Romantic Antique Hotels, Princess Theatre – 4 Must-Visit Spots for Elegant Aristocrats in Melbourne

▲Spring sunshine in Melbourne is just perfect. (Photo / Provided by Tourism Victoria, Australia, the same applies below)

Reporter Chen Hanyin / Comprehensive report

When Taiwan is gradually feeling the autumn chill, spring in Melbourne is just beginning. The romantic atmosphere of spring has filled the entire city of Melbourne. Spring Street is an unmissable must-visit attraction. This ancient street located in the Melbourne CBD area intersects with Collins Street and Bourke Street. It is lined with distinctive cafes and small eateries interspersed among Victorian-era buildings. If you want to experience an elegant aristocratic vibe, this is definitely the place to come.

1. 《The City Wine Shop》 – A bar that opens at 7 AM
Address: 159 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Business hours: 7 AM to midnight

▲A well-known local pub where you can taste flavors exclusive to the nobility.

Operating from early morning until midnight, 《The City Wine Shop》 is not only a wine retail store but also a highly popular Italian-style lounge. Push open the wooden door and you’ll be greeted by a refreshingly simple British-style layout. Neatly arranged wine racks hold premium wines from different parts of the world. Pick out some European snacks that suit your taste from the shop, and pair them with a glass of wine recommended by a professional sommelier. Spring is meant to be enjoyed leisurely.

2. 《Old Treasury Building》 – A cultural building surrounded by greenery
Address: 20 Spring Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Business hours: 10 AM to 4 PM

▲The majestic exterior tells a story of elegant history.

The Old Treasury Building was born during the gold rush era and is considered one of Australia’s finest public buildings. With its grand palace-like architecture, the Old Treasury Building was restored in 1994 and opened to the public as a museum. The museum houses three permanent exhibitions that showcase the historical moments witnessed by this ancient building in various forms. The adjacent Treasury Gardens are lush with greenery, making it hard to resist stepping into the spring scenery.

《Treasury Gardens》
Address: 2-18 Spring Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002

3. 《The Hotel Windsor》 – Romantic afternoon tea at an antique hotel
Address: 111 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Afternoon tea service hours: Mon–Tue 12:00–14:00; Wed–Fri 12:00–14:00 & 14:30–16:30; Sat–Sun 12:00–14:00 & 15:00–17:00 

▲Enjoy a ladylike afternoon tea at a vintage five-star hotel.

Cross the street, and on the other side of Spring Street is the famous Melbourne five-star hotel 《The Hotel Windsor》. This antique hotel, built in the 19th century, is so photogenic inside and out that it could easily grace the cover of a magazine. Its irreplaceable classical style blends seamlessly with modern elements, and even the British royal family and celebrities are particularly fond of it. The afternoon tea here is legendary — the hotel has been serving afternoon tea since 1883. Sit in the Victorian-style dining room and enjoy a lazy, aristocratic afternoon.

4. 《Princess Theatre》 – Elegant lifestyle at an ancient theater
Address: 163 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

▲Princess Theatre is one of Melbourne’s most dazzling landmarks.

It is the oldest continuously operating theater in Australia and also the first building in the country to have a retractable roof. Built in 1854, Princess Theatre boasts a magnificent and spectacular exterior and can accommodate approximately 1,500 spectators. This opulent palace has hosted Victoria’s longest-running musicals. Watching a splendid opera in this antique theater allows you to experience life like nobility.