The Top Coolest Neighborhoods In The World 2024

In this year’s shortlist, over 12,000 people named their local neighborhoods where everyone desires to be. City editors and local experts who know their communities well helped us reduce the decision. Community and social projects, open and green space, and vibrant street life were considered when ranking the list.

Most of these neighborhoods have changed in recent years, but they remain local. New projects and hip cafés may attract new customers, but neighborhood staples like historic pubs and family greengrocers keep it real.

The world’s coolest neighborhoods this year have huge personalities. Each region’s food, culture, and festivals represent its uniqueness. Community is key: neighbors have worked together to repair their neighborhood after calamity, fight the demolition of beloved cultural venues, and create entertaining areas for everyone.

The city plays in these neighborhoods, whether at an all-nighter or a nightly bike ride. You ready to explore? These neighborhoods are the world’s coolest right now.

1. Laureles

Medellín, Colombia

It won’t be long before Karol G has a big Laureles tune. The neighborhood includes La 70, a nightlife strip where any bar or restaurant may become a dance floor with the right song, and Estadio Atanasio Girardot, Medellin’s main football and concert venue While this makes Laureles seem busy, the neighborhood is actually quiet. Outside La 70, parks, tree-lined neighborhoods, yoga studios, and coffee shops offer peace.

Indie Universe and Los Patios Cool Living are growing because to the area’s expanding food culture and central location, suitable for digital nomads. But don’t expect expats and travelers like Poblado here.

Though popular, Laureles is a Colombian neighborhood. A great day Visit Rituales Café for morning coffee from La Sierra, a restored Medellin area that overcame a difficult past.Enjoy a healthy lunch at Saludpan and a classic Mexican meal at Chilaquiles before dancing salsa in the cozy Tíbiri Ba basement.

2. Smithfield

Dublin, Ireland

Smithfield portrays a lingering Dublin. This Dublin 7 neighborhood blends tradition and activism, with old and modern businesses. Irish music’s home, The Cobblestone, was threatened with demolition in 2021, prompting thousands of musicians to march in protest. New enterprises like Third Space are also there.

This social enterprise café makes the neighborhood better while serving fresh sausage rolls with bacon jam. The old Smithfieldian haunts (happily) remain, but the empty spaces are now filled with independent bars, vegan-friendly eateries, artisanal cafés, and sourdough pizza shops, making the neighborhood a must-see for post-industrial charm seekers.

A wonderful day Before crossing the square for a flat white and Cardi B (a cardamom-infused brioche bun) from Proper Order, wake up at The Generator. Walk to Phoenix Park to see deer or the president’s Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bród and Misneach. Next, visit Token, a classic arcade with great vegan food.

3. Carabanchel

Madrid, Spain

Carabanchel, once a working-class neighborhood beyond Madrid’s ring road, is now home to hip art galleries and creative spaces. Locals who have lived here for decades visit the traditional food markets and meet artists who have moved to avoid the city center at the Nave Oporto studio. The region attracts modern art and design hotspots like young architects’ collective Casa Antillón and Madrid’s biggest and boldest art gallery Veta, therefore gentrification is a possibility.

A wonderful day Start with a great breakfast at Merinas, a new café with art displays. Experience culture at Sabrina Amrani Gallery, then talk art over wine and cheese at La Grifería. Add some heartiness with Casa Enriqueta’s gallinejas (fried intestines). Try some home-brewed beer at Patanel in the afternoon, then grab another at El Observatorio Musical, where you can tour rehearsal areas and watch the sunset from the rooftop.

4. Havnen

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s city architect Camilla van Deurs calls Havnen, the harbor, the city’s living room. We agree. City residents play on boats, rafts, paddleboards, kayaks, and swimming pools there. Swim, ride solar-powered Go Boats, hire a free Green Kayak to search for garbage, and urban fish. ‘Havnen’ can refer to any area near Copenhagen’s harbor, from Sydhavn in the south to Nordhavn, Copenhagen’s architectural hub, but Nyhavn is the liveliest.

The Royal Danish Theatre and Ofelia Plads overlook the river, and the Kissing Bridge leads to the new Opera Park. However, the neighborhood is seeing several new openings, including the much-hyped bakery Hart Bageri Holmen and the new ‘urban oasis’ at Papiroen. No wonder everyone wants waterfront right now.

