Every seasoned traveler knows that the real experience begins when you step off the busy, tourist-filled streets and seek out authenticity. There, at a safe distance from generic shops, you’ll find neighborhood cafés, local bars, and vintage stores that give the city its true character.
So, what makes a street “cool”? It’s not just about looks. It’s a delicate balance of history and innovation, the ability of a street to reinvent itself, turning old factories into cultural hubs and abandoned warehouses into chef-driven restaurants.
The coolest street in the world
To compile the 2025 list, Time Out tapped into its global network of editors and culture writers from cities around the world. Each was asked to nominate one street that best represents the spirit of their city. An international team of travel editors then finalized the ranking based on strict criteria: food, culture, nightlife, and most importantly, a distinct sense of community.
The top 10
This year’s list showcases a global mosaic, proving that “cool” is a universal language with wildly different local dialects. From the intoxicating rhythm of Brazil which topped the list, to Japan’s sleek minimalism and Europe’s artful blend of old and new. These streets aren’t just for wandering, they’re inviting tourists to dive deep into local life and experience each city the way the locals do.
Here are the 10 streets that did it best this year:
Rua do Senado – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In the heart of Rio, Rua do Senado, once known as a bohemian enclave of antique shops, is undergoing an exciting transformation. The legendary Armazém Senado still serves cold beer and hosts lively samba parties as it has since 1907, but new hotspots have joined the scene, including chef Lucio Vieira’s restaurant Lilia and the vibrant distillery Destilaria Maravilha.
The highlight: a former factory is being reimagined as Solar dos Abacaxis, a bustling central market that ties the street’s rich history to its energetic nightlife.
Orange Street – Osaka, Japan
Just off the bustling Shinsaibashi district, Orange Street has come full circle; from an antiques hub to a center for international street fashion, and now back to its roots with a renewed focus on Japanese brands and vintage finds. Wandering here feels like flipping through Osaka’s history, with retro-style cafés nestled among modern boutiques. Quiet yet central, the street offers fresh donuts at Bono, theatrical cocktails at Psycho People, and rare fashion pieces in shops specializing in unbranded treasures.
Rua do Bonjardim – Porto, Portugal
Rua do Bonjardim is emerging as Porto’s next big thing. Close to major attractions yet far enough to avoid the crowds, the nearly one-kilometer stretch blends old and new: traditional delis next to trendy restaurants, and boutique hotels set in old industrial buildings.
Fanghua Street – Chengdu, China
Once a sleepy residential lane, Fanghua Street is now Chengdu’s hottest strip, fusing retro vibes with youthful energy. Among low-rise buildings adorned with murals, you'll find cafés that become bars by night, a jewelry studio, and mahjong tables in shop windows. It’s a raw, everyday experience: from grabbing pasta under a tree at Hygge Life to sampling traditional spicy dishes, and ending the night with a cocktail or slow-brewed tea on a folding chair by the street.
Sherbrooke Street West – Montreal, Canada
In the heart of Montreal’s upscale Golden Square Mile, the western end of Sherbrooke Street offers a winning mix of history, art, and architectural grandeur in heritage buildings. Home to major museums and luxury hotels like the Ritz-Carlton, it also features indie boutiques and secondhand bookstores. The food scene is just as varied, from gnocchi in the hidden courtyard at Il Cortile to creative cocktails at Entre-Deux or a beer at Benelux, all steps away from the city’s university and cultural festivals.
Montague Road – Brisbane, Australia
Montague Road has undergone a remarkable transformation from an industrial zone to the creative heart of Brisbane’s eclectic West End. The street connects major cultural institutions like the Queensland Ballet and Theatre, while repurposed warehouses now house wellness studios, independent art spaces, and fitness centers. Food-wise, it boasts what many consider the best coffee in Australia at Coffee Mentality, along with standout restaurants like Layla. On Saturdays, the lively West End Market brings fresh produce and a vibrant sense of community.
Maybachufer – Berlin, Germany
As Berlin’s club scene evolves, Maybachufer shows that true cool can be found in broad daylight along a picturesque canal. Once industrial, the street is now home to laid-back picnics, bike rides, and lively markets, especially the long-running, colorful Turkish Market.
Olympou Street – Thessaloniki, Greece
Olympou Street perfectly blends Thessaloniki’s historic elegance with the youthful energy of its nearby university district. By day, visitors can explore vintage shops and art spaces like To Pikap. By night, the street transforms into a nightlife hub filled with tavernas, indie music, and craft beer bars.
Orchard Street – New York City, U.S.
In the Lower East Side, Orchard Street retains its gritty, authentic New York character while constantly evolving. By day, it’s home to secondhand shops, the Tenement Museum, and galleries. At night, music and crowds spill into the street from its many bars and restaurants.
Vĩnh Khánh Street – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Once considered a rough part of town, District 4 has become a hot culinary destination thanks to Vĩnh Khánh Street, officially dubbed the city's “food street.” At sunset, the area comes alive with dozens of seafood grill stalls, street musicians, and a cheerful buzz of young people and motorbikes.
The second 10
No. 11: Rue de Flandre – Brussels, Belgium
Rough around the edges but full of charm, this street features chef-driven restaurants housed in former butcher shops.
No. 12: Nishihara Shotengai – Tokyo, Japan
A stylish retreat from the chaos of Shibuya, this quiet arcade offers intimate cafés and artisanal bakeries.
No. 13: Rue des Gravilliers – Paris, France
A historic street in the Marais that has recently emerged as a culinary hotspot.
No. 14: Joo Chiat Road – Singapore
Blending colorful Peranakan heritage with modern galleries and artisanal bakeries.
No. 15: Avenida Álvaro Obregón – Mexico City, Mexico
The vibrant core of Roma, buzzing with activity around the clock.
No. 16: Jalan Kemang Raya – Jakarta, Indonesia
The creative heartbeat of the city, known for its indie spirit.
No. 17: Via Panisperna – Rome, Italy
A picturesque, ivy-covered street in the bohemian Monti district.
No. 18: Nakpil Street – Manila, Philippines
A historic area reinvented as a nightlife destination for the city’s younger crowd.
No. 19: Alserkal Avenue – Dubai, UAE
An industrial area turned into a leading arts and culture district.
No. 20: Cambie Street – Vancouver, Canada
A lively strip combining heritage architecture with a modern food scene.
The third 10
No. 21: Calle del Barquillo – Madrid, Spain
A trendy street in Chueca known for its boutique shops and specialty sound stores.
No. 22: Kloof Street – Cape Town, South Africa
A bustling main road lined with restaurants and boutique hotels.
No. 23: Blackstock Road – London, UK
Linking Islington and Hackney, this multicultural street offers a rich culinary mix.
No. 24: Defensa Street – Buenos Aires, Argentina
The historic heart of San Telmo, best known for its iconic Sunday market.
No. 25: Pacific Coast Highway – Malibu, U.S.
A classic American road offering sweeping ocean views alongside a wave of new hangouts.
No. 26: Charoen Nakhon Road – Bangkok, Thailand
A riverside district that merges ancient temples with creative new spaces.
No. 27: Jalan Pudu – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
An old neighborhood experiencing a lively revival.
No. 28: Roscoe Street – Chicago, U.S.
Bringing a village-like community vibe to the heart of the big city.
No. 29: Swan Street – Melbourne, Australia
A must-visit for fans of live music and vintage shopping.
No. 30: Boulevard Pasteur – Tangier, Morocco
Known for its striking colonial architecture.
No. 31: Northdown Road – Margate, UK
A seaside street at the forefront of the town’s artistic renaissance.