The Corso, Manly, Pedestrian mall in Manly, Australia
The Corso is a wide pedestrian walkway that stretches about 300 meters from the harbor to the beach, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants with outdoor seating. Along the route, fountains provide places for children to play, and several arcades branch off offering more shopping options.
This section was developed in 1854 by Henry Gilbert Smith as a boardwalk connecting the harbor pier with the ocean beach, taking its name from Via del Corso in Rome. Since then, this connection has evolved into the main gathering space between the waterfront and shopping areas.
Street performers play throughout the day, creating an informal entertainment space where locals and visitors interact naturally. The area reflects beach culture, with people moving casually between shops and water views in casual attire.
The route is straightforward to navigate, moving directly from the waterfront to the beach, with major arcades clearly marked as reference points. There is shade available under trees and covered sections, though it can get crowded during midday hours on sunny days.
Three separate shopping arcades branch off from the main zone, each creating its own shopping experience and atmosphere. This layout allows visitors to take different paths through the same area and discover various retail environments.
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