Many of Melbourne’s most charming features come together along Collins Street, the city’s historic financial centre. As well as unrivalled shopping, dining and entertainment, people come here to admire some of the architectural jewels in Australia’s crown.
One of the best introductions to this fascinating heritage is to join one of the Melbourne Architours. These guided walking tours visit some of the principal buildings of interest and explain their diverse architectural styles, from proud Victorian civic buildings and glorious art deco hotels to modern office blocks.
Melbourne Town Hall, on the corner of Swanston and Collins streets, dates from 1870 and was designed by Joseph Reed, the local architect behind the State Library of Victoria and the Royal Exhibition Building. Nearby are three important centres of worship, representing the longstanding cornerstones of Melbourne’s religious life – Collins Street Baptist Church, St Michael’s Uniting Church and the Presbyterian Scots’ Church.
Another nostalgic reminder of historic Melbourne is the Hopetoun Tearooms, where you can indulge your sweet tooth with afternoon tea served in an atmosphere of old-world elegance. This upper end of Collins Street is known as the “Paris End” because of the preponderance of designer-label shops and luxury hotels. If Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Bulgari are out of your league, grab a table at one of the pavement cafes and watch a parade of beautiful people against a backdrop of equally beautiful buildings. It’s not hard to understand why visitors have been captivated by this charming corner of Melbourne for over a century.
Trams, which run the length of Collins Street, are the most efficient and cost-effective means of transport, as car parking in this area is expensive and in short supply.
Collins Street Tours and Activities
Visit Collins Street
Plan a trip to see Collins Street
Aussie Escape Apartments
Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2020
Tours & day trips
See all 408 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour
History & culture
See all 119 activitiesOpens in new tabMigrants Tour of Melbourne - Sydney Road
Adventure & outdoor
See all 45 activitiesOpens in new tabOutdoor Rock Climbing and Abseiling Tour
Classes & workshops
See all 25 activitiesOpens in new tabMelbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 22 activitiesOpens in new tabMelbourne: Hidden Alleyways, Ghosts and Best Instagram Spots
Popular places to visit
Immigration Museum
Visit this fascinating museum to learn about the harrowing and heroic stories of travellers who came to Victoria to make a home.
Rialto Towers
You can find out about the history of Melbourne when you stop by Rialto Towers. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.
Hardware Lane
Be spoiled for choice as you browse the restaurants and bars of this atmospheric dining district, hidden in a laneway in Melbourne’s CBD.
Flinders Lane
During your trip to Melbourne, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Flinders Lane. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
SEA LIFE Melbourne
Find out more about what goes on beneath the waves in one of Australia’s most impressive marine attractions.
Block Arcade
Browse fashion goods, sample creamy chocolate and relax with a tea in this elegant arcade, which remains one of Melbourne's finest historic and architectural landmarks.
Top Collins Street Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Collins Street
- Holidays and getaways similar to Collins Street
- Are there hotels near Collins Street?
- Hotels near popular Melbourne Attractions
- What kind of hotels are in Collins Street?
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins, an IHG Hotel
- Novotel Melbourne on Collins
- InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, an IHG Hotel
- Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne
- Crowne Plaza Melbourne, an IHG Hotel
- Dorsett Melbourne
- ibis Melbourne Central
- Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
- Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
- Grand Hyatt Melbourne
- Batman’s Hill on Collins
- Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street
- Hotels near Athenaeum
- Hotels near Crown Casino
- Hotels near Melbourne Central
- Hotels near Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Hotels near Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Hotels near Marvel Stadium
- Hotels near Queen Victoria Market
- Hotels near University of Melbourne
- Hotels near Rod Laver Arena
- Hotels near Bourke Street Mall
- Hotels near Aami Park
- Hotels near Monash University
- Hotels near Chadstone Shopping Mall
- Hotels near SEA LIFE Melbourne
- Hotels near Princess Theatre
- Hotels near Melbourne Zoo
- Hotels near Melbourne Museum
- Hotels near Flemington Racecourse
- Hotels near St Kilda Beach
- Hotels near Melbourne Arts Centre