At Time Out, it’s our job to know the best things to eat, drink, see and do in all the coolest cities across the world. Our global network puts that insight to good use every year to rank the coolest streets in the world – AKA the go-to spots for experiencing the best of a city if you only have one day. The 2025 list has just dropped, and we’re stoked that two Aussie streets made the list, including an edgy Brisbane road in the top ten. Go Brissy!
To rank the coolest streets in the world, our global network of editors and writers considers key factors like walkability, connectivity, ace food and drink offerings, nightlife, culture, fun and community spirit. Montague Road in Brisbane offers all that, and then some, rising to claim the title of Australia’s coolest street for 2025 and the sixth coolest globally. That puts it just behind funky strips in Rio de Janeiro, Osaka, Porto, Chengdu and Montreal (and you can see the full list below).
Sitting on the river-facing side of West End, this once-sleepy industrial strip has reinvented itself as the creative backbone of Brisbane’s most eclectic, free-spirited neighbourhood. The street is anchored by culture: at the river end, the beautifully restored Thomas Dixon Centre houses the Queensland Ballet, while closer to the city, Queensland Theatre Company draws crowds with bold new plays and big-ticket productions. Between them, boutique spaces like Vacant Assembly offer a glimpse into Brisbane’s thriving independent art scene, hosting everything from life drawing to inclusive exhibitions and pop-up markets.
Montague Road is as adventurous as it is creative. For a fun family outing or date night, you can choose between axe-throwing and rock climbing, or find your zen at boutique wellness studios like TH7, complete with high-tech saunas and contrast pools. Beyond that, you can head to Mappin's Nursery for terrarium and ikebana workshops, Ollie & Lloyd for quirky gifts, or Triton Food Brokers – one of Brisbane’s best continental delis – to stock up on specialty imported groceries.
Now, more on the food. Start your day with an award-winning brew at the ultra-local Coffee Mentality – crowned Australia’s best coffee for 2025 – then chase it down with a strawberries and cream croissant from Superthing. For lunch, wander over to chef Shane Delia’s newly opened Layla for Middle Eastern plates, served inside a heritage-listed former boot factory. Alternatively, snag a curbside table at the slick Coredeaux Social Club and settle in for some people watching with a wine in hand. Then come back after dark for “neo cocktails” at +81 Aizome (Brisbane’s tiniest Japanese bar), Korean comfort food at Kor-Dak, and a real-deal scoop of Italian gelato from La Macelleria.
On Saturday, Davies Park comes alive with the West End Markets, brimming with fresh produce, street snacks and wholesome community vibes. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Montague Road sweeps you straight towards South Bank and QAGOMA, Brisbane’s iconic hub of contemporary art.
The only other Australian road to crack Time Out's 2025 coolest streets list was Swan Street in Melbourne’s trendy Richmond, which secured a solid 29th place. You can check out the full ranking below.
The coolest streets in the world for 2025, according to Time Out
- Rio de Janeiro: Rua do Senado
- Osaka: Orange Street
- Porto: Rua do Bonjardim
- Chengdu: Fanghua Street
- Montreal: Sherbrooke Street West
- Brisbane: Montague Road
- Berlin: Maybachufer
- Thessaloniki: Olympou Street
- New York City: Orchard Street
- Ho Chi Minh: Vinh Khanh Street (District 4, HCMC)
- Brussels: Rue de Flandre
- Tokyo: Nishihara Shotengai
- Paris: Rue des Gravilliers
- Singapore: Joo Chiat
- Mexico City: Avendia Alvaro Obregon
- Jakarta: Jalan Kemang Raya
- Rome: Via Panisperna
- Manila: Nakpil St, Malate
- Dubai: Alserkal Avenue
- Vancouver: Cambie Street
- Madrid: Calle del Barquillo
- Cape Town: Kloof Street
- London: Blackstock Road
- Buenos Aires: Defensa, San Telmo
- Los Angeles: Pacific Coast Highway, Central Malibu
- Bangkok: Charoen Nakhon Road
- Kuala Lumpur: Jalan Pudu
- Chicago: Roscoe Street
- Melbourne: Swan Street, Richmond
- Tangier: Boulevard Pasteur
- Margate: Northdown Road