Can you believe it's been more than a year since High Street in Melbourne's north was crowned the official coolest street in the world? Well, after a long and hugely successful reign, it's finally time to pass the baton to another worthy winner. The highly anticipated 2025 ranking of Time Out's coolest streets in the world has just dropped – and not one but two Aussie spots made the list.
RELATED READ: North Melbourne is one of the world's coolest neighbourhoods for 2025
As always, to determine the annual ranking, Time Out's global network of editors and local experts were asked to nominate a street that epitomises the very best of their city. The list was then refined and rated based off key criteria including food and drink offerings, culture, fun things to do and community spirit.
Coming in first (and taking the title off High Street) is Rua do Senado in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. Best known for its antique shops and bohemian vibes, it's undergoing a stylish revival thanks to exciting new venues bringing a fresh energy to the place. Rounding out the top five are trendy streets in Osaka, Japan; Porto, Portugal; Chengdu, China; and Montreal, Canada.
Coming in sixth place – woo! – is none other than Montague Street in Brisbane. Melissa Woodley, Time Out Australia's News and Travel Editor, describes this edgy street as “a once-sleepy industrial strip that has reinvented itself as the creative backbone of Brisbane’s most eclectic, free-spirited neighbourhood”. Boasting wellness spaces, neighbourhood pubs and some excellent coffee roasters, it's rocketed straight to the top of our itinerary for when we next visit the Queensland capital.
But most importantly, where's Melbourne on the list? Landing at 29th is one of Richmond's most popular (and busiest!) strips: Swan Street. Cue the applause!
In recent years, Swan Street has emerged as Richmond’s vibrant epicentre, thanks to an influx of excellent drinking and dining spots and its close proximity to the MCG and Melbourne Park precinct. Gone are the grungy vibes (for the most part, that is – you can still spot some great street art), now it’s all about chic wine bars like Clover and Tartine with a side of boutique shops and pilates studios.
The Corner Hotel remains a stalwart of Melbourne’s live music scene, and it’s also a top spot to grab a pint before heading to the footy. Plus, it’s impossible to go hungry here; from flavour-packed Vietnamese cuisine at New Quarter to modern Japanese at Future Future and quality Hellenic eats at Bahari, you’ll want to visit on an empty stomach. And if it’s green space you’re after, venture down to the Burnley end, where you can easily link up with the Capital City Trail for a leisurely stroll or cycle.
Some of our other favourite things to do include grabbing a sanga from Hugo's Deli (there's a good reason the Mortadella Bella has been on the menu since day one – it's delicious) or popping into Nixie Nox (aka Richmond’s smallest pub, which only has room for 80 patrons) for an ice-cold froff or a Martini. Swan Street really does have it all – shoulda been higher, if you ask us!
Time Out's 31 coolest streets in the world for 2025:
1. Rio de Janeiro: Rua do Senado
2. Osaka: Orange Street
3. Porto: Rua do Bonjardim
4. Chengdu: Fanghua Street
5. Montreal: Sherbrooke Street West
6. Brisbane: Montague Road
7. Berlin: Maybachufer
8. Thessaloniki: Olympou Street
9. New York City: Orchard Street
10. Ho Chi Minh: Vinh Khanh Street (District 4, HCMC)
11. Brussels: Rue de Flandre
12. Tokyo: Nishihara Shotengai
13. Paris: Rue des Gravilliers
14. Singapore: Joo Chiat
15. Mexico City: Avendia Alvaro Obregon
16. Jakarta: Jalan Kemang Raya
17. Rome: Via Panisperna
18. Manila: Nakpil St, Malate
19. Dubai: Alserkal Avenue
20. Vancouver: Cambie Street
21. Madrid: Calle del Barquillo
22. Cape Town: Kloof Street
23. London: Blackstock Road
24. Buenos Aires: Defensa, San Telmo
25. Los Angeles: Pacific Coast Highway, Central Malibu
26. Bangkok: Charoen Nakhon Road
27. Kuala Lumpur: Jalan Pudu
28. Chicago: Roscoe Street
29. Melbourne: Swan Street, Richmond
30. Tangier: Boulevard Pasteur
31. Margate: Northdown Road
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