This Street Was Just Named the Coolest in the World-and It's Full of Art, Samba, and Seriously Good Food

"What's "cool" is always subjective-but when it comes to travel, a few tastemakers tend to get it right. Enter travel editors and local experts. Each year, Time Out ranks the coolest streets in the world by surveying its global network of editors and in-the-know locals, asking them to nominate the street that best captures the spirit of their city. Those picks are then evaluated across criteria like food, drink, culture, nightlife, and community. And this year, Travel + Leisure and Time Out are aligned on one thing in particular: Brazil is legal-Portuguese slang for cool."

"In November, Time Out named Rua do Senado in Rio de Janeiro as its coolest street in the world for 2026. As the team explained, it won out thanks to its "excellent food and drink scene, fascinating art and culture, and for generally being a whole lot of fun.""

"Time Out Rio de Janeiro editor Lívia Breves pointed to must-visit cool spots like chef Lucio Vieira's restaurant Lilia and its sister bar, Labuta, as spots to enjoy a taste of this neighborhood, along with a little shopping at Ateliê Bonifácio or dancing at Solar dos Abacaxis, and even some Saturday samba sessions at the Armazém Senado. There's also Mercado Central, which will soon open, featuring more than 40 food, beverage, and shopping options."

Time Out ranks the coolest streets globally by surveying a network of editors and local experts, evaluating nominations across food, drink, culture, nightlife, and community. Rua do Senado in Rio de Janeiro earned the 2026 top spot for its excellent culinary scene, art, cultural offerings, and lively atmosphere. Notable neighborhood venues include chef Lucio Vieira's Lilia and bar Labuta, Ateliê Bonifácio, Solar dos Abacaxis, and Armazém Senado samba sessions. Mercado Central will open with more than 40 food, beverage, and shopping options. Travel + Leisure named Brazil Destination of the Year for 2026, noting Brazil's size and vibrant restaurant scenes.

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