To truly experience a city, you have to walk its streets and go where the locals go. That means veering away from the tourist traps and getting lost down back alleys, following the scents and sounds that indicate vibrant life going on around you, ducking into places that can unexpectedly surprise and delight you. It helps when you know which streets to explore, though. That’s where Time Out comes in. We’ve ranked the coolest streets in the world, focusing on food, drink, culture, fun, and community spirit.
The first Asian entry on the list is Orange Street in Osaka, which ranks second worldwide. Orange Street is well known for its eclectic shopping, offering forward-thinking local Japanese labels, chic boutiques, and vintage stores galore. It’s perfect whether you’re looking for the trendy or the kitschy. Also on the list is Nishihara Shogentai in Tokyo, a quieter enclave near the busy, bustling Shibuya. Kaila Imada, Digital Editor of Time Out Tokyo, says it’s “packed with cosy cafés, charming bakeries, intimate bars, and chic lifestyle shops”. It’s quieter and slower than you might expect central Tokyo to be, making it a perfect respite if you need some peace and quiet.
Southeast Asia also has a strong showing in this list. Tenth on the list is Vĩnh Khánh Street, an incredible food street in Ho Chi Minh City. The main street of the city’s District 4 is packed all night, full of seafood grills that moonlight as beer bars, and buskers performing in the middle of the street. Singapore’s Joo Chiat Road also makes an appearance, famed for its many colourful conserved historical shophouses and the upscale restaurant and boutiques it houses alongside old-school hawker centres. Apart from these two cities, there are inclusions from Manila, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta.
Here’s Time Out’s list of the Asia’s coolest streets:
- Orange Street, Osaka
- Fanghua Street, Chengdu
- Vĩnh Khánh Street, Ho Chi Minh City
- Nishihara Shotengai, Tokyo
- Joo Chiat Road, Singapore
- Jalan Kemang Raya, Jakarta
- Nakpil Street, Manila
- Charoen Nakhon Road, Bangkok
- Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur
You can find the full list of the world’s coolest streets here.
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