Top 9 of the coolest streets in Europe in 2024

NAME: Axel Strauss 
DATE: 05/07/2024

There are literally millions upon millions of streets the world over. But some of them are obviously cooler than others. So in early 2024, Time Out magazine decided to make a list of the 30 coolest streets in the world. And guess what? Nearly a third of them are right here in Europe! Of course, it’s no secret that Europe’s thousands of unique streets — both big and small — are endless treasure troves of breathtaking architecture, historical charm, cultural diversity, and world-class wining, dining, shopping, and entertainment of every variety. After all, aside from the nature, it’s the wealth of experience that Europe’s streets have to offer that consistently rank the continent as the world’s top travel destination. 

Exploring each one, however, would likely take several lifetimes. So AXA decided to focus on the top five (according to Time Out), as well as four noteworthy runners-up. As experts in European travel near and far, we’ll help you discover what makes these particular streets so special — as well as ensure your journey to these iconic destinations is both worthwhile and worry-free!

  1. Rua da Boavista, Lisboa 
  2. Consell de Cent, Barcelona 
  3. Oranienstraße, Berlin
  4. Rua Sá de Noronha, Porto 
  5. Gerrard Street, London 
  6. Top 4 Runners Up (6-9) 
  7. How AXA can help get you there (and back)

1: Rua da Boavista, Lisboa

Lisbon, Portugal is increasingly becoming a world-renowned hub for international culture, commerce, and all things mainstream — with more and more American expats in particular choosing to call it home in recent years. So it’s no surprise that the first street in Europe — ranked seventh on Time Out’s list, and number one on ours — is Lisbon’s Rua da Boavista. 

Rua da Boavista is nestled in the central neighborhood of Cais do Sodré — a vibrant, touristy cultural hub where not-always-so-savory history meets contemporary flair, business, entertainment, and nightlife galore. Translated as “street of the good view,” this expansive little rua is dotted with trendy eateries, eclectic boutiques, bars, clubs, shops, and all sorts of cultural hotspots — both old-school and new. 

Grab a pastel de nata (Portugal’s most famous pastry) and a galao (aka a “latte”) with the locals at a tasca (aka “tavern”). Or opt for a (slightly less affordable) actual latte and, say, avocado toast with the expats at one of the countless hipster cafes in between. 

Discover minimalist local fashion at +351. Indulge in seasonal delights at Cav 86. Take in some local eclectic music and natural wines at Boavista Social Club. Pregame for some glorious bar-hopping at Lisbon’s infamous Time Out market (ironically located just steps away from Rua Boavista itself). And then hit the Mercado de Ribeira (aka “fish market”) for some early morning fresh fish, fruit, and/or flowers the next morning to feel like a local again. 

And, of course, before you hit the street of the good view — make sure your paperwork’s in order too. That is, your: 

2: Consell de Cent, Barcelona

Number two on our list (and number 10 on Time Out’s global ranking) is Consell de Cent. It’s located in the heart of Barcelona's Eixample district, and — much like NYC’s Times Square back in the day — this bustling Spanish alley has undergone quite a transformation in recent years. 

Named after the five-century-long Catalonian government institution "The Council of a Hundred" (since defunct), Consell de Cent today is a six-kilometer-long pedestrian-friendly haven with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of diverse offerings. Coined (by Time Out) “a microcosm of Barcelona,” its cultural and culinary delights cater to locals and tourists alike. 

Split an authentic Neapolitan pizza at Da Michele. Wash it down with a nice vermouth at Morro Fi. And then jump in a queue — i.e., proof that the place is the real deal among the locals — to satisfy your sweet tooth with some artisanal gelato at Delacrem. 

From traditional artisan shops to modern art galleries, trendy CBD joints to eclectic hipster boutiques, traditional tapas bars to LGBTQ+-renowned nightclubs and bars (and much, much more) — Consell de Cent definitely has something to sate every imaginable palate and interest. And along with its neighbors near and far, it’s helping make Barcelona increasingly one of Europe’s top destinations for travelers. 

Meanwhile, to help you embark on your Barcelona adventure, AXA can tell you how to get a visa for Spain. Moreover, we can help you get said visa too — all while ensuring your adventures along Consell de Cent (and the rest of Spain) are safe and worry-free — with some top-quality travel insurance for Spain.

3: Oranienstraße, Berlin

Next, we head over to the capital of Deutschland — i.e., Berlin, and yet another one of the most popular European cities among the cool kids the world over. Here, in the heart of one of the city’s most famous hoods — i.e., the Kreuzberg district — we find Oranienstraße. 

