Buzz
Since the earliest days of humanity, the desire to explore has been deeply ingrained in us. To make travel possible, we began building roads. This list highlights some of the most unique and captivating streets. The only criterion for inclusion is that the road must still be in existence today. Most of these are modern roads.
10. Gravity Hill Various Locations
Notable For:Unlike other streets on this list, Gravity Hill isn’t one particular road but a phenomenon that occurs in numerous locations across the globe. When you park your car at the base of a gravity hill (also known as Magnetic or Mystery Hills), it appears as though your vehicle rolls uphill, defying gravity. This optical illusion is caused by the surrounding terrain. For those eager to visit a gravity hill, Wikipedia provides a comprehensive list of their locations worldwide.
9. Ebenezer Place Scotland
Famous For: The World’s Shortest Street
Ebenezer Place holds the title of the shortest street in the world, spanning only 2.06 meters (6.8 feet). It is home to just one building, number 1 Ebenezer Place, constructed in 1883. The building serves as a hotel (Mackays), and its owner was asked to paint a street name on the shortest side of the building. This small street was officially recognized as such in 1887.
8. Pan-American Highway The Americas
Claim To Fame: The longest road in the world
The Pan-American Highway holds the title of the longest motorable road globally. It surpassed Yonge Street in Toronto, Canada, as the longest road after modifications were made to Highway 11 and Yonge Street during the 1990s. Spanning an incredible 48,000 kilometers (29,800 miles), the Pan-American Highway connects the countries of the Americas, passing through 15 nations, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and El Salvador.
7. Parliament Street United Kingdom
Claim To Fame: World’s narrowest street
Parliament Street, located in Exeter, England, holds the title of the narrowest street in the world, with a width of less than 0.64 meters (25 inches) at its most constricted point. Initially named Small Street due to its obvious dimensions, the street was renamed following an act of parliament that expanded the representation of the people in the House of Commons. Dating back to the 1300s, it stretches for a length of 50 meters.
6. Road To Giza Egypt
Claim To Fame: World’s oldest paved road
The Road to Giza is recognized as the world’s oldest known paved road, dating back over 4,600 years. Spanning a width of six and a half feet, the road extended for seven and a half miles, linking the quarries to the southwest of Cairo with the quay on Lake Moeris, which was connected to the Nile. This ancient road was primarily used to transport massive basalt blocks to Giza for construction, particularly for paving purposes.
5. 9 de Julio Avenue Argentina
Claim To Fame: World’s widest street
9 de Julio Avenue, named in honor of Argentina's independence day, holds the distinction of being the widest street in the world. With six lanes in each direction, it spans the full width of an entire city block. The avenue is home to a single building, the former Ministry of Communications, but is flanked by numerous famous landmarks, including the old French Embassy, a statue of Don Quixote, and the iconic obelisk (visible in the picture above) along with Plaza de la República.
4. Lombard Street United States
Claim To Fame: Known as the world’s most winding street
Lombard Street in San Francisco is renowned for its unique hairpin turns. With eight of these sharp bends (referred to as switchbacks), it holds the title of the 'crookedest street in the world.' These turns were introduced because the street's steepness would have made it difficult for most vehicles to navigate (though it is still less steep than the street mentioned in item 1). The winding segment of Lombard Street is now a one-way street for safety purposes, and parking is prohibited in the area.
3. Steepest Street New Zealand
Claim To Fame: Home to the steepest street on the planet
Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand, is famed for being the steepest street in the world. As is common in many New Zealand cities built on hilly terrain, Dunedin was designed by British town planners who had never visited the country. The planners, unfamiliar with the topography, imposed a grid layout that resulted in impractical and sometimes bizarre street designs. Baldwin Street’s incline has a 35% grade, and due to the extreme slope, the top section is paved with concrete, as standard asphalt would slip down in warmer weather.
2. Savoy Court England
Claim To Fame: The only street in the UK where driving on the right is required
As many of our readers may already know, Britain traditionally drives on the left side of the road, unlike most of Europe and the United States. However, there is one notable exception: Savoy Court, which is the only street in Britain where vehicles are legally required to drive on the right. This peculiar rule dates back to the time of the Hackney Cabs, where driving on the right allowed the driver to open the rear door without leaving the vehicle, making it easier for passengers to step out onto the sidewalk. This exception is permitted through a special act of parliament.
1. The Magic Roundabout England
Claim To Fame: Renowned as the world’s most confusing roundabout
For anyone who has spent some time on the Internet, the Magic Roundabout is a familiar sight – it has appeared on nearly every list of 'funny pictures.' The roundabout is located in Swindon, England, and was constructed in 1972. It features five smaller roundabouts, which makes navigating it all the more complicated. To add to the challenge, when entering the central smaller roundabout, drivers are required to travel counterclockwise, unlike the usual clockwise direction on British roundabouts. The Swindon Junction has earned the distinction of being voted the worst junction in all of Great Britain.
