Skip to Content

These 6 Neighborhoods Were Just Ranked The Coolest In The World To Visit

Share The Article

Last Updated


It’s that time of year for Time Out to release their annual ranking of the world’s coolest neighborhoods. The sixth edition had 12,000 people provide their insight into what makes the best neighborhood.

Whether it be food, fun, culture, or all of the above, there are some new hotspots to crack the top of the list.

Be prepared to pack your passport. These destinations are all over the globe. Once you’re there, you’ll have no regrets hanging out in some of the coolest spots on the planet.

popular street in dublin ireland

So, let’s dig in to the top 6 coolest neighborhoods in the world:

6 – Brunswick East (Melbourne, Australia)

Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, so it’s fun to explore all over the city. Yet, it’s Brunswick East that is the place to be this year.

This former boring industrial district has transformed into a top neighborhood in the world. It’s the perfect spot to start your day with a coffee and end your day by kicking back and enjoying live music, a variety of international cuisines and chill bars.

@jasyan_ I’ll definitely be back to try out more of their food & wine 😍 #fyp #oldpalmliquor #melbournebars #bars #barsinmelbourne #winebar #melbourne #thingstodoinmelbourne #brunswickbars #brunswickeast ♬ Coffee Shop – Late Night Luke

Perhaps the best part of all is the convenient trams to “bar-hop” to some of the most popular bars in the area. Be ready for a wild night!

5 – Sheung Wan (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong has been on a mission to lure tourists back after a rough period of isolation. This gargantuan city has so much to offer, but Sheung Wan is the coolest spot to hang out.

Here, there is a unique blend of attractions ranging from historical sites to a foodie haven. This neighborhood offers stunning temples, street food for those with an adventurous palate, and a plethora of local shops.

@warmtalking The Sheung Wan district is a traditional Chinese residential and commercial district at the northern coast of Hong Kong Island. #hongkong #travel ♬ 原聲 – Warm Talking

You can start your day at a chic cafe and wander through the scenic street art. By day’s end, if you’re not overstuffed with affordable street food, you can indulge at a Michelin-star restaurant or traditional omakase.

4 – Havnen (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Oh, Denmark, what a beautiful place. Those who visit say Havnen is where the community comes to play.

The waterfront becomes a playground for all with boats, paddle boards, kayaks, and even fishing. Many people choose to go for a dip in the harbor too, then head to the neighboring restaurant’s sauna.

@whimsysoul La Banchina 🤝 sunny summer days #copenhagen #labanchina #coldplunge #sauna #travel #denmark #copenhagentips #copenhagenfood #københavn #danmark #visitdenmark #scandi #foodietravel ♬ Epic Music(863502) – Draganov89

Yes, you read that right. You know, there’s nothing like combining sweaty people and food establishments.

But that’s the charm of Havnen. What makes it cool is people can be themselves, let off some steam, and enjoy a night on the town in this Scandinavian gem.

3 – Carabanchel (Madrid, Spain)

Spain has been one of the most popular places on the planet this year. There is no shortage of places to see, but the top neighborhood in all of Spain is Carabanchel of Madrid.

Comparable to New York City’s SoHo district, this former no-fun zone is full of old and new. Trendy art galleries are popping up next to food stalls that have been around for ages.

@rhiwen Visita dominguera a los Jardines de los Palacios de Vista Alegre #carabanchelmadrid #vistalegre #jardineshermosos ♬ Bridgerton – The Harmony Group

Visitors can experience the best of both worlds by taking in the modern additions mixed with the roots of the neighborhood that made it what it is today, including the recently opened palace and gardens of Finca Vista Alegre.

Plus, it’s not hard to find never-ending tapas and local wine. Who wouldn’t want that?

2 – Smithfield (Dublin, Ireland)

Dublin’s bar scene isn’t for the faint of heart. Naturally, that’s a key reason to visit Ireland’s coolest neighborhood.

If “have a Guinness in Ireland” is on your travel bucket list, this is the right place. A must-visit is The Cobblestone, where you can witness traditional Irish music and all the beer you could imagine.

@icomeundone #fypdublin #dublinmusic #dublintiktok #tiktokdublin #dublininfo #dublinfyp #tradmusic #dublinmusicscene #discoverdublin #dublinpub #olddublin #smithfield #dublincity #dublinpub #dublindrinks #dublinireland ♬ original sound – Sarah Hanrahan

Typical Dublin, right? But that is what makes this neighborhood so great. A mix of old and new while still keeping its unique character.

1 – Laureles (Medellin, Colombia)

Let’s face it: Colombians know how to party. While Laureles may seem chaotic at first glance, it’s actually pretty chill.

That is, until the right song comes on. But that is just the nightlife. Laureles by day has a whole different personality where it’s quite pleasant to explore the endless local coffee shops, tranquil parks, and peaceful tree-lined streets.

@travelteaser Laureles, Medellin is a leafy suburb popular with digital nomads. It’s not hard to see why. #fyp #foryoupage #travel #colombia #vibes #digitalnomad ♬ Sunroof – Nicky Youre & dazy

Many expats love to call Medellin home for its beautiful, welcoming culture and affordable way of life. Yet, Laureles doesn’t see the overflow of outsiders like other neighborhoods.

This area has kept its identity while becoming a hip place to hang out enjoying delicious cuisine, buzzing nightlife, and even a nighttime bike ride you’ll never forget.

Read More:

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans Starting At $10 Per Week

How To Easily Earn Points For Free Travel

↓ Join Our Community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com