Melbourne City has shopping to suit every taste and style. There are three major department stores, many fashion centers and designer boutiques in walkways, arcades and lanes. Shopping tours are popular, as are the flea markets for surprises galore and bargains. Here is a guide to Melbourne's major shopping areas.

Central Business District
Bound by Flinders, Spring, Latrobe and Queen Streets.

Bourke Street Mall
The Bourke Street Mall is located between Swanston Walk and Elizabeth Street and is a popular spot for street artists.. Features a wide selection of specialty fashion and gift shops, and major department stores like Myer and David Jones.

300 Lonsdale St
Australia's largest retail complex has over 170 specialty shops and the country's first international department store, Daimaru.

Collins Street
The 'Paris End' of Collins Street, east of Swanston Walk, is so named because of its exclusive fashion boutiques. International labels such as Versace, Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo are featured, along with Australian designs by Coogi.

260-270 Collins Street
An endless selection of gifts and housewares are available, along with a range of fashion boutiques, such as Country Road and Moschino.

234 Collins Street Centre
With clothing stores that feature such labels as Mollini, Esprit and Kookai, 234 Collins is regarded as the centre of young Australian and international fashion. The spectacular interior design, marble floors and etched panel works add further distinction to this innovative complex.

Southgate
On the banks of the Yarra River opposite Flinders Street Station, Southgate is in the heart of Melbourne's arts precinct. Innovative art, fashion and a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants. Arcades

The Block Arcade
282 Collins Street
An intricate mosaic floor leads shoppers through traditional tearooms, antique jewelry and designer fashion stores.

Royal Arcade
308 Little Collins Street
Australia's oldest retail arcade offers fine fashion, giftware and jewelry. More info

Howey Place
Young independent fashion designs are a feature of this arcade conveniently located behind the 234 Collins Street Centre.

Village Shopping
Vibrant shopping strips or 'villages' in Melbourne offer a unique shopping experience outside of the central business district.

Toorak Road, South Yarra
Take tram #8 from Swanston Walk.
Exclusive clothing and footwear boutiques make this area a must for the fashion conscious shopper. Established designer labels, and a range of stylish cafes and restaurants may be found in the area between Punt and Grange Roads.

Chapel Street, South Yarra
Chapel Street has been labeled as the fashion strip of Australia and between Dandenong Road and Toorak Road is where the most fashionable shops and shoppers may be found. From clothing and music, to cafes, bars and restaurants. From Swanston Walk, take tram #8 or #72, or a train to South Yarra Station on the Dandenong or Sandringham lines.

Bridge Road and Swan Street, Richmond
For Bridge Rd, take the #75 or the #48 tram from Flinders St, for Swan St, take the #70 tram in Batman Avenue.
This is where to find the best of Melbourne's designer factory outlets and seconds shops where garments are sold at bargain prices. Many of these stores feature the work of young, independent Australian designers.

Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
From Collins Street take tram #11 to stop 15.
An alternative street of designer clothes, bohemian boutiques and cafes and bars.

Sydney Road Brunswick
Sydney Road is the best place in Melbourne to shop in antique and second hand stores. More info

Lygon Street, Carlton
The home of mozzarella, caffe latte, pasta and all things Italian, includes gorgeous designer clothes, shoes and stylish gifts. From Swanston Walk take any 'University' tram to the end of the line and walk 200 metres or take tram#1 or 22 direct to Lygon Street.

Melbourne Markets
The best of Melbourne culture may be experienced by a visit to some of the many markets that the city has to offer.

Queen Victoria Market
Tele(03) 9320 5822
Market Days: Tue & Thurs 6am-2pm, Fri 6am-6pm,Sat 6am-3pm, Sun 9am-4pm.
From Elizabeth Street take any tram.Corner of Victoria and Elizabeth Streets Everything from fruit and vegetables, fresh produce and delicatessen goods to clothing, plants and pets are sold at this market which covers seven hectares (around 1000 traders) and is renowned as a gourmet paradise. Its origins date back to 1857 and many of its buildings have been classified by the National Trust. The Magical History Tour of the market explores 125 years of history and allows participants to meet vendors. More info

St Kilda Esplanade Art & Craft Market
Upper Esplanade, St Kilda
Open every Sunday 10am-5pm.
From Swanston Street take #15 or #16, from Bourke Street #96.
Unique handcrafted gifts are made and sold by stall holders along this beachfront esplanade. There are over 200 stalls.

The Sunday Market Victorian Arts Centre
100 St Kilda Road
Open every Sunday 10am-4pm.
Walk from Flinders Street Station across Princes Bridge.
Located in the heart of Melbourne's arts and culture precinct, this market features local artists and craftsmen who sell their own work.

Prahran Market
163-185 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Open Tuesday and Thursday 10am-5pm,
Friday 6am-6pm, Saturday 6am-1pm.
Take tram #8 or #72 to Chapel Street, or a train to South Yarra Station.With its fresh produce and wide range of delicatessen goods, this lively market is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is just a short walk from fashionable Chapel Street. New Deli section.

Shopping Spree Tours
Tele(03) 9596 6600
Fully escorted tours of Melbourne factories and warehouses including a 2 course restaurant lunch and sightseeing opportunities. Operates everyday except Sunday and public holidays. Departs 9am and returns at approximately 4.30pm. Central city hotel pickups. More info

Melbourne Ambassadors Specialist Shopping Tour
Tele(03) 9639 4044
Various retail and fashion areas are explored in this fully guided tour, including the Como Gaslight Gardens in South Yarra, Bridge Road, Richmond and Chadstone Shopping Centre. Melbourne Central and Daimaru can also be included in the itinerary and lunch is included in the cost. The tour runs from9.30am-4.30pm with departures arranged by appointment.