The 39 coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2025

The hangout of choice for generations of Tokyo intellectuals, Jimbōchō is a historic university enclave and a bibliophile nirvana that enjoys a charmed existence just a quick stroll away from the city’s high-powered business districts. It’s home to some 130 second-hand bookstores, most of them housed in low, slightly antiquated mixed-use buildings they share with old-school coffeeshops and curry houses. While this is a neighbourhood where the past vividly informs the present, the steady influx of new student cohorts lends Jimbōchō an energetic undercurrent – one that’s now surging. In the backstreets, a new breed of intimate music clubs, authentic Indian curry spots, cool cafés and indie booksellers are adding fresh layers to a place that feels like the ideal remedy to the anxieties and relentless pace of digital life. 

The perfect day: Start your day by perusing some rare vintage volumes at Isseido Booksellers or Kitazawa Bookstore, or dive into the extensive collection of art books and indie zines at Stacks Bookstore. Then do as the locals and get your coffee fix at Sabor, a 70-year-old café famed for its pizza toast and retro charm. For something more contemporary, pop into nearby Walkabout Coffee for a cup of Magic, a Melbourne-born concoction made with a double-shot ristretto and silky steamed milk. Come nighttime, dig into the spice- and fruit-rich curry at Curry Bondy or Sangatsu no Mizu, winner of the local curry contest in 2024, then wrap up the day with a craft gin cocktail at Cocktail Works Jinbocho or a cultured nightcap at Yon, a multi-tasking art gallery, bar and listening room.

Plan your trip: Most shops in Jimbōchō close early (and stay shut on Sundays), so it’s best to visit in the mornings. For a literary treat, come in late October for the annual used book festival; autumn in Japan is, after all, the season for picking up a good read.

📍 Check out Time Out’s full Jimbōchō area guide and how to spend the perfect day in Tokyo

While most visitors stay wrapped up in Antwerp’s historic centre, the locals know the city’s creative heart beats just northeast. Divided by a roaring ring road but knitted together by bike lanes, this compact, multicultural district is where Turkish and Moroccan grocers rub shoulders with vegan coffee bars, artist-run galleries, and leafy terraces. Locals call it BoHo, and the vibe is unpretentious and collaborative. The neighbourhood’s DIY spirit comes through in everything from ‘parklets’ born of a community lab that turn parking spots into hangouts, to the record-breaking two-kilometre table along the Turnhoutsebaan that brought thousands together to share Easter and Ramadan. It’s Borgerhout’s residents that make it one of Antwerp’s most vibrant and welcoming corners. 

The perfect day: Start with breakfast at Café Josee, overlooking Te Boelaerpark, before hopping on your rental bike to explore Borgerhout’s creative spine. Pop into Noma for sustainable fashion and browse independent makers at BorgerHub, then spend the afternoon hopping between galleries: Base-Alpha, Violet, DMW, Lichtekooi and finally Pizza Gallery, which sits right next to Borgo Gelato for a well-earned treat. Refuel midday at Clo with savoury potato waffles, and dinner is at Glou Glou, a trendy wine bar. Cap the evening with a gig at Trix or De Roma (a lovingly restored former cinema), and late-night Belgian beers with locals at Bar Leon, a beloved neighbourhood institution, or vintage music café Bakeliet.

Plan your visit: Time your visit for Borger Nocturne, held four times a year, when the district’s galleries keep their doors open late and BoHo shows off its creative pulse. In summer, Borgerhout comes alive with open-air cinema, yoga in the park, and Bar Oost on a former container terminal.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Antwerp

Barra Funda is the alternative soul of São Paulo, where industrial history meets an undeniably cool and creative vibe. On the same block, you’ll find concrete, train tracks and a cult nightclub. Old warehouses have turned into studios, trendy cafés now occupy former auto shops, and parties happen behind iron gates. It’s a must-visit for art lovers (the respected Mendes Wood gallery is here), unique shopping (don’t miss the charming Amarello store), lively nightlife and contemporary cuisine – I recommend Sururu, Caracol and Komah, all with great menus. During the day, cool cafés like Ronin mix with locals chatting by their doorsteps. At night, DJs, exhibitions and parties take over. 

