From the perfectly landscaped Lombard Street in San Francisco to the azure-hued streets of Chefchaouen in Morocco, the world is full of picturesque alleys, walkways and avenues, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Not all streets are created equal. Take the tree-lined streets made famous by Game of Thrones, the winding lanes in 1000-year old UNESCO World Heritage town of Lijiang, China and the sun-dappled Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, as fine examples. It’s official, Travioor HQ has declared these seven walkways photo-op central.
CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO’S BLUE STREETS
Closed off to the rest of the world for centuries, Chefchaouen in Morocco, nicknamed ‘The Blue Pearl’, is nestled in the foothills of Rif Mountains. Probably one of the most colourful places in the world, the charming medina is filled with blue-washed houses lining the cobbled lanes. Over the centuries, many Jewish people have made the historic town home, bringing with them the ancient belief that painting the azure blue dye reminds the population of God’s power. Even though the city’s Jewish population has declined in more recent years, the town’s people have upheld the tradition to this day and the well-maintained buildings are given a new coat of the blue hue regularly. Fly to Tangier, a.k.a ‘the White city’, and head off on a full-day tour of the Blue city.
THE DARK HEDGES, BALLYMONEY, NORTHERN IRELAND
Made famous as one of the main film locations for Game of Thrones, the Dark Hedges in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland has to be one of the most dramatic beech tree-lined roads in the world. Created in 18th century by a Stuart family as a stately approach to their home, Gracehill House, it’s now classed as one of the most photogenic spots in Ulster. If you’re easily spooked though, we’d give this beautiful yet creepy place a wide berth because as legend has it, The Dark Hedges has an otherworldly grey lady said to hide between the trees at dusk. If you’re an avid GOT fan, though, it’s a must to see this place on a full day tour of its film locations and make the new Bullitt hotel in Belfast your base.
LA BOCA, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
The La Boca neighbourhood in Buenos Aires is a feast for your peepers. Its streets are lined with multi-coloured houses that reflect its immigrant history; European settlers from the Italian city Genoa built their homes from thin corrugated sheet metal and splashed on colourful paint to make them look more cheerful… when one colour ran out, they would just pick up another popping hue, and with that a colourful neighbourhood was born. Caminito Street, above, is now a street museum and traditional alleyway that brings to life what the original tenement dwellings looked like. Take a small group tour, which squeezes in the La Boca area, the Casa Rosada presidential palace on Plaza de Mayo, the grand Avenida de Mayo and the cobblestone streets of historic San Telmo.
LOMBARD STREET, SAN FRANCISCO
Lombard Street in San Francisco has become one of the city’s most visited sites. Tourists gather in their droves daily to watch drivers bob and weave through the picturesque, well-manicured lawn hairpin turns. Because of the steep hill (San Francisco is full of them), the street was designed and completed in 1922 to slow cars down. If you fancy driving through the street yourself, take heed to the measly 5 m.p.h speed limit — no donuts allowed. Or if you fancy just admiring the view, take an urban hike with Viator to take in the street and fit in a visit to Coit Tower and North Beach to boot.
JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, ANDALUSIA, SPAIN
The historic town of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, southern Spain is well-known for its delectable wine, its horse shows and as the key city in the sherry triangle. Its sun-dappled streets are sheltered by a canopies of grape vines grown along the surrounding walls. Stay in the quaint Casas Palacio Jerezana and head off on a city walking tour with Viator to admire the beautiful old town area.
ACORN STREET, BOSTON, MASSACHUSSETTS
Nestled in Boston’s picture-perfect Beacon Hill neighbourhood, the narrow cobblestone alley of Acorn Street is pegged as the most instagrammable street in the US. Dating back to the 1820s, it’s flanked by well-kept brownstone townhouses on one side and some of the area’s finest hidden gardens. It oozes charm during the day but becomes even more gorgeous come dusk when the working gas lamps flicker, bathing the street in a warm glow. Make the Beacon Hill area your base at the classy Fifteen Beacon Hotel and venture out to Boston’s many amazing restaurants and bars.
LIJIANG, CHINA’S OLD TOWN STREETS
Situated in the Yunnan province, the 1000 year-old UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Town Lijiang, northwest China, is famous for its many picturesque canals and walkways. Beautifully preserved and with noteworthy architecture blending elements from various cultures, strolling through the town’s winding streets feels like stepping back in time. Head on a private tour with Viator so you don’t miss the Black Dragon Pool and Lion Hill. Stay within the old town walls at the superb Xiang He Yuan Inn on Zhongyi Lane, Guangyi Street and you’ll be take in the town’s rooftops from your very own room.
Have strolled through any of these stunning streets? Tweet us @travioor or post a comment on Travioor’s Facebook page and tell us what you got up to.
Originally published at www.travioor.com.
