We Can't Stop Staring at the World's Most Beautiful Streets
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While traveling, ticking famous landmarks off your list can often eat up your whole trip. And at the risk of sounding cliché with a quote about the journey being more important than the destination, we have to say that sometimes the most memorable parts of a vacation are the ones spent wandering around a new town without any itinerary at all. Picture it: You're strolling along a picturesque harbor or cobblestone street, snapping photos of the area’s signature style, and popping into streetside cafés for an afternoon pick-me-up. Sublime. Of course, it helps to have a little guidance as to where exactly these charming streets are located—and that's where we come in.
We've rounded up the most beautiful streets in the world, scattered across the continents, for you to bookmark before your next adventure. Some are highly specific, like the most-Instagrammed street in Boston or a rainbow-colored lane in Paris, while others show concentrated parts of cities where you'll be treated to charm at every turn. Then there are simply pretty passageways where the real draw is the surrounding vista—or towns where streets are essentially made of water.
Featuring pastel colors galore, unique architectural details, and more than one UNESCO World Heritage Site, these 40 places with exquisite streets belong on your travel bucket list.
Symi, Greece
The façades of the houses on Symi's harbor are visible as soon as your ferry nears the port—but for a closer look, stroll along the main road (Akti Pavlou) and stop at a café along the way. Between the saturated colors and trompe l'oeiil effect of the shutters, it almost looks like the buildings have been drawn with crayons.
Boston, Massachusetts
There's tons of New England charm scattered around Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood, but Acorn Street is definitely its most-photographed spot. Given that the area itself dates back to 1795, there's no shortage of historical detailing in the alley—from the original cobblestones to the lampposts.
Cape Town, South Africa
Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, Cape Town's Bo-Kaap neighborhood is filled with row after row of technicolor houses. Spend a day walking the streets—each one features a distinct combination of colors—or head to Wale Street to learn more about the area's history at the Bo-Kaap Museum.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Morocco's "blue city" of Chefchaouen is an azure dream wherever you turn, but the little alley of Callejon El Asri is a favorite of photographers, thanks to its collection of flower pots.
Águeda, Portugal
The most remarkable thing about Rua Luís de Camões isn't the street at all, it's what's hanging above. Started in 2012, and apparently inspired by Mary Poppins, the Umbrella Sky Project is an art installation comprised of multicolored umbrellas designed to shade the street's visitors during the hotter months. The project has since spread to multiple countries around the world, but you can still visit the original if you're in the Águeda area.
Alberobello, Italy
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello is located in the Puglia region, otherwise known as the heel of Italy's boot. It's best known for its mushroom-shaped whitewashed houses, called trulli, which have been around for centuries. You'll be able to get a glimpse of them pretty much anywhere you turn in the town, but Via Monte San Michele offers the chance to do some sightseeing and souvenir shopping at the same time.
Athens, Greece
In stark contrast with the more Neoclassical homes of the Greek capital, the tiny area of Anafiotika looks like it was plucked directly from an island. It was originally settled by workers from Anafi in the 1800s, who brought the Cycladic style of whitewashed homes and colorful shutters with them; the result being a micro-village of 45 houses where each street is more picturesque than the last. (And yes, that is the Acropolis in the background.)
Colmar, France
Dubbed "Petite Venise" for its canals, this charming neighborhood retains the Alsatian look with the half-timbered houses that line the water. Head to Quai de la Poissonnerie, the picturesque stretch that used to be the fishmongers' domaine, for the best view.
Burano, Italy
The Venetian island of Burano is known for two things: lace and its seemingly never-ending supply of vivid façades. Take a post-pasta stroll along its streets—the Fondamenta Pontinello Sinistra or Fondamenta Cao di Rio a Sinistra are both central places to start—and fill your camera roll with snapshots of colorful canals.
