The Time Out, a British magazine that acts as a guide to the best experiences in the cities of the world, listed the 30 coolest streets in the world.
In all, 27 thousand people were interviewed, in addition to local experts and the publication itself, who gave their opinions in the areas of gastronomy, entertainment, culture and community spirit. In fact, these are the same criteria that the guide takes into account when choosing the best neighborhoods and, consequently, the best cities.
Check the list:
1º Smith Street, Melbourne, Australia
The guide tells that here, you will never have a dull moment. There are bustling pubs, fine wine bars, record stores and bakeries. At night, the pubs, gay bars and live music venues of Collingwood, the district, are a magnet for locals who like to dance until dawn.
2º: Passeig de Sant Joan, Barcelona
The street cross the city from north to south and extends through four distinct neighborhoods. The upper part is more old-school, with bars and boutiques such as Baylina, Bar Oller and Verdú. The southern, in turn, is full of stylish restaurants such as Granja Petitbo and Chicha Limoná.
But what stands out on the street, according to the guide, is the way in which pedestrians and cyclists are respected. Bike paths run the length of the street, while people have plenty of room to walk, stroll, and benches to sit on.
3º: South Bank, London
Right beside the River Thames, the South Bank is a dynamic area at the heart of London’s cultural scene. The Southbank Centre, the National Theater and the BFI cinema are among the best art spaces in the world.
The tree-lined riverside promenade, filled with historic restaurants and pubs, often hosts fairs and events. In the same region, tourists can ride the London Eye Ferris Wheel to admire iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
4º: San Isidro, Havana, Cuba
One of the most iconic and busiest streets in Old Havana is San Isidro. Colonial and neoclassical buildings predominate in the area, erected between the bastions of the old Wall; art galleries, museums, places to taste typical Cuban food and several bars.
The road is the heart of a district that runs from Rua Egido to Avenida del Puerto and from Acosta to Desamparados. Cuban writer and independence fighter José Martí was born on these properties in 1853. His hometown is now one of the most visited museums in the city.
5º: Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles
The so-called Sunset Strip of Sunset Boulevard Street in West Hollywood has been famous for its active nightlife since at least the 1950s.
In the 1970s, the area between Gardner Street and Western Avenue was a center for street prostitution. Shortly after a well-publicized incident in June 1995, police expelled most of the prostitutes on the Avenue.
Part of Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood is also sometimes called “Guitar Row” because of the large number of guitar stores and music industry-related companies, including recording studios.
The avenue is commemorated in the 1950 movie Sunset Boulevard and the 1950s television series 77 Sunset Strip.
6º Lugar: Witte de Withstraat, Rotterdam
This street is full of life with its trendy bars and restaurants. You will also find many art galleries and cultural centers like the Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art. Here you can expect many excellent restaurants. The Eatery Bazar, specializing in exotic meals at affordable prices, is perhaps the liveliest restaurant in Rotterdam, including its comfortable terrace.
Vivu Vietnamese restaurant is for connoisseurs, or you can also enjoy excellent Italian food at Oliva. Café De Witte Aap was named the best bar in the world by Lonely Planet, so check out at least this tiny but fun bar. Across the street you’ll find the modern Nieuw Rotterdams Cafe, set in an imposing building that once belonged to the former NRC newspaper.
7º: Três Rios, Sao Paulo
The guide highlights the historic district as in “constant evolution”. The lane, they point out, is a few minutes from the beautiful Pinacoteca, besides pointing out that its intersections housed several generations of immigrant families who moved to Brazil over the centuries – from Italy, Korea, Greece, Bolivia, Eastern Europe and other places – all bringing their local culture and cuisine in their luggage, opening their own restaurants there and creating one of the most diverse gastronomic scenes in the city.
To eat the Korean food, the magazine indicates Hwang To Gil, and Acropolis, which specializes in Greek dishes, founded in 1959. To drink? Iced coffee at Bellapan Bakery, plus one of the excellent pies or cakes.
8º: Haji Lane, Singapura
This is one of the trendiest and most fashionable spots in the city. On site, you can find exclusive brands, independent merchants, galleries and elegant cafes. Compared to New York’s Meatpacking District or Tokyo’s Shibuya, Haji Lane is a hidden gem, popular with younger generations in search of Singapore’s underground culture. Book at least an afternoon of shopping on this colorful street. The stores on Haji Lane are small and specialized.
On site, you can find great selections from independent brands, an exclusive piece from a local designer, or a hard-to-find item on the international market. Browse hundreds of albums and DVDs at one of the city’s best nightclub stores or see local artists at some of the city’s hottest galleries. Known for the ephemeral nature of its shops and common art spaces, Haji Lane is a constant metamorphosis of fashion, music and street culture.
9º: Rodrigues de Faria, Lisbon, Portugal
The place is a creative island occupied by companies and industry professionals alike and has been the scene of a diverse range of events in the areas of fashion, advertising, communication, multimedia, art, architecture and music, generating a dynamic that has attracted countless visitors to the rediscover this area of Alcântara.
Visitors to Lx Factory can do everything from getting a haircut in a 50s salon to tasting an Argentine empanada or even tasting a drink from Rio de Janeiro. The tip is: don’t leave without going through the Café na Fábrica.
10º: Calle Thames, Buenos Aires
A busy street that connects elegant Palermo with the bolder Villa Crespo, Calle Thames is best known for its independent kitchens and water wells, many housed in reused buildings. Foodies revere thrifty Sarkis for traditional Armenian food and Las Pizarras for quality small plates, while a young crowd dines at Asian steakhouse Niño Gordo, Churro and Taco Bar Juan Pedro Caballero, and Sausage Vendor Chori. Mercat, a brand new indoor restaurant, houses a Jewish bakery and wine bar.
At cocktail hour, Tres Monos has already ranked as one of the best bars in the world, the deli Cacho specializes in appetizers, and Puro Bistro is the place for cigar and whiskey aficionados.
For the full list, click here.