Ranked #12 by Time Out, tricky to pronounce for non-German speakers, and roughly translated as “Orange Street,” Oranienstraße is a world-renowned cultural hotspot. And literally millions flock here each year — day in and day out — to partake in its eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, artistic flair, and overall character. 

Turkish markets, vintage shops, avant-garde galleries, sustainable urban gardens, inclusive entertainment and nightlife, history, art, music — all this and more coexists in perfect harmony here. 

Sample some locally sourced brunch at Café Ora. Then, after you’ve had your fill of Turkish, vintage, upcycled, sustainable, organic, brand-name, second-hand, vinyl, and every other imaginable type of shopping — engage with the local community while saving the planet at Prinzessinnengärten. And/or familiarize yourself with some local and international, contemporary and not-so-contemporary creativity at the Künstlerhaus Bethanien cultural center. 

And as the sun sets — drink, dance, and/or simply party the night away at Möbel-Olfe, SO36, and dozens of other pubs, clubs, and venues that make up Oranienstraße's diverse and inclusive nightlife scene. 

However, before you do — see if you need a Schengen Visa for Germany. And whether you do or not — make sure your stroll down “Orange Street” (as well as through the rest of Germany) is a safe one with some top-notch, world-renowned travel insurance for Deutschland to boot!

4: Rua Sá de Noronha, Porto

Number 17 on Time Out’s list of coolest streets in the world — and the fourth one in Europe (and, therefore, on our list) — actually sees us back in Portugal. Case in point? Rua Sá de Noronha in Porto's Ribeira district. Just up two blocks from the bookstore that partially gave birth to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the “street of the Lady of Noronha” is renowned for both its authentic character and modern vibrant ambiance.

 Some shopping and munching at the bustling marketplace of Mercado Beira-Rio — where local vendors showcase fresh seafood, produce, and other artisanal products embodying Porto's culinary heritage — is as good a starting point as any. But make sure to save some room for a craft beer or two and the monster that is the Francesinha — i.e., the city's iconic dish — at Cervejaria Brasão. Grab a souvenir cork wallet or two (handcrafted cork products being a Portugal staple) at Cork & Co. To quench your artistic thirst, head over to the iconic Maus Hábitos — a cultural hub well popular among the locals too and hosting exhibitions, live music, and creative events of all sorts. 

Discover more of the city’s vibrant nightlife at Piolho — a beloved café-bar renowned for both its lively atmosphere and historical significance. And/or experience the elegance of the iconic Majestic Café, its walls adorned with Belle Époque decor, and its mouth-watering pastries intertwined with literary history. 

In short, Rua Sá de Noronha definitely gets AXA’s seal of approval when it comes to cool. And before you hit the streets of either Porto or Lisbon (or both), ensure your travel essentials are secured with some comprehensive travel insurance for Portugal, a Schengen visa for Portugal, or — if need be — both (see links above in #1).

5: Gerrard Street, London

And for our fifth and final pick of cool European streets — and Time Out’s 17th in the world — we head to post-Brexit (but still European, at least geographically speaking) U.K. Located in the heart of London's bustling Chinatown, Gerrard Street is actually the smallest street on our list — at least geographically speaking. In fact, just a few years back, many Londoners actually feared that Gerrard Street would not survive the pandemic. However, not only did this three-and-a-half-century-old historical landmark survive — but ever since international travel became a thing again (and with a little help from TikTok), it has been thriving tenfold. 

Hence, this small but not-so-hidden gem is highlighted by Time Out as a must. And we agree — Gerrard Street’s authentic Asian cuisine (and other culinary delights), rich cultural heritage, and vibrant and lively 24/7 ambiance make it a cornerstone of London's unique cultural landscape.

Sichuan at Barshu, dim sum at Joy Luck Restaurant, food for the soul at the Chinese Arts Centre, funky cocktails (and more dim sum) at the Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum Parlour. All this interspersed with bustling markets, shops, cultural landmarks, and Chinese and Asian delicacies galore. 

But Gerrard Street is not only a foodie’s paradise. From bars to reflexology to casinos to karaoke to everything in between — there’s definitely something for everyone here. 

Oh, and no matter if you’re sampling every imaginable Asian cuisine on the planet or simply seeing the sights. ensure your journey to London's Chinatown is hassle-free with both a visa for the UK (if need be) and some world-class travel insurance for the UK (either way).

Top 4 Runners Up #6-9)

And now here are a few words about the remaining four European streets in Time Out’s extensive exploration of cool — aka, the runners-up. Because each one of them deserves both mention and a visit, in our humble opinion.

