Tired of travel itineraries marred by predictable chain stores and homogenized high streets? Discerning travelers are increasingly seeking genuine local flavor, the kind found tucked away on avenues championed by residents. To guide this pursuit, Time Out’s global network of editors and city experts has curated and ranked the world’s “coolest streets” for 2025, using criteria spanning food, culture, community spirit, and pure fun. While dozens of international locales made the prestigious cut, two standouts in Asia, both just a short flight from Hong Kong, offer compelling reasons for immediate exploration.

These rankings move beyond mere commercial appeal, focusing instead on streets that capture the soul and innovation of their respective cities. They represent vibrant arteries where independent businesses thrive, history overlaps with contemporary trends, and the local community truly congregates.

Asia’s Top Contenders: Osaka and Chengdu Shine

For those in Hong Kong looking for compelling weekend inspiration, the top five list features two magnetic destinations in East Asia. Securing the second-place spot globally is Orange Street in Osaka, Japan.

Located in the Minami Horie district, just steps from the bustling Shinsaibashi shopping arcades, Orange Street is a paradigm of urban evolution. While it gained notoriety in the 2010s as a haven for streetwear aficionados and sneaker culture, the street has recently reverted to its classic strengths: vintage finds. Today, Orange Street is a treasure trove for thrifters, packed with independent boutiques specializing in vintage furniture and pre-loved fashion. Shoppers can hunt for everything from designer vintage accessories to unique, one-off apparel samples at discounted prices.

But the street caters to more than just retail therapy. It’s also a perfect refueling destination, featuring cozy cafés, authentic Osakan street food vendors, and modern neo-izakaya joints, ensuring weary shoppers are swiftly revived.

Further afield but equally enthralling is Fanghua Street in Chengdu, China, which ranked within the top five. This avenue perfectly illustrates Chengdu’s dynamic duality, blending relaxed, traditional neighborhood life with a burst of contemporary, youthful energy. Fanghua Street is defined by its low-rise residential architecture, interspersed with creative hubs. Here, intimate coffee shops transition seamlessly into evening wine bars, while bohemian art studios sit adjacent to decades-old, hole-in-the-wall snack stalls serving local delicacies.

The Global Coolest Streets of 2025

While Asian streets offered a strong presence, the global crown for the coolest street of 2025 belongs to Rua do Senado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Situated in the downtown district, Rua do Senado is celebrated for its bohemian atmosphere, seamlessly integrating historic townhouses and classic Brazilian bars with cutting-edge restaurants and dynamic nightlife venues that continue to revitalize the neighborhood fabric.

Rounding out the top five global rankings are Rua do Bonjardim in Porto, Portugal (third place) and Sherbrooke Street West in Montreal, Canada (fifth place).

These curated lists offer a definitive roadmap for travellers seeking experiences that genuinely reflect city life, moving far beyond impersonal tourist traps. If you seek to inject authenticity and independent spirit into your next adventure, exploring streets nominated by those who know the cities best is the surest way to discover true local culture. For a comprehensive look at all 31 ranked destinations, the full list provides ample off-the-beaten-path inspiration for 2025 travel planning.