Cool can be a lot of things. What makes a street “cool”? Is it the great places to eat, drink, and hang out? Or maybe it’s the unique shops with cool stuff? Or is it just a friendly vibe that makes you feel welcome?
According to Time Out, it’s a combination of all these elements. The global media company has compiled its list of the “coolest streets in the world right now,” taking into account factors such as dining options, beverage choices, cultural attractions, nightlife, and the overall sense of community.
To create the 2024 lineup, Time Out’s network of editors and writers contributed, advocating for their favorite streets in their respective cities.
Taking the coveted top spot is Melbourne’s vibrant High Street. Leah Glynn, local editor for Time Out Melbourne, lauds the street for its “epic restaurants, hidden bars, live music venues, and boutique shops,” along with its “warm sense of community spirit” that fosters inclusivity.
This isn’t the first time a Melbourne street has earned recognition from Time Out. Gertrude Street and Smith Street have appeared in previous rankings, solidifying Melbourne’s status as a hub for dynamic urban experiences.
Glynn suggests that Melburnians are spoiled for choice with a plethora of well-established streets that excel in offering food, culture, and entertainment.
A Hub of Local Businesses and Friendly Vibes
Melbourne’s High Street runs through the suburbs of Northcote, Thornbury, and Preston, offering a taste of the city’s diverse culture. Time Out magazine ranked this street for its cool shops and eateries.
You can try delicious Portuguese custard tarts at Casa Nata or enjoy tasty pasta at 1800 Lasagne. High Street is also great for bar hopping. Gigi Rooftop and Francesca’s Bar are popular spots.
Marco Finanzio, who runs Gigi Rooftop, recalls opening his first place on High Street 14 years ago. He’s happy the area is now famous. Ben Mathieson, from Francesca’s Bar, claims it’s awesome that people know about their street.
High Street’s recognition by Time Out is a big deal. It shows how hard local businesses have worked, especially during the pandemic. It’s also nice that High Street is now on the map alongside famous streets like Hollywood Road in Hong Kong and East Eleventh in Austin, Texas.
But for the people who live and work there, what makes High Street special is the sense of community. It’s not just a street; it’s a place where neighbors support each other and where everyone feels welcome.
Transformations in City Streets
According to Time Out, many of the world’s busiest streets have undergone positive changes in recent years, becoming more enjoyable and pedestrian-friendly.
Once seen as temporary solutions, outdoor dining and drinking have become permanent fixtures on numerous streets worldwide. These changes, alongside green initiatives such as pedestrianization and reduced traffic, have enhanced the walkability and appeal of these urban thoroughfares.
For instance, Consell de Cent in Barcelona, Spain, which ranks number 10 on Time Out’s list, implemented a car ban in 2023. Each street on the list offers a variety of activities recommended by Time Out, ranging from yoga sessions at Ardha Bikram Yoga on Guatemala Street in Buenos Aires (number four) to savoring cream soda floats at Guuutara Coffee on Chazawa-dori in Tokyo (number nine).
Time Out aims to spotlight streets where local life thrives, celebrating their unique character and vibrancy. The complete list of the top 30 coolest streets can be found on Time Out’s website.
Top 10 Coolest Streets by Time Out:
- High Street, Melbourne
- Hollywood Road, Hong Kong
- East Eleventh, Austin, Texas
- Guatemala Street, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Commercial Drive, Vancouver, Canada
- Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Rua da Boavista, Lisbon, Portugal
- Arnaldo Quintela, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Chazawa-dori, Tokyo, Japan
- Consell de Cent, Barcelona, Spain