World’s 30 Most Picturesque Streets and Avenues
Beautiful streets from around the world that you won’t want to miss when traveling.
Great architectural monuments, famous landmarks, innovative urbanistic creations, and myriads of buildings with historical and cultural significance are the typical elements that every tourist sees when exploring their destinations. But has it to be limited only to the tremendous creations, or have we something else to discover?
Perhaps that what lies beneath your feet will guide you through new and spectacular sightseeing and will appease your craving to find more intimate paths and locations. Catch a glimpse of 30 most beautiful streets in the world, some of which might have been on your travel list before, some being well-known, and some less acquainted with the humongous crowds of tourists.
1. Mykonos Old Town, Greece
The first sight you take at the Old Town of Mykonos might take you aback right away. Even after you explore its narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll be amazed over and over again.
It is hard to wonder whether the incredible sea panorama that is revealed from the atop of the city or the idyllic white and blue buildings lining the streets are more beautiful. In our opinion, both of them are equally breathtaking!
2. Jinli Street, Chengdu, China
In case you want to get acquainted with the genuine Chinese environment somewhere on a local street, Chengdu’s Jinli Street might be the reason to head towards it first when arriving at this destination. The street views get beyond perfection during Chinese New Year with traditional Chinese decorations like paper lanterns and common for this region motifs.
3. Herbert Baker Street, Pretoria, South Africa
More than 70,000 Jacaranda trees adorn every corner of Pretoria between September and November when they go into full bloom. These astonishing nature creations transform the city into a violet-white cloud full of flowers that emanate a subtle aromatic fragrance.
If choosing one spot that will describe the spectacular street scenery, Herbert Baker Street might be the one. Especially because 100 trees with whitish flowers line up the street from both sides and reveal an awe-inspiring street view while having a walk or driving a car.
4. Blue City, Jodhpur, India
The picturesque streets of Blue City are something to behold. The narrow walkways that are aligned with houses colored in different hues of blue are perfect to be strolled down. There’s also a deep meaning behind the blue color, thus it marks the presence of Brahmin within these walls.
5. Rue du Petit Champlain, Quebec City, Canada
Inspired by European streets, Quebec’s Rue du Petit Champlain is the epitome of coziness. The narrow street paved with cobblestone, antique street lamps, snug bistros, eye-catching boutiques, and the most serene atmosphere makes it so desirable among locals and tourists.
6. Aldama Street, San Miguel De Allende, Mexico
Hidden in the central part of Mexico, San Miguel De Allende strikes with awe and a multitude of sun-burned colors. Set out for Aldama Street and let your eyes lay on one of the most beautiful city streets in San Miguel De Allende, if not entire Mexico.
Stroll this charming street and watch the rising La Parroquia in the background as you pass by the city buildings, lush greenery and flowers, and soak in the astonishing scenery.
7. Spiegelrei, Bruges, Belgium
A unique and charming atmosphere is created by the numerous canals, cobblestone streets, and pristine historic buildings, also listed as the main reason to visit Bruges. If we’d have to recommend only one street to visit, then it would be Spiegelrei, which is perfectly lined with medieval architectural structures.
8. The Philosopher's Walk, Kyoto, Japan
Probably because some philosophical and deep thoughts are coming to mind when walking on this astonishingly beautiful street, it was named accordingly. Tetsugaku No Michi (translated as The Philosopher's Walk from Japanese) is a 1.2-mile-long street that occupies the first place after the picturesque street scenery. No wonder it is since it looks like heaven during the cherry blossom season.
9. Heerstrasse, Bonn, Germany
Often called Cherry Blossom Avenue, Heerstrasse might be the most incredible thing that you would see in Bonn if you happen to be around in mid to late spring. Looking at the cobbled road and the aesthetically pleasing buildings, you may think that it is one of the most beautiful roads in the world. And we are totally supporting you on this belief.
10. Shambles, York, England
The 14th-century buildings make Shambles street one of a kind. The antique vibe that comes from the obsolete walls and cobblestone pavers will instantly charm anyone who happens to be on this city street.
11. Champs-Élysées, Paris, France
Named repeatedly one of the most beautiful streets in the world, Champs-Élysées remains the main attraction among tourists coming to Paris from every corner of the planet. Precisely trimmed trees that line up the broad avenue on a 1.2-mile distance, connect Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. A perfect site to have a walk.
12. Calleja de las Flores, Cordoba, Spain
Calleja de las Flores represents a narrow street with whitewashed houses on both sides, which walls are adorned with colorful flower pots. It is incredible sightseeing that leads people towards a plaza and reveals an awesome view of Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba’s Bell Tower.
13. Burano, Italy
Possibly the boldest look a city can have is demonstrated by Burano. The vivid reflection of multiple colorful fishermen houses that line up the street edges of Venetian canals will absolutely steal your heart and most of your attention. This small but extravagant island is a must-see remote location when traveling to Venice.
14. Umbrella Sky Project, Águeda, Portugal
This unique construction was first built in 2011 and set as part of the Ágitagueda Art Festival. Since Portuguese summers are incredibly hot, a myriad of colorful umbrellas is hung above the main pedestrian streets around Águeda. Hence, Umbrella Sky Project is an amazing solution not only from the visual aspect but also from the practical one.
