The Strand Arcade, Sydney

The Strand has something for everyone. Tourists and locals will find something they need or want if they browse the entire arcade. There's a great buzz in this wonderfully maintained Victorian retail arcade. You'll find everything from jewelry to coffee to clothing on the ground floor. If you need a shoeshine, this is one of only 2 places in Sydney I am aware of that offer a proper shoe service. The 1st level offers all kinds of Australian women's designer clothes. The 2nd level, anchored by a nice restaurant at each end, offers custom men's tailoring and the best men's shoes in Sydney, Double Monk. It's hard to leave the Strand without something in your hands.

Good chocolates at Haigh's on George St. God staff at JB downstairs. Shoe shine never as good as it should be as too dark for them to see what they are doing. Once polished my brown boots black and then the black pair, brand new, very patchy job. Good places to eat and worth exploring for a taste of old style arcade shopping.

Very pretty with a few nice cafes and special shops. More up market. Especially good on rainy days because it's got a roof over it.

Polished colourful little flooring tiles bring you around the most elegant and ancient shopping arcade in town. Selective nieche shops have their showcase here. Chilled and sophisticated ambience for expensive purchases.

Lots of history within this building. This is another must visit in Sydney CBD. They kept this building well from the tile floors, to interesting staircases, to the roofs and ceilings. Not joking, go and visit the restroom in here, just to appreciate this building. Upper levels appears to be quiet which is very relaxing for shoppers. Downstairs cafes are great catch up places with friends. Atmosphere is good in here around Christmas time.