity, with many passersby taking the opportunity to snap a quick photograph of the freshly made pastry.