15. Zrinyi Utca Street, Budapest, Hungary
Fully reserved for pedestrians, The Zrinyi Utca Street is the perfect place to have a walk, get to meet Budapest, admire the Saint Stephen’s Basilica, have lunch in one of the local cafes, and shop around in some of the best boutiques.
16. Lombard St, San Francisco, California
You could spend hours watching the cars, slowly making their way through Lombard Street. Being built almost 100 years ago, this zigzagging street is both a challenge for drivers (since they have to ride the car at utmost 5 mph) and a picturesque finding for tourists.
17. The Sagano Bamboo Forest, Kyoto, Japan
Japan is indeed jam-packed with cultural and natural gems that have to be seen by any tourist. The former capital of Japan, Kyoto, might be the most gorgeous cities in the world, and so are its streets and avenues. But we have to include some narrow pathways that are totally breathtaking, for instance, the ones in Sagano Bamboo Forest.
This place is surreal. That’s how spectacular it is. Perhaps, those who love nature sounds and views will be absolutely dazzled by it.
18. Calle Ciegos, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Calle Ciegos is one of the most scenic streets in Jerez. No wonder it is, since the hanging vines, whose stems are pinned against buildings’ walls and canopy left to swing above the street, make a bold statement. Being part of a local winery, this beautiful street is a pleasure to walk through on a hot summer day.
19. Caminito, La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
La Boca keeps an extensive history within its buildings’ walls. In the late 19-th century, the immigrants from Europe who became dockworkers had no other choice but to build their own houses. Since their income was little, they built them from corrugated sheet metal and colored the walls with leftover paint.
Today, it is turned by local artists into a street museum that has to be discovered. Have a walk on the Caminito street, to feel the vibes emerging from neighboring structures. An astonishing experience is guaranteed.
20. Rue Bin Souaki, Chefchaouen, Morocco
Discover different shades of blue that are worn by all the buildings around Chefchaouen. Why blue, you would ask? As usual, there’s a deep meaning behind it. Since the greatest part of the inhabitants were Jews, almost 550 years ago, they were guided by an ancient belief that if they paint their homes blue, these will remind of God’s power.
As you can see, the tradition is kept to this day. Head to Rue Bin Souaki to see the yearly ages of this city and reveal spectacular sightseeing.
21. Old Town, Colmar, France
Well-preserved architecture is found in the Old Town of Colmar, a small French town on the border with Germany. Perhaps, some of the most unique structures that stayed strong through the time test are discovered here. Little details like funky colored buildings, shiny cobblestone streets, dated street lamps, and plenty of authentic decorations make this site so charming.
22. Qiyi Street Chongron Alley, Lijiang, China
Lijiang, both a 1,000-year-old town and a World Heritage site, is famous for its serene canals and pathways. Have a peaceful walk in a traditional Chinese ambiance by strolling down the Qiyi Street Chongron Alley.
23. Brouwersgracht, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Dutch capital encases scenic spots all over its borders, but here at Brouwersgracht, you can admire the concoction of the Dutch culture. You may have a boat ride through the city's multiple canals, but as we are talking about streets, you might explore Brouwersgracht on a bike.
24. Hosier Lane, Melbourne, Australia
The most wondrous street art can be discovered on Hosier Lane, in Melbourne. Perhaps, there are thousands of various graffities painted on the building walls. Either way, this might be the perfect spot to make an outstanding Instagram picture.
25. Nevsky Prospekt, St Petersburg, Russia
Being the main tourist attraction, Nevsky Prospekt represents a broad pedestrian street that connects Kazan Cathedral and Church of our Savior and other well-preserved buildings from the 18th century. Have a walk through it at night, when the street gets lit by thousands of lights.
26. The Royal Crescent, Bath, England
The Royal Crescent might be the most impressive buildings in England, thanks to its specific architecture. Completed with a perfectly arranged lawn and the neighboring Royal Victoria park, the Royal Crescent’s street might be a pleasure to stroll down and admire the British beauties.
27. Cogels-Osylei, Zurenborg, Antwerp, Belgium
The Zurenborg area is literally taken from the 18th and 19th centuries and put upfront on the contemporary side of Antwerp. Cogels-Osylei is the perfect example of how astonishingly beautiful the streets can be there, and how magnificent the architecture is there.
28. Steiner St, San Francisco, California
One more street famous for its appearance on TV is Steiner Street. When looking at the ideally lined houses designed according to the Victorian and Edwardian style and following a pastel color palette, you would probably recall some of the moments from Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) and Full House (1987-1995). Now, the site reveals a charming street scenery and is attracting lots of tourists every year.
29. Bregagh Road, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland
If you are a fan of Game of Thrones, you are probably familiar with Bregagh Road, or else named Dark Hedges. The majestic birch trees that line up the road on both sides reveal an undeniable beautiful street view with an ethereal vibe.
30. Parque Central, Havana, Cuba
Focus on the streets surrounding Parque Central to get acquainted with Cuba’s historical edifices. Discover a unique color palette that enclosures banana yellows, sun-burned pinks, baby blues, and other colors that complement each other. What’s more, those go along with various architectural designs like arches and balconies so well that you can spend hours inspecting them.