The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) champions the creation of equitable, robust, and safe transportation networks across North American cities. Meanwhile, We has unveiled the 30 coolest streets worldwide for 2024, selecting them based on their vibrant culture, nightlife, and community appeal

These streets are celebrated for their blend of modern dynamism and historical richness, offering an immersive experience in gastronomy and culture. The criteria for their selection include architectural uniqueness, cultural relevance, and a lively street atmosphere, making them must-visit destinations in any travel article or news on the world's top spots

High Street, Melbourne

High Street in Melbourne has earned the title of the coolest street in the world, a recognition bestowed by Diemhendulich.net based on the insights from local experts across various cities. This vibrant thoroughfare outshone competitors from global cities such as Tokyo, Barcelona, and New York City, thanks to its eclectic mix of offerings Visitors can explore:

• Culinary Delights & Nightlife: From the best lasagne at 1800 Lasagne to enjoying a sunset Spritz at Gigi Rooftop, the street boasts an exciting array of food, drink, and nightlife options
• Shopping & Entertainment: A treasure trove of vintage stores, cool cafés, a food truck park, and a boutique indie cinema cater to diverse tastes and interests
• Live Music Venues: High Street is a hub for music lovers, featuring venues like Northcote Social Club and The Croxton Band Room, which accommodate all music genres

Accessibility is seamless, with the 86 tram line connecting High Street to the CBD, ensuring that the coolest street in the world is within easy reach for both locals and tourists This street’s unique blend of diverse local businesses, live music venues, and a welcoming community spirit truly sets it apart

Hollywood Road, Hong Kong

Stepping onto Hollywood Road in Hong Kong transports visitors into a world where the past and present coalesce beautifully. As one of the oldest streets under British rule, this road is a testament to Hong Kong's rich history and vibrant culture

• Cultural Landmarks: The Man Mo Temple and the reimagined Central Police Station, now the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, stand as proud markers of the area's historical significance
• Art and Antiques: Hollywood Road is a haven for art enthusiasts and collectors, boasting numerous antique shops and art galleries. Highlights include the bustling Cat Street Market, where one can find everything from Ming vases to modern paintings
• Urban Life and Connectivity: The Central Mid-Levels Escalator not only serves as a unique mode of transportation but also connects the affluent Mid-Levels district with the heart of Hong Kong, making Hollywood Road easily accessible Nearby SoHo offers a plethora of dining and drinking options, showcasing cuisines from around the globe

Hollywood Road's blend of historical landmarks, art galleries, and modern conveniences makes it an essential stop for anyone exploring the coolest streets in the world

East Eleventh, Austin

East Eleventh, Austin, emerges as a vibrant tapestry of culture, cuisine, and creativity, reflecting the city's eclectic spirit. Key highlights include:

• Culinary Delights:
• • Buenos Aires Café offers authentic Argentine dishes within its cozy confines and a hidden Milonga Room for intimate gatherings
  • Justine’s charms with French cuisine like escargot and steak frites, complemented by a selection of hand-picked records
  • Franklin Barbecue is a must-visit for its tender brisket and zippy sauces, embodying Austin's barbecue legacy
• Cultural and Recreational Spots:
• • The Butterfly Bar at The Vortex serves craft cocktails in an artsy setting, perfect for evening relaxation
  • Mueller community buzzes with energy, offering a mix of attractions including the Thinkery children’s museum, an interactive science museum for curious minds
• Shopping and Lifestyle:
• • Miranda Bennett showcases ethically made clothing from natural fabrics and plant-based dyes, reflecting Austin's commitment to sustainability
  • East Austin Succulents provides a green oasis with a wide variety of cacti and succulent varieties for enthusiasts

This section of East Eleventh encapsulates Austin's dynamic culture, offering something for everyone from foodies and families to fashionistas and flora lovers.

Guatemala Street, Buenos Aires

Guatemala Street in Buenos Aires, Argentina, stands as a beacon of vibrant street art and cultural significance, drawing visitors from around the globe. The street's canvas showcases an ever-changing and evolving collection of murals, graffiti, and street art, reflecting the political and social issues of the times. Not just a visual feast, Guatemala Street offers a rich tapestry of experiences with its variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops:

• Cafes and Restaurants: From local Argentine delicacies to international cuisines, the eateries along Guatemala Street cater to all palates, offering a glimpse into the culinary diversity of Buenos Aires
• Shopping: Whether you're on the hunt for unique souvenirs, trendy clothing, or local art, the shops along this bustling street promise a treasure trove of finds, making it a perfect spot for those looking to take a piece of Buenos Aires back home
• Safety: While Guatemala Street is generally considered safe for tourists, visitors are advised to exercise the usual precautions typical of bustling urban areas

