Australian Street Voted as the Coolest in the World for 2024 by Time Out
Discover which Australian street has been crowned the coolest in the world for 2024 in Time Out's latest list of top roads and walkways. This vibrant street's strong sense of community spirit has earned it the prestigious top spot, making it a must-visit destination.
What makes a street “cool?” Maybe it's the variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can hang out for hours. Could it be the unique independent stores, offering goods you won't find anywhere else? Or perhaps it's just a certain vibe, a friendly atmosphere that's hard to describe but easy to feel.
According to Time Out, it's a combination of all these factors. The global media company has compiled a list of the “coolest streets in the world right now”, considering each street's food options, drink choices, cultural experiences, nightlife, and overall sense of community.
For the 2024 lineup, editors and writers from the global listings guide contributed to highlight their favorite streets in different cities.
High Street in Melbourne takes the top spot, praised by Time Out Melbourne editor Leah Glynn for its "epic restaurants, hidden bars, live music venues, and boutique shops." Glynn also noted the "warm sense of community spirit" that makes everyone feel welcome on the street.
Melbourne has once again made it onto Time Out's list, with Gertrude Street and Smith Street being recognized in previous rankings. This shows that Melbourne consistently offers great options for food, culture, and entertainment. The abundance of choices in Melbourne led Glynn to comment that "Melburnians are spoiled for choice when it comes to well-known streets that offer a mix of food, culture, and fun."
Glynn's observation highlights that Melbourne has a variety of popular streets that provide a vibrant atmosphere for people to enjoy. These streets are not just places to pass through, but destinations where people actively choose to spend their time.
Melbourne's High Street is situated in the southeast part of the city, running through the suburbs of Northcote, Thornbury, and Preston.
Time Out applauds the street for its variety of local businesses that cater to everyone's taste, such as Casa Nata, known for its tasty Portuguese custard tarts, and 1800 Lasagne, a restaurant that emerged during the pandemic and has now become a popular pasta spot with outdoor seating.
High Street is a fantastic place for bar hopping, according to Time Out. They recommend checking out the "intimate and exclusive" rooftop bar Gigi Rooftop and the lively dance spot Francesca's Bar.
Marco Finanzio, the founder and managing director of Gigi Rooftop, shared with CNN Travel that he opened his first establishment on High Street 14 years ago. At that time, he had big dreams of the area becoming a well-known destination.
Finanzio expressed his team's deep affection for their street and community. He also praised the local businesses for their hard work in serving the community, overcoming challenges during the pandemic, and managing increasing costs. Their efforts have led to the street becoming a thriving and successful destination globally.
Ben Mathieson, owner of Francesca's Bar, expressed his excitement about the recognition of their street, saying, "It's really special that everyone now knows how cool our street is."
According to Mathieson, the street is home to a community of independent, locally owned businesses, with no big corporate brands in sight. He described it as a great mix of hospitality, live music, retail, health and wellness, where all the traders support each other.
Mathieson also shouted out the Melburnians who “make the street cool as much as we do.”
“We don’t exist without the awesome locals,” he said.
Commerical Drive in Vancouver, Canada is number five on Time Out's list of coolest streets.
Commerical Drive in Vancouver, Canada is number five on Time Out's list of coolest streets.
Hollywood Road in Hong Kong is ranked number two on Time Out’s 2024 list. This vibrant street is famous for its amazing restaurants like the Michelin-starred Tate Dining Room. Visitors can also explore cultural sites such as the Man Mo Temple and the Mid-Levels Escalators, which is known as the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system.
East Eleventh in Austin, Texas holds the number three spot, praised by Time Out for its packed offerings in a short quarter-mile. The Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar on East Eleventh is recommended for grabbing a drink and enjoying a good read. Additionally, Kenny Dorham’s Backyard is highlighted as a great spot for live music, described as a makeshift venue with a permanent house party vibe by Time Out.
New York City, NY, USA - August 15, 2013: View of Washington Square Park in Manhattan with landmark arch and visitors present on a summer evening. Washington Square Park is a 9.75 acre park located in Greenwich Village and is a popular meeting spot.
Washington Square Park is a 9.75 acre park located in Greenwich Village. It is a popular meeting spot in Manhattan, New York City, NY, USA. Visitors can enjoy the landmark arch and the park on a summer evening.
Related article
Time Out reveals world’s best cities for 2024
In recent years, some of the world's busiest streets have transformed for the better, as noted by Time Out. Many of these streets have become more walkable and pleasant places for us to enjoy our time.
"Time Out mentioned that outdoor drinking and dining, originally a temporary solution, has now become a common sight on the streets we love. This trend has been supported by green efforts such as pedestrian-friendly areas and limited car access. For example, Consell de Cent in Barcelona, Spain, ranked 10th by Time Out, implemented a car ban in 2023."
Rua da Boavista in Lisbon, Portugal is number seven on Time Out's list.
Rua da Boavista in Lisbon, Portugal is number seven on Time Out's list.
Kathy deWitt/Alamy
Time Out has recommended a range of fun things to do for each street on its list. From practicing yoga at Ardha Bikram Yoga on Guatemala Street in Buenos Aires to sipping natural wines at Small Shifting Space on Jalan Petaling in Kuala Lumpur, there's something for everyone. You can also enjoy cream soda floats at Guuutara Coffee on Chazawa-dori in Tokyo.
The goal of the list, according to Time Out, is to celebrate the streets where local life truly thrives - from avenues and thoroughfares to backstreets and boulevards.
The full top 30 can be seen at Time Out’s website.
Time Out’s Top 10 coolest streets
Here are some famous streets from around the world: High Street in Melbourne, Hollywood Road in Hong Kong, East Eleventh in Austin, Texas, Guatemala Street in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Commercial Drive in Vancouver, Canada, Jalan Petaling in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Rua da Boavista in Lisbon, Portugal, Arnaldo Quintela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Chazawa-dori in Tokyo, Japan, and Consell de Cent in Barcelona, Spain.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the vibrant and diverse nature of the world's coolest streets, showcasing their unique offerings and the sense of community they foster. From the culinary delights of Melbourne's High Street to the cultural heritage of Hong Kong's Hollywood Road, each street has its own distinct character. The article also emphasizes the role of local businesses in shaping the atmosphere of these streets, with independent shops, restaurants, and bars contributing to their charm and authenticity.
The article also touches on the transformative effect that pedestrian-friendly measures and outdoor dining have had on many of these streets. These initiatives have created more pleasant and inclusive spaces, encouraging people to linger and enjoy their surroundings. The inclusion of streets from various cities around the globe demonstrates the universality of the concept of a "cool" street, regardless of location or size. Overall, the article serves as a celebration of urban spaces that are vibrant, inclusive, and beloved by locals and visitors alike.
