Photographing the stark contrast between North Korea and China
Time Out magazine recently published its list of the 40 coolest neighborhoods in the world. For the sixth year running, the magazine surveyed over 12,000 people in this year's shortlist, including city-dwellers and local experts. The best districts were rated based on fun, food, culture, and community. In this gallery you'll find a condensed version of the magazine's coveted list.
Click on to see if you live in one of the world's coolest neighborhoods.
A residential area packed with embassies near Kotoka International Airport, Cantonments is where the world meets the rest of the city. Harmoniously combining modernity and a diverse cultural melting pot, this neighborhood defines Accra.
An important trading quarter in the early 1900s, modernization led to its decline, until now. With long-standing businesses and legendary food stalls, hip hostels, chic art galleries, and restaurants, this neighborhood has made a comeback in relevance.
This neighborhood is now finally emerging from years of construction with a fresh new look. Here you'll find cool new retail spaces, more housing, and long-standing favorites like the Hot Docs Cinema.
Osaka has long been known as Japan's Kitchen, meaning it's a foodies' paradise. From lip-smacking street food to world-renowned sushi restaurants, you won't go hungry in Dotonbori. Plus, there are plenty of high-end fashion stores and quirky souvenir shops.
Downtown has long been popular for retail therapy and major events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival. With a population of creatives and young professionals, along with some of the best new rooftops, hotels, and restaurants in town, this is the place to be.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is Manila's vibrant food, shopping, and nightlife hub. There are also plenty of cool murals, which you can admire while embarking on a street art tour!
A bustling mini-metropolis, this neighborhood still retains traces of its colonial heritage, which can be seen in places like the Tsai Jui-Yueh Dance Research Institute and Cafe Monument. Then there's also the food, with endless options of international and local cuisine!
One of Auckland's most popular food and shopping areas, Ponsonby was the home of artists and Pacific Peoples in the '60s and '70s, who all contributed to its creative culture. While it's now one of Auckland's most affluent areas, plenty of designers and creators still call this corner of the city home.
With a jaw-dropping view of the Bosphorus, Bebek boasts fantastic restaurants, and cafés and shops, both upscale and old-school. Make sure to visit the lush Bebek Park for the best golden hour views!
A historically radical neighborhood, Exarcheia is becoming more popular with tourists. Luckily, its charter is still not lost, as activists and anarchists still gather here. The area is home to one of Greece's oldest universities, Athens Polytechnic, cultural venues from museums to record stores, and a great food and drink scene.
This cozy and bohemian neighborhood is characterized by its tree-lined streets and colonial houses. The culinary scene is great, and it offers some unique design shops and local art galleries. Plus, it's right next to Bosque de Chapultepec, one of Mexico City's largest parks.
Located at two of Barcelona's main roads, La Meridiana and Gran Via, this compact neighborhood has plenty of tranquility thanks to its pedestrianized streets and the large Parc del Clot. The municipal market, one of the city's oldest, is the perfect place to buy high-end products at prices lower than you'll find in touristic areas like Poblenou and Eixample.
Home to picturesque squares like Jiřího z Poděbrad and Náměstí Míru, Vinohrady is one of Prague's coolest neighborhoods. The area is packed with Czech and international restaurants, independent coffee shops, and beer halls. Also, there are plenty of green spaces like Riegrovy Sady, where you can catch the sunset over the city.
Filled with natural beauty, rich culture, and incredible cuisine from every corner of the world, Richmond District spans over 50 blocks in the northwest part of the city. It's truly special!
One of the country's first planned communities, its impressive tree-lined boulevards and Mediterranean Revival-style architecture is breathtaking. A business district, here you'll find plenty of independent shops and some of Miami's best restaurants.
A short distance from Seoul's touristy Itaewon, Hannam-dong attracts a diverse mix of visitors who flock to this hotspot at weekends. The area is known for its stylish boutiques, chic cafés, and innovative restaurants.
With old-school clubs like Egg and new music venues like Lafayette, King's Cross has a little something for everyone. You'll also get to walk the canal path and admire the scenic view.
Sandwiched between the touristy Marais and the more boho 11th, here you'll find everything from top-notch art galleries, the best cocktail bars in the city, and Paris' oldest food market, Enfants-Rouges.
Once a small village on the outskirts of Berlin, Neukölln is now one of the city's coolest districts. Come rain or shine there's plenty to do here, from browsing art exhibitions and visiting wine bars, to chilling in cozy coffee shops and going wild with late night dancing.
