Royal Arcade is the city’s oldest and was built in 1870. You’ll find boutiques, cafes and vintage stores.

A noteworthy feature is the 7-foot clock and statues that frame it at the Little Collins Street entrance. The statues strike the chime each hour and represent characters in a mythological battle between the ancient Britons and Trojans.

The statues were modelled on similar figures that watch over Guildhall in London. The mythical giants represent Gog and Magog who were captured by the Trojans and forced to serve as porters at the gateway of an ancient palace on a site later occupied by the Guildhall. The clock and statues were added about 20 years after the arcade opened by Thomas Gaunt, a jeweller and clockmaker who had a shop in the arcade.

Exit Royal Arcade onto Bourke Street. Turn left and continue several streets to Hardware Lane.