A wonderful day Start your day with Hart Bageri’s delicious sourdough bread at Kaj Hotel, a floating houseboat hotel. Walk up the harbor to Opera Park and lunch at La Banchina. Swim in the nearby harbor and relax in the restaurant’s sauna.

5. Sheung Wan

Hong Kong

Sheung Wan, once known for its coffin shops and funeral services, is now one of Hong Kong’s liveliest neighborhoods. Only here in Hong Kong can you discover traditional temples, antique stores, and dried seafood booths alongside contemporary art galleries, Melbourne-style cafes, chic boutiques, and contemporary restaurants. Hipsters and their pets hang out in elegant cafes, while elder generations shop at wet markets and seafood vendors till Sai Ying Pun.

You can eat cheap dim sum or Michelin-starred omakase or cosmopolitan cuisine in this district and never go hungry. A wonderful day Enjoy coffee and breakfast at one of the numerous pet-friendly cafes on Tai Ping Shan Street. Soul Fresh makes delicious smoothies and fluffy pandan cake.

Visit Pak Sing Ancestral Hall to pray for genuine love or Man Mo Temple for success. Visit the Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture museum Liang Yi Museum or one of the many contemporary exhibitions. Photograph the 2024 HKwalls street art festival murals for Instagram. Make reservations at Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant The Chairman for dinner, then enjoy well-crafted drinks at Mostly Harmless.

6. Brunswick East

Melbourne, Australia

This quirky (and more stylish) Northside neighborhood is set to emerge from the suburbs. Brunswick East, between Lygon Street and Merri Creek, is becoming a dynamic hub for multicultural restaurants, live music venues, and cozy bars you’ll return to. The ideal day Start your day with coffee and carbs from Wild Life Bakery (arrive early to grab a sourdough loaf).

You’ll need time to visit Lygon Street Nursery and Northcote Pottery Supplies (don’t be fooled by the name—you’re in the right postcode). All that shopping can leave you hungry, so head to CDMX for ‘the best tacos in the city’, according to Time Out Melbourne. Then enjoy a vinyl session at Waxflower with natural wine.

7. Mid-City

New Orleans, USA

Mid-City is midway between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain and accessible by streetcar, bike, or Lafitte Greenway from the French Quarter. Mid-City is a top neighborhood year-round, but the Jazz and Heritage Festival at the Fairgrounds draws attention.

After the 2005 levee failures, the neighborhood flooded and Latinx laborers helped rebuild, creating a tight, diverse community. Bayou St. John has artsy populations and colorful houses, Bayou Road has historical landmarks, and City Park has centuries-old oaks.

Carrollton Avenue and nearby blocks have historic pubs, restaurants, breweries, and sno-ball stalls. Many companies and families have proudly called Mid-City home for years.

A wonderful day Walk through City Park, start the day with a coffee au lait and beignets at coffee du Monde, then visit the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

After browsing local art, jewelry, and gifts at Home Malone, visit Parkway Bakery & Tavern for one of the city’s best po’boys. After that, rent a kayak and explore Bayou St. John or buy Italian delicacies at Angelo Brocato.

8. Isola

Milan, Italy

Fun fact: Isola, meaning island, comes from the district’s isolation from Milan by the railway line. Before the 2015 Expo, few would have crossed that railway line. After seven years and requalification, Isola is Milan’s coolest area.

The lively, high-energy quarter north of the city center—you can walk to Parco Sempione and the fancy Brera area in 20 minutes—has colorful street art, great bars and restaurants (hello Bob, Frida, Ratana, and Casa Ramen), and indie shops and galleries that are becoming rare in other parts of the Italian city.

Isola isn’t just another hipster neighborhood—it’s special because it balances the edgy and modern with the old and humble. Longstanding weekly outdoor markets supply fresh goods, the neighborhood butcher or florist knows everyone, and architecture spans from exquisite 1920s structures to caso di ringhiera, traditional Milanese dwellings.

A wonderful day L’Ile Douce is the finest place to start your day with a Milanese brioche and espresso, watching the neighborhood wake up. Walk around town looking for street art, then have lunch at Deus Cafe, a café, workshop, and bike store. The afternoon could be spent at Cimetero Monumentale, Milan’s Bosco Verticale, or Room 37 or Live in Vintage shopping for vintage items. You can’t miss aperitivo in Milan.

