Part 1 From Architectural Digest

From San Francisco to Buenos Aires, these spectacular roads are worth traveling to see.

Not all streets are created equal.



Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain.

Located in southern Spain, directly in between Seville and Málaga, Setenil de las Bodegas is a small town of roughly 3,000 people. The whitewashed houses are beautiful, but that’s not what makes this town so special. It’s that the structures are built directly into the rocky cliffs surrounding the region. The result are beautiful natural rock formations hanging over streets, providing shade and stunning views.

Brooklyn, New York

For who walk through the cobblestone street in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood, the sudden sight of Manhattan Bridge might come as a splendid surprise. At the intersection of Washington and Water Street, locals and tourists alike can take in the majestic beauty of the longest bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Recife, Brazil

Recife is the easternmost major city in Brazil, and the beautiful Rua do Bom Jesus occupies one of the easternmost parts of the city. The colorful street, which is lined with tall palm trees, is brimming with history. Dating back to the 15th century, this street contained the first synagogue built in the Americas, the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue. The building is still there for visitors to see.

Paris, France

At the turn of the century, Paris’s Montmartre was home to some of the biggest cultural names in the world. Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, and Amedeo Modigliani were among the many famous residents of this once-bohemian neighborhood. Today, while Montmartre still has the feel of an artist community, chic stores have moved in, making this one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods.

Mykonos, Greece

It’s difficult to walk the streets of Mykonos without being taken aback by the beauty. Much of this is due to the cobblestone streets, which wind their way around the whitewashed houses. At certain parts of the island, pedestrians will turn on a street to unparalleled views of the sea.

Águeda, Portugal

Águeda’s Umbrella Sky Project began in 2011 as a part of the Portuguese city’s annual Ágitagueda Art Festival. Each summer, when temperatures soar, a handful of Águeda’s narrow streets feature canopies of colorful umbrellas that provide shade to the pedestrians below.

Pretoria, South Africa

If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, you should consider some time in late September through November. That’s when the stunningly beautiful jacaranda trees go into bloom in South Africa. With purple branches drooping over the streets, any drive or stroll through Pretoria (where, along with Johannesburg, the trees seem to grow in every corner) will promise to be a memorable one. Fun fact: The jacaranda is actually native to Brazil, with the first one having been planted in South Africa in the late 19th century.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City makes a strong argument for being Canada’s most beautiful locale. And it’s with streets like Rue du Petit Champlain that makes it tough to beat. The charming, European-inspired street is lined with unique boutiques and bistros.

Colmar, France

Located in Colmar, France, near the border with Germany is one of the most charming towns in Europe. Yet, arguably the most picturesque area in Colmar can be found wandering through the streets of the Old Town. The architecture, which seems untouched by time, with its colorful timber structures, contains an Alsatian aesthetic.

Chengdu, China

Jinli street, which is located in Chengdu, China, is beautiful all throughout the year. Yet, there’s no better time to see the magic of the area than during the Chinese New Year. It’s then that locals light the streets in ceremonial motifs and to stunning effects.

San Miguel De Allende, Mexico

The historic and colorful Aldama Street in San Miguel De Allende is a must-see for any traveler heading to centrally located Mexican city. Roughly 170 miles north of Mexico City, San Miguel De Allende was voted the “2013 Best City in the World” by Travel + Leisure.

Budapest, Hungary

A stones throw away from the mighty Danube River is Budapest’s beautiful. Zrinyi Utca Street. This pedestrian street has some of the best views of Hungary’s famous Saint Stephen`s Basilica.