The world’s coolest streets in 2024 ranked by Time Out: A thoroughfare in Melbourne takes the crown, Hong Kong is second and a road in Austin snares bronze (while the UK can only manage 17th)
The world’s 30 coolest streets for 2024 have been named by Time Out and it’s a thoroughfare in the ‘ultra-trendy suburbs’ of Melbourne that takes the crown.
It’s followed by one of Hong Kong’s oldest roads, with a street in Austin, Texas, that ‘encapsulates the city’s spirit’ taking bronze. The UK doesn’t fare well, managing just one entry – London’s Gerrard Street in 17th place.
The ranking – compiled from the thoughts, ‘hyper-local insight’ and expertise of Time Out’s global editorial team – highlights ‘must-see streets, roads, avenues, plazas and boulevards in cities around the globe, where locals head for a guaranteed good time’, the guide says.
Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out, said: ‘You only really get to know a city when you veer down its side streets, and Time Out’s list of the World’s Coolest Streets celebrates the avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards where local life really thrives. Nominated by our local expert editors and contributors – who know their cities like nobody else – these are the best streets in cities around the world right now to eat, drink, dance, shop and stroll.’
Scroll down to see the results in full and cast your vote for your favourite street among the top 10 in our poll at the bottom…
10. Consell de Cent, Barcelona
Consell de Cent in Barcelona, which lands 10th in the ranking, comprises ‘more than 6km (3.7 miles) that cut right through the city’s core’ and is lined with shops and restaurants
‘Walking down Consell de Cent is like taking a stroll through a microcosm of Barcelona,’ says Time Out of this ‘vibrant’ street in the city’s Eixample neighbourhood.
Since its pedestrianisation, the central hub boasts ‘more than 6km (3.7 miles) that cut right through the city’s core’ and it ‘no longer feels like a chore to walk through’. Instead, citygoers can enjoy the many restaurants, boutiques and hangout spots that line the street, according to the guide.
‘You’ve got everything from the latest crazes like Chinese hot pot joints, CBD shops, and beauty salons to timeless favourites like vermouth bars, cozy tortilla spots, and artisan bakeries,’ it adds.
What are Time Out’s hot tips for the street? Soak up some culture at one of its many galleries and, when the night rolls around, ‘hit up one of the vibrant LGBTQ+ spots like Priscilla Cafe or Plata Cocktail Bar’.
9. Chazawa-dori, Tokyo
Chazawa-dori, a street in Tokyo’s Sangenjaya district that ranks ninth, is ‘presided over by a giant gorilla jutting out from the rooftop of a FamilyMart convenience store’
Just two train stops away from Shibuya, Tokyo’s Sangenjaya neighbourhood has the ideal mix of city-centre excitement with the relaxed vibe of a mostly residential neighbourhood.
So says Time Out, which shines a light on its main thoroughfare – Chazawa-dori – which ‘is presided over by a giant gorilla jutting out from the rooftop of a FamilyMart convenience store’.
But this street has more to offer than an iconic photo opportunity, according to the publication, which adds: ‘Every Sunday afternoon, Chazawa-dori is closed to traffic, making it the perfect time to explore this vibrant street on foot, popping in and out of friendly restaurants, cosy cafés, local grocers and charming bakeries.’
What does Time Out recommend to eat? Sushi with wine at the ‘sleek and modern’ Sancha Monica or a cream soda float topped with ice-cream and fresh fruit at Guuutara Coffee.
8. Arnaldo Quintela, Rio de Janeiro
Arnaldo Quintela in Rio de Janeiro comes eighth. It has established itself as ‘a culinary hotspot’, says Time Out
‘Amazing burgers’, Brazilian music and late night venues are on the cards at Arnaldo Quintela in Rio de Janeiro, according to Time Out.
Not too long ago, the street ‘would’ve been a ghost town after work hours’, it says, adding: ‘But over the past few years, this street has established itself as a culinary hotspot, and now you can hardly move for people filling its sidewalks each night.
‘Old mechanic shops have become cosy places to eat and drink; groups gather inside and outside traditional bars like Xepa and Treme Treme; and hipster hangouts such as Calma are where to see and be seen. There are more upmarket restaurants for those who prefer to sip fine wine with a standout meal and there are plenty of places to dance ‘til late. If you’re cool, you’re probably there.’
7. Rua da Boavista, Lisbon
Rua da Boavista (fifth) is ‘a central thoroughfare where new ventures in eating, drinking and shopping sprout up all the time’
‘Few neighbourhoods in Lisbon have lived as many lives as Cais do Sodre, a neighbourhood which has grown beyond its nightlife legacy and become a place to shop local, have a family brunch and dinner with friends,’ says Time Out.
‘Right next door to the original Time Out Market, Rua da Boavista is an excellent representation of the neighbourhood’s new chapter – a central thoroughfare where new ventures in eating, drinking and shopping sprout up all the time.’
The guide suggests buying stylish organic cotton from +351, a Portuguese clothing brand known for its minimalist, unisex pieces, and eating at Cav 86, which it describes as ‘an ode to sharing, where seasonality takes the lead’.
6. Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur
One of the oldest streets in Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Petaling (sixth) has been ‘experiencing a renaissance’ over the past few years
‘Jalan Petaling is one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest streets, home to the city’s first Chinese settlers in the 19th century,’ says Time Out.
The guide says it has been ‘experiencing a renaissance’ over the past few years. ‘You’ll find Kuala Lumpur’s oldest temples next door to colonial shophouses housing the newest dining and drinking joints,’ it adds.
‘Begin the day with a cuppa and a spot of brunch – or start off at a kopitiam, a local-style coffeehouse – cosy up at a resto-bar, and come nightfall there’s always a party, whether you’re into drum ’n’ bass, jazz or reggae.’
Eateries recommended by the guide include Chocha Foodstore, for its modern Malaysian cuisine, and Botakliquor Bar, for its cocktails ‘spotlighting local botanicals’.
5. Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Vancouver’s Commercial Drive remains ‘defiantly ungentrified’, says Time Out, which ranks the street in fifth place
In a city of rapid change, Commercial Drive remains defiantly ungentrified. McDonald’s and Starbucks tried and failed to stay the course, and the many clothing shops and boutiques are devoted either to vintage or ethically sourced items from far-off places.
So says Time Out, asserting that here everything is ‘unique and one-of-a-kind’ besides ‘a low-flying doughnut chain outlet’ and ‘a generic watering hole’.
It adds: ‘Hip by default, the Drive – as it’s known to locals – also boasts a family-owned bowling alley, a plethora of coffee shops, no fewer than four used book shops and three record stores – and more pizza, and pizza slice, joints than you can shake a pepperoni stick at.’
The guide recommends eating at Lunch Lady for a ‘modern take on Vietnamese street eats’ and visiting The Drive Canteen for ‘local and exotic eats’, including ‘house-made sweets and a large selection of non-alcoholic beer, wine and mixed drinks’.
4. Guatemala Street, Buenos Aires
Guatemala Street, in fourth place, is home to ‘one of only two Michelin-starred restaurants’ in Buenos Aires, and a spot where ‘waiting in line for a table becomes a social occasion’
‘Even waiting in line for a table becomes a social occasion’ on Guatemala Street in the Palermo Viejo district of Buenos Aires, according to Time Out, which notes: ‘Every night, you’ll see people hanging out by the old tram line enjoying glasses of Malbec.’
The street is home to ‘two of the city’s four newly green-starred restaurants’ as well as ‘one of only two Michelin-starred restaurants – Don Julio, aka the world’s best parrilla [grill restaurant]’.
The guide adds: ‘Much more than a casual steakhouse, this incarnation (literally) of meat culture is deeply rooted in local traditions of breeding and grilling; of wine and friends.’
3. East Eleventh, Austin
Must-visit venues on third-place East Eleventh in Austin include Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, Franklin Barbeque and the Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar, the guide says
East Eleventh, says Time Out, is ‘beloved among locals for encapsulating the city’s spirit like no other street’.
The guide adds: ‘East Eleventh packs every inch with incredible food, culture and music.
‘Must-visit venues include Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, a makeshift venue with a permanent house party vibe, Franklin Barbeque for game-changing brisket and the Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar.’
2. Hollywood Road, Hong Kong
Hollywood Road in Hong Kong ‘is one kilometre (0.6 miles) long and links up some of the city’s must-visit destinations’. The street takes the silver medal
‘One of Hong Kong’s oldest streets dating back to 1844, Hollywood Road is one-kilometre long and links up some of the city’s must-visit destinations,’ says Time Out, ‘from the Man Mo Temple and the Mid-Levels Escalator, to the Tai Kwun arts and culture hub and some of the city’s best bars, restaurants and nightlife spots such as Tate Dining Room and Lockdown, a speakeasy hidden behind a toilet bowl display.’
As for its name – Time Out explains that ‘according to legend’, it likely came from the holly bushes that once lined its edges.
1. High Street, Melbourne
Behold the world’s coolest street, Melbourne’s High Street, which offers ‘something for everyone’ from ‘amazing food and drink’ to ‘live music venues’
Drum roll, please, for the winner, a street that ‘weaves through the ultra-trendy suburbs of Northcote, Thornbury and Preston’ that according to Time Out offers ‘something for everyone… thanks to its unique local businesses’.
The guide continues: ‘Day to night, visitors can find amazing food and drink like authentic Portuguese tarts at Casa Nata, local natural wine at Northside Wines, or lasagne at 1800 Lasagne.
‘Known for its many live music venues, High Street is home to legendary locations like Northcote Social Club and the Croxton Band Room, as well as smaller spots like High Note and Shotkickers.’
Leah Glynn, the Time Out Melbourne Editor, adds: ‘We Melburnians love a rooftop bar, and High Street’s home to a real beauty in Gigi Rooftop. Intimate and exclusive (the teeny space is accessible only via Umberto Espresso Bar), it’s the go-to spot for a spritz at sundown with a side of sweeping suburban views.’