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Photograph: Deeneys by 24Daniele Audino
Photograph: Deeneys by 24Daniele Audino

The 38 coolest neighbourhoods in the world

We quizzed our global network of on-the-ground experts to find the coolest neighbourhoods on the planet. These are the places to visit, like, now

Grace Beard
Edited by Grace Beard
Travel Editor
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In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district.

To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks.

Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is what makes a neighbourhood truly cool.

From formerly overlooked suburbs that have only just reached their moment to historically trendy neighbourhoods experiencing an unexpected renaissance, these are the world’s greatest places to spend an afternoon strolling right now. See you out there.

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The world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2024

1. Notre-Dame-du-Mont

Notre-Dame-du-Mont
Notre-Dame-du-Mont
Photograph: Marseille Tourism / Massimo Municchi

Marseille, France

Once it was all about the picturesque charm of Vauban, but nowadays Marseille’s cool crowd prefers the rebellious spirit of Notre-Dame-du-Mont. Named after a church, this decidedly unholy area is made up of colourful cul-de-sacs, graffiti-covered alleyways, streets lined with plane trees and twisting staircases that lead down from Cours Julien. Around the metro, new arrivals from Paris and beyond can be found sunning themselves on the terraces along Rue de Lodi, mingling with a diverse crowd of punks and their dogs, women in colourful robes, and salty old sailors sipping 8.6 beer. Once known as the artists’ district, these days the neighbourhood has the jovial, laidback feel of a local market. For a small area, it’s home to a remarkable concentration of galleries, lively restaurants, chic and community-minded shops and new spots hidden behind pizza trucks.

The perfect day After filling up on brioche at Pain Pan, an iconic neighbourhood bakery with its lemon-hued façade, take a stroll through the market adjacent to the metro. Head up to Galerie Charivari on Rue Fontange, home to a collection of paintings, sculptures and ceramics from curator Muriel Feugère. Halfway down the alley, take a somewhat precarious seat and knock back a strong dose of caffeine at Razzia – or you could tuck into an incredible octopus kebab at Caterine – before leafing through the selection at Histoire de l’Œil bookshop. Catch a film at bistro-turned-cinema La Baleine, followed by a drink on the terrace at the must-visit Café la Muse. When the heat starts to subside, head to dinner at Livingston, before calling it a night at Mama Shelter.

Plan your visit Livingston hosts a rotation of chefs in residence. Until February, you’ll find Anh Dao Nguyen, former sous-chef for Livingston’s founder Valentin Raffali, in the kitchen showcasing cuisine inspired by her travels.

📍 Discover our neighbourhood guide to Notre-Dame-du-Mont and the best things to do in Marseille

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Alicia Dorey
 Correspondante
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2. Mers Sultan

Mers Sultan
Mers Sultan
Photograph: Lauren Schenkman

Casablanca, Morocco

Just south of Casablanca’s Centre Ville (downtown), this concrete jungle of criss-crossing narrow streets and art deco, art nouveau, and modernist buildings hides a juicy secret: it’s become the preferred place to live for Casablanca’s young artists and culture-sector workers. Perhaps that’s because it’s still real, with nary a trendy coffee shop (or trendy anything, really) in sight. Instead, be prepared to treasure hunt in bouquinistes, fill up on humble but delicious food in one of the many hole-in-the-wall restaurants and snack bars, or sip a nous nous (half espresso, half milk) from a little glass in a café, squeezed in among old men filling out betting sheets in a haze of cigarette smoke and up-and-coming young filmmakers, rogue graffiti artists and EDM artists, speaking a psychedelic mix of Moroccan Arabic, French and English. Fancy yourself the flâneur and explore the neighbourhood’s surreally futuristic architecture from the ’60s and ’70s, guided by online intel from the Modernist Architects of Morocco Memorial Association.

The perfect day Start by zipping up to the seventeenth floor of Immeuble La Liberté 17, where you’ll find the former apartment of Moroccan musician Abdelwaheb Doukkali – now a museum with incredible views over the white city. Head next to the Cité Maréchal Améziane, a heritage residential building bustling with life, and don’t forget to grab a saucisse de foie (beef-liver sausage) sandwich at the butcher across the street. Stop by the Agadir Street Market, designed by Moroccan-born French architect Jean Francois Zevaco, or catch a Moroccan or foreign film at the retro Eden Cinema. Combine a coffee with excellent people-watching at Champs Elysées café, then let the caffeine propel you westward into the downright spiritual vibes of Nevada Skate Park, just across the tram line. Finish up with an intimate drink at the vibey Bar Atomic, and admire the nighttime skyline from the Washington Hotel’s rooftop. 

Plan your trip One of the best ways to understand Casablanca’s history and architecture is to visit during the city’s Heritage Days, a week-long event of free guided tours put on by the non-profit Casamemoire, usually in May. Casamemoire also gives nocturnal tours during the month of Ramadan. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Morocco

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Lauren Schenkman Local writer, Casablanca
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3. Pererenan

Pererenan
Pererenan
Photograph: Kilo Kitchen

Bali, Indonesia

While the tourist hordes pack into Canggu, those in the know are heading to neighbouring Pererenan. This place will remind you of what made Canggu famous in the first place – pristine beaches, cosy cafés, eclectic shops, and a certain laidback cool, devoid of noise and traffic. There’s much in the way of classic Bali charm here: surfers and beach bums can catch sun and waves on Pererenan’s black-sand beach, while those seeking a slice of tranquillity can find it at warungs (the small cafés and businesses ubiquitous in Indonesia) abutting glittering rice terraces in the neighbourhood’s north. There’s also a dynamic food scene blossoming in this once-sleepy seaside locale, with new openings like Seminyak-born Kilo Kitchen and Japanese-Indonesian sustainable dining venue Bokashi: a sign of more to come. It remains to be seen if Pererenan will retain its low-key appeal – but we wouldn’t recommend waiting to find out. 

The perfect day Tuck into smoothie bowls, shakshuka halloumi toast, and even stacked ‘porncakes’ at Brunch Club Pererenan before going for a swim or surf at Perenenan Beach. Beachside bar Hippie Fish is on hand for a refreshing cocktail; those looking for something a little healthier can opt for a meditative stretch in the treetops at Chandra Yoga Shala. Get the best Balinese fare at Home by Chef Wayan before going for a stroll through the rice paddies further inland as the day cools. Wind up your day at Woods, a jungle-inspired all-day restaurant with global eats, Sunday roast, and live music on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Plan your trip For maximum sun and lovely, consistent waves, visit Pererenan during Bali’s dry season (between April to October). And for ultimate serenity, we’d recommend avoiding the tourist high seasons, from June to August and December to January.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Bali

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Cheryl Sekkappan
 News & Travel Editor, Southeast Asia
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4. Seongsu-dong

Seongsu-dong
Seongsu-dong
Photograph: Jocelyn Tan for Time Out

Seoul, South Korea

Once a hub for Seoul’s leather, printing and shoemaking industries, this formerly industrial zone has gone through something of an evolution over the last few years. One walk around Seongsu-dong and you’ll see why the neighbourhood is known as Seoul’s answer to Brooklyn, with its red-brick warehouses, old factories and shipping containers now housing great little cafés, chic boutiques and galleries. This year, the neighbourhood cemented its status as a fashion district with the opening of streetwear brand Kith’s first Korean flagship store and Musinsa Store Seongsu @ Daerim Warehouse, a bricks-and-mortar curated shopping space for leading online platform for K-fashion Musinsa.

The perfect day Start your day with coffee at Bart Seongsu (or matcha at Super Matcha) before mooching around the neighbourhood’s countless vintage and thrift stores and local boutiques. Enjoy lunch at Grandmother’s Recipe, followed by some tea at Magpie & Tiger. Get some fresh air at Seoul Forest before trying the craft beer selection at Amazing Brewing Company. Staying the night? Look no further than the cosy and convenient Hotel Poco.