The perfect day: The day kicks off early with a stroll along the Elevado Costa e Silva, better known as Minhocão. First stop: breakfast at A Baianeira. From there, check out what’s on at the Mendes Wood gallery, followed by a visit to Verniz, a gem of a store filled with modern Brazilian furniture pieces. For lunch, grab a table at Mescla; our pick is the irresistible shrimp rice, and don’t skip the house-famous pudim for dessert. Come evening, go for a drink at Mamãe Bar, a must-stop that fills up with a lively, young crowd, or try the cocktails at swish new hotspot Água e Biscoito.

Plan your trip: Mendes Wood Barra Funda has reopened for the season with an exhibition from contemporary Brazilian artist Paulo Nazareth, exploring themes of motherhood and memory.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Sâo Paulo

Camberwell is brilliant because it’s loads of things at once. It captures all the stuff that makes southeast London the most fun corner of London – the young-at-heart vibe, the independent spirit, the multiculturalism – and crams it all into a green, community-oriented little patch. One of the big draws of the place, of course, is the food. Over the years, Camberwell Church Street has become the stuff of legend, and now, it’s easily one of the heaviest-hitting roads in the capital for hungry Londoners. This one stretch boasts the new iteration of the iconic Xinjiang restaurant Silk Road, the best Lebanese falafel wraps in the area at Falafel and Shawarma, a fine gastropub in the form of The Camberwell Arms, plus unbeatable Kurdish cuisine at Nandine. That’s before you even get up the road to the geniuses at Toad Bakery, whose city-best bread and viennoiserie bring out the Hinge-n-Guinness crowd in their swathes on Fridays and Saturday. 

The perfect day: We’d always recommend a stop at Toad to start off a day in Camberwell (for bonus sarnies and coffee, stick your head into Café Mondo next door too), before pootling across to South London Gallery (next door to Camberwell College of Art, which nurtures the next generation of design talent), to chin stroke around the latest exhibition. Then, head up towards Dash the Henge for top-tier record shopping (plus a toastie if you’re still hungry), before heading to The Clarendon for a well-deserved pint. Dinner options are, obviously, many, but we like FM Mangal for Turkish food that absolutely always hits the spot. Finish up with a dance at The Bear. A dream day if you ask us. 

Plan your visit: From September this year, the South London Gallery is celebrating its relationship with the Museo Jumex, which will see the SLG hosting the best of the Mexico City museum's collection.

📍 Check out Time Out’s full Camberwell area guide

Since Logan Square has become a mere fever dream for affordable living, artsy locals and bungalow-loving families have migrated a few miles northwest to Avondale, known for its historic Polish and Latino populations. With new wine bars, wellness studios and music venues opening alongside longtime neighbourhood fixtures, there’s never been a better time to explore the neighbourhood. Nicknamed ‘Bricktown’ for its historic brickyards, Avondale still shows its industrial bones in red-brick warehouses and the occasional smokestack or steeple slicing through the sky. Its multicultural heritage and working-class character fuel a vibrant small business scene, from retro bowling alleys and antique mall-themed bars to classic Polish sausage slingers. While Milwaukee Avenue boasts many neighbourhood favorites, adventurous wanderers find rewards in tucked-away bars, specialty markets and eccentric boutiques that embody the neighbourhood’s singular – and unmistakably Chicago – spirit.

The perfect day: Start your morning with rich Colombian coffee from family-owned Magnifico Coffee Roasters, then cross the street for a pastry at Loaf Lounge – owner Sarah Mispagel lent her skills as pastry consultant for The Bear. Stroll Milwaukee Avenue to flip through records at Bric-a-Brac, connected to the horror-themed coffee shop The Brewed, complete with a Beetlejuice sandworm overhead. Snack on $5 steam buns from Joong Boo Market’s mandu stand before capping the night with drinks at Central Park Bar and dancing in the haze at Podlasie Club.

