We’ve all done it. Arrived in a new city, dropped our luggage and made a beeline for the brightest, most overhyped street.
It could be Bourbon Street, New Orleans, renowned for its music and nightlife, or Los Angeles’ Hollywood Boulevard to view its famous footpath-embedded stars.
The anticipation is real – you’ve read about it, seen the social media posts, felt a connection through movies or songs. Now you want a piece of that action for yourself. But in the words of Julia Roberts’ Vivian in Pretty Woman – Big mistake. Big. Huge.
Instead of a fairytale ending you’re more likely to find yourself on a boulevard of broken dreams – unable to get into key attractions, slammed by crowds, stung by tourist prices and targeted by pickpockets and petty thieves.
You and everyone else wants to visit Hollywood Boulevard.iStock
It’s a massive letdown, and it can tarnish your outlook on the city.
We’re not saying you shouldn’t visit these celebrated strips. Of course, when you’re in Paris you’ll probably still want to stroll along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees (but go early or late, travel in the off-season, pre-book tickets for attractions and explore other viewpoints or adjoining streets).
Some cities are taking stock about their highest-profile streets. The French capital’s most famous avenue is getting its groove back with a bold, greener, more pedestrian-friendly makeover, while in London, there are plans to remove cars and buses from a 1.6-kilometre section of a decaying Oxford Street.
Regardless, if you’re after a deep sense of place – or just a fair-priced coffee – it’s time to sidestep the world’s touristy streets and choose low-key thoroughfares instead.
Here are some of Traveller’s favourite alternatives.
INSTEAD OF… Avenue des Champs-Elysees, ParisTRY… Rue de la Butte aux Cailles, Paris
Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles, a vintage swimming pool.Getty Images
TELL ME MORE A character-filled street running through the quiet neighbourhood of Butte-aux-Cailles in the 13th arrondissement. One of the “lost villages” of Paris, it has managed to maintain its village feel.
SEE + DO A gentle warning: La Butte means hill, so let’s just say it’s not flat. Stroll the main thoroughfare, where art nouveau buildings brim with family-run cafes and eateries, follow the street art trail down cobbled lanes, and fill your basket with vintage treasures. Leave room in your basket for croissants and eclairs. Who are we kidding? Of course, they are meant to be gobbled on the run.
Paris’ cool pool: Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles.Alamy
DON’T MISS Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles, a historic swimming pool complex on the nearby Place Paul Verlain. Bring your swimmers or simply enjoy the architecture (or even both).
Murals in Rue de la Butte aux Cailles.Alamy
ESSENTIALS Quiet by day, the street comes alive at night with buzzing bars and restaurants. Urban Bivouac (ubparis.com) is a family-run hotel in the heart of the 13th arrondissement.
See parisjetaime.com
INSTEAD OF… Bourbon Street, New OrleansTRY… Frenchmen Street, New Orleans
The Little Big Horns band playing at The Spotted Cat Music Club in Frenchmen Street, New Orleans.Alamy
TELL ME MORE If you’ve outgrown raucous party streets, wander from the French Quarter (feel free to carry your cocktail with you in this most hedonistic of cities) towards the Marigny – an old Creole neighbourhood – to find the more civilised groove of jazz-centric Frenchmen Street.
SEE + DO Follow the saxophone toots and drum rolls spilling from music clubs such as The Spotted Cat, Snug Harbor, DBA, Blue Nile and Cafe Negril. Most joints are jumping nightly although, as The Spotted Cat warns, its hours are subject to “parades, hurricanes (natural and man-made), second lines, festivals and music that is sometimes just too good to stop”.
DON’T MISS Shop for a handmade souvenir or two at Frenchmen Art Bazaar, a nightly, family-friendly artisan market that opens at 7pm. During the day, flick through the vinyl selection at Louisiana Music Factory.
ESSENTIALS Just two blocks from Frenchmen is Hotel Peter & Paul (ash.world), a hip reworking of a former church, schoolhouse, rectory and convent; early next year, it will debut an outdoor pool. See neworleans.com
INSTEAD OF… Orchard Road, SingaporeTRY… Haji Lane, Kampong Glam, Singapore
Colourful shophouses and dining in Haji Lane, Singapore.Getty Images
TELL ME MORE If air-conditioned haute mall life isn’t your thing, take a 10-minute taxi ride east from the city-state’s famed shopping strip to reach low-rise, pedestrian-friendly Haji Lane in Singapore’s Muslim Quarter.
