The world's best browsing streets

Stroll along these ‘main’ streets around the world for a concentrated hit of all that’s good in the city, from the best shopping to cosy sidewalk bars, to an abundance of galleries and irresistible people-watching. Kristie Kellahan walks the walk.

Street 240, Phnom Penh.

1. Strøget, Copenhagen – Denmark

It’s the longest pedestrian street in Europe and, befitting the chic standards of the stylish Scandinavians, Strøget is home to inspired design and fashion stores plus many inviting cafes. Running through the very centre of Copenhagen, Strøget is also the place to discover a bit about Danish culture at the historic Round Tower, where it is said King Christian IV often rode his horse up the spiral ramp at a gallop back in the 17th century.

2. Street 240, Phnom Penh – Cambodia

Cambodia has done an admirable job of reconciling its bloody past with an optimistic future. Along Street 240 you’ll see relics of the past (the grand 19th century Royal Palace, including the Napoleon Pavilion, a gift from France) sitting side by side the proof of Phnom Penh’s current renaissance (chi-chi boutiques including Bliss and trendy Khmer fusion restaurants). Amble along and remember to wear a hat; the midday sun is fierce.

3. Rachadamnoen Road, Chiang Mai – Thailand

Six days of the week, Rachadamnoen Road is a perfectly pleasant Chiang Mai street, quietly going about its business of playing host to therapeutic Thai massage centres, swanky boutique hotels (hello Tamarind Village) and Wat Phra Singh, one of the most magnificent Buddhist temples in town. Come Sunday lunchtime, and look out! The street, and its many arterial laneways, transforms into the Sunday Walking Street Market, where hundreds of stalls sell everything – including the kitchen sink.

4. Royal Mile, Edinburgh – Scotland

It almost seems the so-pretty succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of Edinburgh must have been created for an historic movie. Running between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Abbey, it’s all cobblestone streets, centuries-old dwellings and charming pubs. The souvenir shops tend to give it away though – mired in history as it is, today the Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s busiest tourist street and well worth a browse.

5. La Rambla, Barcelona – Spain

If you visit beautiful Barcelona, chances are you’ll find yourself on the vast pedestrian mall La Rambla at some point. It’s the most famous chain of streets in town and guaranteed ‘Fun Central’ late into the night when the buskers and street performers come out to play. Tapas bars serve delicious morsels, or for those who prefer to self-cater there’s the Boqueria Market for fresh produce to make your mouth water and eyes pop. Look for the impressive Joan Miro mosaic on the pavement near the Liceu metro stop.

6. Robson Street, Vancouver – Canada

Known as Vancouver’s answer to Hollywood’s Rodeo Drive, Robson Street hums with more than 80,000 visitors every weekend. They come for the trendy shops, top-notch restaurants and hopes of spotting a celeb or two. With scores of TV series and movies shooting on location, there’s every chance you’ll run into Hollywood royalty. To improve the odds, try Cin Cin Ristorante where Ben Affleck, Naomi Watts and Janet Jackson have all dined on fine Italian nosh.

7. Long Street, Cape Town – South Africa

Take a leisurely wander down the wide, palm tree lined promenade of Long Street and you’ll get a good sense of Cape Town’s past and present identity. Book-ended by a majestic mountain and popular beaches, Long Street runs right through the city and is home to Victorian terraces as well as two Muslim mosques, plus lively bars, restaurants and more vintage fashion stores than you can poke a feather boa at.

8. Cuba Street, Wellington – New Zealand

To many residents of this creative, artsy-focused city, Cuba Street is the coolest promenade in all of Wellington. Galleries, quirky shops, street buskers and acclaimed restaurants are all represented here. If you’re in town on the first Saturday of the month, a visit to the Mighty Mighty pub is highly recommended: in addition to many tasty Kiwi brews on tap, the pub hosts an eclectic local market once a month.

9 Rua Conde Bernadotte, Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

Caipirinha, anyone? The best way to submerge yourself in Rio’s frenetic slipstream of human traffic is to follow the locals. They’re often headed for trendy Rue Conde Bernadotte in the Leblon district: check out the theatrical offerings at Teatro Leblon, catch an art-house movie at Cinearte Leblon, window shop for daring fashions, or go weak-kneed for the caipirinhas* and Academia da Cachaça. Viva Brasil!

10 Fifth Avenue, New York – USA

There are almost as many fabulous streets for browsing in New York as there are famous New Yorkers. If your time here is limited you’ll need to prioritise (and see if you can possibly extend your return date). Fifth Avenue is a cheery snapshot of the Big Apple: posh Upper East Side apartments, incomparable Central Park, the wonders of Museum Mile (the Met and the Guggenheim, for starters) and window shopping elevated to swoon-worthy heights. Breakfast at Tiffany’s, anyone?