6 Remarkable Roads

As you travel the roads, whether you’re a local with your own transport or a visitor enjoying car hire, Sydney offers a lot to consider. You probably stop to think about traffic, routes, pedestrians, even mechanics and car insurance, but how often do you consider the history of the road beneath your tyres? Every road is a journey not just in space but also back in time.

Here are six of the most remarkable roads in the world, each one, unique and fascinating:

Via Dei Fori Imperiali

In the heart of the city of Rome lay the ruins of its bygone ancestor, that older Rome buried beneath its streets. The Roman Forum is one of the few places in the world where you can see such a range of preserved ancient architecture. The best view, of course, is from the modern arterial road that Mussolini built across it in the 30s to improve cross city trade. Although it does its job, it also hides much of the forum, preventing further study.

Champs-Elysées

Believed by many to be the most beautiful avenue in the world, this horse-chestnut tree lined stretch through north-western Paris comprises of some of the most exclusive real estate in the world. It features some of the best cinemas, cafés, shops, and restaurants in the city and ends at the Arc De Triomphe, a monumental edifice Napoleon had built to honour his own victories. It’s arguably one of the most romantic walks in the world.

Portabello Road

Along almost the entire length of Notting Hill in west London runs a street best known for hosting the most famous street market in the world. Featuring antique shops and indie spirit, it has starred in movies as diverse as Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Notting Hill, and Paddington Bear. Halfway down, you’ll find The Electric Cinema, which in 2006 screened a locally made documentary about the threat of larger chain stores to the character of the road.

Route 66

The classic route that inspired every one from Pixar to Hunter S. Thompson to get their kicks, this stretch of road was once a vital artery through the heartland of America towards the bright lights of the west. Having long since been superseded by modern motorways, this bypassed bit of bygone age is now a drive through history, featuring roadside diners stuck in the past and abandoned ghost towns. An insight into another U.S.A.

Pan American Highway

If you ever take it into your head to drive from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to the southern most tip of South America, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a network of connected roads that can satisfy your needs. Stretching 47,950 kilometres, it breaks only at Darién Gap, a stretch of impenetrable South American rain forest.

Great Northern Highway

The longest stretch of straight road in the world has one end in Perth and the other in Wyndham, 3,204 kilometres away. It takes several full days of driving to travel from one end to the other. The scenery in between is as flat and featureless as the map of it.

Feel like taking a road trip? Why not take a drive down one of these iconic strips. You won’t be disappointed.