Plan your trip: Chicagoans legendarily tout summer as the very reason they endure frigid winters and other calamities. Come enjoy the season’s bounty, when the al fresco dining is plentiful and you can bike, drink or walk along the North Branch Riverwalk.

📍 Check out Time Out’s full Avondale area guide

The former epicentre of Seoul’s steel and metalworking industry, Mullae-dong today is the city’s most atmospheric arts enclave. By day, you’ll hear the clang of hammers from workshops still in business, and by night, flickering neon and mural-streaked alleyways give way to design studios, cafes, dining, and bar concepts. The neighbourhood’s gritty, industrial bones remain visible – red-brick factories and corrugated sheds reimagined as cafés, jazz bars, and creative spaces – but this contrast only adds to its charm. Young artists and entrepreneurs flock here for affordable rents and raw character, while visitors come to explore its cultural mash-up: from underground exhibitions to natural wine bars and live music joints. 

The perfect day: Wander to PONT Mullae for some morning brew in a converted factory, before browsing the trinkets at Gifthouse Mullae. Lunch is at JUJUM JUNMU, a specialty restaurant serving raw fish and Korean-style beef tartare. Spend the afternoon cafe-hopping or making your own perfume at Memoire. Take some vintage photos at Photomarket with your friends before heading to Hwain for wine and pasta. End your evening in Mullae with a nightcap at Seonggwangdaedo. 

Plan your trip: Art fairs, cultural festivals, and open studio days are regular affairs in Mullae-dong, but I recommend visiting for Mullae Metal City (MMC), an annual summer festival sporting local heavy metal bands.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Seoul

Once a village of vineyards and guinguettes, later a bustling working-class suburb, Ménilmontant in 2025 has pulled off the small miracle of keeping its eclectic nightlife, diversity and bucolic charm alive. Strolling between Boulevard de Ménilmontant and Rue des Pyrénées, through its little cobblestone streets and former workers’ housing estates, you won’t find museums or grand monuments – here you get a big dose of everyday Paris, with cheap beers, activist bookshops, and omnipresent street art. Push on to the Saint-Maur station, and the vibe changes: this is where Paris’s new gastronomic scene bubbles, with spots like Oobatz, Lissit, and La Joie.

The perfect day: Start your day with a coffee at La Pétanque, across from the highly photogenic steps of Notre-Dame-de-la-Croix de Ménilmontant. Next, a cultural stop at Le Monte-en-l’Air, an independent, socially engaged bookstore. Head to Numidia for a Paris-to-Algiers experience via skewers. Aperitif time calls for a draft negroni at Ave Pizza Bar, followed by a championship-worthy pizza at Oobatz (winner of Best Pizza at the Time Out Paris Food & Drink Awards 2025). For cutting-edge music, wrap up the night at La Bellevilloise.

Plan your trip: Late September is not only the perfect time to enjoy the area’s outdoor terraces, but also coincides with the Ménilmontant Open Studios, when local artists throw open their doors, showcasing the neighborhood’s creative richness.

📍 Check out Time Out’s full guide to the best Paris neighbourhoods and the best things to do in Paris

A mere 10-minute walk from the glistening glass-and-steel towers and luxury hotels of Umeda – Osaka’s business and shopping hub (and the home of Time Out Market) – Nakatsu looks like a remnant of a different era. A retro shopping street winds its way through a compact district made up of an incongruous variety of small wooden houses, mom-and-pop shops and ancient shrines set along narrow, cluttered alleys enlivened by often chaotic clusters of potted plants. That frozen-in-time look, however, belies a beehive of creative activity. One of the city’s most ethnically diverse communities, Nakatsu boasts a fast-growing crop of quirky boutiques, tiny upstart eateries, stand bars and cafés, plus Osaka Food Lab, a makeshift space underneath the railway tracks where up-and-coming local chefs come to try out their most experimental concepts. 

