From Europe to America
FESTAC stands for Second World African Festival of Arts and Culture, which was held in the Nigerian capital in 1977. Originally built for the festival, this neighborhood is now home to numerous hotels, restaurants, and a buzzing nightlife.
The Aussie city's creative hotspot is definitely worth a visit. From boutique stores to a wide range of bars and nightclubs, this is the place to shop, eat, drink, and have fun. If you're into live music, the showcase festival Big Sound takes place in September.
Located between Phoenix Park and the River Liffey, and not far from the city center, you'll find this cool Irish neighborhood. From traditional pubs to quirky cafés, Stoneybatter has a lot to offer. Tip: head there in June for the three-day Stoneybatter Festival
This neighborhood, found in Mexico's Pacific coast city of Puerta Vallarta, feels like a town of its own. You're not far from the city's glorious beaches, have access to really cool restaurants and shops, and all this in a much less touristy part of of city.
Bali is famous for its forests, temples, beaches, and surf, among many other attractions. Ubud can be found inland. In this neighborhood, you'll find markets, craft shops, art galleries, eateries, and even a sacred monkey sanctuary. Grab a Bintang beer and enjoy!
India is a big country, so it's quite an achievement for this neighborhood in Mumbai to be listed here. This really is a cool, hip place you will not want to miss. It's also a Bollywood star favorite, so you might just bump into a celebrity or two.
The French capital is one of those places with many cool places to choose from, but Haut-Marais takes the trophy this year. There, you'll find vintage stores, excellent restaurants, and art galleries (not to mention the Picasso Museum).
Costa Rica's capital is home to Calle 33 in Barrio Escalante, which has been dubbed "Paseo Gastronómico." Yes, this is a mecca for foodies, and not only will you find mouthwatering food, you will also have one of the best coffees of your life.
This neighborhood in the Greek capital is mostly known for the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first modern Olympic Games took place). Today, its cultural offer is immense, including a number of cool bars and restaurants.
Moda is one of the Turkish capital's coolest districts. It has a pier and dozens of vibrant places to eat, drink, and enjoy the Turkish vibe.
You will find this 500-year-old gem in the capital of Puerto Rico. Santurce boasts gorgeous colonial architecture and remains a hub for Afro-Caribbean culture in the city. There is music, murals, and everything in between to enjoy in Santurce.
This South African neighborhood attracts people from all walks of life. The beach, numerous eateries, and stunning views might have something to do with it! Cape Town International Jazz Festival takes place in March, if you're looking for a special event.
Looking for a cool spot in New Zealand where you can drink craft beer, eat sourdough pizza, and listen to live music? Then look no further—this neighborhood in Auckland is the place for you!
This neighborhood of the Thai capital mixes old and new like no other district. Dotted with trendy cafés, restaurants, offices, and temples, Thonglor really is a melting pot of what the city has to offer.
The capital of Taiwan is pretty cool, especially this vibrant neighborhood. The LGBTQ-friendly Ximending has dozens of cool shops and neon lights to spare.
With a privileged waterfront location, this neighborhood used to be a gritty spot, filled with factories and shipyards. Nowadays, things are quite different. There was a boom in creative people moving to the area to live and open businesses. It's now one of San Francisco's most up-and-coming areas.
Greek and Vietnamese immigrants have shaped the neighborhood, and so have lots of businesses in manufacturing. In recent years, Marrickville has developed into a sought-after neighborhood, and is often dubbed "the new Newtown" and "the new Paddington." The neighborhood's arts scene is growing, and so are the families who are moving there.
Jump on a ferry across the IJ river and get to know the cool Dutch neighborhood of Noord. This former wasteland has a gritty feel to it, but long past are its rough days. Now, instead of petty criminals, you're more likely to find hipsters sipping on lattes. It's a wonderful creative hub and home to numerous events, including the iconic dance music festival Amsterdam Dance Event.
Chacarita is more than just home to one of South America's largest necropolis. The Argentinian neighborhood is also a happening hood and a thriving foodie hotspot.
