A vibrant Australian street has been named the world's coolest street, beating out the world's most-visited trade show.
Adelaide named 'Coolest City' by the Wall Street Journal
The High Street, a popular hub running through Northcote, Thornbury and Preston, has been officially named a must-see destination by Time Out magazine, ranking the street number one for its restaurants, bars and lively atmosphere. I went in.
To find the coolest streets around the world, Time Out enlisted the help of an international team of “local expert editors and contributors.” They all claimed outstanding streets in their cities.
Time Out awarded the High Street as the world's coolest street.Photo: Andrew Henshaw
High Street beat out Hong Kong's Hollywood Road, Austin's East Eleventh, Buenos Aires' Guatemala Street and Vancouver's Commercial Drive, all of which made it into the top five coolest streets in the world.
Time Out Melbourne editor Leah Glynn said while Melbourne had a wealth of trendy, must-see streets, the welcoming atmosphere of the high street helped it rise to the top of the competition.
“Melburnians are spoiled for choice between high-traffic high streets that deliver food, culture and fun (Chapel Street, Sydney Road, Smith Street, to name a few). But by 2024, “The focus will be on the arteries that flow through the 'high streets' of the northern suburbs of Thornbury, Northcote and Preston,” Ms Glynn said.
“It's cool in all the ways you'd expect – great restaurants, hidden bars, live music venues, boutique shops – but it's also got a warm community spirit that makes everyone feel welcome. And it's cool ( And I think that's pretty important from the perspective of where you want to spend your time together.”
This popular street is lined with numerous eateries, bars and boutique cinemas. Photo: Ian Currie
The city center streets are home to numerous cafes, boutique cinemas, high-end clothing stores, popular restaurants and bars, and have long been frequented by Melburnians and visitors from around the world.
Thornbury's 1800 Lasagna and Gigi Rooftop Bar are among the hospitality venues where locals flock for delicious food and drinks with a view.
Time Out lifestyle writer Liv Condus said the street was one of her favorite places to visit on holiday.
“Whether it's window shopping in cute boutiques, perched on a bar stool and people watching, or treating yourself to a delicious bowl of ramen, it's always a good time on the high street,” Condus said.
“As a music lover, this is a true haven for me. I have fond memories of performing at the Northcote Theatre.”
Time Out's Top 10 Coolest Streets in the World:
1. High Street, Melbourne
2. Hollywood Road, Hong Kong
3. Austin, East Eleven
4. Guatemala Street, Buenos Aires
5. Commercial Drive, Vancouver
6. Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur
7. Boavista Street, Lisbon
8. Arnaldo Quintela, Rio de Janiero
9. Tokyo Chazawa Street
10. Consel de Cent, Barcelona
