Do you know how high streets, town centres, and shopping malls can often feel very monotonous and forgettable? They all carry the same generic shops with the same coffee shop conglomerate outlets and chain restaurants, with barely a hint of interesting character. The places that truly capture your attention, especially when travelling, are the streets and avenues that locals love, packed with independent shops and nooks and crannies to stick your nose into.
That’s why Time Out’s global network of local editors and experts have nominated the streets that epitomise the best of their cities, and these choices were then ranked against criteria like food, drink, culture, fun, and community spirit. Hong Kong’s many streets and alleys did not make it onto the list this year, but two of the highest ranked cool streets of the world lie only about a three-hour flight from home.
Hongkongers need no excuse to jet off to Japan, but if you’re looking for a reason, then you’ve got it! Orange Street in Osaka, just off of Shinsaibashi, is officially the second coolest street in the world and it’s a must-visit for those who go to Japan with empty suitcases to fill. Known in the 2010s as a hotspot for streetwear brands and hype culture, these days Orange Street has gone back to its roots as an antique hub, with plenty of vintage furniture and clothes shops for every thrifting fiend. From Hermès and Gucci mugs to one-off fashion samples at bargain prices, there’s plenty to look through here – but fear not, Orange Street also houses cafés, Osakan street food, neo-izayaka joints, and more to revive the weary shopper.
The other Asian street within the top five is Chengdu’s Fanghua Street, a blend of sleepy, retro Chengdu life and youthful, design-led energy. Between low-rise apartment buildings sit coffee shops that turn into wine bars and artsy studios, alongside the city’s traditional hole-in-the-wall snack stalls.
So what is the coolest street in the world this year, you ask? The crown goes to Rua do Senado in Rio de Janeiro, a bohemian area of downtown Rio where historic townhouses and traditional bars live on next to newer restaurants and lively nightlife spots that inject fresh energy into the neighbourhood. Porto’s Rua do Bonjardim and Sherbrooke Street West in Montreal make up ranks three and five, respectively.
If you want your next travel itinerary to literally go off the beaten path, check out the full list of the 31 coolest streets in the world for 2025 – there are quite a few other Asian destinations that have made the cut!
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