High Street in Melbourne tops the third annual list of the Coolest Streets in the World, released today by Time Out, the global brand that inspires and enables people to experience the best of the city.
Time Out’s list of the Coolest Streets in the World highlights some of the most must-visit streets, roads, avenues, plazas and boulevards in cities around the globe, where locals head for a guaranteed good time. To come up with the ranking, Time Out’s global network of local editors and writers nominated the Coolest Street in their city right now – based on their hyperlocal insights and expertise – factoring in food, drink, fun, art, culture, nightlife and community vibes; all the factors which Time Out believes make cities, and spots within them, great places to live in and visit.
Melbourne continues to rank highly in Time Out’s annual list of Coolest Streets: in 2022, Gertrude Street came second, and in 2021 Smith Street topped the list. Leah Glynn, Time Out Melbourne Editor explains why High Street is this year’s number one: “Melburnians are spoiled for choice when it comes to well-trodden thoroughfares that deliver on food, culture and fun (hello Chapel Street, Sydney Road and Smith Street, to name a few). But in 2024, we’re shining the spotlight on the major artery that flows through the inner-north ’burbs of Thornbury, Northcote and Preston: High Street.
“It’s cool in all the ways you’d expect – epic restaurants, hidden bars, live music venues and boutique shops – but there’s also a warm sense of community spirit that means everyone feels welcome. It’s a place where people want to spend their time, and in our opinion, it doesn’t get much cooler than that.”
Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out added: “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.”
Here’s the top 10 of Time Out’s Coolest Streets in the World right now – find the full list of 30 here featuring more streets all over the world from Africa to Australia: timeout.com/things-to-do/coolest-streets-in-the-world
- High Street, Melbourne
It may sound cliche, but there truly is something for everyone on High Street, and that’s all thanks to its unique local businesses. 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.
- Hollywood Road, Hong Kong
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, 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.
- East Eleventh, Austin
Beloved among locals for encapsulating the city’s spirit like no other street in the city, 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.
- Guatemala Street, Buenos Aires
From humble origins to gourmet hub, the cobbled Guatemala Street is becoming even more of a foodie hotspot this year, as the Michelin Guide has finally arrived in the Argentine capital, and one of the city’s two Michelin-starred restaurants calls this street home: Don Julio, as well as two of the city’s four newly “green-starred” restaurants, honoured for their sustainability practices. The street’s relaxed charm is evident as diners enjoy a glass of Malbec, people watching and socialising as they wait for a table.
- Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Despite what its name suggests, Commercial Drive remains defiantly individual, with a reputation for vintage boutiques and ethically sourced products from far and wide. “The Drive” as it’s known by locals, is also home to a family-owned bowling alley, four used book shops and three record stores, interspersed with coffee joints, pizzerias and sushi spots.
- Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Petaling may be one of the city’s oldest streets, but it is experiencing a renaissance, with the juxtaposition of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest temples rubbing shoulders with the newest drinking and dining spots. There’s modern Malaysian cuisine made with seasonal, locally sourced produce at Chocha Foodstore, natural wines from around the world at Small Shifting Space, and the city’s best street food and souvenirs at the Chinatown stalls in the heart of Jalan Petaling.
- Rua da Boavista, Lisbon
Rua da Boavista is located in the Cais do Sodré neighbourhood, which has had many lives - predominantly as a nightlife hub - but now has a reputation as the place to shop local, enjoy a family brunch or a dinner with friends. Rua da Boavista epitomises this new chapter, and new dining, drinking and shopping ventures are constantly opening up, and are already on everyone’s must-visit list: including sharing heaven Cav 86 and Planto from well-known chef Vítor Adão. Boavista Social Club is the place to go for jazz, disco, soul and hip hop, complemented by natural wine and sharing plates.
- Arnaldo Quintela, Rio de Janeiro
Once a quiet stretch, Arnaldo Quintela has established itself as a bustling culinary hotspot, with former mechanic shops transformed into cosy places to eat and drink, alongside traditional bars like Xepa and Treme Treme where groups gather inside and outside. There are plenty of places to dance ‘til late, with options for everyone from rock fans at Culto, to hip hop and electro at Macuna. Quartinho Bar was one of the first spots to open in the area, and it’s the best place to enjoy a night of Brazilian music.
- Chazawa-dori, Tokyo
Looming high over Chazawa-dori is a giant gorilla jutting out from the rooftop of a FamilyMart convenience store, but there’s more to the street than an iconic photo opportunity. One of the best times to explore is a Sunday afternoon, when Chazawa-dori is closed to traffic making it super easy to pop in and out of the friendly local restaurants, cafés, grocers and bakeries.
- Consell de Cent, Barcelona
Consell de Cent was pedestrianised in 2023, and now it is easier than ever to explore this vibrant stretch. It features an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques, and cultural spots – fusing the latest crazes like Chinese hot pot joints, CBD shops, and beauty salons to timeless favourites like vermouth bars, cosy tortilla spots, and artisan bakeries. Not forgetting the city’s best gelato at Delacrem, and vibrant LGBTQ+ spots Priscilla Café and Plata Cocktail Bar.