Forget meticulously detailed itineraries and hour-by-hour travel plans, as to really understand the essence of the city, you can’t beat hitting the streets and getting lost. We’re big fans of street life here at Time Out, which is why we publish an annual ranking of the coolest streets in the world, spotlighting our favourite local hangouts in the world’s best cities.
While a street in Rio de Janeiro took the top spot this year, there are alleyways, avenues and thoroughfares from all corners of the globe to explore – including two in Africa.
Cape Town’s Kloof Street is Africa’s coolest street right now
The coolest street in Africa in 2025 is Kloof Street in Cape Town, which came 22nd on the global list. In one direction, you can take a stroll uphill towards Table Mountain, while the other leads you towards the city bowl. Along the way, you’ll encounter broekie-lace balconies, concept stores, cocktail dens and innovative restaurants.
Time Out’s local expert Selene Brophy recommends Blondie for street-side Mediterranean dining (think barbecued fish swimming in a tomato, white wine and butter sauce, or a slab of sirloin on toast). There’s also Japanese-inspired convenience store Kloof Konbini, which has an ample selection of grab-and-go meals that are plucked straight out of Tokyo.
Selene also highlighted the street’s art and culture offering, including AKJP Studio, a one-stop local design destination that acts as a concept store, gallery and coffee shop. Reward your meander with drinks, or burn off more energy with a DJ set, at the likes of Rick’s Café and Van Hunks.
Tangier’s Boulevard Pasteur is celebrated for its literary heritage
The honour of being the second coolest street in Africa goes to Boulevard Pasteur in Tangier, Morocco’s overlooked port city. Though Tangier stretches back millennia, Boulevard Pasteur is practically brand-new by comparison. Laid out in 1920, it cuts through the city with imposing art deco facades as its backdrop.
Make like William S. Burroughs, Truman Capote and Paul Bowles and peruse the shelves at Tangier’s oldest bookshop – and now, literary landmark – the Librairie des Colonnes. Of course, no self-respecting writer would be without a stiff drink, and the nearby Number One bar serves just that, according to local expert Lauren Schenkman. Just watch out for Tim Jamursch’s Tangerine vampires.
To soak in more culture, KIOSK is the office of cultural organisation Think Tanger, which has a stacked programme of workshops and talks, as well as selling one-of-a-kind publications. Elsewhere, you can get an entirely new wardrobe at gallery/boutique Zawia, where the clothes are works of art themselves.
Read the full list of the 31 coolest streets in the world here.
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