Visiting world-class cities such as New York, London, and Tokyo, crossing the street is something you do, not visit. In these megacities, however, visiting crosswalks is a popular activity. With that in mind, here are the worlds most interesting and creative crosswalks.
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Abbey Road – London
Thanks to four shaggy-haired musicians, thousands of people visit London Abbey Road crosswalk each year. Walking the interesting and famous crosswalk and you are following the footsteps of musical legends, literally. Abbey Road was the impromptu cover art location for the Beatles 1969 album of the same name. It has created a pilgrimage for fans ever since. Even those that only know the image from pop culture references flock to this interesting crosswalk to snap a shot.
Times Square – New York
Possibly the most recognized crosswalk in the world, New York’s Times Square attacks 50 million visitors each year. That’s a lot of people crossing the street to the sliver of land dividing 42nd Street and Broadway.
As Michael Scott from the Office puts it “ it has all of the best restaurants…” Sure, Time Square is full of tourist bunk but it’s bright billboards, skyscrapers, and Naked Cowboy draws crowds in year after year.
Shibuya Crossing Tokyo
Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing was the worlds first all walk intersection. As such, its mass movement of people lands it on this list of the world’s most interesting and creative crosswalks. Hundreds of people crossing the street at the same time in all directions creates an incredible sight. For a free aerial view head to the Starbucks directly above.
Arc de Triomphe – Paris
Although technically not a crosswalk anymore, Paris’s Arc de Triomphe lands on this list of interesting and creative crosswalks for its massively confusing roundabout. Built during Napoleon’s reign, the Arc de Triomphe is an unmistakable icon. As traffic in the city grew unmanageable, crosswalks were added underground to keep people in vehicles moving.
Anywhere – Ho Chi Minh City
Last up on this list of the world’s most interesting crosswalks is attempting to cross the street of Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam’s capital city is dominated by scooters and no clear rules of the road. Crossing the street confuses and scares many tourists. You simply just start walking and continue at a steady pace, trusting in the locals to flow around you. If you stop or change speed the traffic does not know what you’re doing and can cause some major issues. Instead, trust the system and just walk.
The first two times I attempted this was scary but you get the hang of it. So much so that, with a beer in hand, we took to watching new tourists attempting to figure out the system for themselves.
For some great viewing, locations head to Ben Thanh Market or the nearby traffic circle.
What Interesting Crosswalks Did I Miss?
There you have it, some of the world’s most famous and interesting crosswalks. Would you travel just to see any of these crosswalks? What sites didn’t make the list? Let me know in the comments below!
What say you?
Thoughts on the World’s Most Interesting and Creative Crosswalks?
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