High Street In Melbourne’s Inner North Has Been Named The Coolest Street In The World By Time Out.

A lively street in Melbourne’s inner north has been hailed as the “coolest street in the world,” surpassing some of the planet’s most famous avenues.

High Street, which runs through Northcote, Thornbury, and Preston, was officially recognized as a must-visit destination by Time Out. Its array of restaurants, bars, and vibrant atmosphere earned it the top spot.

To determine the coolest streets worldwide, Time Out enlisted its international team of local expert editors and contributors, who each nominated standout streets in their cities.

High Street has surpassed Hollywood Road in Hong Kong, East Eleventh in Austin, Guatemala Street in Buenos Aires, and Commercial Drive in Vancouver, claiming the title of the coolest street in the world. These streets made up the top five in the global ranking.

Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn noted that while Melbourne boasts numerous trendy and must-visit streets, High Street’s inviting atmosphere helped it rise to the top.

“Melburnians are spoiled for choice with well-trodden thoroughfares that offer food, culture, and fun—think Chapel Street, Sydney Road, and Smith Street, to name a few. But in 2024, the spotlight is on a major artery running through the inner-north suburbs of Thornbury, Northcote, and Preston: High Street,” Ms Glynn said.

“It’s cool in all the expected ways—epic restaurants, hidden bars, live music venues, and boutique shops—but it also exudes a warm sense of community spirit that makes everyone feel welcome. And on the scale of coolness and where you want to hang out all the time, we think that’s pretty important.”

High Street in Melbourne's inner city is home to various cafes, a boutique cinema, high-end clothing stores, and popular restaurants and bars, making it a well-loved destination for locals and tourists alike.

Notable venues like 1800 Lasagne in Thornbury and Gigi Rooftop bar attract locals looking for great food and scenic drinks.

According to Time Out lifestyle writer Liv Condous, High Street is a personal favourite for her leisure time.

"Whether I'm browsing charming boutiques, people-watching from a bar stool, or indulging in a delicious bowl of ramen, High Street is always a delight," Ms. Condous said. "As a music enthusiast, it's a sanctuary for me—some of my fondest memories are from concerts at the Northcote Theatre."

Time Out’s top 10 coolest streets in the world:

1. High Street, Melbourne

2. Hollywood Road, Hong Kong

3. East Eleventh, Austin

4. Guatemala Street, Buenos Aires

5. Commercial Drive, Vancouver

6. Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur

7. Rua da Boavista, Lisbon

8. Arnaldo Quintela, Rio de Janiero

9. Chazawa-dori, Tokyo

10. Consell de Cent, Barcelona