Strand Arcade, Sydney

This place is worth seeking out just to see it as it is visually very pleasing.
The shoppes line each side of a covered walkway with little cafes in the center. It's a lovely place to sit, enjoy a light meal, and people watch..not to mention shopping!

Constructed in 1892, the Strand Arcade is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture on a grand scale. Operating as a shopping venue since its construction, the Strand houses the collections of many of Australia's leading designers. Being from the States I was not familiar with many of the names, but it didn’t stop me from being smitten with their unique styles. On the ground floor of the building there is a large duty-free store. Numerous beauty salons, jewelers, antique shops, and cafes round out the shopping experience.

What to buy: Local designer clothing. Jewelry.

The Victorian built Strand Arcade first opened in 1892 and is one of the most elegant buildings in Sydney. It was named after the famous London Street that links the city of London and the city of Westminster.

Today it is a stylish city landmark and is home to some of Sydney’s most fashionable and original stores where you will find many of Australia’s top designer labels, manufacturing jewellers, beauty salons and cafes as well as one of the largest duty free stores in the city.

What to buy: Shop at Haighs Chocolates and The Nut Shop for a huge selection of nuts and chocolates; Downtown Duty Fee store if you are looking for tax-free bargains; Jurlique for skin care products and they also have a small day spa; The Stand Hatters for a genuine Akubra; Lisa Ho, Alannah Hill, Alex Perry and Wayne Cooper - just to name a sample of the great aussie designer fashions stores.

The Strand arcade is Sydney’s epicenter of style and design, housing many of Australia’s top designer labels, manufacturing Jewellers, unique shops and beauty salons.

When the Strand Arcade opened in 1892 it was the fifth and the last arcades built in Victorian Sydney. Today it is the only one remaining in its original form.

Sydney was a Victorian city in 1892. Grandeur and elegance was the style of the day as the city’s architects created landmarks that echoed the familiar traditions of hometown London.

In the earlier period it’s construction the Arcade was referred to as the ‘ City Arcade’ and sometimes known as ‘Arcade Street’. In 1981 it was finally it was named after the famous London Street that links the city of London and the city of Westminster. The Strand was London’s smartest theatre, hotel and shopping street in the early 1900’s.

By renaming it The Strand, the grand new promenade became synonymous with the famous Strand in London and its elegant tradition of fashionable shopping. This image has endured. Today it remains a stylish city landmark and is home to some of Sydney’s most fashionable and original stores.

Sydney’s Strand Arcade has survived two depressions (one in the 1890’s and the other in the 1950’s) and withstood the threat of two major fires.

The Strand has traded as a unique shopping centre for over 100 years and continues to shine with all its glory in the 21st century.

What to buy: Downtown Duty Free, on the lower ground floor is one of Sydney’s largest Duty Free retailers offering competitive duty free and retail prices.

The ground floor is a browser’s adventure for men’s fashion, Australiana, antiques, collectables and giftware stores such as Sydney Vintage Watches, Strand Hatters for Akubra hats, past present future for Alessi home-wear, the, the Jurlique Salon for natural products and treatments and the Old Coffee Shop, a tenant since 1892, still serving coffee from an authentic "Bezzera" coffee machine.

Level one is the Designer Fashion gallery showcasing some of Australia’s hottest designers such as Alannah Hill, Wayne Cooper, Third Millenium, and men’s wear from Farage. Dinosaur Design and Love and Hatred for inspired modern jewellery.

Level two is the specialty gallery including unisex beauty and health salons, shoe repairs and clothing alteration service. Victoria Buckley is a young jewellery designer and Raphael Jewellers are winners and finalists of the De Beers Diamond Facets Awards.

Numerous Expresso Bars complete the unique Strand experience.