Plan your trip The Seoul Drone Show, a spectacular light display over the Han River, takes place over several weeks every spring and autumn at nearby Ttukseom Hangang Park. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Seoul

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Jocelyn Tan Local expert, Seoul
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5. Kerns

Kerns
Kerns
Photograph: Justin Katigbak, Travel Portland

Portland, USA

Kerns might belong to one of the West Coast’s major cities, but it feels like a perfectly-formed small town. It’s surrounded by residential streets filled with some of the city’s most charming craftsman homes, Spanish-style apartments, flower-filled gardens and fruiting trees. At the centre of it all is Northeast 28th Avenue. Aside from a few modern apartments, this walkable thoroughfare is still mostly populated by one- or two-story brick buildings, which house some of the neighborhood’s coolest venues: record stores like Music Millennium, cozy German restaurant Stammtisch (perfect for a late-afternoon beer) and one of Portland’s favorite old cinemas, Laurelhurst Theater. Meanwhile Laurelhurst Park, on Kerns’s southeast border, hosts everything from music and comedy evenings to outdoor movies. You’ll find locals stocking up across the neighborhood on groceries – Olympia Provisions salami, Cowbell Creamery cheese and fresh produce from Providore Fine Foods – for picnics near the duck pond. 

The perfect day Fuel up with Heart Coffee and a pastry for a morning of mooching: first, you’ll visit the brilliantly curated bookstore-meets-gallery Nationale, before popping into newly-opened vintage store Goodbye Horses and perfume shop Olo. Grab a bite at Friendship Kitchen (I recommend the turmeric lemongrass tofu), but leave room for dinner at Farag’s, a pop-up from chef Megan Sanchez, the mastermind behind well-loved torta restaurant Güero. (This summer’s menu was inspired by her Egyptian family’s cooking.) Wind down with a nightcap from a bistro table at long-standing bar Angel Face, or play pool at recently reopened dive bar Holman’s, which just celebrated its ninetieth anniversary. Stay at Grand Stark or Kex, both fun hotels on the neighborhood’s western edge.

Plan your trip: Visit May through October for the lowest likelihood of rain and to check out Farag’s – or whatever summer pop-up Sanchez dreams up next.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Portland

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Alice Wolfe
 Local writer, Portland
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6. Stokes Croft and St Paul’s

Stokes Croft and St Paul’s
Stokes Croft and St Paul’s
Photograph: The Crafty Egg : @billieboomboom

Bristol, UK

When you think of Bristol in all its youthful, art-filled glory, you’re picturing Stokes Croft and St Paul’s. Ever-changing and ever-vibrant, the area has a long history as the centre of African-Caribbean culture in Bristol and as a cradle of social resistance, both of which are essential to the city’s identity. It’s only a five-minute walk up Cheltenham Road from the town centre, but couldn’t be more different: dozens of family-owned boutiques take the place of high-street shops, and you might even spot a firepit at Turbo Island. The area has been an up-and-comer for a good while, but as more and more of the city’s best new eateries and venues have begun to pop up along its brightly painted streets, we think it’s safe to say that its time has officially up-and-come. Less touristy than Clifton but with more to do than Easton, it’s an absolute can’t-miss if you want to experience Bristol like a real local. 

The perfect day You’ll be up all night, so take a lie-in at your sky-pod, an Airbnb with views across the Bristol skyline, before ambling over to a late-morning brunch at The Crafty Egg – or to Grey Tone Coffee for a speciality brew with an Insta-worthy pastry. Then head up Gloucester Road, one of Europe’s longest stretches of independent stores, for trinket-hunting. Catch a cult or underground movie at the Cube, and for dinner, try an authentic Jamaican meal at St Mary’s Kitchen – make sure to BYOB. You’ll finish your night with a selection of homegrown DJs at Crofters Rights, dancing along the soundtrack of the city: lots and lots of drum ’n’ bass.

Plan your trip Bristol is a summer city. As well as its green spaces coming into bloom, the annual St Paul’s Carnival – a day of dancing, good food, and celebrating the city’s Caribbean heritage – comes around on the first Saturday of July. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Bristol

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Annie McNamee
 Contributor, Time Out London and UK
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7. Chippendale

Chippendale
Chippendale
Photograph: Courtesy of the Artists and the White Rabbit Gallery, Photo by Hamish McIntosh

Sydney, Australia

Chippendale, on the edge of Sydney’s CBD, hasn’t always been a magnet for the cool crowd – but while some of us were busy sipping negronis in nearby Surry Hills, ‘Chippo’ was organically evolving into a buzzing, community-centred neighbourhood. Alongside great restaurants like Ester, there’s a huge diversity of things to do: from Phoenix, a space that holds concerts accessible to the public via a free ballot, to cool and quirky art galleries; from a gamers’ paradise called Fortress to an always-open Asian food market and some of the city’s coolest pubs championing live music and comedy. Little public parks and a weekly farmers’ market create a village-like vibe for residents – including the students at the two universities sandwiching this humble-yet-mighty suburb.

The perfect day Skip the eggs and go for a Malaysian, Thai or Cantonese brunch at the colourful Spice Alley food market, then check out the art at boundary-pushing independent gallery White Rabbit. If you can’t nab a free ticket for a concert at Phoenix, no worries – just hot-foot it to all-night party palace The Abercrombie to eat, drink and dance into the wee hours. Call it a night at The Old Clare, a classic old pub with sleek upstairs rooms.

Plan your trip Once held only in Austin, Texas, SXSW (South by Southwest) is now in Sydney every October. Chippendale is one of many neighbourhoods that will host events and activations during this ‘festival for the curious’.

📍 Check out our Chippendale area guide

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Alice Ellis
 Editor in Chief, Australia
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8. Príncipe Real

Príncipe Real
Príncipe Real
Photograph: © Turismo de Lisboa

Lisbon, Portugal

Six years after we crowned Príncipe Real the coolest neighbourhood in Lisbon, it’s back at the top of our list – a testament to how the area adapts to change without losing its identity. It still has that classic Lisbon charm, but recently it’s gained an increasingly contemporary and cosmopolitan feel. This is the place where, inevitably, Lisbon’s cognoscenti all end up – or at least plan to. Just take a look at Praça das Flores: this square at the heart of the neighbourhood is always full of life, but you’ll notice a change of pace come late afternoon when the terraces and benches start to fill up and the vibes kick up a notch. It’s true that this activity is partly down to gentrification and a growing community of international residents, but it’s also true that once-shuttered premises are now home to new, exciting businesses. The last few months alone have seen openings including artisanal ice cream shop Giola, Mexican restaurant Cantina Flores, cocktail bar Cotovia, and Bar Alimentar, which impressed our food critic Alfredo Lacerda enough to earn it five stars.

The perfect day Start with a coffee from Quiosque do Oliveira, a kiosk that also moonlights as a great spot for an afternoon beer. Depending on the day, you might browse one of the markets in neighbourhood park Jardim do Príncipe Real (the Saturday farmers’ market is a highlight). Get lunch at Pica-Pau, a restaurant that pays homage to traditional Portuguese cuisine, then browse the bookshelves at Livraria da Travessa. Spend the afternoon mooching around Embaixada, a shopping gallery in a former palace that houses Portuguese brands like ISTO and Latidid (but make sure to go soon, as it’s due to be turned into a hotel). Enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the eccentric Pavilhão Chinês bar before heading to fine-dining restaurant Boubou’s. To round off your evening, sample the impressive selection of wines from small, independent producers at Black Sheep in Praça das Flores.

Plan your trip Every season is beautiful in Príncipe Real, but you should come in spring to see the jacaranda trees – Lisbon’s answer to Japan’s cherry blossoms – in full bloom.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Lisbon

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Cláudia Lima Carvalho
 Editora de Comer & Beber, Time Out Lisboa
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9. Glória

Glória
Glória
Photograph: Riotur

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

For many years, Glória was an area known primarily for its monuments and heritage sites. Other than that, it had its parks, the long-standing modern art museum MAM Rio, and a famous church with a great view. But it’s now in the middle of a makeover, and thanks to a younger crowd shaking things up, there are plenty of reasons to visit this long-neglected area. Construction has started again on the iconic, mid-century Hotel Glória, which has been derelict for almost 20 years, making way for an exciting new residential project to join several others across the neighbourhood. Then there’s Praia do Flamengo, a once-polluted beach that’s recently been cleaned up and is now fit for bathing. A handful of great restaurants have set up shop, and you’ll find the nightlife crowd in the bars of Rua Santo Amaro, the place to know for a budget-friendly drink. You can’t really say you know Glória until you’ve been told off by the owner of Bar do Zé, legendary for his epic cachaça selection.