6: Conde Duque Street, Madrid

Ranked #18 globally by Time Out, the Spanish capital’s Conde Duque Street is known for its vibrant cultural scene — centered in part around the, well, Conde Duque Cultural Center. 

But even on its outskirts, this beautiful little area is a hub for arts and entertainment, hosting numerous events and exhibitions year-round. Plus a quite bustling wining, dining, and nightlife scene to boot. 

NOTE: Wanna go? See how to get a visa for Spain and/or travel insurance for Spain above (back in #2).

7: Rue de Belleville, Paris

And ranked 20th globally and seventh in Europe, Paris’ iconic Rue de Belleville is famed for its multicultural atmosphere, artistic vibe, and rebellious, centuries-old spirit. The roughly translated “street of the beautiful city” offers a unique blend of rich history, world-class street art, cozy cafes, vibrant markets, and unparalleled character day and night. 

FUN FACT: The highest point in Paris — where you can take in the beautiful city (and which is not the Eiffel Tower, by the way) — is just minutes away on Belleville Hill. 

PRO-TIP: Need a visa for France? And/or some high-quality travel insurance for France? AXA got your back.

8: Camden Street, Dublin

For number eight (and Time Out’s number 22), we leave mainland Europe again and head to the very heart of the Irish capital — aka Camden Street. If you know anything about Dublin, then chances are you’ve heard of Camden. 

If not, this lively area is known by locals and visitors alike for its one-of-a-kind nightlife, numerous pubs, live music venues, and trendy eateries. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Dublin's famous hospitality, vibrant culture, and pints of Guinness galore. 

PRO-TIP: Even though Camden Street — like all the streets on our list — is relatively safe, some top-notch travel insurance for Ireland is never a bad call either.

9: Troon Street, Athens

And we finally (and sadly) end our list of the coolest streets in Europe — courtesy of the cool cats at Time Out — with Greece. That is, the Greek capital of Athens’ Troon Street. Ranked 29th globally by Time Out, this central gem offers a mesmerizing blend of traditional Greek charm and modern flair. 

Described by Time Out as attracting “a bohemian, community-minded mix of artists, designers, musicians, and digital nomads,” Troon Street is the perfect mix of old and new. Classic tavernas, humble bars, funky modern eateries, nightclubs, and cultural landmarks all blend seamlessly on this hilly little Greek oasis — thus giving locals, expats, and tourists alike countless one-of-a-kind experiences to both look forward to and back on fondly. 

And, of course — if you need a Greek visa and/or some travel insurance for Greece for your Troon Street travels… well, you already know the deal!

How AXA can help get you there (and back)

Of course, Europe has endless more cool corners for you to explore — many of them just adjacent to (or a stone’s throw away from) the nine glorious streets above, in fact. 

However, keep in mind that most of the streets (and their adjacent cities) on our list belong to Schengen countries. And that means that — if you’re not yet a Schengen local — you’ll likely need a Schengen Visa to explore them. Meanwhile, one of the mandatory Schengen visa requirements is having the proper Schengen travel insurance (as you already might have guessed). 
And if you don’t need a visa — also keep in mind that even the coolest street on the planet can come with a few unexpected surprises. Which is why some proper travel insurance is never a bad call. 

So learn about (and compare) AXA’s 3 comprehensive travel plans before you start crossing off Rua Boavista, Consell de Cent, Oranienstraße (which we’re still not sure how to pronounce), and the rest of Europe’s coolest streets off your to-do list. Having one will ensure that — when you do finally get there — your stroll down any of Europe’s magical streets stays as cool as a cucumber.

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FAQ 

Are the Schengen Zone and the European Union the same thing? 

No, these two entities are not the same thing. AXA can explain the difference between the Schengen area and the EU. 

How long does it take to process a Schengen visa? 

In general, the wait time is at least 15 days. However, in some cases, embassies can take between a month or two to process a visa. It will depend on your particular situation. 

How much does a Schengen visa cost? 

Good of you to ask — because, as of June 2024, the prices went up (to 90€ for adults and 45€ for kids). AXA can tell you more about that as well. 

Can I work or study in Europe with a Schengen tourist visa? 

No. A tourist (or “short-stay”/TypeC) visa allows you to visit the Schengen Zone for vacation, to see family, or for a short business trip. However, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit once you’re there. 

Can I apply for a Schengen Visa online?

Not yet. Although the European Union does plan to fully digitize the process soon. And AXA can tell you all about that too. 

Do I need EES/ ETIAS for Europe in 2024? 

Not as of mid-2024. The European Union’s new travel authorization systems — EES and ETIAS — are only set to go into effect in late 2024 and mid-2025, respectively (and in theory). AXA can tell you more about them too (via the two links above).

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