The World’s “Hidden Gem” Streets in 2025: Top 10 Legendary Destinations

This year’s roundup of the world’s coolest streets, Time Out, CNN turned to our global community of editors and on-the-ground experts. Each one nominated the street that best captures the spirit of their city. From there, the travel team refined the shortlist and ranked each contender based on key elements: great food, memorable drinks, cultural depth, pure fun, and a strong sense of community.

Let’s find out which one is the most affordable place to visit in this modern travel trend of 2026  👇

Vinh Khanh street- This is the most famous street food in HCMC in the evening

Top 10: Vĩnh Khánh Street: The Former “Wild Side” of Saigon That Became Its Hottest Street Food Hub

Just a short hop over Calmette Bridge from the stylish Nguyễn Thái Bình ward, District 4 has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in Ho Chi Minh City. Once known as the city’s most infamous neighborhood, this riverside district has rebranded itself into a vibrant pocket of modern Saigon life. At the heart of this revival is Vĩnh Khánh Street — officially recognized as a dedicated food street in 2018 and now one of the city’s liveliest nighttime playgrounds.

Stretching nearly a kilometer, Vĩnh Khánh dazzles with rows upon rows of seafood grills, each trying to outdo the next. The energy here is electric. As the sun dips, the street morphs into a buzzing corridor where smoky BBQ aromas mingle with the clink of beer glasses. By nightfall, every table is full — from fashionable young locals meeting up after work to groups of office staff celebrating the end of the day.

Top Experiences to Savor on Vĩnh Khánh

🍲 Street Food Safari

– Seafood Central: Don’t miss iconic spots like Oc Oanh and Oc Vu, where freshly grilled clams, snails, and prawns are matched with tangy sauces and ice-cold beer.

Seafood- Specialities in HCMC

– The ‘Crush the Can’ Ritual: At Oc Vu, join locals in this playful tradition—flattening beer cans underfoot as a celebratory gesture of camaraderie.

– Iced Milk Coffee Fix: Pair your street food adventure with a trip to nearby Xom Chieu Market for an authentic Vietnamese iced milk coffee.

🎶 Live Street Music & Night Vibes

– Street performers enliven the corridor after dark, creating a dynamic mix of traditional Vietnamese sounds and contemporary covers that amplify the atmosphere.

– The bustling social scene has become a magnet for digital nomads and travelers eager for a spontaneous night out with locals.

 🛍️ Nearby Add-Ons

– Xom Chieu Market: Arrive early to stroll through colorful stalls of tropical fruit, soft fabrics, and steaming street breakfasts.

– Bitexco Financial Tower: Catch breathtaking views of the city skyline before descending into District 4’s vibrant night scene.

– Thanh Da Neighborhood: For a daytime contrast, slow down along the riverside parks and open-air markets.

The soundtrack of Vĩnh Khánh is an unforgettable mix: sizzling woks, laughter rising over the traffic, the occasional karaoke chorus bursting from a sidewalk speaker. It’s chaotic, charming, and unmistakably Saigon.

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Top 9: Orchard Street, NYC: Where Local Vibes Meet Endless Discovery

Orchard Street, NYC: Where Local Vibes Meet Endless Discovery

As the day winds down and stores shutter, the street awakens in a whole new way. Music spills from bars, inviting passersby into impromptu performances, while restaurants push tables onto the sidewalks for lively al fresco dinners. Crowds gather to explore the eclectic shops, from hidden vintage stores to interactive spaces like photobooth museum AUTOPHOTO, and the area’s seasonal Open Streets program only adds to the buzz.

What makes Orchard Street truly special is its authenticity. Despite the influx of trendy spots and new events, it has retained the gritty charm of old NYC. The energy is palpable: laughter, clinking glasses, and the hum of conversation mix with the rhythmic shuffle of feet and the occasional bicycle or motorbike weaving through. Every corner promises a surprise, every shop a story, and every night an invitation to experience the city like a local.

Top 8: Olympou Street, Thessaloniki: Where History Meets Hip

Olympou Street, Thessaloniki: Where History Meets Hip

By day, Olympou is a playground for the curious. Stately, old-world buildings now house an eclectic mix of vintage shops, independent galleries, and creative hubs. Take To Pikap, for example—a coffee bar that doubles as a record label, exhibition space, and even a web radio station. Here, students, artists, and visitors mingle, sharing stories over a cup of expertly brewed coffee while soaking in the street’s inventive energy.

As evening falls, the street transforms into a lively social arena. Outdoor tables spill onto the sidewalks at traditional taverns like Kits kai S’ Efaga, inviting you to savor meze plates and local wines while people-watching. The soundscape changes too: indie music drifts from intimate venues, laughter rings out from craft beer bars such as Valitsa, and the gentle hum of conversation fills the air.

Top 7: Maybachufer, Berlin: Canalside Charm Beyond the Club Scene

Maybachufer, Berlin: Canalside Charm Beyond the Club Scene

Maybachufer is also a social hub. Friends cluster around sticky tables and sip Kindl pints at the Akerklause Bridge Bar, while the ever-inviting Pavillon am Ufer tempts passersby with the rich aroma of espresso and cinnamon waffles. For those seeking a sweet treat, Brammibal’s Donuts serves vegan strawberry sprinkle donuts perfect for a picnic on the grassy banks—späti drinks in hand, sun on your legs, and a book by your side.

From lively markets to laid-back canalside moments, Maybachufer captures Berlin’s unique mix of energy, community, and charm—a daytime oasis where locals and visitors alike can enjoy the city beyond its legendary club scene.