Kyoto, Japan
Known interchangeably as The Philosopher's Walk and The Philosopher's Path, this cherry blossom-lined path is a peaceful trail that stretches nearly 1.25 miles along the canal. Be sure to plan your visit for spring, when the flowers are in full bloom.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
El Caminito, the visual focal point of Buenos Aires' La Boca neighborhood, is built on a former railroad and is now considered a street museum. A stroll through the cobblestoned strip showcases everything from tango dancing (audience participation encouraged) to an artisanal marketplace, making it the perfect place to spend a day.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Complete with a view of landmark San Miguel Arcángel in the backdrop, Aldama Street blends cobblestone charm with painted façades. The small baroque town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with plenty to do, from museums to galleries.
Paris, France
The best view of the Eiffel Tower is nowhere near the Champs de Mars. Instead, head to Avenue des Camoëns by the Trocadero for a clear view and some Haussmannian architecture thrown in for good measure.
Paris, France
Paris makes our list again, this time for this stunning strip of rainbow-hued homes. Rue Crémieux in the 12th arrondissement is a residential street that features flower boxes, trompe l'oeil motifs, and plenty of colorful shutters.
Cotswolds, England
Originally built in 1380, Arlington Row is a collection of cottages first designated as a wool store before eventually being converted to weavers' homes. It's a must-see if you're in the Cotswolds—one of the cottages is even a vacation rental, if you're planning a longer stay.
San Francisco, California
Known as the crookedest street in the world, Lombard Street is a SanFran landmark known for its a winding path with eight hairpin turns. Its unique design has been featured in many movies and is a popular tourist destination, so plan accordingly if you don't want to get people in the background of your shot.
Penang, Malaysia
George Town, the capital of Malaysian island Penang, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lively street art and even more famed street food. If it's architectural eye candy you're after, head to Jalan Kek Chuan to peruse the ornately detailed shops that blend Eastern and Western designs.
Annecy, France
You'll want to take heaps of pictures during your visit to Annecy if only to prove you were there, because the storybook setting almost doesn't look real. Situated at the base of the Alps near a crystal-clear lake, Old Town has everything from local markets to watersports. For canal-side dining, walk along the Quai de l'Île to peruse menus until you find your ideal spot.
Phuket, Thailand
Nestled in the heart of Phuket's Old Town, Soi Romanee is jam-packed with Sino-Portuguese shophouses. While once the town's red-light district, it's definitely a more PG destination today—it's dotted with cafés, souvenir stores, and even an ice cream parlor.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Nyhavn, Copenhagen's 17th-century waterfront, is one of the city's most instantly recognizable landmarks for good reason. The colorful homes (which at one point counted author Hans Christian Andersen among its residents) and lively promenade make for quite the scenic location.
Sichuan, China
Located in the Sichuan city of Chengdu, Jinli Street is a bustling cultural hub brimming with market stalls and eateries showcasing local delicacies. Visit at night to get the full effect of the red lanterns seemingly glowing from the sky.
Istanbul, Turkey
The historic neighborhood of Balat is known for its array of color-blocked houses. Start at Kiremit Street for the most famous view— which includes houses that are up to 200 years old—and pop into one of the numerous cafés or restaurants on the block if you need a break from the sloped streets.
London, England
London's Notting Hill area is known for its candy-colored houses, which are mostly residential but open up to design shops, restaurants, and even an open-air vintage market at Portobello Road. (If it's a quieter street with fewer crowds you're after for photography purposes, try Landsdowne Road.)
Brooklyn, New York
The cobblestoned intersection of Washington Street and Water Street in the Dumbo neighborhood is lined with brick buildings and famously offers the best view of the Manhattan Bridge. (Just plan accordingly for crowds, as you can expect this spot to be constantly jam-packed with like-minded photographers.)
Miami, Florida
Fans of Art Deco should book their next beach getaway to South Beach—a part of Miami most known for its convenient oceanside location, as well as a bustling nightlife scene—and the perfectly preserved 1920s and 1930s architecture of Ocean Drive is not to be missed.
Milos, Greece
There is no network of streets in the tiny enclave of Klima in Milos— just a stretch of whitewashed houses with rainbow doors as far as the eye can see. While once a fishermen's village, the main (and only) path now opens up into guest houses, souvenir shops, and a single restaurant where you can dine on fresh fish as you look out onto the sea.
