September 17, 2026, 8:40 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Every year, “Time Out” publishes its ranking of the world’s coolest neighborhoods. For the current edition, editors and writers from the travel magazine around the world nominated the most exciting neighborhoods in their cities. The editorial team then evaluated the candidates based on various criteria and compiled the ranking.

In addition to food, culture, and nightlife, factors such as quality of life, community spirit, and the uniqueness of the neighborhoods also played a role. The list therefore includes a wide variety of places: from creative downtown districts to relaxed waterfront areas. Germany, like last year, did not make it into the ranking.

The 3 Coolest Neighborhoods in the World

1st Place: Jongno 3-ga, Seoul (South Korea)

Jongno 3-ga in the South Korean capital Seoul takes the top spot in the ranking of the coolest neighborhoods. The district combines historic Hanok houses with trendy cafes, bars, and small creative workshops. However, its trademark is the Pochas, traditional street eateries under red tent canopies that fill with guests every evening. What once mainly attracted workers and office employees is now a popular meeting place for young South Koreans to enjoy affordable food and drinks in a casual atmosphere. According to “Time Out,” Jongno 3-ga achieves something special: The neighborhood manages to “preserve its charm by constantly reinventing itself for a new generation.”

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2nd Place: Quartier de L’Océan, Rabat (Morocco)

The “Time Out” authors chose L’Océan in Rabat for second place. The district on the Atlantic coast is considered a creative hub of the Moroccan capital, combining beach, street art, and culture in a compact space. Along the palm-lined promenade, locals gather for sports, walks, or coffee, while more and more independent cafes, shops, and cultural venues are emerging in the side streets. According to “Time Out,” L’Océan embodies the special “mix of Atlantic coast and city life” for which Rabat is known.

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3rd Place: Neos Kosmos, Athens (Greece)

Neos Kosmos in Athens secured third place in the ranking. The “New World,” as the name translates, was once a place of new beginnings for many immigrants. Today, the neighborhood is reinventing itself again: Where workers once lived, cafes, restaurants, cultural venues, and a vibrant creative scene now shape the streetscape. The Onassis Stegi cultural center provided an important impetus. According to “Time Out,” Neos Kosmos has developed into a “fascinating mosaic of shared energy.”

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The 40 Coolest Neighborhoods in the World at a Glance

1. Jongno 3-ga, Seoul, South Korea
2. L’Ocean District, Rabat, Morocco
3. Neos Kosmos, Athens, Greece
4. Chinatown, Los Angeles, USA
5. Govanhill, Glasgow, United Kingdom
6. Kitakagaya, Osaka, Japan
7. Chapinero Alto, Bogotá, Colombia
8. Koenji, Tokyo, Japan
9. Downtown, St. Catharines, Canada
10. Esquilino, Rome, Italy
11. Russafa, Valencia, Spain
12. Tân Định, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
13. São Bento, Lisbon, Portugal
14. Talat Noi, Bangkok, Thailand
15. Slakthusområdet, Stockholm, Sweden
16. Humayunpur, Delhi, India
17. Laranjeiras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
18. West Town, Chicago, USA
19. Rákóczi tér, Budapest, Hungary
20. Jalan Besar, Singapore
21. Crooswijk, Rotterdam, Netherlands
22. Chacagiales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
23. Bandra West, Mumbai, India
24. Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, United Kingdom
25. República, São Paulo, Brazil
26. Changning, Shanghai, China
27. Oost, Amsterdam, Netherlands
28. Financial District, New York City, USA
29. New Farm, Brisbane, Australia
30. Quartier d’Aligre, Paris, France
31. Kalk Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
32. North Hobart, Hobart, Australia
33. Newington Green, London, United Kingdom
34. Yulin, Chengdu, China
35. Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, Canada
36. Centro Histórico, Lima, Peru
37. Boavista, Porto, Portugal
38. Starstreet Precinct, Hong Kong, China
39. South Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
40. Distillery District, Lexington, USA