For the eighth year running, Timeout has released its definitive ranking of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, spotlighting vibrant districts that capture the spirit of their cities. The annual list celebrates areas where culture, nightlife, community, and affordable food and drink converge on every street and corner.
This year’s selections highlight communities reshaping themselves while preserving history, from Tokyo’s book-lined streets to São Paulo’s reborn industrial creative hubs. These neighbourhoods are defined by diversity, thriving independent businesses, and a strong DIY ethos.To compile the list, Timeout asked its global network of writers and editors to nominate standout districts in their hometowns. Neighbourhoods were then ranked against key criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life, and that elusive sense of “nowness.”
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The result is a line-up of underrated enclaves, revitalised city centres, and creative districts that embody ingenuity, fun, and the soul of urban life.
According to Timeout, here are the top 10 coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2025
1. Jimbōchō, Tokyo
Known as Tokyo’s centre for books and learning, Jimbōchō sits close to the city’s commercial districts and is home to more than 130 second-hand bookstores, many sharing space with cafés and curry houses. Students from nearby universities keep the area lively, while new cafés, indie bookshops and music clubs are adding fresh energy. A day here might begin at Isseido or Kitazawa Bookstore before moving to Stacks Bookstore for art books and zines, followed by coffee at Café Sabor or Walkabout Coffee, curry at Curry Bondy or Sangatsu no Mizu, and finally a cocktail at Cocktail Works Jinbocho. Shops close early and many remain shut on Sundays, but the annual used book festival in late October is a highlight.
2. Borgerhout, Antwerp
Borgerhout, known locally as BoHo, lies just north-east of Antwerp’s historic centre and is connected by bike lanes across the ring road. The neighbourhood is defined by its mix of Turkish and Moroccan grocers, vegan cafés, galleries and community initiatives, such as “parklets” created from parking spaces and a two-kilometre communal table along Turnhoutsebaan. Visitors can spend the day with breakfast at Café Josee, shop for sustainable fashion at Noma, explore independent makers at BorgerHub, move between galleries including Base-Alpha and Pizza Gallery, enjoy lunch at Clo and dinner at Glou Glou, before ending the night with live music at Trix or De Roma and late drinks at Bar Leon. The best times to visit are during Borger Nocturne, held four times a year, or in summer when open-air events fill the streets.
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3. Barra Funda, São Paulo
Barra Funda, once an industrial centre, has become a cultural and nightlife hub where warehouses and auto shops have been converted into galleries, cafés and nightclubs. The respected Mendes Wood gallery anchors its art scene, while small stores and restaurants draw locals and visitors alike. A day can begin with a walk along the Minhocão followed by breakfast at A Baianeira, a visit to Mendes Wood gallery, and shopping for modern furniture at Verniz, before lunch at Mescla, known for shrimp rice and pudim. The evening continues with drinks at Mamãe Bar or cocktails at Água e Biscoito, while exhibitions and cultural events run throughout the year.
4. Camberwell, London
Camberwell in south-east London combines food, community and creativity, with Camberwell Church Street now regarded as one of the city’s strongest food destinations, offering Xinjiang cuisine at Silk Road, falafel wraps at Falafel and Shawarma, Kurdish dishes at Nandine and gastropub dining at The Camberwell Arms. The neighbourhood also hosts the South London Gallery and Camberwell College of Art, both central to its cultural life. A day in Camberwell can start with bread and coffee from Toad Bakery, followed by exhibitions at the South London Gallery, record shopping at Dash the Henge, a pint at The Clarendon, dinner at FM Mangal and a night of music at The Bear. From September, the South London Gallery will be presenting works from Museo Jumex in Mexico City.
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5. Avondale, Chicago
Avondale, once rooted in its Polish and Latino communities, has become a destination where long-standing businesses sit alongside new cafés, wine bars and venues. Its industrial past is visible in red-brick warehouses, while Milwaukee Avenue remains its commercial heart. A day here might start with Colombian coffee at Magnifico Coffee Roasters and pastries at Loaf Lounge, a stroll along Milwaukee Avenue with a stop at Bric-a-Brac record shop and its adjoining café, a quick meal at Joong Boo Market, and an evening of drinks at Central Park Bar before late-night dancing at Podlasie Club. Summer is the best time to experience Avondale, when outdoor dining and riverwalk activities thrive.
6. Mullae-dong, Seoul
Mullae-dong, once a centre of steel and metalworking, has transformed into Seoul’s most active arts enclave where red-brick factories and sheds now host cafés, bars and creative studios. The area is still defined by its industrial past but has become a gathering space for artists and entrepreneurs. Visitors can start the day with coffee at PONT Mullae, shop at Gifthouse Mullae, enjoy lunch at JUJUM JUNMU, and spend the afternoon between cafés and workshops such as Memoire. The evening may include wine and pasta at Hwain and a final stop at Seonggwangdaedo for a nightcap. The annual Mullae Metal City festival each summer is a key event.
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7. Ménilmontant, Paris
Ménilmontant retains its identity as a former working-class district turned cultural hotspot, where cobbled streets, cafés, bookshops and street art reflect everyday Paris life. The area also hosts a growing food scene along Rue des Pyrénées, with restaurants like Oobatz and La Joie leading the way. A day here might begin with coffee at La Pétanque, continue at Le Monte-en-l’Air bookstore, lunch at Numidia for Algerian flavours, drinks at Ave Pizza Bar, dinner at Oobatz and music at La Bellevilloise. Late September is the best time to visit, when the Ménilmontant Open Studios showcase local artists.
8. Nakatsu, Osaka
Nakatsu, just minutes from Umeda’s modern towers, is a compact district of wooden houses, shrines and alleys that now hosts a growing creative community. Its retro shopping street and diverse mix of eateries and boutiques make it a unique stop. A day in Nakatsu can include breakfast at 42195 Coffee, a walk through Nakatsu Shotengai, lunch at Cante Grande, treats from Anconohi, shopping at Ima:Zine and visits to Kita no Kitanagaya. Dinner at Goody, where customers pick ingredients to be cooked on site, is followed by drinks at Japoni and late hours at Ikoi. Spring, especially Golden Week, is the busiest season.
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9. Vallila, Helsinki
Vallila has grown from a working-class district into one of Helsinki’s cultural centres, where industrial halls now hold restaurants, bars and music venues. The wooden houses of Puu-Vallila give the neighbourhood a distinctive character. A day in Vallila can begin with a stay at The Folks Hotel, coffee at Helsingin Kahvipaahtimo, lunch at Wave of Flavors, gaming and drinks at Super Bario, dinner at Plein, wine at Bar Petiit and music at Ääniwalli. Late summer is the ideal time to visit, with the Konepaja Festival turning old factory halls into a venue for music and food.
10. Labone, Accra
Labone has grown from a residential area into a centre of nightlife, dining and cultural activity in Accra. Its restaurants, pubs, galleries and clubs attract both locals and expatriates, while new projects such as the Limbo design and architecture museum point to further growth. A day in Labone may begin with padel at Mamba Club, breakfast at D Café, a gallery stop at Berj, and lunch at Aunty Muni. The afternoon can be spent browsing at Vidya bookstore or making candles at Labone Social Club, followed by dinner at Brown Sugar and music under the trees at Zen Garden. Festivals including Homowo, Pa-Gya and others make Labone a year-round cultural destination.