This street not only captivates with its aesthetic allure but also serves as a vibrant hub for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and lifestyle of Buenos Aires

Commercial Drive, Vancouver

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 (see: The Only and Mintage) or ethically sourced items from far-off places (Wander Emporium, Paranada). Sure, there’s a low-flying doughnut chain outlet and one of the street’s best (former) dives is now a generic watering hole, but nearly everything else is unique and one-of-a-kind. Hip by default, the Drive (as it’s known to locals) also boasts a family-owned bowling alley, a plethora of coffee shops (try finding a seat on a nice day), 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. Like many other vibrant neighbourhoods, the Drive is still suffering a post-2020 malaise – a street that once boasted five stages for live entertainment is now down to two – but it’s still the best hang-out-and-people-watch show in town. 

• EAT Although pizza and sushi dominate the Drive, Lunch Lady’s modern take on Vietnamese street eats ensures the resto is almost always at capacity.  
• DRINK Commercial Drive is the heart of Vancouver’s Little Italy, and Bar Corso is one of the newer Italian additions. The small, intimate establishment is a perfect date-night destination for a Negroni or Amaro, followed by a glass of Barolo and a grappa finish.
• DO Visit The Drive Canteen, a local snack bar with local and exotic eats, house-made sweets, and a large selection of non-alcoholic beer, wine, and mixed drinks.

Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur

Jalan Petaling is one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest streets, home to the city’s first Chinese settlers in the nineteenth century. Over the last few years, it’s been experiencing a renaissance – you’ll find Kuala Lumpur’s oldest temples next door to colonial shophouses housing the newest dining and drinking joints. 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.

• EAT Modern Malaysian cuisine at Chocha Foodstore, championing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and produce. Casual setting + communal dining = what’s not to love? After dinner, head upstairs to Botakliquor Bar for cocktails spotlighting local botanicals.
• DRINK Natural wines from around the world at the hole-in-the-wall resto-bar Small Shifting Space. Beers and cocktails are available too, plus tasting menus and sharing plates. On the top floor, find DJs on deck duty. 
• DO At the very intersecting heart of Jalan Petaling, the haggler’s haven Chinatown still beats on with stalls peddling everything from snacks to souvenirs (and, of course, fake designer goods). Even if you’re not looking to shop, it’s a must-visit for foodies: for generations, Jalan Petaling has served up the city’s best street eats such as Hokkien-style fried noodles, sweet potato balls, tau foo fah (soybean pudding) and more. 

Rua da Boavista, Lisbon

Few neighbourhoods in Lisbon have lived as many lives as Cais do Sodré, a neighbourhood which has grown beyond its nightlife legacy and become a place to shop local, have a family brunch and dinner with friends. 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. 

• BUY Stylish, organic cotton from +351, a Portuguese clothing brand known for its minimalist, unisex pieces. Look out for the colourful shark hanging from the ceiling.
• EAT Cav 86, Planto, and Tricky's may not be longtime tenants, but everyone already knows them on Rua da Boavista. The first is an ode to sharing, where seasonality takes the lead; the second, led by the rebellious chef Vítor Adão (known for fine dining restaurant Plano in the Graça neighbourhood), focuses on traditional Portuguese recipes; and the third emphasizes small producers and natural wines.
• DRINK Natural wine at Boavista Social Club, a place that reflects the trends and tastes of a changing Lisbon. Pair with French chef Marc Le Rohellec’s sharing plates and sets of jazz, disco, soul, and hip-hop for a relaxed night out typical of Cais do Sodré.

Arnaldo Quintela, Rio de Janeiro

Not too long ago, Botafogo’s Arnaldo Quintela would’ve been a ghost town after work hours. But over the last 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.

• EAT A slice of pizza with a sourdough crust, created by a New York awardwinning chef, on the rooftop at Ferro e Farinha. 
• DRINK Any of the signature drinks at Quartinho Bar, one of the first places to open in the neighbourhood and a bar so cool their menu is a fanzine. Want a drink that pops in your mouth? Go for Miss Dynamite, Meu Amor with gin, strawberry, Aperol, Lillet, white vermouth, sparkling wine and explosive sugar.
• DO A bar crawl followed by a late night boogie (or headbang, whatever floats your boat). Culto is for rock fans and serves amazing burgers. Macuna plays hip hop and electro, while Mãe Joana is a go-to for samba. For Brazilian music, we have to once again recommend Quartinho – you can’t go wrong.