The perfect day Start your day with a walk or a bike ride at Aterro do Flamengo park, grab a refreshing chilled coconut water, and cool off at the beach with one of the city’s most stunning views, right under Sugarloaf Mountain. For lunch, take your pick from the classic Braseirinho da Glória or trendy Labuta Mar. In the afternoon, check out an art exhibition at Museu de Arte Moderna and enjoy a drink at Birosca, a charming cultural spot with an open-air bar on the second floor. Finish off with an evening at Fatchia, a pizza joint and listening bar with a speakeasy vibe, run by a famous DJ. It’s just opened and has added an extra dose of cool to the area. 

Plan your trip Every Sunday, the city’s largest open-air market Feira da Glória lands in the neighbourhood. Once a local hangout and now a tourist hotspot, it has over 150 vendors touting unique goods you won’t see anywhere else. Get there early if you want to avoid the crowd – but stick around for the lively roda de samba.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

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Renata Magalhães
 Editora, Time Out Rio de Janeiro
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10. Windsor

Windsor
Windsor
Photograph: Mark Lobo

Melbourne, Australia

The grungier sibling of Prahran and South Yarra, Windsor has long been overlooked – but those days are over. Head down to the Wild West end of Chapel Street (between the Princes Highway and High Street) to rummage through epic vintage stores (hello, Shag and Stupid Vintage), admire art in boutique galleries and soak up the oh-so-cool vibes that lure in a crowd keen for a good time. But it’s when night falls that Windsor really lights up. A recent slew of hot new restaurant and bar openings have transformed the neighbourhood into a go-to for curious foodies, with venues championing everything from regional Nepali fare to sushi and saké with a twist. Whether it’s 1pm or 1am, there’s a contagious energy pulsing through Windsor that’s hard to resist – and it’s time everyone experienced it for themselves.

The perfect day Fuel up with a coffee and smørrebrød from the Scandi-inspired Öppen, before getting your culture fix with a visit to Mars Gallery or the historic Astor Theatre for a remastered classic or double feature. Spend the arvo wandering through the quirky assortment of boutique shops and marvelling at the street art, or take things up a notch by doing a trapeze class at the National Institute of Circus Arts. Once you get hungry, there’s a banquet of offerings: Studio Amaro for classic Italian with a side of vinyl-spinning DJs, Tombo Den for elevated Japanese and karaoke or Borsch, Vodka and Tears for… well, you get it. Finish your night with a boogie at Lucky Coq or Young Hearts and don’t blame us if you stay out past your bedtime.

Plan your trip The mood in Windsor is at an all-time high in summer, when the beer gardens are overflowing and there’s a line snaking out of Messina.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Melbourne

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Leah Glynn
 Melbourne Editor
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11. Zabłocie

Zabłocie
Zabłocie
Photograph: String Taste

Kraków, Poland

South across the Vistula River from Krakow’s original hipster hood, Kazimierz, Zabłocie (pronounced, roughly, zab-what-che) isn’t a place unknown – the exhibits of Oskar Schindler’s Factory have long been one of the city’s musts. But the addition of the strikingly brutalist Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK) to that same site in 2011 seems to have spearheaded something new over the past decade. Steel-framed new blocks now sprout between the plaster-peeling wartime depots. There’s been a rejuvenation of the riverside parks. Roastery coffee houses, pour-your-own craft beer spaces and ramen kitchens with robot waiters have all opened up shop. The abundance of residential buildings means Zabłocie is at once lived-in and lively: a well-blended cocktail of culture, history, dining and local life. Lipowa Street is the heart of Zabłocie, but make sure you also check out Tadeusza Romanowicza and the leafy riverside boulevards.

The perfect day Knitted Coffee has you covered for caffeine – or for matcha, burrata sandwiches, and hummus-dukkah platters. Then tick off the must-dos of Zabłocie: Oskar Schindler’s Factory and MOCAK, the first with its enthralling story of the city from its earliest years, the latter with bold modern art collections. An afternoon cup at String Taste Electric Guitars – a curious mash-up between guitar museum and coffee joint – can be followed with some guided wine tasting at Krakó Slow Wines. Later, gather at Hala Lipowa, a hall with everything from peanutty pad thais to katsu curries, and plenty of craft beer.

Plan your trip Zabłocie is at its best in the spring and autumn, away from the onslaught of summer-vacation crowds but while students are in town.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Kraków

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Joseph Francis Local writer, Krakow
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12. Little River

Little River
Little River
Photograph: World.Red.Eye

Miami, USA

This emerging hub for independent local businesses, art galleries and restaurants (including several Michelin-recognised spots) is located north of Wynwood, the Design District and Little Haiti, and south of Miami Shores. Like Wynwood more than a decade ago, the neighborhood still has an industrial feel, home to a patchwork of warehouses, smaller residences and even a functioning dairy plant from 1929. Since 2020, Little River has steadily taken off thanks to its lower rent and proximity to other exciting mainland Miami pockets. Numerous acclaimed pop-ups and cafés, arts organisations and cultural venues have nestled themselves between old car repair shops and Haitian botánicas, setting the stage for the handful of fresh mixed-use developments now underway in the neighborhood.

The perfect day Grab a coffee at Imperial Moto, a spot that’s as serious about its beans as it is about its bikes. Get your morning sweat in at Ultra Padel Club, then stop by The Citadel for lunch – this eclectic food hall boasts some of our favorite burgers and pizzas in Miami (plus a rooftop bar that’s open starting at noon on weekends). Spend the afternoon vintage shopping at Mids Market and Casa de Barcelona, or browse boutiques like Lower East Coast and Éliou. For happy hour, head to Magie, a charming natural wine garden. If omakase is your thing, don’t miss Michelin-starred Ogawa, which feels like a slice of Tokyo in Miami. End your night at ZeyZey, where you’ll often find live music outside and DJs spinning vinyl under a disco ball. Then head back to this sweet and tidy Airbnb where you can review your day’s triumphs out on the private patio. 

Plan your trip Time your visit during the weeks following Art Basel Miami Beach (typically the first weekend of December). It’s an ideal window to scope out the local shows after the crowds have dispersed – Little River’s Nina Johnson, Dot Fiftyone and Primary are all among Miami’s best art galleries. 

📍 Discover the best restaurants in Little River

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Falyn Wood
 Editor, Time Out Miami
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13. Saint-Henri

Saint-Henri
Saint-Henri
Photograph: Bradley Ertaskiran Gallery / Jean-Michael Seminaro

Montreal, Canada

It’s been attracting foodies for years now with sweet spots like Bonheur d’Occasion, Foiegwa, Satay Bros, Eva’s and Lloydie’s, but Montreal’s southwestern Saint-Henri neighbourhood will whet more than just your appetite these days. This ’hood’s prime location right by the Lachine Canal make it a weekend destination for waterfront cycling expeditions, paddleboard rentals and picnics, with provisions sourced at Atwater Market. Chic shops like Letter Bet, GanK and pop-ups along Notre-Dame Street add to its increasingly fashionable cachet. And the restaurant scene is still hopping: new arrivals Estelle, SavSav and La Spada are already abuzz. Lately Saint-Henri has even sprouted an adventure sports scene, with places to throw axes, climb and problem-solve your way out of escape rooms. 

The perfect day Stay on or near the gorgeous Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Square so you can be right by coffee shops like Cordova and Campanelli, not to mention Arthurs, where you can nosh on latkes or the famous gravlax sandwich. Check out the latest exhibition at art gallery Bradley Ertaskiran before blowing off some steam at TNT Axe Throwing or getting pampered at Beauté Cove spa – or just keep it chill and stroll along the canal. For dinner, go for Middle Eastern at Sumac or Korean at 9 Tail Fox, or get the drinks flowing at BarBara, where you can pair your wine with some stellar pasta.

Plan your trip Spring through fall is the best time to visit, when the shores of the Lachine Canal are alive and Atwater Market is a cornucopia of seasonal produce.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Montreal

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Isa Tousignant
 Contributor, Montreal
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14. Punavuori

Punavuori
Punavuori
Photograph: BasBas Kulma by Tuukka Koski

Helsinki, Finland

Punavuori could easily stand up to the likes of Brooklyn or Kreuzberg, but offers the added appeal of not being completely overrun by tourists. It is, however, brimming with young Finnish creatives. This neighbourhood in the southernmost part of Helsinki hasn’t always been a place for late-night drinking, vintage shopping and art gallery crawls on weekends. Once an industrialised enclave home to sailors, fishermen and students, all crammed into tiny wooden houses sandwiched between taverns and brothels, Punavuori only became somewhat ‘bourgeois’ in the 1960s. Call it gentrification or urban development, but the place is now bursting with artistic flair, evident in the mix of secondhand shops, galleries curated by Finnish artists and designers, and a slew of great dining options that focus on locality, seasonality and damn good eats. 

