Rio de Janeiro has the reputation of having the most exciting and at the same time most relaxed street in the world. And a street in Berlin-Neukölln is also in the top 10 according to a "Time Out" ranking. But what makes a street really "cool"?
Which city in the world has the strongest heartbeat? That's what "Time Out" magazine found out this year. The lively Rua do Senado in Rio de Janeiro tops the ranking - but Germany can also look forward to a place on the list.
If you want to experience the true lifestyle of a city, you should not only concentrate on the well-known main streets, but also explore the lively side streets and hidden alleyways. This is precisely the approach taken by "Time Out" in its annual selection of the coolest streets in the world. This year, 31 roads have been included in the ranking.
Falstaff TRAVEL takes you on a stroll through the top 7 streets that travelers should definitely discover.
1st Rio de Janeiro: Rua do Senado
In the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Rua do Senado was voted the coolest street in the world. Once known for its antique stores and slightly disreputable bohemian flair, it is now experiencing a lively comeback. Between historic townhouses and bars from the turn of the century, life is pulsating again - especially on Saturdays, when the street becomes a dance floor thanks to the legendary Samba do Armazém Senado.
2. Osaka: Orange Street
Osaka's Orange Street is just a few steps away from the lively shopping district of Shinsaibashi. Once a paradise for antique lovers, it developed into a mecca for international streetwear in the 2010s - today it charmingly combines vintage and modern. In the converted old buildings, Japanese designer boutiques line up alongside second-hand furniture stores and small retro cafés. These are joined by takoyaki stands, bagel bakeries and creative concept stores.
3rd Porto: Rua do Bonjardim
Porto's Rua do Bonjardim is becoming the hippest part of the city. It stretches for almost a kilometer through the city centre - close to the sights, but far enough away from the tourist hustle and bustle for a relaxed stroll. Traditional grocery stores and old cafés meet modern addresses here, while new bakeries and concept stores bring a breath of fresh air to the street. To the south of Rua do Bonjardim is the Rivoli Theater, one of Porto's most important cultural venues - the perfect place to end a day full of food, art and music.
4th Chengdu: Fanghua Street
Hardly any other street reflects modern Chengdu as vividly as Fanghua Street. Once a quiet residential area, it is now a meeting place for creative people and connoisseurs. The restored old buildings shine in colorful murals, while cafés become bars in the evening and small studios offer handmade jewelry. In the community centers, residents play mahjong behind glass facades, while on the street the aroma of spicy Chengdu snacks beckons for a quick snack. If you want to experience real city life, sit down here, order a tea or beer and take in the hustle and bustle.
5th Montreal: Sherbrooke Street West
Sherbrooke Street West runs through Montréal's famous "Golden Square Mile" district, which was already a symbol of prosperity in the 19th century. Today, the street combines culture, lifestyle and history. The McCord Stewart Museum and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts are located here. Renowned universities and the Blue Metropolis Festival, one of the largest literary festivals in North America, are also in the immediate vicinity. If you stroll along Sherbrooke Street West, you will discover a diverse range of boutiques, vintage stores, cafés and international cuisine.
6th Brisbane: Montague Road
Montague Road in the riverside district of West End has evolved from a sleepy industrial area into the creative heart of Brisbane. The Queensland Ballet resides at the northern end in the restored Thomas Dixon Center, while the Queensland Theatre Company stages major productions at the other end. In between, the city's art and culture scene pulsates: boutiques, galleries and creative spaces characterize the streetscape. A special highlight is the gastronomy: award-winning coffee roasters, cozy pubs, handmade ice cream and Korean street food delight connoisseurs.
7th Berlin: Maybachufer
Berlin is still cool - even if the scene is changing. On the Maybachufer in the Reuterkiez district, life outside is as vibrant as ever. Spätis, flea markets and street food stalls line the canal for 1.5 kilometers, while cyclists pass by. The street is known above all for its diverse markets: on Tuesdays and Fridays, the weekly market on Maybachufer, also known as the "Turkish market", attracts visitors with fresh produce and specialties from Turkey. On Saturdays, local artists and designers present their work at the Neuköllner Stoff, and every second Sunday the street is transformed into a festival of second-hand goods, art, music and culinary delights at the Nowkoelln Flowmarkt.