The perfect day: Kick off with a kissaten breakfast at 42195 Coffee before admiring the old-school signage and fascinating architectural mishmash of Nakatsu Shotengai. After basking in the midday calm at Tomishima Shrine, grab some Sri Lankan curry for lunch at long-running favourite Cante Grande. Power up with coffee and a dainty bean paste-filled treat at Anconohi before browsing fire fits at Ima:Zine and seeing what’s on at creative hub Kita no Kitanagaya. When hunger strikes, choose your own ingredients and have them turned into a delicious dinner on the spot at Goody, a local supermarket with an in-house cooking service. Follow up by downing a few drinks on your feet at Japoni before settling in for a long night at Ikoi, a quintessential Osaka izakaya.

Plan your trip: Most big community events take place in spring, usually around the Golden Week of national holidays.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Osaka

At one time, Vallila was the home of tram drivers and factory workers; today it’s quietly become one of Helsinki’s most intriguing neighbourhoods. Its old industrial halls and repair shops now buzz with restaurants, bars, and clubs with gritty charm. Nearby Kallio may grab the headlines, but Vallila is cooler, quieter – and in its own way, more romantic. Tucked between the busy streets of Mäkelänkatu and Teollisuuskatu is Puu-Vallila, a cluster of early twentieth-century wooden houses where wandering the lanes feels like stepping into another reality. Nestled among the pastel colored houses is Pikku-Vallila, quite possibly the cutest bar in Helsinki.

The perfect day: Wake up at The Folks Hotel and stroll through charming Puu-Vallila to Helsingin Kahvipaahtimo for your morning coffee. Have lunch at Portuguese eatery Wave of Flavors, then sip a drink and play video games at Super Bario in Konepaja’s redbrick halls. Enjoy dinner at Bib Gourmand–awarded Plein and natural wines next door at Bar Petiit. Finish the night at Ääniwalli, Helsinki’s go-to venue for underground beats.

Plan your trip: Visit during the free Konepaja Festival (late summer) when Vallila’s old train factory becomes a wild mix of music, street food and community-led events.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Helsinki

In 2008, Labone was a sleepy residential neighbourhood with not much more to offer than bungalows and mango trees. Today the plethora of happy-hour pubs, galleries, wine bars and high-end shops are a magnet for arty professionals and expats who now call the area home. This influx of hipsters has spurred the opening of several new eateries, from the Bosphorous Restaurant to Taco Tuesdays at Mexican cantina La Borracha – not to mention local food spots like Vine and Brasa. Newly opened design and architecture museum Limbo, in a once-abdandoned brutalist estate, is a sign of bigger things to come. Then there’s its ever-buzzing nightlife, with dance clubs and lounges attracting throngs of in-the-know locals.

The perfect day: Leave the Pelican Hotel and start the day with an energetic game of padel at the Mamba Club, followed by breakfast at D Café (I recommend the custard croissant). Check out the work of Ghanaian artists at Berj Gallery before refuelling on Ghana’s famed waakye at Aunty Muni. Spend the afternoon browsing the shelves at Vidya bookstore or make your own scented candles at the Labone Social Club. Top it off with a fufu with fish dinner at Brown Sugar, then spend the night dancing to live music under the utterly atmospheric tree canopy at Zen Garden.

Plan your trip: Base yourself in Labone for Ghana’s many annual festivals, from harvest (Homowo) festivals in late summer to celebrations of literature (Pa-Gya) and the visual arts in autumn.

📍 Check out Time Out’s full Labone area guide

Nguyễn Thái Bình looks like any urban tangle of Vietnamese streets: lots of workshops, motorbikes, and steaming vats of soup. But the neighbourhood rewards those who scratch the surface. Underground, after dark, behind clandestine rolling shutters and French colonial facades, you’ll find globally acclaimed restaurants and secret speakeasies – while the most persistent might unearth genuine American War memorabilia in cluttered vintage markets. The neighbourhood’s shift is most evident in the calibre of new arrivals: Leonardo is already considered one of the city's best pizzerias despite being less than a year old, and on the neighbourhood's peripheries, ÔMM Mixology is heralded as the city's top new bar opening. Perhaps most interestingly, the celebrated Noriboi Omakase relocated here at the start of the year from more expensive, established Thảo Điền (last year’s coolest neighbourhood in Ho Chi Minh). Confirmation of Nguyễn Thái Bình’s growing gravitational pull.

