November 20, 2025, 9:55 am | Read time: 7 minutes
Every year, the magazine “Time Out” selects the coolest streets in the world. This year, the winner is in Rio de Janeiro–and a German city also made it into the top 10. Find out which streets are among the coolest in 2025 here.
To experience the authentic vibe of a city, you shouldn’t just walk along the main streets–you should 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.” This year, 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 of which stand for creative entrepreneurship, vibrant neighborhoods, and current trends in 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 one big dance floor: The legendary Samba do Armazém Senado is a tradition here. Places like the Lilia restaurant and the associated Labuta Bars bring modern cuisine and creative drinks into historic walls. Right across the street, 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 mix 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 you can drink coffee from 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. It’s a place 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 in the city. Stretching almost a kilometer through downtown, it’s close to attractions but just far enough from the tourist hustle. Traditional grocery stores and old cafés stand alongside modern restaurants like Luffa or the wine and art space Ottto, where you can share tapas with friends in the evening. Classics like Conga with its legendary bifanas (pork sandwiches) and Antunes with its popular pork knuckles still exist–alongside new bakeries and concept stores. To the south 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. Cafés turn into bars in the evening, studios sell handmade jewelry, and in the 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 wealth in the 19th century, now a hotspot for culture and lifestyle. Here you’ll find the McCord Stewart Museum and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, alongside luxury 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. As you stroll down the street, you’ll discover boutiques, vintage shops, cafés, and a wide range of international cuisines–from French and Italian to Indian. An elegant mix of old and new–exactly what makes Montréal unique.
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, and at the other end is 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 many 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 produce. A street that shows how Brisbane is reinventing 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” is setting in, life is still in full swing outdoors at Maybachufer. In the 1.5-kilometer stretch of the Reuterkiez, city life pulses between late-night shops, flea markets, and street food. Here you can 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 produce 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. Just last year, Berlin was represented with Oranienstraße in 12th place in the “Time Out” ranking of the coolest streets. Now the capital makes it into the top 10 with another street–and even climbs five places higher.
Places 8–31 in the Ranking
8. Olympou Street, Thessaloniki
9. Orchard Street, New York City
10. Vĩnh-Khanh 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