9. West

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam West offers everything. The region is lively, cozy, and innovative, blending Dutch and international influences. Amsterdam West is local-centric despite its aesthetic and architectural traits, bordering the Jordaan and Museumkwartier, tourist hotspots. The tall, narrow brick buildings on De Clercqstraat, Kinkerstraat, and Overtoom house stores, multicultural restaurants, and stylish cafés.

One road over, you’ll find quiet residential streets and canals to spend hours on. The neighborhood has Museum Het Schip, a living tribute to Amsterdam School architecture; Westerpark, a community space that’s both a beautiful piece of public green land and a renovated industrial area with venues, bars, and businesses; and De School, one of Europe’s top electronic nightclubs.

A wonderful day Wake up at Hotel Alp in the classic surroundings before coffee at Back to Black. Walk through Westerpark to enjoy nature. After lunch at Dignita, stroll south on Bilderdijkstraat for shopping and munching.

10. Tomigaya

Tokyo, Japan

Tomigaya, less than 15 minutes from Shibuya Crossing, appears worlds apart from the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. Low-rises and quiet residential streets replace central Shibuya’s multi-storey buildings and train lines.

Independent, mom-and-pop shops and a slower pace. Despite its low image, Tomigaya has several fashionable cafés and boutiques in side streets among great restaurants and local grocers. A wonderful day Beasty Coffee has fresh roasts and matcha terrine, while Minimal has handcrafted chocolate and a fanciful dessert.

At noon, family-run Katsudonya Zuicho’s katsudon (deep-fried pork cutlet and egg on rice) is trustworthy, and Taberu Fukudaitoryo’s spicy pork vindaloo is one of Tokyo’s best affordable lunches. Stay till 11pm at The Bellwood to enjoy its trendy ramen and start the evening with a beverage. Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park, a new hotel in Tokyo, with a rooftop infinity pool overlooking a green space.

11. Baltic Triangle

Liverpool, UK

15 years ago, the Baltic Triangle was mostly abandoned freight warehouses. After a massive redevelopment project, they now house the city’s greatest restaurateurs, artists, and creatives.

The Baltic, as it’s known, is a short walk from Liverpool’s Albert Dock and home to many 20- and 30-somethings. Between street art-adorned warehouses are skateparks, independent coffee shops, and small galleries. The area’s dining culture includes Michelin-starred Manifest, which opened recently.

A wonderful day After sleeping in one of The Baltic Hotel’s boutique rooms, grab a dessert from Baltic Bakehouse. From independent florist Mary Mary Florals to vintage emporium Red Brick Market to quirky studio-gift shop Dorothy, spend the day exploring the neighborhood’s great boutiques. Fill your boots with Baltic Market street cuisine for dinner.

12. Arts District

Marseille, France

Cours Julien, a graffiti hotbed in Marseille in the early 1990s when hip hop took root, is still happening. The staircase to Quartier des Créateurs, upwards from busy Vieux-Port and cosmopolitan Noailles, is decorated by street painters. The city’s growing creative class frequents vintage boutiques, indie designers, live music venues, and unique cafés on the cobblestone streets.

Cours Ju, once Marseille’s wholesale produce market, serves Lebanese mezze at Asabiya and natural wine at bar/bistro Livingston. A wonderful day Wake up and people-watch at Black Bird Coffee. Shop for vintage items on Rue Trois Mages, handmade jewelry on Rue Pastoret, and records at Cave à Vinyle. Enjoy a Pain Pan sandwich while watching locals play pétanque beside the Palais des Arts.

13. Cours Julien

Marseille, France

Cours Julien, a vibrant graffiti spot in Marseille in the early 1990s when hip hop took off, is still thriving. Just up the hill from busy Vieux-Port and cosmopolitan Noailles, street painters have decorated the staircase to Quartier des Créateurs. Vintage boutiques, indie designers, live music venues, and eccentric cafés attract the city’s growing creative class on the cobblestone streets.

Perfect day Stay awake and people-watch at Black Bird Coffee. Buy vintage items on Rue Trois Mages, handmade jewelry on Rue Pastoret, and records at Cave à Vinyle. Watch residents play pétanque beside the Palais des Arts while eating a Pain Pan sandwich.
Shop for organic vegetables, cheese, bread, and olive oil for beach picnics, home-cooked meals, and souvenirs.

14. Chinatown

Singapore

Chinatown represents Singapore’s diversity. This culturally rich area has temples, traditional pastry stores, soothing tea houses, and hawker hotspots including Amoy Street Food Centre and Hong Lim Food Centre. It has trendy nightlife, gay clubs, and some of the greatest new cafés and restaurants in town.