The perfect day: Start early to beat the queue at Bún Riêu cua ốc Phan Rang, where locals fuel up for the day on steaming bowls of crab and snail noodle soup. Next, a pitstop at pretty retro cafe Hoàng Thị Cafe before exploring Lê Công Kiều Street's antique dealers and the disorganised chaos of Yersin Market (Dân Sinh). For lunch, head to Bếp Mẹ Ỉn for simple, delicious Vietnamese family-style dishes, then spend the afternoon at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts. Start your evening proper at Madam Kew’s opium-den-turned-cocktail-bar with a Pink Riot – a deceptively delicate drink combining lychee sweetness with rhubarb and ginger spice. For dinner, book ahead at woodfire cooking specialists Quince Eatery (downstairs from Madam Kew). Then it’s bar-hopping, starting at 419. Bar (if you can find its hidden entrance through a vintage camera cabinet). End the night at The Arth, unwinding to live saxophone beneath their railway station clock.

Plan your visit: Visit on a Saturday to catch Maison Marou's free chocolate tastings at 3pm, then stay for the evening when the neighbourhood's cutting-edge bars are at their most electric.

🥢 Discover the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh

This patch of the city, home to born-and-bred Lisboetas alongside newly arrived neighbours, is livelier than ever. And while Rua do Forno do Tijolo remains the epicentre of this mostly residential enclave, other spots have found new energy – such as Largo de Santa Bárbara, where trends like smash burgers and natural wines have taken hold (hello, Stack and Nata). There’s no doubt that setting the table is the local pasttime, from boards of petiscos to fusion cuisine, not forgetting pizzas, speciality coffee and the sandwiches of the moment. And save some space for shopping – Anjos is home to some of the coolest concept stores and indie boutiques in the city.

The perfect day: Fuel up for a morning of browsing the shops with a bagel or a homemade cake at Malabarista Café. First stop: feminist bookshop Greta, where you’ll find shelves and shelves of books dedicated to women writers. Venture into the world of knitting at Retrosaria Rosa Pomar, or for a much more permanent souvenir, make a pit stop at tattoo parlour Casa Tigre. Then, take a bite of some of the city’s most coveted sandwiches at Tosta, before settling in for an afternoon of natural wines at Nata or Rude. Finish off with a pizza from Jezzus and a nightcap or three at A Mata.

Plan your visit: Visit Lisbon in June to find the city in full celebration. The Festas dos Santos Populares – especially Santo António – take over, and it will be hard not to stumble upon an open-air street party in the Anjos area: the perfect chance to enjoy freshly grilled sardines and dancing into the night.

📍 Check out Time Out’s guide to the best Lisbon neighbourhoods and the best things to do in Lisbon

Long established as Birmingham’s creative quarter, Digbeth’s ascension into artistic nucleus continues apace – not for nothing are the BBC moving their headquarters here in 2026, taking up residence in the old Typhoo Tea factory. What was once a thoroughfare for both the railway and the canal, Digbeth has since become home turf for the city’s community of writers, artists and filmmakers. All abandoned shunt lines and arches slick with wet brick, Digbeth’s aesthetic is haunted by the ghosts of industry but lit up by its iconic, iridescent street art, which colours large swathes of the neighbourhood. Its rough-edged beauty consistently draws major new attractions, such as Digbeth Loc. Studios, a multimedia warehouse project for film and TV production.