SEE + DO Take your time admiring the narrow lane’s colourful murals, indie boutiques, intriguing upcycled/vintage clothing stores such as Vintagewknd, pops of greenery (thanks to tropical potted plants) and cute-as-a-button cafes with outdoor seating. The historic two-storey shophouses, painted with a glorious mash-up of primary and pastel palettes, once sheltered pilgrims making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
DON’T MISS Find respite from the humidity and the night-time street-level buzz upstairs at Bar Stories, where there’s no cocktail menu; instead bartenders will intuit your mood, ask for flavour preferences and mix you a bespoke libation.
ESSENTIALS Continue the quirky vibe by staying at Andaz Singapore (hyatt.com) between the Kampong Gelam, Little India and Bras Basah Bugis districts. Beyond the hotel’s striking honeycomb facade, there’s an infinity pool and rooftop bar Mr Stork, complete with tepee huts inspired by stork nests. See visitsingapore.com
INSTEAD OF… Oxford Street, LondonTRY… Marylebone High Street, Marylebone Village, London
Carlotta Italian restaurant in Marylebone High Street, London.
TELL ME MORE Between Marylebone Road at the southern end of Regent’s Park and Marylebone Lane, this elegant road is the lifeblood of the village. Known for its boutique shops, high-end fashion and acclaimed restaurants, it’s a short walk, yet a world away from the congestion of Oxford Street.
SEE + DO For some visitors, it’s all about fashion stores like FARM Rio, Sessun, Bimba Y Lola, agnes b and Fursac. For the home stylist there are soft furnishings by The White Company and bath products at Cologne & Cotton. Bibliophiles will love Daunt Books, housed in an original Edwardian building. Oh, and the food? Worth the trip alone; from pubs like the Marylebone to Sicilian cuisine at Carlotta, to cafes including the Australian-inspired Granger & Co. Visit in October for the London Restaurant Festival.
Daunt Book Store.
DON’T MISS Marylebone Farmers’ Market, specialising in seasonal foodstuffs from artisan and local producers, is open every Sunday from 10am to 2pm, rain or shine.
ESSENTIALS The best time to visit is during the daytime on a weekday. No. 10 Manchester Street (tenmanchesterstreethotel.com) is a boutique hotel in a classic Edwardian townhouse.
See marylebonevillage.com
INSTEAD OF… Las Ramblas, BarcelonaTRY… Carrer Del Bisbe, Barcelona
Atmospheric narrow laneways of Carrer del Bisbe.Getty Images
TELL ME MORE In the heart of the Gothic Quarter, not far from Barcelona Cathedral. Walk the historic route for a crash course in the city’s Roman and medieval history.
SEE + DO Start at the Placa Nova and picture yourself in the first century BC, when this area was the Roman city of Barcino. Here you’ll see the towers that once formed part of the city gate. The courtyard at Casa de l’Ardiaca is lovely, but the real highlight is the remains of a Roman wall. Revel in the beauty – and rich symbolism – of the narrow, medieval streetscape before reaching the second important plaza – Placa de Sant Jaume. Relax afterwards at any one of the many tapas bars in the surrounding side streets.
DON’t MISS Walking under the marble arches of the Gothic-style Pont Del Bisbe (Bishop’s Bridge), which connects the Casa Dels Canonges with the Palau de la Generalitat. Legend says to make a wish.
ESSENTIALS The best time to visit is early morning or late evening. Mercer Barcelona (mercerbarcelona.com) is an elegant, 28-room boutique hotel in the Gothic Quarter. See spain.info
INSTEAD OF… Istiklal Avenue, IstanbulTRY… Meclis-i Mebusan Street, Istanbul
The Istanbul Modern.Getty Images
TELL ME MORE Pedestrianised Istiklal Avenue has its appeal with those historic red trams and grand facades, but it can feel crowded and hectic. While traffic-heavy Meclis-i Mebusan Street won’t ever win a beauty competition, it handily links a dazzling set of Istanbul’s waterfront Turkish delights.