Once home to warehouses, Kelham Island is now a place where you can eat, drink, and have fun. Peddler Market takes place on the first weekend of the month, and it's definitely worth a visit. There you'll find food stalls, craft beers, and live music, to name a few.
There is more to Kenya's capital than its frenetic traffic. Kilimani is home to a thriving arts scene and nightlife, and it's definitely worth a visit. Maasai Market is the place to go shopping for souvenirs.
Melbourne is one of the most multicultural areas of Australia, and Fitzroy is no exception. The neighborhood rapidly became a hub for artsy types, with secondhand shops, bars, and an eclectic range of restaurants that cater to every taste.
Stevenson Square and the surrounding area is Manchester's coolest spot in 2022. Part of it has been pedestrianized, making it even more attractive for people to enjoy its offer of pubs, cafés, and bars. And there's a new green space in town, too, so the city really is moving forward. Add Mayfield Park to your must-visit list.
It's now time to head over to Canada's British Columbia, more specifically the buzzing neighborhood of the West End in Vancouver. The city's headquarters for the LGBTQ community, the West End is indeed a welcoming place for everyone. It goes without saying that the annual Pride festival is huge here.
Tel Aviv is known for being Israel's most lively city, but unlike other areas, Levinsky didn't lose its authenticity. Home to Turkish, Persian, and Ethiopian communities, the neighborhood has the perfect mix between traditional businesses and hip stores, including artisan cafés and vintage boutiques.
The city's oldest neighborhood was settled by Bahamians in the 19th century. Today, it's likely Miami's most happening neighborhood, featuring charming restaurants and shops, as well as the iconic open-air shopping mall, CocoWalk.
Vesterbro is full of Danish charm, with its historical sites, cool streets, and eateries where you can enjoy Scandinavian delicacies. Halloween and Christmas are two of the best times of the year to visit, as they are both big in the neighborhood.
Silver Lake may be a stretch of Sunset Boulevard, however it's a little bit different from its neighbors and indeed utterly hipster. From boutique shops to bohemian cafés, you're covered. Head to the Silver Lake Farmers' Market on a Tuesday afternoon or Saturday morning for the freshest produce in the area.
The Czech Republic's capital may be gorgeous, but it's also very busy. But across the Vltava river from the city's crammed Old Town, you'll find Letná, a neighborhood with lots of open spaces, cool eateries, and independent shops.
If you're looking for a neighborhood in this Italian city where you can feel what Naples is all about, then Riona Sanità is your destination. There you'll enjoy the Baroque architecture, its authentic restaurants, and local markets.
The Spanish city is not just about Antoni Gaudí and soccer. Sants, being a little bit further from the city center, has its own character, where everyone is welcome. In August, people take to the streets during the Festa Major de Sants, making it a great time of the year to visit.
Many Londoners who have been priced out of some East and North London areas have found a safe haven in this part of the capital. Walthamstow village is adorable, and the famous market and High Street are now buzzing with new life.
Artsy neighborhood Barrio de las Letras has a bohemian vibe and a reputation for being one of the Spanish capital's partying hotspots. Don't miss out on the open-air Mercado de Las Ranas, which takes place on the first and third Saturdays of the month.
Singapore is quite a unique place, and one of its exquisite features is the neighborhood of Little India. The Artwalk Little India festival takes place in January as part of Singapore Art Week. During the celebrations, you can enjoy art installations, performances, and everything in between.
Dundas West is home to a large community of Portuguese and Brazilian immigrants, and in this part of Toronto you will find exciting art galleries, bars, and cafés. Do West Fest happens in June, if you're looking for a cool block party vibe.
Hong Kong's former red-light district is now one of its coolest neighborhoods. Trendy shops and eateries, as well as its vibrant arts scene, make Wan Chai a unique place.
Okay, Berlin is probably one of the coolest cities in the world. At the heart of the German capital, you'll find Neukölln. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy its array of local shops, including Turkish, Lebanese, and Syrian eateries, as well as beautiful green spaces. Tip: in the summer, there is an open-air cinema in the area.