A wonderful day Start your day at Pearl’s Hill Terrace with fresh shokupan (milk bread) and coffee from Paaru. White Shades, a four-story cocktail bar with modern fusion food and alcohol-infused gelato, offers a grand finale. The new Mondrian Singapore Duxton is a terrific place to relax after a day of exploring.

15. Fort Greene

New York City, USA

Fort Greene, bordered by the Brooklyn Navy Yard to the north, Prospect Heights to the south, Downtown Brooklyn to the west, and Clinton Hill to the east, is home to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Center for Fiction, and the Pratt Sculpture Park. Fulton Street, Lafayette Avenue, and Dekalb Avenue are lined with wine bars like Place des Fêtes, casual restaurants like Habana Outpost, small businesses like Greenlight Bookstore, and flea markets.

These small shops create a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere in this historic neighborhood with Brownstones, walk-ups, and rowhouses. Everything revolves on the large 30-acre Fort Greene Park, a public square with regular community gatherings, markets, and sporting events. Fort Greene’s buzzy ambiance is offset by its rich history: it was developed on the site of a Revolutionary War fort, and Brooklyn-born writer Walt Whitman founded its park.

A wonderful day Wake up at The Ace Hotel and visit the Center for Fiction bookstore and coffee shop. Then visit the Fort Greene Park GreenMarket and shop at Green in BKLYN for eco goods and Su’juk Fort Greene for knick-knacks and furniture.

16. Leith

Edinburgh, Scotland

This northern part of the Scottish capital’s docks are lively any night of the week. Leith, connected to Edinburgh’s downtown by the pub-lined Leith Walk, was the city’s principal trading port.

Now, industrial buildings like the Biscuit Factory hold vintage night markets. This neighborhood has been hot news for a long, but indie arts festivals like Hidden Door at Leith Theatre, inventive restaurants, and now finished tram improvements are making it stronger. Leith is certainly more refined.

A wonderful day Twelve Triangles, one of many local bakeries, serves pastries. Enjoy a leisurely morning stroll along Leith Walk before visiting Leith Farmers Market (Saturdays 10am–4pm).

17. Enmore

Sydney, Australia

After dark, Enmore is the place to go for foreign food, live music, comedy, and late-night parties. Students, boomers, millennials, and everyone in between hang out in this neighborhood between Newtown’s late-night circus and Marrickville, last year’s best neighborhood.

The local council declared Enmore Road a ‘special entertainment precinct’ in March to prevent noise complaints from disrupting the party. Events can be held without council approval, shop hours extended, and footpath dining allowed late at night.

The street has world-class Italian, Egyptian, Lebanese, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Japanese, and Nigerian eateries. A wonderful day Take a nap and start late. We recommend Sri Lankan Colombo Social, Italian Osteria di Russo & Russo, and Cantonese Queen Chow for dinner.

Before seeing local and international music and comedy at the Enmore Theatre, get gelato at Cow and the Moon. Finish with top small bar nightcaps at Enmore Country Club, Bar Louise, Fortunate Son, or Jacoby’s. The Queens or the Duke are pub royalty for kicks. Trocadero Room, a new live music venue, opens soon. Faheem’s serves late-night snacks.

18. Costa da Caparica

Almada, Portugal

Across the 25 de Abril bridge from Lisbon is a seaside paradise known as ‘Capifornia’ for its surfing waves, long sandy beaches, and pleasant weather. Costa da Caparica has traditionally been a summer attraction, but a new international crowd is revitalizing it. People know, help, and most importantly, join together in community.

Nico Bernars, a French kite-surfing teacher who arrived here five years ago, launched the Instagram profile @opacaparica, which is followed by almost everyone in the area for community activities, parties, and get-togethers. Claire Taibi manages @capiwoman.pt for Costa da Caparica women.

Get comfortable on Praia do Castelo and unwind at multipurpose beach club Irmão. Pussy Galore, a little counter at artist Ben Rix’s Wet Patch entrance, should be visited before departing. This quirky spot serves banana ice cream and natural wines.

19. Hyde Park

Chicago, USA

Hyde Park, home to the University of Chicago and President Barack Obama, has the feel of a little town with all the facilities of a big city. The Museum of Science and Industry, Hyde Park Art Center, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s building are among the city’s top eateries, culture, and architecture.