SEE + DO Pop into the Renzo Piano-designed Istanbul Modern for a stickybeak at the latest hang of contemporary art (its gift shop is also packed with design-forward temptations). Cruise past Galataport – the newish underground cruise terminal – to reach Kabatas ferry pier. From here, you can whiz over to the city’s Asian side and return in time to catch sunset from the pier’s sharply angled grass roof.
Peninsula Hotel, Istanbul: afternoon tea is served daily in the lobby.
DON’T MISS Neighbouring Istanbul Modern is Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami, a stunningly restored 16th- century bathhouse. Book into a women’s or men’s session (held at different times), strip off and be scrubbed until squeaky clean. Sip on a sherbet (a traditional Ottoman drink made from almost any fruit and spices) before tackling the streets once again.
ESSENTIALS Splash out on a luxe stay at The Peninsula Istanbul (peninsula.com) with its pool overlooking the ever-mesmerising Bosphorus Strait. See goturkiye.com
INSTEAD OF… Hollywood Boulevard, Los AngelesTRY… Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Santa Monica Beach and pier.Getty Images
TELL ME MORE You might have the urge to tick off the Hollywood Walk of Fame (where our own Naomi Watts was recently honoured with its 2825th star), but the area can feel sketchy, even in broad daylight. Instead, head for the sunny side of LA immortalised in shows such as Baywatch.
SEE + DO As Ocean Avenue’s name suggests, it offers sweeping views of the glittering Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica’s golden beaches (don’t be fooled into thinking the water is warm, though) and its iconic pier (also the western terminus for historic Route 66). Step off the avenue into palm tree-lined Palisades Park to check the waves, head down to the sand to snap those iconic lifeguard towers or explore the pier with an ice-cream in hand.
Santa Monica Pier at sunset.Getty Images
DON’T MISS Come in your activewear, rent a bicycle or e-bike (there are a multitude of rental services) and hit the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail – a 35-kilometre beach path also known as The Strand. It goes as far north as Will Rogers State Beach (a Baywatch location) and south to Torrance Beach. The path is also popular with roller-skaters and joggers – expect to see some extroverts along the way.
ESSENTIALS At the avenue’s southern end you’ll find Shutters on the Beach (shuttersonthebeach.com) – the epitome of coastal chic. Its recently revamped lobby regularly hosts live music at sunset. See santamonica.com
INSTEAD OF… Defensa Street, Buenos AiresTRY… Pierina Dealessi, Buenos Aires
The Puerto Madero district, post glow-up.Getty Images/iStockphoto
TELL ME MORE Puerto Madero, a revitalised barrio connected to the mainland via six short bridges, is a former port district that’s received a serious, high-end glow-up.
SEE + DO While it can be interesting to stroll Defensa Street, which hosts the San Telmo Sunday market, the wares seem repetitive after several blocks. It’s a different kind of liveliness in the Puerto Madero neighbourhood, where many streets, including waterfront walkway Pierina Dealessi, honour Argentinian women (Pierina Dealessi was an actress who allowed co-star Eva Peron to sleep on her couch). The biggest landmark is Puente de la Mujer (Woman’s Bridge) – an elegant footbridge that channels the spirit of tango. Watching photo shoots unfold against the bridge as a backdrop is entertainment in itself.
Hilton Buenos Aires.
DON’T MISS Stroll the length of the walkway to encounter the inactive, brightly painted harbour cranes that have become photogenic landmarks.
ESSENTIALS With its monumental lobby installation (five dangling wicker sculptures, inspired by the cargo nets that were once a common sight in Puerto Madero), Hilton Buenos Aires (hilton.com) is a worthy pit-stop for a glass of Malbec, a juicy steak or a stay. See turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar
INSTEAD OF… Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya, TokyoTRY… Yanaka Ginza, Yanaka, Tokyo
Asakura Choso (Sculpture) Museum in Yanaka, Tokyo. Getty Images
TELL ME MORE This pedestrian strip of shops and eateries runs through the heart of Yanaka in the Taito ward in the north-eastern part of the city (accessed from Nippori station). Having avoided World War II bombing, its one of the few places where you can still experience the traditional Shitamachi (old downtown) atmosphere. To the locals, it is simply “Cat Town”.