Avondale may be home to the city's Polish community, but there you can also eat the best Mexican food in town! The neighborhood is going through gentrification, and new spots pop up all the time. Take a stroll down Milwaukee Avenue and see how the old and the new are present.
This part of Old Havana used to be a bit edgier. Now, it attracts lots of artists, many of whom have painted incredible murals. In 2016, an abandoned bread factory was turned into an art gallery, Galería Taller Gorría, and the Cuban neighborhood has become even more hip over the years.
Traditionally a bohemian hotspot for students of the local university in the '80s, this Brazilian neighborhood remains trendy to this day. If cold beer, music, art, and good food is your thing, you can't go wrong with Vila Madalena.
The British seaside town has seen an influx of new families and artists alike in recent years, and Cliftonville is one of the most sought-after areas. This has transformed the neighborhood, which currently is one of the most up-and-coming in town.
The Chilean capital's first planned barrio has a bohemian vibe. Barrio Yungay has as little bit for everyone, including museums, green spaces, and Art Deco, Baroque, and Bauhaus facades. Of course, there are also plenty of cool places to grab a drink, eat, and be entertained.
Shawlands is the hottest place to be below the River Clyde. This Scottish neighborhood is home to several multicultural independent businesses. And for the art buffs, there's The Burrell Collection to visit. If you happen to visit in May, don't miss the Southside Fringe festival!
With a strong Jewish heritage, and a popular hub for artists, this Canadian neighborhood is among the coolest in Montreal. In Mile End, you'll find really good restaurants, quirky independent bookstores, and the best bagels in town. And did we mention the block parties in the skate park area?
This neighborhood in southern France is a creative hub, home to numerous vintage, secondhand, and independent stores, restaurants, and bars. In Cours Julien, you'll also find plenty of hip art galleries and cool street art to enjoy.
Barrio Logan is the hub of Mexican-American culture in the Cali city. In Chicano Park, for instance, you'll find the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world. Plus, you'll get to eat world-class tacos and see some really cool lowriders!
Located on the border with Brooklyn, this Queens neighborhood soaks in the best of both boroughs. It's trendy and has enough buzzy bars and restaurants to keep you busy, but there are also historical brick houses and an old school feel to it. For instance, Ridgewood is home to the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House (c. 1709), which is NYC's oldest Dutch fieldstone house.
Guadalajara is known as Mexico's culture capital, and Colonia Americana is where everything happens! There you'll find exciting architecture, including Art Deco and Neoclassical, and a rich cultural offering, such as numerous music venues. And, of course, there are plenty of cool eateries and shops.
Sources: (Time Out)
See also: The most colorful towns, cities, and neighborhoods in the world
This neighborhood is home to some of the capital's coolest independent stores. There you'll find numerous vintage clothes shops and cafés, and also an array of new dining and shopping facilities, which have opened in the last couple of years. In August, there is the Awa-Odori Festival, which is the largest dance festival in Japan.
Wat Bo Village is one of the oldest parts of the Cambodian city of Siem Reap. But it's also one of the most happening neighborhoods. There you'll find cool hotels, numerous bars and restaurants, and all you need for a good night out.
"Pink Street" and its surrounding area is one of the Portuguese capital's nightlife hotspots. Once an edgy part of town, it now features some of Lisbon's coolest bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Plus, you're just a few steps from the Tagus river and other popular areas, such as Bairro Alto.
Time Out magazine has just published their list of the 51 coolest neighborhoods in the world. They surveyed around 20,000 people, including city-dwellers and local experts, to rate the best neighborhoods based on fun, food, culture, and community.
In this gallery, you'll find a distilled version of this list of neighborhoods. Click on and discover the world's coolest neighborhoods in 2022.
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Time Out magazine has just published their list of the 51 coolest neighborhoods in the world. They surveyed around 20,000 people, including city-dwellers and local experts, to rate the best neighborhoods based on fun, food, culture, and community.
In this gallery, you'll find a distilled version of this list of neighborhoods. Click on and discover the world's coolest neighborhoods in 2022.