A traveller may visit a town or city for its architecture, food, and culture but it is often the streets that make the biggest impression. Lined with picturesque village streets and fascinating city architecture, they ooze style and offer a glimpse into the past and future.
The best streets in the world have been ranked by researchers using eye tracking software to observe how long viewers stare at the images. Here are the top 10:
1. Portobello Road
Located close to the Notting Hill Gate tube station Portobello Road is probably one of London's most famous streets and certainly the most colorful. It used to be a country lane connecting Portobello farm with Kensal Green in the north and Notting Hill in the south, but today it's known for its markets and the tightly squeezed houses and shops that curve along the street.
These days, the most famous section of Portobello Road is the market which specialises in antiques. However, it's also home to an amazing French patisserie called Maison Puget and a very useful budget store called Poundland.
You may have seen this famous street in the 1999 film Notting Hill starring Hugh Grant or more recently in Paddington Bear where the Browns took their new friend to visit Mr Gruber's antique shop on Portobello Road. The street is so pretty that you could spend hours walking around, taking photos and soaking up the atmosphere.
2. Trinity Park
While architecture is best known for its grand edifices that stand out in cityscapes and tower over the people walking beneath them, there are also some streets that carry a certain beauty that captures even passers-by. From pastel-colored laneways to historical architectural spots, these beautiful streets captivate and inspire.
Located on Duke University's doorstep, Trinity Park is one of the most vibrant and active neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The area is dotted with restaurants and bars that attract students looking for an easy commute to campus.
The Shambles is famous for its 15th-century buildings and narrow, cobblestone streets, which look like they were pulled straight out of an old-school English movie. While the streets are lined with a variety of boutique shops and family-owned restaurants, they're also home to some of the city's best landmarks. Including the iconic Tiffany's headquarters, this is a must-visit street for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy.
3. The Agora
The world’s most amazing streets are not necessarily the grandest, but the ones that capture the imagination and beckon you to explore. Whether it’s for their historic nature, incredible shopping or simply because they represent the heart and soul of their city.
Located northwest of the Acropolis, this ancient agora was where the citizens gathered to socialize and interact with their peers. Today, visitors can wander the ruins and shady porticos of this ancient marketplace, pondering the ideas of Plato and Aristotle while taking in all that Athens has to offer.
Lombard Street is one of the most famous crooked streets in the world, known for its series of hairpin bends that make driving here a thrilling experience. The street is a must-visit for architecture lovers, while the Russian Hill district features charming 18th century-designed buildings. Those looking for an artistic touch can stroll along Caminito, meaning the little path in Spanish, which has been transformed into a street museum featuring blue, yellow and green tenements displaying works by local artists.
4. Lombard Street
San Francisco is famous for many things, and its Lombard Street certainly tops the list of its most amazing streets. The one-block stretch of the road zigzags downhill between Hyde and Leavenworth streets, featuring eight tight turns that delight visitors and make for an unforgettable experience driving or walking along it.
The crooked street didn't always look this way: Before the 1920s, it was straight and steep, which posed a safety risk for both pedestrians and cars. But property owners in the area suggested a series of scenic switchbacks to add beauty and safety, and Lombard Street became an instant hit with both tourists and locals.
From the top of Lombard Street, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. The street is also within easy walking distance of Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf and many other sights that offer something unique for every traveler.
5. Abbey Road
If there’s one thing that can instantly make you stop in your tracks and snap a photo, it’s a beautiful street. From the quaint alleyways of Chefchaouen in Morocco to the ethereal canopies of flora in Japan and Ireland, there are plenty of streets across the globe that are the perfect backdrop for some snaps.
Abbey Road may be best known as the studio where The Beatles recorded some of their biggest hits, including the slinky belly rumble of “Come Together” and the twinkly Spring vibes of “Here Comes the Sun.” However, it also happens to be one of London’s most iconic streets.
The UNESCO-listed Cogels-Osylei is an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Antwerp, boasting sensational canal views and buildings that showcase the city’s rich history as a global trading hub. Meanwhile, the streets of Alberobello in Italy are famous for their Trulli, whitewashed houses with conical roofs that are just begging to be photographed.
6. Convent Avenue
We have rounded up the best streets around the world that are a dream to walk down. From a classy street in Boston to a rainbow-colored lane in Paris, these amazing streets are sure to have something unique that will capture the eye of all those who visit them.
These incredible streets are manageable microcosms of the world's most exciting cities. They're full of independent businesses, creative humans and everything else that makes urban life amazing.
With its stunning row of Victorian townhouses and sweeping views, Convent Avenue is one of Harlem's most picturesque streets. It has also been home to notable African-American residents including writer and critic George S. Schuyler and his daughter, the musical prodigy Philippa Duke Schuyler. The street's serial setbacks allow for large windows that make each home feel spacious and welcoming.
7. Cherry Blossom Avenue
The world is full of grand architectural statements, but sometimes the most memorable scenes are found at ground level. In fact, according to a recent study by real estate agent comparison site GetAgent, streets are the most beautiful aspect of any city.
Often referred to as “the Cherry Walk,” this 4-mile esplanade is dotted with swaying Kwanzan trees and colorful Crabapple blossoms that impress visitors year after year. And that’s not all – the street is also lined with top-notch restaurants, breweries and cafes.
The best time to visit is during sakura, or cherry blossom, season, which tends to start around early April. Other streets that made the list include Heerstrasse in Bonn, which is surprisingly picturesque during its days of blooming; and Kyoto’s Philosopher's Walk (or Tetsugaku no Michi), which features the famous path adorned with cherry trees. These streets are a must-visit on any traveler’s itinerary. They’re filled with charm, personality and character, and the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable travel photos.
8. Colmar Street
The Rue des Marchards in Colmar is often the starting point of tours of the city and a must-see for visitors. It's lined with colorful half-timbered buildings and a variety of shops selling local products and souvenirs. There's also a grotesque statue called House of the Heads and the Bartholdi museum (in the house where Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, the man behind the Statue of Liberty, was born).
Walking through the streets of Colmar is like visiting a fairy tale. You'll see wooden turrets that Rapunzel could let her hair down from, candy-colored houses that Hansel and Gretel would love to live in, and bustling street cafes where you can sample local food and drink.
The streets are filled with a unique mix of cultures since the town is located in the Alsace region, where France meets Germany. During the centuries, ownership of the region passed back and forth between the two countries, and this is reflected in the architecture.
9. La Orotava
Located in the north of the island of Tenerife, La Orotava is a charming town with a friendly and very traditional atmosphere. Its old center has a lot of well-preserved colonial architecture with typical houses, squares, and churches.
It's worth taking a stroll through the streets to discover these architectural treasures. A must-see is Casa de los Balcones, a 17th-century house with beautiful carved balconies and windows.
The gardens of the Marquesado de la Quinta Roja are another highlight of La Orotava. This stunning garden is a series of neatly arranged terraces overflowing with flowers and features a marble mausoleum at the top. Originally, it was built as a mausoleum for the marquis but is now used as a monument against religious intolerance.
The best time to visit La Orotava is during the spring and summer, from March to September. This is when the weather is warm and sunny. But if you want to avoid the crowds, you can also visit during the fall and winter months from October to February.