SEE + DO If you have a soft spot for nostalgia, Yanaka Ginza is your kind of place. Fuel up on traditional street snacks such as squid skewers and fried chicken before checking out the vintage stores and artisan workshops. Cat lovers will need an extra shopping bag for the feline-themed novelties, while those with a sweet tooth will swoon over the senbei (lolly) shops. Beyond the main street you’ll find galleries and artisan studios including the Asakura Museum of Sculpture. Stroll a little further east for Yanaka Cemetery – the resting ground of Japan’s last Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu.
Yanaka Ginza, Tokyo. Getty Images
DON’T MISS Finish back at the Yuyake Dandan, a series of stone steps leading to the classic mid-20th-century shopping street Yanaka Ginza and from where the day’s golden sunset can be viewed.
ESSENTIALS Primarily a daytime destination as most shops close by 6pm. Many are also closed on Mondays. The Barn Tokyo (thebarntokyo.com) is a boutique hotel near main train lines. See gotokyo.org
INSTEAD OF… Khao San Road, BangkokTRY… Wang Lang Road, 1, Bangkok
TELL ME MORE Tucked away on the Thonburi (western) side of the Chao Phraya River next to the Siriraj Hospital is one of Bangkok’s best street markets. It’s where the locals eat and shop, along with hospital staff, students from Thammasat University, residents and savvy travellers. Hop on a cross-river ferry to Wang Lang pier and follow your nose.
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SEE + DO You need a game plan (and stretchy pants). Start with the savoury – grilled meat with satay, steamed dumplings, Thai fish cakes, spicy seafood soup – before moving onto sweets. Tub Tim Krob Wang Lang is a refreshing dessert made from water chestnuts and aromatic coconut milk. Keep the coconut theme going with a plate of crispy coconut pancakes before finishing with a pastry or baked good. Explore the side streets for clothes, handicrafts and souvenirs. Round out your visit at Wat Rakhang Temple.
DON’T MISS Siriraj Medical Museum, an unlikely and at times gruesome Bangkok tourist attraction, is inside the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital.
ESSENTIALS Open daily, 8am-6pm. Smaller stallholders accept cash only. Riva Surya Bangkok (rivasuryabangkok.com) is a riverside hotel with good connections to public transport. See tourismthailand.org
Five alternative streets in five Australian capitalsMelbourne
Instead of Chapel Street, South Yarra, try Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Linking World Heritage-listed Carlton Gardens with Collingwood is Fitzroy’s unassuming but oh-so-fun Gertrude Street. Along the 800-metre strip, find warm and fuzzy knits at Cottage Industry or grab a hot towel shave from one of P&P Barbers’ two locations. See visitvictoria.com
Sydney
Instead of Oxford Street, Darlinghurst/Paddington, try Enmore Road, Newtown
While there are signs of revival along the famed party strip (such as the recent opening of 25hours Hotel The Olympia), for now, it’s all about the inner west. Branching off Newtown’s King Street, Enmore Road is packed with cosy eats and drinks. Finish the night with gelato from Cow and the Moon. See visitnsw.com
Brisbane
Instead of Queen Street, City, try Fish Lane, South Brisbane
Across the river from the CBD, find this magical, mural-splashed alleyway tucked behind South Brisbane’s cultural institutions. Eat at Clarence, one of the city’s best small restaurants, and slurp something interesting at La Lune Wine Co. See explorefishlane.com.au
Hobart
Instead of Salamanca Place, City, try Hill Street, West Hobart
Leave the touristy waterfront for the quieter delights of West Hobart. Pick up picnic fare at foodie institution Hill Street Grocer, tuck into a toastie at Smolt Kitchen or buy a Tasmania-shaped charm at Verde. See discovertasmania.com.au
Adelaide
Instead of Rundle Street, City, try Third and Fourth streets, Bowden
Just beyond the green belt encircling North Adelaide is Plant 3 Bowden and Plant 4 Bowden – a chic rethink of neighbouring industrial buildings. Come for the wine, baked goods, craft beers and cult nachos, stay for the chill vibes. See plant3bowden.com.au, plant4bowden.com.au
AloJapan.com