While ticking off major tourist sites during a city break is certainly enjoyable, it’s the exploration of side streets and charming avenues that truly reveals a city’s authentic character. Streets have long been more than mere pathways; they are vibrant veins that pulse with the character and charm of their cities. Around the globe, some streets stand out as epitomes of beauty, showcasing a blend of historical richness, architectural elegance, and natural splendour.
So, which streets around the globe are currently the most intriguing? In recent years, street life has undergone a transformation. What was once considered a temporary measure, like outdoor dining and drinking, has now become a permanent fixture, supported by green initiatives such as pedestrianisation and reduced traffic. These changes have made streets more enjoyable and walkable.
Every street on our list boasts vibrant, innovative ventures in dining, nightlife, and culture—from trendy listening bars to creatively repurposed historic buildings. These streets are where you’ll encounter the most exciting cultural trends in their respective cities. Ready to explore? Here is the list of the world’s most beautiful streets.
Nestled in Colmar, France, close to the German border, lies one of Europe's most enchanting towns. The Old Town of Colmar stands out as the most picturesque area, with architecture seemingly frozen in time. Its vibrant timber-framed buildings perfectly capture the essence of Alsatian charm.
The Brunngasse is the most famous yet one of the most beautiful streets in the scenic village of Brienz, Switzerland. Its 18th-century chalets, known for their intricate wood carvings, line the street, and the window boxes are adorned with colourful geraniums. Situated in southern Spain between Seville and Málaga, Setenil de las Bodegas is a quaint town of around 3,000 residents.
The town's distinctive feature is its whitewashed houses built directly into the rocky cliffs, creating a dramatic landscape with natural rock formations casting shadows over the streets. The Umbrella Sky Project in Águeda, Portugal, began in 2011 as part of the Ágitagueda Art Festival. Each summer, colourful umbrellas are suspended over the narrow streets to provide shade and create a vibrant, festive atmosphere.
Walking along the cobblestone streets of Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighbourhood offers a stunning view of the Manhattan Bridge. The intersection of Washington and Water Streets provides a striking view of the longest bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, framed by symmetrical buildings that make for excellent architectural photography. As Brazil's easternmost major city, Recife features the historically rich Rua do Bom Jesus.
This colourful street, lined with tall palm trees, is home to the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, the first synagogue built in the Americas, which remains a notable landmark and one of the most captivating lanes in the world. Montmartre in Paris, once home to many famous cultural figures like Renoir and Picasso, still retains its artistic charm. The streets, particularly Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue des Saules, are adorned with colourful buildings and ivy-covered walls, making them ideal for photography, just behind the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
The streets of Mykonos are captivating, with their winding cobblestone paths and whitewashed houses. Some areas offer breathtaking views of the sea, enhancing the island's already stunning scenery. Surrender yourself in of the most breathtaking streets in the world and enjoy its mesmerising views with most captivating lanes.
Visit Pretoria between late September and November to see the jacaranda trees in full bloom. The vibrant purple branches of these trees create a spectacular display, particularly as they line the streets of Pretoria and Johannesburg. Quebec City stands out as one of Canada’s most beautiful destinations, especially with streets like Rue du Petit Champlain.
This charming, European-inspired street is lined with unique boutiques and bistros, making it delightful to explore year-round. Jinli Street in Chengdu, China, remains stunning throughout the year, but its true enchantment is revealed during the Chinese New Year. During this festive season, the street is adorned with ceremonial lights and decorations, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
A visit to Aldama Street in San Miguel De Allende is a highlight for any traveller to this charming Mexican city. Located about 170 miles north of Mexico City, San Miguel De Allende was named "2013 Best City in the World" by Travel + Leisure, with Aldama Street being a key attraction due to its historic and colourful character. Zrinyi Utca Street in Budapest offers some of the best views of the city's iconic Saint Stephen's Basilica.
This pedestrian street, situated near the Danube River, provides a picturesque setting to appreciate the grandeur of the basilica. Tehran's Alborz Mountains frame the city's skyline, with residential buildings and the notable Tohid Tunnel (the third longest tunnel in the Middle East) creating a dramatic backdrop. The Milad Tower, standing at 1,427 feet, further enhances the cityscape as the tallest structure in Iran and the sixth-tallest tower globally.
Often referred to as the "Venice of the North," Bruges, Belgium, is renowned for its well-preserved mediaeval charm. The historic city is captivating, with its cobblestone streets and mediaeval buildings reflected in the picturesque canals. Burano, a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, stands out with its vibrant, multi-colored buildings.
The beauty of Burano's streets lies not just in its canals but in the strikingly colourful facades that make each turn a visual delight. Tetsugaku no Michi, or the Philosopher's Path, in Kyoto is a scenic 1.2-mile-long street lined with cherry trees.
Running alongside a canal and passing the Ginkaku-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the path is particularly stunning in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Discover the beautiful bridges in the world 2024.
