Besides being covered in the street art that is synonymous with Melbourne, the laneways also lead to some of the city’s best cafes, shops and restaurants, and are always worth taking time to explore.

Gertrude Street is in the inner northern suburb of Fitzroy, Melbourne. In just one strip, you'll find bars, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, vintage wares, costume hire and old-school pubs. It's an inspiring, quiet and interesting experience just out of the city centre. Overall a great place to spend the day.

The Chapel Street Bazaar is a vintage wonderland. Over 70 stalls densely packed with finely selected vintage treasures. Full of everything you really want and nothing you really need. It’s a great place to take a stroll back through time and for gathering inspiration.

The Vodka Bar is a surprising spot for a good coffee during the day. But when the sun goes down, it transforms into a place where pierogi and absinthe are plentiful.

Melbourne is one of the coffee capitals of the world so the standard is very high. There are heaps of good cafes around, but sitting on top of the pile is at Brother Baba Budan. Specialists in single origin coffee from quality international coffee beans. When ever I’m in the city, this is where I get my caffeine fix. Usually it’s a smooth silky Caffe latte that goes down way too easily. The quirky ceiling made from chairs is worth a look too.