The perfect day Start your day at a local bakery like Levain Merikortteli or Ravintola Nolita, a hybrid bakery-bistro serving delicious bread made from scratch. Then do as the locals do and hit the shops – Punavuori is home to the highest concentration of secondhand shops in the city, with favourites including Play It Again Sam, PrePorte and FTA Vintage. Enjoy ‘beats and pizza’ for lunch at Jackie before discovering local talent at one of Finlandia Galleria’s pop-up exhibitions. Come nighttime, the options are endless: check out BasBas, Nolla for zero-waste and conscience-free dining or Natura for a creative meal sampling the best land and sea produce Finland has to offer without leaving Helsinki. Wrap it up with late-night drinks at Bob’s Laundry, a cocktail bar-meets-laundromat. 

Plan your trip Open-air concerts take over the city in the summer. Visit Sinebrychoff for live music events, horse and carriage rides and a cold glass of Finnish beer.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Helsinki

Michelle Tchea
 Contributing writer, Time Out Travel
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15. Gakugeidaigaku

Gakugeidaigaku
Gakugeidaigaku
Photograph: Yakitori Yaoya Hanare

Tokyo, Japan

The former university enclave of Takaban is more commonly referred to by the name of its train station, Gakugeidaigaku. It 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. And being just four stations away from Shibuya, Gakugeidaigaku is the perfect antidote to all that city-centre madness. With exciting new ventures in food and drink seemingly popping up every month of late, it’s worth visiting Gakugeidaigaku before everyone else inevitably catches on. 

The perfect day Pick up a fluffy, cloud-like Higuma doughnut to go while you make your way to the slick WR café for an excellent cup of coffee. By 11am, you should be at Onya, lining up for a bowl of the best udon in Tokyo. For a post-lunch dessert, you could grab a classic taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste) at Meguro Hiiragi or sit down for a dainty French pastry at Taisuke Endo before dropping by Yuyugin to shop for artisanal tableware. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at Chiyo no Yu bathhouse. In the evening, grab a seat at Yakitori Yaoya Hanare for charcoal-grilled chicken on skewers, before ending the night with Japanese craft beer at Another 8 Corner.

Plan your trip It’s always worth catching one of the festivals in nearby Nakameguro, be it summer Bon Odori or springtime cherry blossoms. Our insider tip: skip the crowded restaurants there and hop on the train for two stops to Gakugeidaigaku for a more relaxing and interesting mealtime.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Tokyo

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Lim Chee Wah
 Editor-in-Chief, Time Out Tokyo
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16. Thao Dien

Thao Dien
Thao Dien
Photograph: Mr Đỗ Sỹ

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Located across the river from the bustling centre of Ho Chi Minh, Thao Dien is a walkable, tree-lined neighbourhood packed with restaurants, spas and cool boutiques. Originally developed as Saigon’s expat hub – complete with high-rise condos and international schools – the neighbourhood has more recently flourished as a hub for young Vietnamese talent putting their own stamp on food, art and culture. Take, for example, Bakes, a creative Vietnamese-French–owned bakery, or the Michelin-recognized Tre Dining: an open-terrace tasting-menu concept that incorporates classic Vietnamese flavours and ingredients. Beyond food and drink, the area also touts some of the city’s best shopping, with retail storefronts like OBJoff and OhQUAO showcasing Vietnam’s finest homegrown fashion brands and local crafts, respectively. For all your thrifting needs, the Thao Dien Weekend Bazaar brings together new and secondhand clothing, accessories, books and loads more.

The perfect day Start your day with classic salted foam Vietnamese coffee at Hue Cafe Roastery before heading up the block for a bowl of pho – traditionally enjoyed in the mornings – at the no-frills Quán Phở Bắc Hải Số 1 Hà Nội. After fuelling up, stroll around the area’s high street, Xuan Thuy, stopping at amaï house to peruse local ceramics, or the flagship location of world-renowned Vietnamese chocolatier Maison Marou to sip on hot cocoa. For lunch, seek out one of the area’s many Japanese-Korean fusion pasta joints, like Dotori Dining, and then grab a matcha-coconut water next door at Cafe 1/4. If you’re in the mood to spend, head over to OBJoff or Maverik Studio to check out some of the streetwear offerings – or unwind with a hair wash-massage combo at Phaya Thai. End the night with dinner at the sophisticated Madame Lam, followed by a nightcap at Xào Xạc Bar.

Plan your trip Weekends are perfect for thrifting in Thao Dien, when the weekend bazaar comes to town. Avoid the Lunar New Year season between late January and early February, when many restaurants and stores close for a week due to family celebrations.

📍 Check out our guide to Vietnam

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Dan Q Dao
 Local expert, Hanoi
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17. Flatbush

Flatbush
Flatbush
Photograph: Shaye Weaver

New York City, USA

South of Brooklyn’s leafy Prospect Park, Flatbush has its own gravitational pull. The neighborhood’s bevy of Black-owned businesses, from popular watering holes to restaurants that slap, its perfect proximity to arguably the city’s best park and its rich cultural landscape all play into why it’s New York’s coolest neighborhood right now. Rooted along Flatbush, Nostrand, Church and Utica Avenues, Flatbush is home to the largest and most diverse Caribbean-American-Latinx community outside of the West Indies, according to Caribbeing, a cultural organization celebrates and supports this Little Caribbean and its artists, business owners, creators and residents. You see this community thriving in spots like Peppa’s Jerk Chicken, Lips Cafe and Bodega Lounge and, of course, at the annual West Indian Day Parade that dances up Eastern Parkway every Labor Day weekend. Flatbush’s tree-lined streets have been home to icons like Joey Bada$$, Busta Rhymes and Barbra Streisand, and still pull big names, especially to the historic Kings Theatre.

The perfect day Wake up in this beautiful VRBO in Prospect Lefferts Gardens and make a beeline to Allan’s Bakery to beat the crowd waiting for its flaky currant rolls. Do some shopping at Flatbush Central, the African Record Centre and the new Little Caribbean’s Duty Free at 1399 Nostrand, fuelled by fresh sorrel from Hibiscus Brew. For lunch or dinner, you can’t miss Aunts et Uncles and Peppa’s. Finish the night with drinks at Bodega Lounge, which regularly hosts events from wine tastings to mixers, or Miss Barbs, which does excellent coffee and wine.

Plan your trip Make sure to visit for Labor Day weekend, when the whole community is out to celebrate the West Indian Day Parade – a joyful gathering of thousands of residents who dance and showcase their incredible regalia down Eastern Parkway.

📍 Read our Flatbush area guide 

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Shaye Weaver
 Editor, Time Out New York
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18. Friedrichshain

Friedrichshain
Friedrichshain
Photograph: Visit Berlin

Berlin, Germany

Friedrichshain was once revered as the epicentre of Berlin’s ‘poor-but-sexy’ scene, where beers were cheap and bars were cash-only. But over the last decade, the broad bezirk in the former East became synonymous with rowdy pub crawls and nosy tour groups that flooded the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of Berlin’s grit for themselves, pooling in the bike lanes by the East Side Gallery, and crowding the queue at Berghain. As rents rose and the city evicted longstanding squats for hackneyed hostels, the capital of cool’s capital of cool temporarily lost its sheen… until now. These days, Friedrichshain is finding its footing again with a more grown-up crowd and a more mature palette. It’s Berlin’s bid for a contemporary cosmopolitan crowd, one with taste and an eye for details, whether that be mezcal tasting menus or immersive art shows. But bring your coin purse – in Berlin, cash is still king. Some things never change.

The perfect day Wake up in the Michelberger Hotel, and head straight to Books and Bagels – every good morning in Berlin starts there. If you’re here on the weekend, prepare to spend a few hours sorting through the treats and trinkets at the flea markets in RÄW Gelände and Boxhagener Platz market. For dinner, get a table at Aleppo Supper Club or 1990 Vegan Living. End with a nightcap at Palabra Bar, the city’s latest spot to see and be seen.

