What defines a cool neighbourhood in 2024? The world’s most thrilling and enjoyable neighbourhoods encapsulate the best of their cities’ culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink all within one vibrant, walkable area – it’s not just about trendy wine bars and street art.
Experts at Time Out have brought together a worldwide team of writers and editors to compile a list ranking of the coolest neighbourhoods in their city at present, and why.
The experts then refined the selection and ranked the list using the knowledge and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who evaluated each neighbourhood against criteria such as food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and unique local flavour.
Every neighbourhood on this list offers something you won’t find anywhere else. Keep reading to discover underappreciated suburbs, historically fashionable districts undergoing a surprising revival, and more.
These are the world’s top spots that anyone should visit. And let us know if you’ve been to any of these places in the comments.
15. Gakugeidaigaku,Tokyo
Japanese culture has become extremely popular amongst youngsters, so it is surprising to see Tokyo placing just 15th on the list. Its winning neighbourhood Gakugeidaigaku has always lived in the shadow of its more famous neighbours, Jiyugaoka and Nakameguro – but that’s exactly why locals love it.
“While the crowds flock to more well-known neighbourhoods, the cool kids and insiders know that Gakugeidaigaku has a more relaxed vibe and is much less commercialised. Here you’ll find mom-and-pop grocers and local institutions like bathhouses co-existing with independent, creative restaurants, cafés and bars,” Time Out shared.
(Image: Getty)