Sunday morning
Kick start your Sunday with coffee aficionados at Manchester Press before exploring the shops and galleries of Rankins Lane and neighbouring Guildford Lane and Somerset Place. Gentlemen's outfitter and cafe Captains of Industry will fix you a coffee and offer a cut-throat shave, while Comme des Garçons will deck you out in cutting-edge cute. If it's a multi-coffee morning, get an extra kick from Cartel Coffee Roasters or a dose of architecture along with Proud Mary coffee at Krimper.
Further laneway retail therapy awaits in Crossley Street, where boutiques stocked with jewellery, fashion, memorabilia, and much in between, stand wall to wall with inviting restaurants and bars.
Sunday afternoon
Like some of the best bars, some of the city's best finds are upstairs, in 'vertical laneways'. Swanston Street's historic Nicholas Building is a creative hub housing artist studios, galleries and shops. Take the almost-antique elevators to explore the art, fashion and curiosities. Make time to browse Blindside gallery and phone ahead to view Louise Macdonald's millinery masterpieces. Downstairs, check out the wares of independent local designers and the retro fabulousness stocked in the boutiques of Cathedral Arcade and around Flinders Quarter.
Further north on Swanston Street, pay a visit to Curtin House, where the seven-level stair-climb takes you to boutiques and restaurants, and bar The Toff and its accompanying bandroom, The Toff in Town.
Sunday night
Back on street level, pull up a piece of crate at outdoor bar Section 8. For dinner, Chinatown cheap eats are just a chopstick away, and for a special night, inspired Indian at Tonka is well worth the walk back to Flinders Lane.
Stretch out your Sunday with a show at the Butterfly Club and a laneway tipple at Chuckle Park before surrendering to the call of Monday morning.