Plan your trip Sprawling cultural complex Holzmarkt, on the banks of the Spree, throws parties year-round – but summer is the time to visit for their open-air raves. Don’t miss recent addition Säälchen, which has already made a name for itself as one of the city’s trendier live music venues.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Berlin

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Nathan Ma
 Local expert, Berlin
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19. East City

East City
East City
Photograph: Tommy’s Chop Shop

Cape Town, South Africa

Over the past decade, East City has transformed from a neglected corner into a colourful and eclectic hub for culture, food and design. These streets border what was once District Six, a multi-racial suburb razed during apartheid. That sense of history pervades the area today, making a visit to the District Six Museum a must. The neighbourhood these days attracts a crowd of local creatives and curious digital nomads, the latter likely logged in at the co-working spaces that have opened here in recent years. Think Shoreditch or Brooklyn a couple of decades back, infused with a decidedly Cape flavour, and you’ve got a sense of what the East City is all about.

The perfect day First? Coffee. Single-origin beans and a dedication to flavour make Truth.Coffee one of the best in town. Follow up with breakfast from New York Bagels further down Harrington Street, then head out for a little history and culture tour, starting with the District Six Museum and Homecoming Centre and finishing off with local contemporary art at StateoftheART. Grab a quirky cupcake at Charly’s Bakery and spend the afternoon browsing the collection at The Book Lounge, filled with hand-picked local releases. Kick the evening off with cocktails at Tommy’s Chop Shop, then dinner at Galjoen for small plates of sustainable seafood (or get the shoyu ramen and fluffy bao at Downtown Ramen). Stay the night at Neighbourhood’s chic apart-hotel.

Plan your trip Keep an eye out for First Thursday events in the area, when galleries and stores open late to host special events.

📍 Check out our guide to the East City

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Richard Holmes
 Local expert, Cape Town
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20. Belleville

Belleville
Belleville
Photograph: Shutterstock

Paris, France

This former village, which was annexed to Paris in 1860, has long been the city’s go-to place for festivities and carnivals (wine has been tax-free since the Revolution, which certainly helps). You can feel it the moment you emerge from the metro: day and night, a dense crowd winds its way up Rue de Belleville, which is lined with hole-in-the-wall Asian eateries and bustling terraces. A vibrant, young, and diverse neighbourhood, Belleville has welcomed artisans, successive waves of immigrants, and under-the-radar artists with open arms, resulting in an area where just a ten-minute walk takes you from an old-school counter bar to a venue that only opened yesterday. Look for street art along Rue Desnoyez and contemporary art in neighbourhood galleries like Anne de Villepoix.

The perfect day: Sip a coffee on Café des Délices’ beautiful terrace, then check out the work of local artists at Atelier des Artistes de Belleville. Paloma has the best value lunch menu in the city (€16 for three courses!), which you can follow with a short walk up to Parc de Belleville to admire the view. Next, enjoy an aperitif at Combat, one of the best cocktail bars in Paris, before dining at Cheval d’Or, an old favourite revived by new chefs offering modern Asian cuisine in a chic, minimalist setting.

Plan your trip Early summer is the perfect time to enjoy Belleville’s terraces, and if you can make it for the last weekend in May, even better – that’s when over 150 local artists open their studios to the public.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Paris

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Antoine Besse
 Responsable des rubriques restaurants et bars
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21. Northbridge

Northbridge
Northbridge
Photograph: Tourism Western Australia

Perth, Australia

Just a hop from the city, Northbridge was once known more for its adult entertainment venues than for being the epicentre for nightlife and culture in Perth. Now, it’s a place where you’ll find street art-covered laneways, free events during annual celebrations like the Fringe World Festival, and heritage buildings housing chic boutiques, cool bars and great restaurants. At its core is The Piazza, where the neighbourhood comes to hang out beneath Perth’s first permanent LED screen. Home to Perth’s Chinatown, Northbridge is also one of the city’s most multicultural food destinations, with cuisines ranging from Korean and Japanese to Middle Eastern, Indian and Italian. A mix of hidden cocktail bars (the rooftop Mechanics Institute Bar is a must-visit), LGBTQ+ nightclubs like Connections and live music pubs like the legendary Rosemount Hotel make Northbridge the place to go for a great night out. Plus, it’s where you’ll find Perth’s top cultural venues, including the Art Gallery of WA, WA Museum Boola Bardip and the State Theatre of WA.

The perfect day Wake up on a sweet note with a creamy matcha latte from Lulu Lala, or if it’s one of those mornings, with a hearty beef-and-bacon burger from Sayers Sister. Spend the day strolling around the neighbourhood’s trendy shops, including vintage boutique Fi and Co and independent general store Ruck Rover. Or join the culture vultures at the Art Gallery of WA or WA Museum Boola Bardip. For lunch, drop by bustling, family-owned The Re Store for a conti roll, and enjoy it in The Piazza while tuning into whatever’s showing on the big screen. Round out the day with spaghetti and a Spritz at No Mafia, followed by a cheeky cocktail at Sneaky Tony’s or a scoop of gelato from Chicho.

Plan your trip Spring is prime time for visiting Perth, when the weather is warm – but not too sweaty – and the wildflowers come out to play.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Perth

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Melissa Woodley
 Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
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22. Strathbungo

Strathbungo
Strathbungo
Photograph: Glasgow Life / Paul Watt Photography

Glasgow, Scotland

Cool new venues have been creeping up Pollokshaws Road for years, and now it’s time for Shawlands’ tiny-but-mighty neighbour to step into the spotlight. Strathbungo, in Glasgow's Southside, began as a village of crofters and weavers before it was consumed by the city’s nineteenth-century expansion. Thanks to a dedicated group of residents, it became Glasgow’s first Conservation Area (together with Pollokshields) in 1973, preserving its Victorian terraces and tenements for future generations. That same independent spirit endures in its fresh, young businesses: laidback restaurants such as Lobo, boutiques such as BAM and Seamster Vintage, and bars supporting local breweries. Locals make the most of its adjacency to Queen’s Park, with its wildlife pond, rose gardens and views over the Southside. And just on the outskirts of Strathbungo are some of the city’s most-loved cultural attractions, including Pollokshields arts venue Tramway and LGBTQ+ bookshop Category Is Books.

The perfect day Fuel up with a hearty brunch at Bungo before a stroll through Queen’s Park, then while away the afternoon with coffee and crate-digging for Scottish indie records at Some Great Reward. Gird your belly with the signature veggie pakoras at Ranjit’s Kitchen, then drink your way through the massive craft beer list at Koelschip Yard. Crash at this top-rated Airbnb on Thorncliffe Gardens.

Plan your trip Time your visit to coincide with the monthly(ish) LayLow contemporary jazz and trad gigs at The Rum Shack, where gig-goers chill on cushions and rugs.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Glasgow

Sarah Gillespie
 Contributing writer
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23. Chacarita

Chacarita
Chacarita
Photograph: Casona

Buenos Aires, Argentina

We first featured Chacarita on this list in 2022, and two years later, it’s only gotten cooler. A place that was once known as the younger, lesser-known sibling of neighbouring Palermo – the city’s biggest and busiest neighbourhood – Chacarita today is a destination in its own right. New restaurants like ‘neo-pulpería’ Abreboca have bolstered its already reputable dining scene and shoppers are spoilt for choice with the increasingly upmarket collection of boutiques along Jorge Newbery Avenue. As for nightlife, where else can you find a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Despite its popularity, the neighbourhood still feels as relaxed and unpretentious today as it always has, with old-timers drinking mate on the sidewalk and watching the younger crowd stroll by, speciality coffee in hand.

The perfect day Start by getting coffee at urban oasis Jungla Café y Plantas before rifling through the Argentinian designs and contemporary jewellery at Nadine Zlotogora. Walk two minutes to Charlone and find the doorbell to get into Falena, a closed-door bookstore where you can pair your read with a wine or coffee on its leafy patio. For a memorable dinner, we recommend Abreboca’s innovative Argentinean campo cuisine, ApuNena for excellent Asian tapas, or Michelin-recommended Na Num for non-traditional Korean food. End the night with an independent theatre performance at El Galpón de Guevara. 

Plan your visit It’s always worth taking in one of the performances and parties held at cultural centre C Complejo Art Media. October has an especially stacked calendar, with Fiesta Polenta on October 18 and Jamie xx on October 22.