The perfect day: Start off with breakfast at Kanteen, housed on the site of the old Bird’s Custard Factory, now a lively workspace complex. Browse the shelves at Voce Books, an award-winning indie bookshop which stocks titles from Digbeth-based publisher Floodgate Press. From there, over to Kilder Bar, where you can grab unique beers (Hooch on tap, anyone?) under soft white light. More into wine? Midland Press are now open for winery tours, the cool, cave-like nature of Digbeth’s railway architecture perfect for production of their very own Birmingham wine, the city’s first. For dinner, Original Patty Men’s burgers have been a mainstay in Brum for the best part of a decade. To finish, catch a film at the charming Mockingbird Cinema, or hit up the Night Owl, open until late with its mix of Northern Soul, Retro, and alternative music. Extreme night owls could carry the night on at a warehouse or car park rave.

Plan Your Visit: Digbeth doubles as Birmingham’s Irish quarter, so head there in March for St. Patrick’s Day and let venues like Nortons and Hennessey’s keep you in Guinness and good times. If you can plan your trip for a night at STORIE, dedicated to readings of experimental writing, even better. 

📍 Check out Time Out’s full Digbeth area guide and the best things to do in Birmingham

Getting to Red Hook isn’t necessarily easy – in lieu of a subway station, you’ve got bus stops and the free IKEA ferry – but the journey is worth it to explore this formerly industrial neighbourhood situated along the waterfront on the southwestern edge of Brooklyn. Inside massive, pier-sized old warehouses, you’ll now find art galleries and distilleries (sadly, a recent fire swept through one of these warehouses, devastating local artists – but the community banded together to build back). Along its cobblestone streets, look for a variety of cuisines (GOOG Thai Cookshop, homestyle spot Pitt’s and old-school sandwich shop Defonte’s, to name a few), plus some unique bars like Sunny’s that have stayed true to their roots even as the neighbourhood has evolved from its seafaring past. Serving as an anchor for what’s new and cool in Red Hook is Pioneer Works, a nonprofit cultural arts center that recently reopened after a renovation. The artist- and scientist-led organisation hosts a suite of visual and performing arts experiences, including a beloved free Second Sundays event every month. 

The perfect day Start the day by treating yourself to brunch at Cafe Kestrel before heading over to Pioneer Works to check out the latest art installation. After that, do a little shopping at home goods store Open Invite and the vibey Record Shop. When you’re feeling hungry, head to Hometown Bar-B-Que or Brooklyn Crab, but be prepared to wait. After dinner, it’s time for a drink – take your pick from Red Hook Winery or Strong Rope Brewery. Finally, if you’ve saved room for dessert, drop by Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie for a sweet treat (try the Swingle) to enjoy while admiring the skyline from Louis Valentino Pier. 

Plan your trip Visit on the second Sunday of each month to get into Pioneer Works for free. At this open house, explore exhibits, meet artists-in-residence, check out open studios, listen to live music and enjoy some food in the garden. 

📍 Check out Time Out’s full Red Hook area guide

There was a time when you maybe came to this downtown neighbourhood for auto repairs, the hospital, the neo-Gothic church that the area is named after and, well, that’s it. But over the past few years, the grey industrial area has slowly rebranded as Medellín’s creative district and added several colourful murals in the process. Now you’ll find the environmentally friendly Mattelsa building – part clothing store, plant-based café, book store and art gallery – and the inclusive La Casa de Carlota design studio that incorporates artists with intellectual disabilities. And while few people currently live in Perpetuo Socorro, the mixed-use Bodega Hábitat building in the works should change that.

The perfect day: Your morning begins with coffee at Distrito Cafetero – which features a speakeasy-style entrance – and then a posta Cartagenera sandwich at All Day Café. You get your afternoon coffee fix at La Fábrica’s informative coffee and fruit pairing experience and then dine at the new-ish Plácido Cocina Italiana located in a stone gallery. Your night ends at La Planta brewery where you’ll drink IPAs made in-house and enjoy live rock en Español.

Plan your trip: Kick off the holiday season at the pet-friendly Alborada Perpetua festival and take the unique MATT Tour to experience Christmas lights from the perspective of someone in an electric wheelchair.