Walk down 53rd Street to find quaint boutiques and great restaurants, or spend an afternoon at Jackson Park. Local businesses like Silver Room, which brings the community together through art and culture, demonstrate this ethnic neighborhood’s oneness.A wonderful day Before visiting Jackson Park, have breakfast at Valois, a 1921 cafeteria. The Garden of the Phoenix and Yoko Ono’s ‘Sky Landing’ are highlights of the 551-acre park.

20. West End

Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow altered. Whatever its past, this portside city is now one of the UK’s most fascinating places to be, and the West End is the coolest. With a healthy mix of students, families, and creatives, this community evolves and engages.

Stop to admire the gothic University of Glasgow, which stands over Kelvingrove Park. Trendy vegan coffee shops and decades-old second-hand booksellers coexist in the West End, keeping the neighborhood fresh without losing its charm.

A wonderful day Start your day with vintage shopping at Starry Starry Night, then visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery for Rembrandt, Dali, and other paintings. Enjoy a Loop & Scoop churro amid the beautiful Botanic Gardens. After dinner at Ubiquitous Chip, drink in Brel’s fairylit beer garden.

21. Sea Point

Cape Town, South Africa

The five-kilometre seaside promenade and public gardens at Sea Point attract a diverse mix of locals and tourists. Sea Point is more than the promenade—leave it behind and experience this 200-year-old enclave west of downtown’s lively culture. It’s traditionally been home to Jews (the city’s lone eruv) and now attracts young professionals, pan-African migrants, and digital nomads.

A wonderful day After coffee at Paris Cape Town for the greatest croissants, stroll around the urban park on the promenade. Get your cozzie for a Sea Point Pavilion pool dip. Try foreign food truck flavors at Mojo Market for lunch before slowly window-shopping on Main Road. Prep for an afternoon kayaking from Three Anchor Bay with coffee and macarons at Coco Safar.

22. Haut-Marais

Paris, France

The fourth time we’ve dubbed Haut-Marais Paris’ coolest neighborhood is for a reason. This neighborhood, between the touristy Marais and the boho 11th, keeps adding fascinating spots to the capital. The zone around Rue de Beaubourg, Rue de Turenne, and Rue des Haudriettes has top-notch art galleries like Perrotin and Thaddaeus Ropac, fashion havens like Merci, the best cocktail bars in Paris, and Enfants-Rouges,

Paris’s oldest and busiest food market, home to Alain Miam Miam and The Butcher of Paris.A wonderful day Visit Petite Île bakery for a Taiwanese breakfast after sleeping in a Maison Proust hotel. Visit Broken Arm for trendy clothes, then eat at Les Enfants du Marché.

23. Neukölln

Berlin, Germany

Neukölln, formerly a little town on Berlin’s outskirts, is now its most interesting quarter. Family-owned green grocers and third-wave coffee businesses along Hermannstraße, Karl-Marx-Straße, and Sonnenallee, giving the neighborhood its Multikulti vibe.

These contrasts are celebrated and fought for in Neukölln, where protests are common outside Rathaus Neukölln and on Hermannplatz. From Kindl Brauerei art displays to Tempelhofer Feld walks, there’s plenty to do rain or shine.

A wonderful day Azzam serves a delicious Middle Eastern brunch. After that, go up Flughafenstraße, stopping in Slina and Ironic Gallery for high-end shopping before entering Tempelhofer Feld from Herrfurthstraße. After, dine at Barra for a delicious farm-to-table dinner before bar-hopping up Weserstraße until dawn.

24. King’s Cross

London, UK

Being named Coolest Neighbourhood a year after Time Out moved its headquarters there may sound odd, yet here we are. We think King’s Cross is London’s nicest neighborhood in 2024. King’s Cross, for instance, has something for everyone with its mix of high-end shopping and gritty nightlife. Old-school clubs like Egg, new music venues like Lafayette, and traditional boozers and backstreets balance out new innovations.

A wonderful day Before exploring Coal Drops Yard’s businesses (including Honest Jon’s kiosk), you’d have brunch at Granary Square’s massive Caravan. After that, visit the British Library and possibly King’s Place.

25. Hannam-dong

Seoul, South Korea

Hnnam-dong, a bustling neighborhood that has changed dramatically in recent years, located near Seoul’s first special tourism zone, Itaewon. This weekend hub attracts a diverse crowd with its elegant boutiques, cafes, and inventive restaurants. Local artist galleries thrive in the neighborhood.