📍 Discover the best cheap things to do in Argentina

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Pilar Tapia
 Editor, Time Out Argentina
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24. Leyton

Leyton
Leyton
Photograph: Deeneys by 24Daniele Audino

London, UK

Leyton is not like Clapton, just across the Hackney marshes. It’s fresh out of boutique cake shops, mid-century vintage furniture stores, or parody Instagram accounts. But for what it lacks in £30-a-plate pub roasts, baby-chariot buggy-jams and towering townhouses, it makes up in friendly faces, cheap eats and authentic local businesses. There’s a historic football club that loves newcomers and plays in the borough, a growing food scene, lively nightlife and a wealth of proper boozers that still feel like living rooms, not just boutique hotel lobbies. Francis Road is Leyton’s pedestrianised ‘drag’, where you can sit with a glass of wine at Yardarm while waiting for your washing to finish at Francis launderette. There’s also a handful of gorgeous hidden green gems, from parks to community-growing gardens. A steady stream of young, middle-income families have recently moved to Leyton, but with them has come a quiet breath of new life that enhances rather than sacrifices the neighbourhood’s identity.

The perfect day Get coffee and the Mediterranean breakfast from the delicious Bread & Oregano, then spend the morning weaving in and out of the independent shops along Francis Road. For lunch, grab a haggis toastie at Deeney’s. As afternoon crawls in, join a food growing workshop at nearby Leyton Boundary Garden, or if you’re a football fan, catch a match at Leyton Orient’s Brisbane Road stadium (just follow the fans in their red-and-white striped kits to find the ground). After, wind down with a drink at Gravity Well brewery, then dinner at the Burnt Smokehouse a few arches down. Make a night of it with a brewery crawl around the many other local craft breweries and taprooms in the vicinity.

Plan your trip Around one of the area’s excellent independent festivals: Leytonstone Festival in September for music and performance to children’s events, gigs and talks, or Shake the High Road music festival in May.

📍 Discover our Leyton and Leytonstone area guide and the best things to do in east London

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Matt Blake
 Contributor
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25. Inchicore

Inchicore
Inchicore
Photograph: Tourism Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

A part of the city that’s come to perfectly represent Dublin’s unique old-school charm mixed with a very modern energy, it wasn’t long ago that Inchicore was just a suburb that you passed through on your way in or out of the city centre. Today, the unexpected trendiness that’s descended on the likes of Smithfield and Stoneybatter has found its way to Inchicore. Magnificent ‘old man’ pubs like Cleary’s and The Glen now rub shoulders with new venues like the Stillwater Distillery and the Gravity Climbing Centre. And it doesn’t hurt that the neighbourhood is a prime base of operations for any visit to the Irish capital, being a short walk away from the Phoenix Park, Kilmainham Jail, Dublin Zoo and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

The perfect day Taking off from the Hilton Kilmainham, stroll up to Riggers and enjoy some of the best coffee this side of the River Liffey. Cross the road to see what’s on at the Richmond Barracks, a culture centre set up for anything from comic-book festivals to walking tours of nearby historical landmarks. For lunch, tuck into tacos and people-watch from the tables outside Tacos Lupillo, before you head to Richmond Park to watch a game of football played by beloved local teams. Try the spicy pork vindaloo at Kari and cap your night off in The Black Lion, where you can sink a fantastic pint of the world-renowned black stuff (Guinness, obviously).

Plan your trip Check out one of the regular events hosted by Rascals Brewing, from seasonal movie nights and outdoor barbecues to Rocktoberfest.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Dublin

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Rory Cashin Local writer, Dublin
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26. East Hollywood

East Hollywood
East Hollywood
Photograph: Michael Juliano

Los Angeles, USA

Free of Tinseltown’s tourist traps, neighbour East Hollywood has begun to stake its claim as LA’s buzziest culinary destination. Much of that rep can be credited to Melrose Hill, a developer-driven block at Melrose and Western Avenues whose brick buildings house a cluster of casual restaurants as well as the Erewhon-esque LA Grocery & Café. To the south are a pair of big-name galleries including LAXART’s relocated home, The Brick. But the larger area’s must-tries can also be found in two sub-neighbourhoods: the walkable Virgil Village – home to mainstays Courage Bagels and wine bar Melody – and the newly cycling-friendly Thai Town. Here, dedicated bike lanes along Hollywood Boulevard allow you to pedal over to bakery hangout Friends & Family.

The perfect day Order some crispy-edged ricotta pancakes at Cafe Telegrama before seeing works from stars of the contemporary art world in gallerist David Zwirner’s three storefronts along Western. For lunch, feast on a family-style Filipino tray at Kuya Lord from James Beard-winning chef Lord Maynard Llera. Next, you’ll venture to the opposite end of the ’hood – grabbing a wrap or bowl from Bridgetown Roti on the way – for a self-guided tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Mayan-inspired Hollyhock House. (We recommend eating that roti on the hilltop lawn.) End your night at Gold-Diggers, a one-time strip club turned recording studio, bar and boutique hotel.

Plan your trip Bar Etoile, a new venture from bottle shop Domaine L.A., is coming to East Hollywood this fall, while Holy Basil is introducing a tasting-menu twist on its seafood-heavy Thai cooking later this year.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Los Angeles

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Michael Juliano
 Editor, Los Angeles & Western USA
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27. Ekkamai

Ekkamai
Ekkamai
Photograph: Shutterstock

Bangkok, Thailand

Ekkamai has all the cool bits of next-door neighbourhood Thonglor while being a much more chilled place to hang out, owing to its largely residential set-up. A magnet for young Bangkokians and digital nomads, the neighbourhood is known for its blossoming coffee scene, with dozens of cafés concentrated on Ekkamai Soi 21. Throw in vintage boutiques and some of the most fun bars in the city, and you can see why Ekkamai has become such a draw. Plus, it’s well-connected with the rest of the city, with the Skytrain stopping at the top of its main drag and the Ekkamai Bus Terminal shuttling people east. Alongside all those fancy cafés and nightlife complexes are mom-and-pop restaurants and street food stalls that have been around for decades. If you only have time to check out one spot, make it Wattana Panit, which has been serving beef noodles from the same pot for over 40 years. You’ll be able to smell the broth from miles away.

The perfect day Get a taste of the neighbourhood’s thriving coffee culture at one of the many cosy cafes lining Ekkamai Soi 21 (WWA Chooseless Cafe is our top pick – don’t leave without trying its signature chocolate sour cream). Browse the selection of vintage leather shoes, bags and belts at (un)FASHION Vintage Collection, where you can also get brunch. For a change of pace, enjoy a laidback dinner at friendly bar and bottle shop Mikkeller Bangkok, and cap off the night with expertly crafted cocktails at 2463 Speakeasy.

Plan your trip Thonglor-Ekkamai is one of Bangkok’s go-to design districts, and there’s no better time to experience the creative side of the neighbourhood than during Bangkok Design Week in February.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Bangkok

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Kaweewat Siwanartwong
 Staff writer, Time Out Thailand
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28. San Rafael

San Rafael
San Rafael
Photograph: Vacaciones by Alejandra Carbajal

Mexico City, Mexico

‘San Rafa’ has long been an important cultural hub. Renowned architects and artists like Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo once called this colonia home, and today cutting-edge galleries showcase the work of a new generation of young Mexican artists. You’ll find some of the city’s most iconic theatres here, such as San Rafael and Fernando Soler, along with the legendary, long-abandoned Cine Ópera. As one of Mexico City’s first neighbourhoods, San Rafael is renowned for its mix of architectural styles: strolling its avenues you’ll spot everything from French-style mansions to colourful art deco facades and modernist buildings. Classic cantinas, cosy cafés and neighbourhood taquerías make up a standout dining scene. 

The perfect day Rise and shine at boutique hotel Patio 77 before heading to Estridente for your morning latte. There’s no better way to spend the day in this artsy enclave than by gallery-hopping – start at Manuel Contreras Street and follow our guide to San Rafael’s best galleries. For dinner, try Mediterranean cuisine at Vacaciones, and end the night with a cocktail at Overal Café after admiring the architecture of Cine Ópera and Teatro San Rafael.