Chazawa-dori, Tokyo

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. Its main thoroughfare is 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. 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. Start from the junction near Sangenjaya Station and you’ll eventually hit Shimokitazawa, one of Tokyo’s coolest neighbourhoods for thrift shopping and scoring vintage finds.      

• EAT Sleek and modern Sancha Monica serves sushi with wine, as well as affordable kaisendon (raw seafood rice bowls) for weekday lunch.
• DRINK Guuutara Coffee specialises in OTT cream soda floats topped with ice cream, fresh fruit and more.
• DO Just around the corner from the intersection is Carrot Tower, home to a top-floor observation deck, where you can take in an aerial view of Tokyo for free.

Consell de Cent, Barcelona

Since Consell de Cent’s pedestrianisation, Eixample no longer feels like a chore to walk through – there are now over 6 kilometres that cut right through the city's core, from Joan Miró Park to Passeig de Sant Joan. It's a vibrant stretch, lined with restaurants, boutiques, and hangout spots – walking down Consell de Cent is like taking a stroll through a microcosm of Barcelona. 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.

• EAT Dive into an authentic Neapolitan pie at Da Michele, or treat yourself to some of the city's finest gelato at Delacrem (just be prepared to wait in line).
• DRINK A classic vermouth at Morro Fi, where they've breathed new life into the age-old aperitif scene. 
• DO Soak up some culture at one of Consell de Cent’s many galleries – Mayoral just unveiled a slick new space this February. And when the night rolls around, hit up one of the vibrant LGBTQ+ spots like Priscilla Café or Plata Cocktail Bar.

Bree Street, Cape Town

This buzzy inner-city boulevard in the heart of Cape Town has been a hub for the ‘Mother City’ for centuries. The street was named because it was bree – ‘wide’, in Afrikaans – enough to turn an ox cart at the nearby market, and today you’ll often find yourself jostling for space. Bree Street comes filled with boutiques and bars, restaurants and art galleries showcasing the best the city has to offer. And it’s set for an injection of new energy in 2025 with the redevelopment of the City Park building, a former hospital which  will become a multifunctional hub of apartments, restaurants, co-working spaces and a design-driven international hotel brand.

• EAT At Boma, chef Vusi Ndlovu (also at Time Out Market Cape Town) brings a contemporary lens to pan-African street food, while Gypsy Rabbit does the same for flame-grilled South African shisa nyama.  Across the street, Nikkei serves up a delicious Japanese-Peruvian fusion.
• DRINK Cape wine at Culture Wine Bar, cocktails at fable and The Drinkery, and artisan coffee at Rosetta Roastery. 
• DO Bree is a hub for the monthly First Thursdays events, with inner-city galleries open late, but any day of the week you can tap into the city’s creative spirit: the Youngblood Foundation, Sisonke and Reservoir galleries provide a platform for ascendant African artists. Or release your own inner artist at Tuft Crowd and Clay Café. For something more active, Rook Cycles offers free guided group rides on Wednesday evenings. 

Oranienstraße, Berlin

Day or night, there’s an unbelievable amount of stuff happening on Oranienstraße. In the evening, the strip is thick with revellers, amping themselves up to dance past dawn at one of Berlin’s world-famous clubs. Meet them in eclectic bars like the dimly lit, gritty and ever-so-trendy Café Luzia, or in the graffiti-covered, punk-rock-pumping Franken Bar. Fans of music history need to stop by SO36, the past haunt of mega-stars David Bowie and Iggy Pop. Today, this celebrated queer event space hosts everything from roller discos, ballrooms and the monthly LGBTQ+ event Gayhane. During the day, second-hand seekers sift through antiques, furniture and garms in shops like Vintage Living and Kleiderei.

• EAT Go traditional at the neighbourhood’s German restaurant, Max und Moritz.
• DRINK This street is made for people-watching. Grab a beer from a späti corner store, sit outside, and watch local life go by.
• DO Wander in Nachbarschaftsgarten, the urban community garden at Moritzplatz.

Fifth Avenue, Park Slope, New York City

No, not that Fifth Avenue. We’re talking about the ‘Other Fifth’, over in Park Slope, with the Barclays Center to its north and the Prospect Expressway to the south. This street has been has been quietly cool for a while, hiding behind its stroller army-mommy mafia and family-friendly reputation – but its regular community festivals, restaurants, shops and third spaces make it New York City’s coolest street in 2024. There are the stalwarts we love: indie shops like Brooklyn Superhero Supply Store, Galaxy Collectibles and Community Bookstore; bars and restaurants like Ginger's Bar and Good Judy. But relative newcomers like The Ripped Bodice bookstore, Honeycomb Hi-Fi Lounge, the Sip N Play board game cafe and Miatzil are keeping the stretch fresh and making it harder to keep this gem under the radar. 