Big Sur, California
This one makes our list not for the street itself, but instead for the views it affords—and while it's not technically a street, Bixby Bridge is worth bookmarking for any West Coast road-trippers. It offers unparalleled sweeping views of the Pacific, and outdoorsy travelers can park nearby and explore the hiking trails.
Salvador, Brazil
The historic center of Salvador, Bahia, is called Pelourinho, a UNESCO site that underwent an extensive renovation in the '90s to turn it into a tourist-friendly destination. The central Praça José de Alencar, in particular, features rows of colonial-style houses in splashy, saturated colors—which you may just recognize from Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us" music video.
Bergen, Norway
Bergen's old Hanseatic Wharf has survived centuries of fires, yet it still pays homage to the area's 400-year-old history through colorful wooden structures. The main waterfront walkway, simply called Bryggen, is now mostly a series of commercial buildings that houses local craftsmen and artisans, while offering shoppers stunning views of the harbor.
Bamberg, Germany
The wooden Geyerswörthsteg Bridge is most noteworthy for its surroundings, as those walking along it have the best view of Bamberg's town hall. The structure, which was built in 1386 in the middle of the river, is coated in frescoes and geometric shapes that give it a 3D look.
Campeche, Mexico
Campeche's Old Town might get overlooked by visitors drawn to more famous parts of the Yucatán Peninsula (Mayan ruins are just nearby), but design buffs will love the vibrant homes here. Rows of intricately detailed houses in striking palettes are everywhere. Start at Calle 59, a pedestrian street where the only thing more impressive than the buildings is the outdoor dining.
San Antonio, Texas
Initially created as part of a plan for flood control, the San Antonio River Walk is 15 miles long and sure to keep you occupied for the better part of a day. Scenic strolls aside, it has tons of restaurants, bars, and even a public art garden.
Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
Fact: It's near-impossible to pick just one stunning street in the sorbet-colored town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, but the Rue de l'Eglise, which gives a glimpse of both the houses and the blue sea of the Riviera, is a top contender. Go during the off-season to make sure you can snag a seat at one of the restaurants on the side of the road and make the most of the vista.
Recife, Brazil
Nicknamed the "Venice of Brazil," Recife is already well-known for its beaches and Carnival, but the Old City neighborhood is also worth exploring if you have downtime. Rua do Bom Jesus, in particular, mixes imposing, lavishly detailed homes with a smattering of palm trees.
Charleston, South Carolina
Aptly named for its pastel palette, Charleston's Rainbow Row is comprised of 13 Georgian houses and owes its aesthetic appeal to a woman named Dorothy Porcher Legge. In 1931, she purchased the homes and painted them in their now-signature shades in an effort to uplift the spirit of the area—a lesson in design serotonin if there ever were one.
Oita, Japan
A slice of the Cotswolds in Japan, Yufuin Floral Village is one long street full of quaint details. From the lantern-lit storefronts to the flower boxes, this shopping village that's easily accessible by train is a sweet way to spend an afternoon.
Québec City, Canada
Allegedly the oldest commercial district in North America (and certainly one of the prettiest), Québec City's Rue du Petit-Champlain is popular year-round. Choose between the stairs or a funicular to get to the top of the pedestrian street for a glimpse of the entire city.
Bath, England
Bridgerton fans may recognize this street as the setting for much of the show. Bath's Royal Crescent is, as the name suggests, a crescent-shaped row of 30 perfectly symmetric Georgian townhouses. They were built in the mid-1700s by John Wood, the Younger, and overlook Royal Victoria Park.
Cairo, Egypt
One of Cairo's oldest streets (and the one boasting the largest concentration of medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world), El Moez is home to both medieval mosques and street vendors, and it's steps away from the Khan el-Khalili market.
Lisbon, Portugal
The cobbled path and terraced houses are beautiful, but what sets Lisbon's Rua da Bica apart is the bright yellow funicular that has been running up and down the street since 1892. The fact that it rides along a steep slope that provides a bird's-eye view of the city is a pretty nice bonus.
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