Known for its seaside promenade and public gardens, Sea Point is a 200-year-old multicultural suburb, with plenty to explore! With cool boutiques and a trendy food scene, you'll get a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean into the bargain.
West End is one of the coolest places in this Scottish city! With a mix of students, families, and creatives, here you'll find trendy vegan coffee shops that share storefronts with decades-old second-hand bookshops. Just magical!
Home to the University of Chicago, Hyde Park embodies a small town spirit while still providing all the amenities of a bustling metropolis. Here you'll find some of the city's best restaurants, plenty of culture, and art.
Across the 25 de Abril bridge from Lisbon lies a stretch of beachside tranquility called Costa da Caparica. Known for its long sandy beaches and great surfing, Caparica has in recent years opened up to international community events, parties, and get-togethers.
This neighborhood is where everyone comes to hang out! Whether you're looking for an international food scene, live music, comedy, or a party, Enmore is where it's at!
Head to the northern corner of the Scottish capital and you'll find the docks buzzing. Leith used to be the city's main trading port, but now it's home to cool art venues, innovative restaurants, and indie festivals.
Among the neighborhood's characteristic Brownstones you'll find a laid back vibe with cool wine bars, local shops, and plenty of flea markets. Then there's also Fort Greene Park, which acts as a public square with regular get-togethers, markets, and sporting events.
Home to multiple temples, traditional pastry shops, and calming tea houses, Singapore's Chinatown is also filled with trendy art studios, independent boutiques, and chic nightlife!
Downtown LA's Arts District is adorned with centuries-old buildings, vibrant murals, and a surprising amount of greenery. Expect a booming craft brewery and restaurant scene!
A center for graffiti in the early '90s when hip hop took root in Marseille, Cours Julien is packed with vintage boutiques, indie designers, live music venues, and eclectic cafés.
About 15 years ago, this area used to be a collection of largely abandoned shipping warehouses. However, it completely transformed itself to one of the city's coolest neighborhoods packed with the best restaurateurs, galleries, skate parks, and independent coffee shops.
Even though it's less than 15 minutes' walk from Shibuya Crossing—the world's busiest pedestrian crossing—Tomigaya seems a world apart. Here, the pace feels more relaxed the businesses more independent. Also, it's near Yoyogi Park, where you can find everything from food festivals to cultural celebrations.
Hip, cozy, and creative, Amsterdam West is a unique blend of Dutch heritage and international energy. Lined with traditional narrow brick buildings, you'll find plenty of boutiques, multicultural restaurants, and trendy cafés.
Located north of the city, Isola is a lively, high-energy quarter, which is home to colorful street art, indie shops, galleries, and of course, an excellent food scene.
Not far from the French Quarter is Mid-City, which sits midway between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. The area is home to a diverse community, which is reflected in the bars, restaurants, and breweries.
This eclectic Northside neighborhood is fast emerging as a vibrant go-to hub for multicultural eateries, live music venues, and cozy bars.
Once a neighborhood known for its funeral related services, Sheung Wan has found new life. It's the only place in Hong Kong where you can find a mix of historic temples and antique shops, alongside contemporary art galleries, fancy boutiques, and contemporary restaurants.
Havnen is located along the Danish capital's harbor, and this is where the city comes to play, whether that's on boats, paddleboards, kayaks, or by swimming. From Sydhavn in the south to the architectural hotspot of Nordhavn in the north, or the lively Nyhavn, there's plenty to see and do.
Once a working-class area outside Madrid's ring road, Carabanchel is now buzzing with trendy art galleries and cutting-edge creative spaces, like Madrid's biggest and boldest art gallery, Veta. The area also has some stunning green spaces like the gardens and palace of Finca Vistalegre.
Smithfield is home to old and also new Dublin. It's a neighborhood where tradition and activism meet, where long-standing stalwarts co-exist alongside exciting new ventures. Expect to find many independent bars, vegan-friendly restaurants, and artisanal cafés!
This neighborhood is home to the famed nightlife strip known as La 70 and Estádio Atanasio Girardot, Medellin's main soccer stadium and concert venue. Expect to see performances by big Colombian stars like Karol G, Maluma, or J Balvin!
Sources: (Time Out)
Exploring the world's coolest neighborhoods
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Time Out magazine recently published its list of the 40 coolest neighborhoods in the world. For the sixth year running, the magazine surveyed over 12,000 people in this year's shortlist, including city-dwellers and local experts. The best districts were rated based on fun, food, culture, and community. In this gallery you'll find a condensed version of the magazine's coveted list.
Click on to see if you live in one of the world's coolest neighborhoods.