A wonderful day Start your day with coffee & sweets at Avek Cheri, then visit Nonfiction for home fragrances. Depound, Beaker Shop, and Elborn are fashion boutiques in the neighborhood. After seeing Leeum Museum of Art, dine at Mosu for a three-Michelin-starred modern Korean dinner that will leave a lasting impression.

26. Coral Gables

Miami, USA

Few areas in Miami are as cool as Coral Gables. This ‘City Beautiful’ is one of the nation’s first planned communities and boasts a more classic splendor than Miami Beach’s velvet-roped places. In a city known for demolishing its historic landmarks, the neighborhood is passionately historic with its tree-lined boulevards and virtually exclusively

Mediterranean Revival buildings. Miracle Mile, a manicured business zone in downtown Miami, is home to several independent stores and Michelin-starred restaurants. The University of Miami, one of the nation’s finest private universities, was hilariously dubbed ‘Suntan U’ for its expensive country club vibes in the 1940s. Coral Gables will soon have a seven-mile cycling and recreational trail with public art and other attractions like New York’s High Line.

A wonderful day The modern THesis Hotel has two farm-to-table restaurants run by Miami chef Niven Patel. Before browsing Books & Books’ well-stocked shelves, have a cozy Cuban breakfast at Tinta y Café. Before walking around UMiami’s shimmering campus, visit the Rathskeller for an action-packed happy hour. After dinner at Beauty & The Butcher, have a rooftop nightcap at THesis’ Mamey on 3rd.

27. Richmond District

San Francisco, USA

The Richmond District, encompassing 50 blocks in the northwest area of the city, is a microcosm of what makes San Francisco so special: natural beauty, rich culture, and exquisite cuisine from every corner of the world. Ocean Beach, rough coastline, Presidio, and Golden Gate Park (with world-class attractions and museums) offer beautiful landscapes and cultural experiences.

The Richmond District is one of San Francisco’s most dynamic dining and entertainment districts, with new openings. Remember your hoodie. A wonderful day Get fluffy croissants at Arsicault Bakery or vibrant green kaya toast and innovative Asian coffee concoctions at James Beard Award-nominated Breadbelly.

28. El Clot

Barcelona, Spain

This little area, surrounded by La Meridiana and Gran Via, has preserved its old-school charm, distinguishing it from tourist-friendly Poblenou and Eixample. The region is peaceful due to its pedestrianized streets and the enormous Parc del Clot, a green space created around industrial ruins.

The city’s oldest municipal market is a focus of local life and a great place to acquire high-end goods at lower rates than in gentrified regions. This is the home of historic taverns like Bar Rovira, quirky vermouth cellars like Celler Panotxa, and local enterprises like Pebre Negre bookshop and Casa Lupita gluten-free pastry.

A wonderful day Start at Gran Clariana, a green park created by burying the Glòries traffic interchange. Avoid the hammocks and visit La Farinera del Clot, a former flour plant turned cultural center. Venture across Gran Vía in the afternoon to see the neighboring Museu del Disseny. Enjoy a vermouth at Bodega Sopena, but don’t overdo yourself because Lanto has a cheap tasting menu.

29. San Miguel Chapultepec

Mexico City, Mexico

The neighborhood of San Miguel Chapultepec does both. Because of its proximity to Roma and Condesa, it’s relaxed but still has the CDMX vibe. Tree-lined alleys and colonial cottages provide a cozy, bohemian atmosphere that’s pleasant to look at. Additionally, it is adjacent to Bosque de Chapultepec, one of Mexico City’s major parks, which provides a peaceful retreat in the city.

A wonderful day Breakfast at Café Papagayo is full of local flavors. Visit Museo Casa de la Bola and La Casa Estudio Barragán before lunch at Mercado El Chorrito for local food. Walk through the vast Bosque de Chapultepec for a relaxing afternoon.

30. Vinohrady

Prague, Czech Republic

Vinohrady, a fashionable neighborhood named after its grapes, is 15 minutes from Prague’s Wenceslas Square. Attractive squares like Jiřího z Poděbrad and Náměstí Míru are surrounded by steep streets with Czech and international restaurants, independent coffee shops, beer bars, and green spaces. Besides a close-up view of Žižkov Television Tower, this hilltop neighborhood offers stunning views of prominent Prague sites, such as Prague Castle.