• EAT At Masalawala & Sons for actually good creative cocktails and wonderful Indian dishes including macher dim, keema kaleji and unforgettably comforting rice.
• DRINK We like the low-key, living room feel of Skylark with dozens of drafts on tap, or Blueprint for something a little more high-end with speakeasy vibes. Order the My Dear Julius.
• DO Go to the Old Stone House for history, play some games at Sip N Play (don’t skip the boba tea), and catch a Nets game at the Barclays Center – or head to nearby Union Hall for a comedy show, karaoke or trivia

Ban Tad Thong, Bangkok

For Bangkok’s younger generation and dedicated foodies, craving for street-style fare is often succeeded by a trip to Ban Tad Thong. What was once a street hawking car and motorcyle parts has been transformed, over the past few years, into Bangkok’s most exciting new foodie destination. Both sides of the 1.3-kilometre stretch are now lined with more eating options than you could ever imagine, from long-standing khao tom joints and up-and-coming sweet spots to upscale mala hotpots – all ready to satisfy hungry visitors that come in their droves on a nightly basis. Nearby, you’ll find brand-new art space Slowcombo – and award-winning bar Find The Photobooth recently relocated to the area, too. In April, the street will host its first Songkran Water Festival.

• EAT Slurp spicy, Michelin Bib Gourmand-certified tom yum at Jeh O, savour stewed duck at Jeh Keang, and chow down on water mimosa salad and fried pork belly at Jeh Sri. Sweeten your palate with icy, soy milk-based sweets at Jeh Wan (but be prepared to wait in line).
• DRINK Find the Photobooth, the passion project of four bartenders from Asia’s best bars (Mahaniyom in Bangkok, Nutmeg and Clove in Singapore, Bar Mood in Taipei, and Bar High Five in Tokyo) has found a new home along Ban Tad Thong. Trying to find this hidden speakeasy is an adventure in itself. 
• DO One side of public park Chulalongkorn Centenary Park runs along Ban Tad Thong. This green space offers locals the opportunity to reconnect with nature, and doubles as a wetland, absorbing rainwater to prevent flooding.

East 3rd Street, Los Angeles

A little over a decade ago, LA’s once-industrial Arts District began to cultivate small pockets of cool along 3rd Street. But in the past few years, these handful of blocks and their handsome brick warehouses have grown into one of LA’s most walkable and boastworthy stretches of street, trimmed with colorful murals, pink flowering trees and on-street patios (all about two blocks from Metro’s newest A and E Line station). Just past Downtown high-rises and a Little Tokyo temple, the Arts District’s slice of 3rd Street is the sort of place where you can have Michelin-starred sushi at 715 or bump and tilt your way to pinball stardom at EightyTwo, and where a gallery visit at Over the Influence is a natural prelude to a beer and a brat at Wurstküche or a Mexico City-inspired rooftop party at LA Cha Cha Chá.

• EAT Tucked inside the loading dock of an old steel company warehouse, Camphor will romance you with French bistro dishes that have occasional South Asian touches – and then leave you head over heels in love with its next-level kiwi dessert.
• DRINK Dark and in demand, LA’s petite outpost of the acclaimed Death & Co serves some of the finest cocktails in the entire city, with boozy creations broken up by flavor profiles like ‘light and playful’ and ‘boozy and honest’.
• DO With numerous sizable gallery spaces, a gift shop, an art book store and a patio restaurant that pulls eggs fresh from the chickens in its mural-adorned garden, there’s no other art gallery quite like Hauser & Wirth’s former flour mill complex.

Rua Sá de Noronha, Porto

Praça Carlos Alberto is always lively, especially on Saturdays when the Porto Belo Market fills this square with vinyl records, illustrations, handmade toys, vintage clothing and antiques. But its surrounding backstreets are where you’ll find the real local buzz, and Rua Sá de Noronha in particular has become a must-visit passage in Porto. Walk from Aduela Bar at the top of the street (a local favourite for an after-work drink) to Reitoria Restaurant at the bottom (a wine bar and steakhouse set in a beautifully restored nineteenth-century building), and you’ll see why we’ve crowned Rua Sá de Noronha the city’s coolest street. 

