Top 10 Most Famous Streets in the World

When we think of travel, what comes to mind are faraway lands, exotic beaches, grand monuments or unscalable mountains. Travel is an opportunity to expand your horizons, explore other cultures and of course lots and lots of shopping. Hustling it out in busy streets might not be your idea of a relaxing vacay, but it is the best way to squeeze all these things out of your travel.  It will give you a chance to hobnob with the locals, see things otherwise concealed from tourists and experience some amazing adventures. Streets are the heart of a city, even a country. They are home to the native flavour, culture and colour. Also they are constantly in a state of change, while retaining the spirit of the place at heart. The Stonehenge, Eiffel Tower or the Grand Canyon will be same for aeons to come. But visiting these iconic streets will give you a peek into the evolving culture and tastes of the city. By Spending your holidays living it up in the streets, you will be gifting yourself some smashingly memorable memories. Loosen up the collar and let the adventure take you places, literally…

10. Buchanan Street -Glasgow, Scotland

Buchanan Street is in the heart of Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. With its grand old Victorian and Edwardian buildings it is a beautiful testament to the city’s historic past. Named after the tobacco baron Lord Andrew Buchanan, it was founded in 1777 and has been a major part of the city ever since. It has been credited with being the second most sought after shopping destination in the UK. It is also the second biggest shopping thoroughfare in UK and the sixth most expensive street for retail rent. All these figures clearly establish that Buchanan Street is a favourite shopping destination. The world’s most reputed designers, brands and retailers have set up shop here. But there is more to it than shopping. Amidst regular displays of street theatre and Farmer’s Market, there is a perfect balance of the locals and the tourists. The design centre on the street is a major attraction. The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Gallery of Modern Art offer add the cherry on the cake.

9.  Wall Street -New York, USA

Though not much of a conventional tourist destination per se, the inclusion of Wall Street in this list was inevitable given its legendary standing both in America and the rest of the world. New York is the world’s principle financial centre and Wall Street is the financial district of New York. It is also home to world’s largest stock exchange, the New York Stock Exchange. Deriving its nomenclature from the kilometre long street running from Broadway to South Street in lower Manhattan, Wall Street has been home to the most controversial events in history that rocked the world. Be it the Wall Street Crash of 1929 or the destruction of the World Trade Centre in 2011, this street is more immortal than the movie of the same name that is inspired. Walk down these eight blocks and feel the power reverberate through the walls of history.

8. Chandni Chowk -Delhi, India

 Travelling to the other side of the world and offering a different slice of history altogether is the hustling bustling heart of old Delhi, Chandni Chowk. While the government has poured pots of money into beautifying the capital of New Delhi and making it more palatable to foreign standards, the ancient alleys of old Delhi have largely been left untouched because of the scant interest they evoke politically. Literally meaning Moonlit Square, this 17^th century market was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter Jahan Ara. She had originally designed it such that canals ran through the middle of the market so as to reflect the moonlight. Today no such canals exist, but the place is surrounded by the grandest monuments from the Mughal era that lend it a poetic charm and inspiration. Visiting Chandi Chowk is like visiting a cocoon of little India that is far removed from the plastic perfection of New Delhi but a beautiful story in its own right.

7. Abbey Road- London, UK

Be it shopping or other tourism related ventures, London is UK’s foremost destination. Thus including the famous Bond Street or Oxford Street might be a little redundant in an article overridden with various shopping destinations of the world. Instead we travel to Abbey Road, a name any true Beatle fan will instantly recognize. If you are a music lover then you cannot afford to give this iconic street a miss. Abbey Road is home to the 1931 established Abbey Road Studios which has witnessed the recording like of the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Badfinger, The Hollies and others. It was a punk hub during the sixties. It inspired the Beatles, who frequently recorded here, so much so that they named their last studio album, released in 1969, Abbey Road. It remains their best-selling album of all time.