A wonderful day Enjoy coffee and brunch at Cafefin while people-watching at Jiřího z Poděbrad Square. Experience the lively Náměstí Míru square before enjoying a local Czech meal at Lokál Korunní or Vinohradský Parlament. Enjoy the sunset at Riegrovy Sady on a pleasant walk. Consider dining at Vinohradský Pivovar and pairing your meal with a local beer.

31. Exarcheia

Athens, Greece

Exarcheia, a historically radical neighborhood, is becoming a tourist destination, but its resistance remains. Activists and anarchists still assemble at Strefi Hill and its taverns and cafes. The region has one of Greece’s oldest colleges, the Athens Polytechnic, museums, record stores, and superb food and drink (Cookoomela’s vegan food is recommended). Exarcheia’s center square has historically hosted protests. Visit Exarcheia now to experience Greece’s chaotic underground culture.

A wonderful day Eat breakfast at Raraou Cantina, coffee at Selas, and then walk the neighborhood. Former squatter buildings have glued windows. Visit the Archaeological Museum or one of the many record stores like Le Dsk Noir, Art Rat Records, or Dirty Noise for culture. You can visit Strefi Hill or the city’s major park, Pedion Tou Areos, for some fresh air. Greek dinners are available at Atitamos, Rozalia, and Avli. Exarcheia has many bars.

32. Bebek

Istanbul, Türkiye

Bebek has lots to see, but the Bosphorus view will leave an impression. This waterfront Istanbul neighborhood’s coastline is especially beautiful at sunset. Locals assemble in green Bebek Park to chat after their beach excursions. Residents often buy ice cream from their local grocer and stroll along the strait, making Bebek feel like a perpetual holiday.

A wonderful day Mangerie has a great Bosphorus view and a breakfast menu featuring grilled sausage and menemen. Walk along the beach to breathe in the sea air, then visit Evin Art Gallery, which has connected artists and collectors since 1996. Lucca serves early evening cocktails and meals. People-watching along Bebek Caddesi is great if you get a table outside. Staying overnight? Bebek Hotel by the Stay is good.

33. Zhongshan

Taipei, Taiwan

Amidst Datong and Xinyi Districts, where Taipei 101 rises, Zhongshan District tells Taipei’s fascinating history. Once a Tamsui River commerce hub, it’s now a skyscraper-lined mini-metropolis. The Tsai Jui-Yueh Dance Research Institute and Cafe Monument show the neighborhood’s colonial past, but new buildings like Fu Fu Hua He and the Miramar Ferris Wheel dominate the skyline.

A wonderful day After eating egg cakes and soybean milk at Wuming Breakfast, see the Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum. Eat fried shredded pancakes at Shanxi Noodles for lunch after visiting the eco-friendly Hsing Tian Kong Temple. Try Melange Cafe’s waffles after visiting the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan or MoCA Taipei in the afternoon. At night, relax with natty wine at RVLT Taipei or giggle at Two Three Comedy.

34. Ponsonby

Auckland, New Zealand

Ponsonby wasn’t always a dining and retail destination on a hill overlooking the city center. In the late 20th century, gentrification transformed Ponsonby, the 1960s and 1970s home of artists, bohemians, and Pacific Peoples who contributed to its creative culture. This suburb in Auckland is currently one of the wealthiest, but many artists and creators live there.

Ponsonby Road, a mile of independent stores and galleries showcasing New Zealand artists and designers, is its center. From vegan Thai to Korean and Peruvian, Auckland’s restaurants reflect its diversity. Ponsonby bustles 24/7, with inhabitants buying bread from Daily Bread in the morning and drinking drinks at Deadshot bar in the evening.

A wonderful day Orphan’s Kitchen’s rooftop serves fresh crumpets drizzled in honey for breakfast. The Poi Room and local companies like Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, and Juliette Hogan sell New Zealand-made goods. Shop at Tatty’s or Encore Designer Recycle for secondhand designer clothes and Flotsam and Jetsam for antique homewares for affordable high-end apparel.

35. Downtown

Montreal, Canada

Downtown Montreal is booming. Downtown Montreal has long been a destination for shopping and big events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival. The core of Montreal is now colder than ever, despite cranes and construction. Free events like a big chess board, outdoor art installations, and circus acts in summer and a giant lit skating rink, disco bumper cars, and food pop-ups in winter bring the community together.