Plan your trip The nearby Monument and Museum of the Revolution, across the street from the neighbourhood, holds book and taco fairs between August and October. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Mexico City

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Mauricio Nava
 Director Editorial, Time Out Mexico City
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29. Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant
Photograph: Ellē

Washington DC, USA

Mount Pleasant is hands-down one of the most beloved neighbourhoods in DC. North of Adams Morgan and adjacent to Columbia Heights, the neighbourhood became a multicultural melting pot from the ’60s onward thanks to many Central American, African and Vietnamese immigrants putting down roots. Its culinary scene is anchored by Mount Pleasant Street, a foodie paradise packed with locally-owned restaurants that celebrate the neighbourhood’s immigrant heritage. Though it’s starting to see heavy development, residents fiercely love and protect Mount Pleasant, and community-building plays a central role in living in this part of town. You’ll get a taste of this during the area’s numerous festivals, including live music and community events that spring up in Lamont Plaza. Plus, it’s a beautiful place to spend your time  – streets lined with colourful row homes and murals give way to Rock Creek Park, a local gem that, at nearly 1,800 acres, is twice the size of New York’s Central Park.

The perfect day Wake up early to snag breakfast tacos from La Tejana, then pop two doors down to Ellē for coffee and a pastry. Enjoy them in the plaza across the street, or if you’re in town on a Saturday, wander through the Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market. Check out the neighbourhood’s many colourful murals, then fuel up on pupusas from neighborhood staple Don Juan Restaurant for lunch. Afterward, ride a bike through Rock Creek Park or shop at Nido Wine Shop+Market, Bold Fork Books and Each Peach. Hit Filipino hotspot Purple Patch for dinner, then end the day with a nightcap at speakeasy OKPB and a movie at cosy Suns Cinema. Just make sure to book these spots in advance!

Plan your trip Don’t skip one of the city’s liveliest and best-stocked farmers’ markets on Saturdays in Lamont Plaza.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Washington DC

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Helen Carefoot
 Assistant Editor, Time Out USA
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30. Bonfim

Bonfim
Bonfim
Photograph: Ogi by Euskalduna / João Costa

Porto, Portugal

Situated between the city centre and the eastern part of the city, Bonfim is seen by some locals as the ‘last stronghold of Porto’. It’s where tourism hasn’t yet arrived in full force and where newer residents and long-established local business happily coexist. You can still find thriving old-fashioned grocery shops, tailors, butchers, and bakeries, especially along Avenida de Rodrigues, one of the area’s main thoroughfares. But that doesn’t mean Bonfim is stuck in the past – in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Many new businesses have found this area to be the perfect place to take their first steps, such as the popular kombucha brand Aquela Kombucha. Bonfim is also home to excellent and award-winning dining options, including some with Michelin stars, and its nightlife scene is as cool as it gets, with cocktail bars Terraplana and Donau and record bar Fiasco offering great music and a lively atmosphere.  

The perfect day Get your day off to a strong start by tucking into freshly baked sourdough, a flaky croissant, or a cinnamon roll at Ogi by Euskalduna, paired with a speciality coffee from Combi Coffee Roasters. From there, head to the Senhora Presidenta gallery, where you can buy a print from a local artist or a handmade rug from GUR. For a light lunch, stop by Urraca, which shares its space with with a record shop, then walk it off with a stroll through the beautiful Parque das Águas. In the afternoon, enjoy a slice of cake while admiring the designer pieces on display at Athena, or pet the friendly cats at Porto dos Gatos. Dinner is, of course, at the Michelin-starred Euskalduna Studio, one of the city’s best restaurants. And before you sink into Outsite Porto-Mouco’s comfortable beds, toast your perfect day with a cocktail at Terraplana.

Plan your trip June is the liveliest month in Porto’s calendar. In the run up to the night of São João, which takes place on 24 June, there are parties and street festivals in just about every corner of the city, especially on the weekends. On the night itself, revellers take to the streets to celebrate Saint John, eat sardines, watch the fireworks, and dance until dawn.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Porto

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Mariana Morais Pinheiro
 Directora Adjunta, Porto
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31. Palace District

Palace District
Palace District
Photograph: Lumen

Budapest, Hungary

Regal as it may seem, Budapest’s Palace District has only recently regained its sparkle. New life now fills the historic villas where horse-drawn carriages once brought in noble parliamentarians from their country estates in the 1800s. The upper house operated from the landmark National Museum here, the lower from today’s culturally active Italian Institute opposite. Relandscaped with a children’s playground and a sit-down pastry shop run by venerable confectioners, Auguszt, the museum gardens provide a pretty gateway to an intimate cluster of once foreboding streets. The cafés, galleries and craft boutiques of Bródy Sándor utca and Kálmán Mikszáth tér, patronised by students from nearby ELTE university, attract custom and chatter by day and live happenings and exhibition openings after dark.

The perfect day Echoing Hungary’s Eastern influences, Turkish specialities such as egg-based çılbır at The Garden Café set you up for vinyl browsing at Kalóz and retro clothes shopping at Typo Showroom. Natural wine accompanies lunch at former coal store Charbon, followed by contemporary art at the Ani Molnár Gallery and photography-focused Főfotó. Barhopping at Jaromír a Templomhoz, Fecske and both Lumens should ensure a good night’s sleep at art-inspired Brody House.

Plan your trip Time Out Market Budapest opens in the neighbourhood in May in the historic Corvin Palace. If you’re in town before that, Taste Hungary, based at an atmospheric wine shop and cellar, offers year-round on-site samplings, as well as culinary tours, led by renowned chefs and sommeliers.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Budapest

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Peterjon Cresswell
 Local expert, Budapest and Croatia
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32. Brewerytown

Brewerytown
Brewerytown
Photograph: Melissa Alam

Philadelphia, USA

There is an ice cream shop in Brewerytown that is more known for its sandwiches than for its ice cream. That place is not to be confused with a neighboring ice cream shop, where you can order an ice cream sandwich toasted on a brioche bun. Such is the dizzying pace of Brewerytown’s growth: the hot spots come so fast and furious that it’s hard to keep up. Once a prosperous German settlement that was home to dozens of breweries, much of Brewerytown descended into blight in the late twentieth century as the industry collapsed. But the North Philadelphia neighborhood has been enthusiastically rediscovered by young residents drawn by the lure of cheap homes in grand rowhome footprints, all nestled on the front porch of Fairmount Park. Today, the area between Schuylkill and 25th Street, bordered by Montgomery Avenue to the north and Parrish Street to the south, is a place where endless possibility flourishes alongside a proud neighborhood culture. It’s the kind of neighborhood that nurtures a place like The Monkey & The Elephant, Philly’s first-and-only non-profit coffee shop that employs and supports former foster children. 

The perfect day Brewerytown is a great jumping-off point to explore the Art Museum area or to bike and hike along Kelly Drive. Start your day there and take the scenic route up to Girard Ave, Brewerytown’s primary artery. Refuel with sandwiches from Rybrew or All Day Hoagies / I Scream for Ice Cream. Spend happy hour at Crime & Punishment Brewing Company, the only active brewery in the neighbourhood and the only one in the city (and probably the world) to serve up its brews alongside a library of Russian literature. Tempting as it may be, go light on the Mom-Mom’s pierogies served there and head over to Era for a late-night snack at the hippest Ethiopian dive bar this side of West Philly. 

Plan your trip Want to experience the best of Brewerytown in one day? Check out the annual Girard Ave. Street Fest each spring. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Philadelphia

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Tim McManus
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33. Kowloon City

Kowloon City
Kowloon City
Photograph: Nicholas Wong

Hong Kong

Laid-back yet always hopping, Kowloon City offers a clash of eras at every turn, with historic parks sitting next to snazzy new malls and century-old shops transformed into Instagram-ready cafes. It was once the site of Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport, famous for its low-flying landings close to residential rooftops. Hongkongers still have a nostalgic attachment to the area for its aviation legacy, but Kowloon City has massively evolved since the airport hung up its wings in 1998. It’s now the place to go for a dose of culture, cuisine and a refreshing escape from the city’s glitz and hustle. Often referred to as Hong Kong's 'Little Thailand', thanks to its large community of Thai residents and authentic Thai eateries, its culinary scene boasts everything from beloved cha chaan tengs (a type of diner ubiquitous in Hong Kong) to hot pot restaurants. And with the Airside mall opening last year and the much-anticipated Kai Tak Sports Park (set to be Hong Kong's largest multi-purpose sports venue) on the horizon, Kowloon City continues to spread its wings. 