6. Canal Grande- Venice, Italy

This is one street that is sure to blow your mind. Technically it may be defined as Street, but it is water all the way. You need to take a cruise to cover the three kilometre long waterway that comprises the most iconic street of Venice- the Canal Grande. You will see a hundred and seventy exquisite buildings, houses, churches and palaces exist side by side in your jaunt. Some of these are as old as the thirteenth century and is a window into the golden history of Europe. The world’s most famous kings, dukes, painters, writers, poets and other important personalities have stayed in these buildings and done some of their career defining works here. This S shaped canal ride has been filmed umpteen times in Hollywood movies. That’s how famous it is. A ride down the Canal Grande takes only about forty minutes. But the things you will see and learn during that time will stay with you lifelong.

5. Boulevard Ring- Moscow, Russia

The city of Moscow has a curious structure. Two hundred years ago an impenetrable fortress surrounded the city areas of Kremlin and Kitai-Gorod. The militia atmosphere was very restrictive with there being no trees or parks. By the end of the eighteenth century the wall had begun to crumble and was no longer a deterrence for invaders. Thus it was tumbled down and replaced with the Boulevard Ring. It comprises of concentric semi circles built over the remnants of the wall. Within it are lush green trees, parks and gardens that are a haven for the tired tourist or the local evening stroller. The centre of the city is ensconced within these rings and are a world away from irritating traffic pollution. While exploring it on foot you will be treated to centuries old heritage buildings, pretty little shops and enviable city sights.

4. Hollywood Walk of Fame- Los Angeles, USA

More than 2400 Hollywood stars are immortalized in this popular street that runs a little more than two kilometres into the West Hollywood Boulevard. Each star is a permanent homage to resplendent achievers in Hollywood, be it actors, directors, musicians, dancers, theatrical groups and even fictional characters. Attracting an average of ten million visitors every year, this glamorous street is a spectacle you cannot afford to miss. Some fans choose to honour their inspirations by laying flowers and other memorabilia on their Star. Talk about literally touching the stars. The glittering street is a fitting tribute to stars of all ages and taking a walk down this lane will make you a witness to their grandeur and greatness. In fact, in a small way, it will make a part of it too.

3. Champs Elysees- Paris, France

The French have a saying that Champs Elysees is la plus belle avenue du monde, meaning that it is the most beautiful avenue in the whole world. Once you set foot on this paradise then you will agree with it too. It stretches from the Place de la Concorde to Charles de Gaulle. This venue is used for all major celebrations, be it New Year’s or the 14^th of July parades. D Day celebrations and the Football World Cup victory parade were also held here. Luxury boutiques, Parisian cafes, artistic cinema houses and theatres and other wonderful scenes of entertainment dot the street. Resplendent and iconic buildings such as the Grand and the Petit Palace are also on the Champs Elysees. The crowning glory of the street is the Jardins des Champs Elysees, which is the gardens of Champs Elysees. These are beautifully arranged utopias with fantastical fountains and other scenic distractions.

2. Grand Trunk Road, South Asia

The oldest and longest road in South Asia, this magnificent street has been around for more than two millennia and has seen the modern world come up around it. It used to link the eastern and western parts of the Indian subcontinent and used to run from modern day Bangladesh to Kabul in Afghanistan. It was extensively used even in the Mauryan Empire to keep alive trade links. But it was Sher Shah Suri who revamped the ancient street in the sixteenth century and gave it a new lease of life. Today the GT road covers a distance of two thousand five hundred kilometers and spans countries and centuries worth of history. Taking a hike down this road will awaken you to experiences which author Rudyard Kipling eulogised perfectly, “Such a river of life as nowhere else exists in the world.”

1. La Rambla- Barcelona, Spain

This beautiful historic city in the centre of Barcelona comes first in this list because of the sheer variety it offers to locals and tourists alike. Jam packed with people, shops, cafes, museums, restaurants, Operas and unique vintage booths selling the most decadent Spanish crafts, this street is a true reflection of its Mediterranean roots and culture. Even the most conventional travellers who have experienced the magic of La Rambla once have admitted to going back again and again because they cannot shrug off the charm of the place. There is beauty is mystery. Decoding the experience for you would rob you of expectations. Remember the exquisite scenes of Spain from the Woody Allen movie, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”? See it outside of the silver in screen in La Rambla for yourself.