• EAT Casa Guedes’ famous pork sandwiches (there’s also francesinhas, alheira sandwiches and hot dogs). This is the brand's third address, located in the historic Café Progresso building.
• DRINK Portuguese wine, sangria or Moscatel (a sweet wine from the southern Setúbal region) at Aduela. If the terrace is full, do as the locals do: order a drink and sit on the street.
• DO Snoop around Poetria, which was born in 2003 with two great loves: poetry and theater. Its collection is dedicated to its own editions and the Portuguese poetry, as well as English literature, Brazilian poetry, and books from small publishers. You can even stick around for a presentation or debate.

Rua Sá de Noronha, Porto

Praça Carlos Alberto is always lively, especially on Saturdays when the Porto Belo Market fills this square with vinyl records, illustrations, handmade toys, vintage clothing and antiques. But its surrounding backstreets are where you’ll find the real local buzz, and Rua Sá de Noronha in particular has become a must-visit passage in Porto. Walk from Aduela Bar at the top of the street (a local favourite for an after-work drink) to Reitoria Restaurant at the bottom (a wine bar and steakhouse set in a beautifully restored nineteenth-century building), and you’ll see why we’ve crowned Rua Sá de Noronha the city’s coolest street. 

• EAT Casa Guedes’ famous pork sandwiches (there’s also francesinhas, alheira sandwiches and hot dogs). This is the brand's third address, located in the historic Café Progresso building.
• DRINK Portuguese wine, sangria or Moscatel (a sweet wine from the southern Setúbal region) at Aduela. If the terrace is full, do as the locals do: order a drink and sit on the street.
• DO Snoop around Poetria, which was born in 2003 with two great loves: poetry and theater. Its collection is dedicated to its own editions and the Portuguese poetry, as well as English literature, Brazilian poetry, and books from small publishers. You can even stick around for a presentation or debate.

Conde Duque Street, Madrid

Overshadowed by neighbouring Malasaña, Conde Duque has flown under the radar until very recently – as has this street, which gives its name to the neighbourhood. Thanks to the buzz of activity around the Condeduque Cultural Center, a former military barracks converted into an exhibition hall, theatre, summer cinema (and much more), the area has now been given a fresh injection of life. It seems that the magnetism of this institution has attracted endless new stores, bars and restaurants, which have turned Conde Duque Street into one of the trendiest areas in the capital. Gourmet businesses like Cultivo (for artisan cheese) and Panic (for authentic sourdough bread) coexist alongside traditional stores like La Pomarada, which has the largest cachopo (a very meaty traditional dish) in Madrid. 

• EAT Somewhere between cafe, juice bar and restaurant, Frutas Prohibidas serves up healthy breakfast, brunch, lunch and snacks. Carnivore? Head to El Toril for a nice and messy smash burger.
• DRINK With exposed brick walls, natural wines and a cosy atmosphere, Siniestro is that small neighbourhood specialty cafe where you can go for everything from breakfast with homemade pastries to a vermouth after work. 
• BUY Modern and stylish menswear from Sportivo, where you’ll find cult international brands such as the British Still by Hand or the Parisian Lemaire, alongside up-and-coming designers. 

Conclusion

Through a captivating journey across continents, the exploration of the world's 30 coolest streets has presented a rich mosaic of cultures, histories, and vibrant urban life. From the gastronomic delights and eclectic shops of High Street in Melbourne to the historic allure and artistic quarters of Hollywood Road, Hong Kong, each street offers a unique lens through which to experience the essence of its city. Similarly, East Eleventh in Austin and Guatemala Street in Buenos Aires exemplify the adaptive spirit of urban spaces, blending tradition with contemporary vibrancy.

These streets represent more than just geographical locations; they are living, breathing entities that reflect the dynamic interplay of cultural, social, and economic forces. They invite visitors and locals alike to immerse themselves in the distinct atmosphere that each has to offer, thereby forging a deeper connection with the world's urban landscapes. As we celebrate these illustrious streets, it becomes apparent how vital such spaces are in fostering community, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding.

FAQs

What is the number one coolest street globally?
The coolest street in the world is High Street in Melbourne, Australia. It is followed by Hollywood Road in Hong Kong and East Eleventh Street in Austin, United States, which are second and third coolest, respectively.

Which street ranks as the 14th coolest on the planet?
The 14th coolest street in the world is Ban Tad Thong, located in Bangkok. It has been recognized in Time Out's latest ranking of the world's 30 coolest streets for the year 2024.

Which street is considered the coolest in Los Angeles?
North Sycamore Avenue is regarded as the coolest street in Los Angeles. It's a hub for cutting-edge art galleries, must-visit restaurants, and excellent shops, offering a unique and vibrant experience.

How many streets are there in the world?
Estimates suggest that there are approximately 3.6 million streets around the world.