Abstract: Streets have multiple functions, ranging from being routes allowing movement of people and goods, and being spaces for gathering and conducting other public activities. Historically, streets have played a very important role for a variety of reasons, such as providing an environment to meet friends and neighbours, being a platform for political protests, and a location for markets and fairs, even being play areas for children in the residential setting. The aim of this paper is to identify the different roles of streets in place making, in varied cultural contexts, through case studies analysis. The importance of socially activating city streets is considered vital not only for people who use the streets but it is also important for the health and sustainability of the city. However, many streets in urban areas still struggle to induce public life or create socially active streets. Two cities from different cultural contexts namely, Adelaide in Australia and Georgetown in Malaysia have been selected for this study. Data was collected through a mixed-method strategy involving structured and unstructured observational surveys. The purpose of this research is to create a greater understanding of the public’s experience and behavioural patterns in creating socially active streets.