The perfect day Start with a cup of coffee at Tai Wo Tang, a cosy cafe that once served as a Chinese medicine shop in the 1930s. Browse the eclectic selection of vintage clothes and accessories at Seven Kee Closet, followed by a dose of local heritage at Hau Wong Temple. For those feeling adventurous, head to Groundswell to ride the waves on its indoor surfing machine and savour Southeast Asian cuisine under the same roof. But when in Little Thailand, you have to eat Thai: we recommend the authentic dishes served up at Chao Phraya or Peelong Thai Traditional.

Plan your trip Don’t miss Hong Kong’s own take on the Songkran Festival every April, hosted by the local Thai community in the neighbourhood. And mark your calendars for March 2025, when the Hong Kong Sevens will kick off at the soon-to-open Kai Tak Sports Park as one of the first major sporting events to be held there.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Hong Kong

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Jenny Leung
 Deputy Editor, Hong Kong
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34. Logan Square

Logan Square
Logan Square
Photograph: Longman & Eagle by Clayton Hauck

Chicago, USA

The secret’s out: Logan Square is the place to be in Chicago right now. In recent years, this Northwest Side neighbourhood has transformed into a high-energy cultural hub, home to some of the best restaurants and bars you can find in the city. The eminently walkable neighbourhood was made for exploring – begin by wandering west along Logan Boulevard and gaze at the rows of historic limestone houses before stopping to appreciate the towering Illinois Centennial Monument, a century-old landmark erected in honour of the state’s 100th anniversary. Then make your way down the commercial corridor of Milwaukee Avenue for a collection of incredible bites, drinks and small businesses.

The perfect day Start your morning with brunch at Lula Cafe, the farm-to-table pioneer helmed by chef Jason Hammel. Spend the afternoon sightseeing by foot, factoring in a stroll around Palmer Square Park, before dinner at Midwest-Italian hotspot Daisies. Afterwards, catch a movie at Logan Theatre or a comedy show at the Lincoln Lodge, followed by a nightcap at the Meadowlark. If you need a place to crash, Longman & Eagle is a whiskey-fueled gastropub that also doubles as a six-room inn (for those who can stand some noise).

Plan your trip Logan Square, and Chicago, are at their best in the summer, when the weather is perfect for al fresco dining, walking around neighborhoods and bountiful farmers markets.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Chicago

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Jeffy Mai
 Editor, Time Out Chicago
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35. Norwood

Norwood
Norwood
Photograph: Nicholas Wong

Adelaide, Australia

Just a hop, skip and a ten-minute jump from Adelaide’s CBD, Norwood is where heritage meets hip. You could spend a whole day strolling down its leafy main drag, The Parade, which is lined with stylish boutiques, eclectic galleries and a drinking hole on pretty much every street corner. Thanks to its long-standing Italian influence, Norwood also boasts some of the city’s best Italian eateries – think pizza, pasta and plenty of buzz from dawn till dusk. And if you fancy a tipple, Norwood has its very own Wine and Ale Trail, where you can sip your way through the neighbourhood’s top boutique cellar doors, gin distilleries and micro-breweries.

The perfect day Join the locals at Norwood institution, Argo, where a cup of joe pairs handsomely with zeppole – those twisty, sugary Italian doughnuts. If you’re after something heartier, the ‘Smash Special’ Wagyu burger is your ticket to a full tank. Keep dilly-dallying down The Parade and pop into the many op shops for designer steals, find quirky gifts at A Trip To The Moon and browse eclectic jewellery at Bauhaus. Stop at Art Images Gallery for exhibitions featuring local and interstate Aussie artists. Cap off your day with dinner at Arkhé, Adelaide’s first open-flame restaurant, which fires up everything from local figs and sourdough crumpets to black Angus strip steak and Southern Rock lobster. 

Plan your trip April is a magical time to be in Adelaide, as revellers descend in their droves to the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere: Adelaide Fringe. Many of the events happen right here in Norwood, with hotspots like The Odeon Theatre giving you every reason to linger late into the night. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Adelaide

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Melissa Woodley
 Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
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36. Osu

Osu
Osu
Photograph: Kukun Cafe by Trybe Africa

Accra, Ghana

This is the second time we’ve featured Osu on our list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, and six years later it remains unmatched as the buzziest spot in Accra. It’s largely known for its nightlife, which is characterised by high-energy clubs and cool lounges (a recent Time Out survey named Accra one of the world’s best cities for nightlife, with Osu singled out as the city’s best neighbourhood to party). But new artist-led events, day parties and pop-ups are bringing fresh energy to the neighbourhood’s party scene, while Oxford Street, its main thoroughfare, has seen a number of restaurants added to its roster in recent years: my favourites are Italian restaurant Pamona, café-turned-listening bar Ritual, and Tree House, a restaurant that hosts jazz nights.

The perfect day Start off with breakfast at Kukun or Jamestown Coffee House, then spend the afternoon at an eco-friendly candle making workshop at Lost And Found. For a fun Thursday evening, join the trivia night at Barn Door Beer Garden. On other nights, relax at Alley Bar, sip on signature cocktails at Republic Bar, or enjoy the lively ambiance at Mood Bar Restaurant behind the bustling Oxford Street. Purple Pub and Osu Night Market are popular spots for an after party or late night snack.

Plan your trip On a Thursday for Thursday Lates, a series of free exhibitions showcasing the work of Accra’s emerging artists. In Osu, you’ll find exhibits at café and co-working space Kukun.

📍 Check out our guide to Accra

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Kofi Dotse Contributor, Accra
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37. Orchard

Orchard
Orchard
Photograph: Orchard Road Business Association

Singapore

This shopping belt has stood the test of time in an era where e-commerce thrives, but Orchard is so much more than just a shopaholic’s hotspot. Its recent slew of openings is drawing in a young, creative and curious crowd. There’s a state-of-the-art adventure complex with surfing and snowboarding, pottery workshops, an art gallery spotlighting Asian artists and a secret rooftop garden to catch some fresh air amidst the concrete jungle. Orchard has plans for further rejuvenation in 2025, including a clean revamp of the notorious Orchard Towers.

The perfect day Start off with a hearty brunch at Surrey Hills Grocer, before admiring city views from the 56th floor at free-entry observation deck ION Sky. As you stroll your way through the shopping district, don’t miss the largest Nike store in Asia – a three-storey space in a standalone building – as well as new foodie mall Taste Orchard. For dinner, indulge in choice cuts at Michelin-starred restaurant Cote Korean Steakhouse. Up for some nightlife? Have a tipple at The Backdrop, or party it up at sci-fi themed club ARK11. Knock off at one of the swanky new hotels within walking distance – The Singapore Edition, Artyzen, Pan Pacific Orchard and the recently revamped Grand Hyatt are all great choices.

Plan your trip Orchard Road is magical during the Christmas season. Dazzling festive installations light up the entire stretch, alongside a street carnival with rides, games, live music and food kiosks. Alternatively, time your visit according to monthly weekend market Night At Orchard, where local brands take centre stage. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Singapore

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Rachel Yohannan
 Editor
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38. Union Square

Union Square
Union Square
Photograph: Carlie Febo

Somerville, USA

Somerville’s easternmost hub of Union Square has been a centre of activity since the American Revolution, but more recently, it’s become a haven for graduate students and young families to live in proximity to Cambridge’s prominent universities and Boston’s booming biotech industry. It’s also the nexus of the Green Line train extension northwest from downtown Boston, which finally opened in 2022 after years of anticipation. Now with its own T stop, Union Square really feels like Boston’s coolest cousin. Local spots like Portuguese breakfast staple Neighborhood Restaurant & Bakery reflect Union Square’s diverse demographics, while restaurants like Celeste and nearby Sarma stand out among the most exciting restaurants in the Boston area. Annual events like Porchfest and What the Fluff? Festival do their part to maintain Union Square’s quirky charm, even as the area continues to change.

The perfect day If the wait for breakfast is too long at the Neighborhood, take your pick from flavours including maple bacon and berry pistachio at Union Square Donuts. Afterwards, climb up the Prospect Hill Monument to walk it off and see a cool view of the Boston skyline. Head to Bow Market for lunch (try the empanadas at Buenas) and to shop indie boutiques offering vintage goods, stationery, jewellery, records and more. In the afternoon, practice your throwing at Urban Axes and check out which local bands are hitting the stage later at The Jungle. Dine at Field & Vine, and have a nightcap next door at Backbar. 

Plan your trip Visit on a Saturday between May and October to peruse one of the Boston area’s liveliest farmers markets. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Boston

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Jacqueline Cain
 Editor, Time Out Boston
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