🥣 Discover the best restaurants in Colombia

One of the best things about Sydney is its diversity – and Burwood is the fifth-most diverse community in the entirety of Australia. With that comes some of Sydney’s best food: Chinese cuisines dominate (the neighbourhood is home to the colourful Burwood Chinatown, after all), but you’ll also find some of the city’s best Japanese and south-east Asian food, alongside Uyghur, Greek and Italian. Burwood is pumping at night – all neon lit and filled with people – which is why it was named one of Sydney’s ‘Special Entertainment Precincts’ this year (where late-night-trading and noise regulations are relaxed). That said, it’s also a beautiful place during the day – especially in leafy Burwood Park, where you’ll find kids playing cricket, the elderly doing tai chi and groups practicing cultural dances.

The perfect day: Start by getting a coffee at the very trendy Pillar, a wabi-sabi café serving specialty coffee from local micro-roasters. Drink it while people-watching in the peaceful Burwood Park, before lunching in the sun at The Picnic Burwood (bye, boring cafe food – they’ve got dishes like a katsu beef sando, kimchi carbonara udon and seafood conchiglie pasta). Hawker-style haven Burwood Chinatown is the place to go for dinner and a wander around the buzzing Night Markets (Thurs-Sun). 

Plan your trip: If you want to see Burwood Chinatown at its exuberant best, come for the Lunar New Year celebrations in February.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Sydney

Leafy, laidback and quietly cool, Linden is one of Joburg’s most charming neighbourhoods. It was once a sleepy, mostly Afrikaans suburb and has since blossomed into a hub where old-school authenticity meets fresh creative energy. Its tree-lined streets are dotted with mid-century homes, now housing artisan bakeries, quirky boutiques, and some of the city’s best coffee spots like The Whippet. Locals gather at Brian Lara Rum Eatery for island-inspired plates, sip flat whites at Yield Coffee Bar, or browse treasures at co-op gift shop Three on Third. With its strong local-first ethos and eco-conscious community spirit, Linden is a foodie and lifestyle destination that feels both charmingly traditional and ultra-cool.

The perfect day: Start with legendary coffee and eggs benedict at Njam Eatery or grab a pastéis de nata at BemBom. Wander Linden’s streets for local boutiques and vintage gems, including Garden on 4th, or browse Linden Lanes for a more curated shopping experience. Grab a laidback lunch at The Fat Zebra, celebrated for its pizzas. In the afternoon, tap into your creative side at The Creatory or join a sip-and-paint session at Joons Art Bar, then cool off with gelato from Fab Café & Gelato. End with a Latin American-inspired dinner at Gaucho, cocktails and live music at Waiting for George, and a night’s stay at 5th Avenue Gooseberry Guest House.

Plan your trip: Time your visit for the Linden Market, a seasonal (quarterly) two-day fair at the Botanical Gardens, where local makers, food stalls, and live music bring the neighbourhood to life.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Johannesburg

First-timers to Shanghai often make a beeline for the Bund, but the city’s best neighbourhood is in the sprawling former French Concession. Populated by century-old lane houses (your humble correspondent herself lives in one), walkable streets, and ample cafés and cute cocktail bars, this historical, residential part of town is packed with fun things to do and great places to eat and drink. Plan ahead and sign up for a tour with the pros if you’re an architecture and history buff – power couple Patrick and Tina of Historic Shanghai have been showcasing the best of the neigbourhood for almost three decades now.

The perfect day: Start your day with a run (or people-watching) at Xiangyang Park or Fuxing Park, then grab a Black Forest Latte at Voyage Coffee (we’re suckers for a skyroof) or some crepes and bakes at Shanghailander (feel free to play the public piano). Check out what’s currently on view at Chinese ceramics gallery Keraforma before scarfing down cheap and cheerful sesame sauce noodles at Zhi Fu Li (知福里) or slices of artisanal tavern-style pizza at Zu. Come evening, it’s time for craft cocktails at Pony Up (concept: horse-racing) and/or Sympathy Angel (photo op: taxidermied animals). Chow down on some streetside shaokao (barbecue) for a quick dinner before schooling yourself on Shanghai subcultures at achingly cool Gen Z nightlife magnet Cedar Kitchen. Rinse, repeat.

