The coolest streets you’ve never heard of

You don’t need us to tell you to go to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Michigan Avenue in Chicago or La Rambla in Barcelona, Spain. But as any traveler knows, vacation magic doesn’t tend to happen on the well-beaten paths. Some of the world’s most alluring avenues aren’t household names, but they’ll easily win over your heart — and your viewfinder.

Caminito in Buenos Aires, Argentina

This “little path” — its literal translation from Spanish — has big energy, amplified by color-clashing facades, international flags and whimsical artworks in every direction you turn. Located in the funky La Boca neighborhood, the veritable street museum sits on the route of a former railroad, once in decay until local artists began taking over in the ‘50s. As the street was a haven for Genoan immigrants in the 1800s, you’ll also notice European architectural influences throughout.

Haji Lane in Kampong Glam, Singapore

Tucked away in the Muslim quarter, this narrow side street intoxicates with cheerful murals, ample greenery and superb people-watching. Within a few blocks, you can easily sample the world’s cuisines: Hit up Piedra Negra for mango ceviche, the Singapura Club for okra fries and curries and Ciao Risto-Bar for tiramisu. At tiny liquor den Bar Stories, choose from 100-plus drinks or let a talented barkeep whip you up a bespoke cocktail.

Wale Street in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa

Once called the Malay Quarter, Bo-Kaap is a bustling district under the verdant gaze of Signal Hill and Table Mountain. Spend some time at the Bo-Kaap Museum before exploring local spice shops and cafés, as your legs burn from walking the incline. The reward: colorful Cape Dutch and Georgian houses, and Cape Malay-style home-cooking staples such as bredie stew, a slow-cooked mélange of protein, potatoes and vegetables seeped in cloves, chili and cinnamon.

Española Way in Miami, Florida

The pedestrian-only street buzzes with convivial energy, whether during the weekend market, free yoga on Saturday mornings, Flamenco Fridays hosted by Tapas y Tintos or live opera on Wednesdays from Hosteria Romana, a Roman-Jewish bistro with tables that spill onto the sidewalk. Erected in the 1920s with Mediterranean-inspired architecture, it’s now the only corridor in the city that boasts the style, since Art Deco swooped in soon after.

Hosier Lane in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

This alleyway presents visitors with an evolving lineup of stencils, graffiti, murals and installations by local and international artists. One such painted segment conceals MoVida, a groovy tapas restaurant with one hell of a view if you can snag a window seat.

Carrera 29 in Guatapé, Colombia

Venture away from the droves of tourists in Medellín to this small watersport hub on the shores of Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. On the unhurried street, a rainbow of bas-reliefs await, along with live music and chilled beers at Bar Baroja and locally sourced espresso and loose-leaf tea at Black Hole Café.

Sannenzaka in Kyoto, Japan

The hilly stroll along Sannenzaka, the path to the dazzling Kiyomizu-dera temple, is studded with traditional teahouses, food vendors and ornate Japanese architecture. If your calves tire from the ascent, stop for a bite of restorative mochi in one of the confectionery shops lining the way.

Schnoor Street in Bremen, Germany

History buffs will rejoice in ambling along Schnoor (also the name of the quarter), where homes from the 15th and 16th centuries still stand. Medieval roots aside, the inviting boulevard is a great place to shop for jewelry and crafts, browse galleries or simply get lost in a maze of old alleyways.

Calle La Ronda in Quito, Ecuador

Bring a book and settle into this Bohemian retreat in Quito’s historic center. When day fades to night, swap the Ecuadorian coffee for canelazo, a hot boozy beverage spiked with cinnamon, so help you Ronda. Soak up the liquor with cheesy, sugar-dusted empanadas de viento, or venture to Dulce Placer Heladeria for a scoop of guanabana ice cream.

Source link