Top 6: Montague Road, Brisbane: The Creative Heartbeat of West End

Montague Road, Brisbane: The Creative Heartbeat of West End

Stretching along the riverfront in West End, Montague Road has transformed from a quiet industrial strip into the creative lifeline of Brisbane’s most eclectic, free-spirited neighbourhood. At one end, the beautifully restored Thomas Dixon Centre—home to Queensland Ballet—sets an elegant tone, while at the other, the Queensland Theatre Company draws in crowds with bold, high-profile productions.

The food scene is equally irresistible. Montague Road offers everything from award-winning coffee roasters and cosy neighbourhood pubs to Korean street eats, artisan gelato, and what might be the city’s smallest (and cutest) Japanese bar. Each stop has its own personality, adding to the road’s irresistible charm.

And just when it feels like you’ve explored every corner, Montague Road naturally guides you toward South Bank and QAGOMA, Brisbane’s iconic hub for contemporary art.

Top 5: Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal: Elegance, Culture & Endless Discovery

Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal: Elegance, Culture & Endless Discovery

Luxury blends seamlessly with history along this iconic avenue. Newly refreshed hotels such as the Sofitel sit comfortably beside century-old legends like The Ritz-Carlton, where afternoon tea remains a beloved, time-honoured ritual. Step outside and you’re only moments away from one of the world’s top universities, as well as the Blue Metropolis Festival, one of North America’s most celebrated literary gatherings.

With its rich cultural institutions, refined hospitality, and diverse culinary scene, Sherbrooke Street West perfectly captures Montreal’s blend of elegance, creativity, and international flair—making it a must-wander for anyone wanting to experience the city’s golden heart.

Top 4: Fanghua Street, Chengdu: A Relaxed, Creative Slice of Everyday Life

Fanghua Street, Chengdu: A Relaxed, Creative Slice of Everyday Life

Once a quiet residential lane, Fanghua Street has transformed into one of Chengdu’s favourite places for people-watching, lingering over coffee, and exploring indie boutiques. The atmosphere blends old-school Chengdu charm with a fresh, design-driven energy that feels effortlessly modern yet deeply local.

As you wander, you’ll pass renovated low-rise apartments splashed with colourful murals, cafés that shift into wine bars after dark, and small studios where artisans craft handmade jewellery right before your eyes. These sit comfortably alongside traditional hole-in-the-wall spots serving classic Chengdu spicy snacks—perfect for nibbling as you stroll—and community hubs where locals gather behind wide glass windows for lively games of mahjong.

Top 3: Rua do Bonjardim, Porto: A Rising Star in the Heart of the City

Rua do Bonjardim, Porto: A Rising Star in the Heart of the City

With all the makings of Porto’s next coolest hotspot, Bonjardim Street is steadily stepping into the spotlight. Set right in the city centre—just moments from major attractions like Bolhão Market and Avenida dos Aliados—it strikes the perfect balance: lively enough to feel connected, yet just far enough from the bustle to keep things relaxed.

This nearly one-kilometre stretch is an evolving tapestry of new concepts and long-standing favourites. Step inside traditional grocers like Casa Januário or Pretinho do Japão, where old-world charm lingers in every corner. Follow your nose and you’ll land at iconic eateries: Conga, beloved for its spicy, saucy bifanas, or Antunes, renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth roast pork knuckles. A little further along, colourful, modern spots like the Mexican-inspired Duello bring a fresh burst of flavour to the neighbourhood.

Top 2: Orange Street, Osaka: A Stylish Stroll Through the City’s Past and Future

Orange Street, Osaka: A Stylish Stroll Through the City’s Past and Future

Along the way, you’ll pass classic shops transformed into modern boutiques such as Noah, retro kissaten like Oh! Oui Oui where your coffee might be served in a Hermès or Gucci mug, and casual street food stops such as Tarvo Takoyaki, a reminder of the city’s beloved comfort flavors. Vintage furniture stores sit comfortably beside forward-thinking fashion labels, creating a seamless blend of nostalgia and innovation.

Conveniently located yet quieter than its busier neighbours, Orange Street offers a snapshot of Osaka in all its forms—historic, trendsetting, creative, and endlessly cool. It’s the perfect place for a slow, stylish wander through the city’s past and future.

Top 1: Rua do Senado, Rio de Janeiro: Where History Meets a Stylish Revival

Rua do Senado, Rio de Janeiro: Where History Meets a Stylish Revival

Once famed for its antique shops and bohemian charm, Rua do Senado in downtown Rio de Janeiro is now enjoying a vibrant renaissance. The street’s historic heart still beats through places like Armazém Senado, open since 1907, where cold draft beer flows, and lively samba sessions light up Saturday nights.

Yet alongside these timeless landmarks, a wave of fresh venues has injected new energy into the area. Chef Lucio Vieira led the transformation, first with his restaurant Lilia, and later with Labuta Bar and Labuta Braseiro, all offering inventive dining experiences along the same street. More recently, spots like Destilaria Maravilha have added nightlife flair, with DJs, live shows, and a lively crowd that carries the street’s energy late into the night.

Art and culture are also thriving. Across from these venues, the creative collective Solar dos Abacaxis has taken over part of a former 1912 factory, paving the way for the upcoming Mercado Central RJ—a dynamic space that will house 40 shops and restaurants, blending Rio’s historic architecture with modern innovation.

With its mix of history, culture, gastronomy, and nightlife, Rua do Senado perfectly embodies the city’s ability to honor tradition while embracing a stylish, contemporary energy—making it a must-visit for locals and travelers alike

Have you decided where to go this modern travel trending of 2026?  👉 Here it is