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A truly cool neighbourhood is one that feels alive, with an ease that’s unmanufactured, a sense of the local spirit and culture, while still containing great things to see, eat, and enjoy. Sounds like a tall order? Not according to global travel experts!
Time Out gathers a worldwide network of people who know their stuff in their respective cities, and gets their opinions on what they think the best city of the year is. The results are then judged against a range of criteria, including food and drink, nightlife, unique local businesses, liveability, and community to produce the final ranked list of 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world – and a corner of Hong Kong has made the cut at No. 38.
Tucked slightly uphill from the incessant bustle of Wan Chai, the Starstreet Precinct offers a spot of urban serenity among Hong Kong’s urban chaos, but is still an easy stone’s throw from the heart of the neighbourhood. Comprising the small stretch of alleys between St Francis Street and Monmouth Path, this area is a comfortable reprieve from the scores of harried office workers and wobbly nighttime prowlers often occupying Wan Chai.
From cosy cafés and artisanal restaurants or down-to-earth local fare, to a range of indie shops worth poking around and even a co-working space with cats that can be adopted, there’s no doubt that the Starstreet Precinct is a lovely neighbourhood to spend a lazy weekend exploring.
Looking at the rest of the global list, the title of the world’s coolest neighbourhood in 2026 goes to Jongno 3-ga in Seoul, boasting narrow alleys filled with unpretentious pocha food stalls, independent craft studios and workshops, and a smattering of sophisticated bars.
See the full ranked list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods here, along with itineraries for the perfect day in each global spot.
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