A wonderful day Start your day with Café Olimpico’s delicious Italian coffee at the Great Gatsby-inspired Honeyrose. Visit Chef Antonio Park’s highly awaited Yama restaurant for lunch after shopping at the new Nike flagship store. Cross the street to visit the Four Seasons’ hidden spa or the Musée d’art contemporain’s cutting-edge art display. Finish with dinner and stunning views at Hiatus, the city’s highest rooftop restaurant.

36. Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Manila, Philippines

BGC is Manila’s food, shopping, and nightlife district. This Taguig commercial sector is a great starting point for city exploration. You may take a self-guided street art tour of the region on app-enabled Moovr e-scooters or rentable bicycles (nearly every street has a painting).

Contemporary art museum Metropolitan Museum of Manila and the interactive Mind Museum teach art and science. Handmade Italian delicacies at A Mano are prepared by chef Amado Forés, son of the legendary Margarita Forés.Chele González, a pioneering chef, leads Gallery by Chele in serving delectable tasting menus including Filipino products.

A wonderful day Start your day with breakfast at Bonifacio High Street or Burgos Circle, then escape the heat at SM Aura or Uptown Mall in BGC. After an incredible omakase meal at Mecha Uma, party at Revel At The Palace, where celebrities and influencers dance, or at LGBTQ+ hotspot Nectar Nightclub.

37. Dotonbori

Osaka, Japan

A gourmet paradise. The heart of Osaka’s culinary reputation is Dotonbori, with its delicious street cuisine and world-class sushi establishments. Besides food, Dotonbori is a shopping wonderland with high-end clothes and offbeat souvenir shops. The Dotonbori ZAZA Comedy Theatre and Minami-za Theatre offer live entertainment and kabuki.

A wonderful day Start your day at stylish art hotel MOXY Osaka Honmachi and grab a snack and coffee at Arabiya. Visit the massive Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade before enjoying takoyaki (grilled octopus balls) at Acchichi Hompo Dotonbori for lunch.

Enjoy a Dotonbori canal boat in the day before exploring the neon paradise at night. Chibo serves world-class okonomiyaki, an Osakan pancake. End with a Sake Bar M300 cocktail.

38. Song Wat

Bangkok, Thailand

Song Wat is a short walk from Chinatown’s main drag, Yaowarat, but it’s quieter and more laid-back, perfect for a weekend. Modernization reduced Song Wat’s importance as a commerce quarter in the early 1900s, until now.

The Song Wat community of ancient merchants, second-generation shopkeepers, and new entrepreneurs wants to turn this aging trading area into a millennial-led economic hub. This pocket neighborhood has stylish cafes, hip hostels, chic art galleries, and restaurants serving modern, delicious food amongst long-standing businesses and legendary food booths.

The perfect day Wake up early and grab buns from a street food stall to break your fast like a local before visiting Song Wat Coffee Roaster for artisanal caffeine. After eating aromatic beef noodles at Rong Klan Nuea, visit Play Art House to see local art.

39. Cantonments

Accra, Ghana

Parte after parte’ begins in cantons. Cantonments, a residential neighborhood with embassies near Kotoka International Airport, connects the world to the city. Cantonments, located in East Accra and connected to Osu and Labone, blends modernity with Accra’s varied culture.

A wonderful day In Accra, breakfast is affordable. Ghana’s favorite breakfast, waakye (cooked rice and beans), is served at Auntie Munie Waakye. Next, visit the WEB Dubois Memorial Centre, Goethe-Institut, and Berj Gallery for some culture. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at fusion-themed Bistro 22 and a top-notch dinner at The Honeysuckle or Vine. Keep the night going at Twist, a popular nightclub.

40. The Annex

Toronto, Canada

The Annex altered. with years of work, the neighborhood is finally looking fresh with the closing of Honest Ed’s. Queen Street West’s uptown younger sibling gets new retail, apartments, a music venue, and park from Mirvish Village. Along with Hot Docs Cinema, bars where academics, students, and professionals queue up to have a pint, and a new Michelin Guide entry, the Annex is making a resurgence in 2023 and is Toronto’s coolest place to be.

A wonderful day After visiting Toronto’s smallest coffee shop, Coffee Pocket, stroll down Bloor Street West to find unique gift shops selling incense, homewares, and books. After seeing a movie at Hot Docs Cinema, have a drink at The Lab pub or the Writer’s Room for a skyline sunset. Hungry? Get a red banquette at Michelin-starred Mimi Chinese and cap the night with spicy Chinese food.