November 20, 2025, 1:54 pm | Read time: 7 minutes
Every year, the magazine “Time Out” selects the coolest streets in the world. For 2025, the winner is Rio de Janeiro–and a German city is also among the top 10. Find out which streets made the list for 2025 here.
To experience the authentic vibe of a city, you should not only walk along the main thoroughfares but also explore the lively side streets and alleys. The editors of “Time Out” magazine are convinced of this and annually select the “coolest streets in the world.” In 2025, a total of 31 streets made it into the ranking. The list was compiled by a network of local editors and experts from the magazine, who evaluated based on criteria such as food, drink, culture, fun, and community spirit. The result is a selection of the most exciting streets in the world–all representing creative entrepreneurship, vibrant neighborhoods, and current trends of their city. TRAVELBOOK presents the top seven places in the ranking.
Overview
The Coolest Streets in the World
1. Rua do Senado, Rio de Janeiro
Rua do Senado in the heart of Rio was named the coolest street in the world. Once known for its antique shops and slightly seedy bohemian flair, it is now experiencing a vibrant comeback. Life pulses again between old townhouses and turn-of-the-century bars. Especially on Saturdays, the street transforms into a dance floor: The legendary Samba do Armazém Senado is a tradition here. Places like the restaurant Lilia and the accompanying Labuta Bars bring modern cuisine and creative drinks into historic walls. Right across, the art collective Solar dos Abacaxis has taken over part of a former factory–soon to become Rio’s new central market with around 40 shops and restaurants. Overall, a mix of history, culture, and new energy is emerging here: Rua do Senado shows how authentic and exciting Rio can be.
2. Orange Street, Osaka
Just a few steps from the bustling shopping district of Shinsaibashi lies Osaka’s Orange Street. Once a paradise for antiques, the street became a center for international streetwear in the 2010s. Today, it is a charming blend of both: vintage and modern. In the converted old shops, you’ll find Japanese designer boutiques, secondhand furniture, and small retro coffee houses like Oh! Oui Oui, where coffee is served in Hermès or Gucci cups. It’s also a perfect spot for takoyaki stands, bagel bakeries, and concept stores. What makes Orange Street special is that it’s quieter than the surrounding streets, yet still central. Here, a place emerges that tells the story of Osaka–from retro to high fashion.
3. Rua do Bonjardim, Porto
Porto’s Rua do Bonjardim is becoming the coolest stretch of the city. It runs almost a kilometer through the downtown area–close to attractions but just far enough from the tourist hustle. Traditional grocery stores and old cafes stand alongside modern restaurants like Luffa or the wine and art space Ottto, where tapas are shared with friends in the evening. Classics like Conga with its legendary bifanas (pork sandwiches) and Antunes with popular pork knuckles still exist–alongside new bakeries and concept stores. At the southern end of the street is the Rivoli Theater, one of the city’s most important cultural venues–perfect for ending the day between food, art, and music.
4. Fanghua Street, Chengdu
Few streets showcase modern Chengdu as well as Fanghua Street. Once a quiet residential area, it is now a popular meeting place for creatives and connoisseurs. The old houses have been restored and adorned with colorful murals. Cafes turn into bars in the evening, studios sell handmade jewelry, and in community centers, residents play Mahjong behind glass facades. In between, the air is filled with the aroma of spicy Chengdu snacks, perfect for eating on the go. To truly experience the city, grab a chair here, order tea or beer–and watch the hustle and bustle. A piece of authentic Chengdu with plenty of charm and everyday magic.
5. Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal
In Montréal, Sherbrooke Street West runs through the so-called “Golden Square Mile”–a symbol of prosperity since the 19th century, now a hotspot for culture and lifestyle. Here are the McCord Stewart Museum and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, alongside luxurious hotels like the Sofitel and the legendary Ritz-Carlton, where afternoon tea is still served. Both are close to some of the world’s best universities and the Blue Metropolis Festival, one of North America’s largest literary festivals. Strolling down the street, you’ll discover boutiques, vintage shops, cafes, and a wide range of international cuisines–from French and Italian to Indian. An elegant mix of old and new–exactly what Montréal is all about.
6. Montague Road, Brisbane
Montague Road on the riverbank of West End was once a sleepy industrial area–today it is the creative hub of Brisbane. At the northern end is the Queensland Ballet in the restored Thomas-Dixon Centre, at the other end the Queensland Theatre Company with major productions. In between are boutique locations and Brisbane’s vibrant art scene. A real highlight here is the gastronomy: award-winning coffee roasteries, cozy pubs, handmade ice cream, and Korean street food make hearts beat faster. A visit is especially worthwhile on Saturdays: That’s when the West End Markets take place with street food, music, and fresh products. A street that shows how Brisbane reinvents itself–artistic, relaxed, and green.
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7. Maybachufer, Berlin
Berlin is known for its coolness–even if it’s changing a bit. While a creeping “club death” sets in, life still blooms outdoors at Maybachufer. In the 1.5-kilometer stretch of Reuterkiez, city life pulses between late-night shops, flea markets, and street food. Here, you hear clinking beer under willows and cyclists riding along the water. The street is also known for its diverse markets: Every Tuesday and Friday, the weekly market at Maybachufer, also known as the “Turkish Market,” takes place with fresh products and Turkish specialties. On Saturdays, the “Neuköllner Stoff” with art and designer items takes place, and every second Sunday, vintage lovers can enjoy the “Nowkoelln Flowmarkt” with second-hand, art, music, and food stands.
Highlights along the canal also include Kai Maison, an Asian-French restaurant with a view of the water, and trendy vintage shops on nearby Bürknerstraße. Last year, Berlin was represented with Oranienstraße at number 12 in the “Time Out” ranking of the coolest streets. Now the capital makes it into the top 10 with another street–and climbs five places higher.
Places 8–31 of the Ranking
8. Olympou Street, Thessaloniki
9. Orchard Street, New York City
10. Vĩnh Khánh Street, Ho Chi Minh City
11. Rue de Flandre, Brussels
12. Nishihara Shotengai, Tokyo
13. Rue des Gravilliers, Paris
14. Joo Chiat Road, Singapore
15. Avenida Álvaro Obregón, Mexico City
16. Jalan Kemang Raya, Jakarta
17. Via Panisperna, Rome
18. Nakpil Street, Manila
19. Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
20. Cambie Street, Vancouver
21. Calle del Barquillo, Madrid
22. Kloof Street, Cape Town
23. Blackstock Road, London
24. Defensa Street, Buenos Aires
25. Pacific Coast Highway, Central Malibu
26. Charoen Nakhon Road, Bangkok
27. Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur
28. Roscoe Street, Chicago
29. Swan Street, Melbourne
30. Boulevard Pasteur, Tangier
31. Northdown Road, Margate