Plan your trip: Aim for Mid-Autumn Festival in September or October (but try to avoid the crush of tourists come Golden Week). Autumn is generally a perfect time to be in the neighbourhood for appreciating the swaying shadows of the pretty plane trees on the pavements, and many a Chinese bakery will be hawking a beloved local delicacy: xian rou yue bing (鲜肉月饼) or ‘meatball mooncakes’.

👖 Discover Shanghai’s best vintage shops

Dating back to the sixteenth century, the Spanish Quarter was built during Spanish rule and soon became a refuge for working-class Neapolitans. A grid of narrow streets, towering buildings and freshly spun laundry dangling in the sun, this animated neighbourhood is bursting with life – and is, at its heart, quintessentially Neapolitan. It’s one of the city’s most exciting cultural hotspots, where family-run trattorias sit side-by-side with new art spaces and quaint wine bars. Don’t miss the scenic route along Pedamentina di San Martino, which overlooks the quarter, before you kickstart your Neapolitan adventure. 

The perfect day: Start the morning as most Neapolitans do with an espresso and sfogliatella from Bar Mastracchio. After your caffeine fix, wander the quarter’s cramped corners for a taste of everyday life. Visit the Maradona Murales and Casa Cometa, Terry Di Renzo’s creative studio for a hand-made souvenir. For lunch, head to Santa Maradona for pizza, or for Neapolitan classics with a bistrot twist, try CU.QU./cucinadiquartiere. Spend the afternoon strolling the seafront of Santa Lucia before an open-air aperitivo at Puteca Wine Bar. Dine at Osteria della Mattonella before calling it a night at Hotel San Francesco al Monte. 

Plan your trip: This October, don’t miss EDIT Napoli, the city’s very own international design fair. This edition offers the chance to visit La Santissima, a former military hospital recently reopened as an urban community hub after thirty years. 

📍 Discover Time Out’s guide to the best Naples neighbourhoods

Bencoolen has always been a little bit of everything: part heritage haunt, part arts quarter, part student stomping ground. Once known for its backpacker hostels and budget eats, the neighbourhood has quietly levelled up without losing its scrappy charm. Today, Bencoolen buzzes with youthful energy, thanks to nearby arts schools like NAFA and LASALLE, indie theatres and galleries like Stamford Arts Centre and Objectifs, and a charming mix of board game cafés, massage parlours, and karaoke studios (a national pastime for many locals). This neighbourhood rewards the curious – many of its gems are hidden behind the unassuming facades of old ‘nostalgia malls’. Case in point: the treasure trove that is Fortune Centre, a hotspot for traditional vegan and vegetarian eats, but also fresh dining spots that mix old-school flavours with new-gen flair. Over at Waterloo Centre, risograph printing studio Knuckles & Notch sits atop Kyoto specialty coffee spot Kurasu. 

The perfect day: Starting from Bencoolen MRT, take a stroll along Bencoolen Street’s shaded promenade, dotted with quirky benches and public art. Pop into NAFA, where you can join art classes like acrylic pour experiences, air plant workshops, and cyanotype printing (make sure to book ahead). Fuel up with a fragrant, nutritious bowl of Hakka thunder tea rice from Living Wholesome, then visit photography museum Objectifs, or unwind at mega board game café The Mind Café. If that doesn’t take up the rest of your day, you could head to Fortune Centre to poke around old-school shops, before heading to cosy Paraphrase for grilled eats. Laut has some of the best cocktails showcasing vibrant Southeast Asian flavours – end the night here or do as the Singaporeans do and sing the night away at Cash Studio. 

Plan your trip: In August and September, the Singapore Night Festival illuminates the streets of Bencoolen and the wider Bras Basah.Bugis arts and culture precinct with vibrant installations, dazzling projection mapping artworks, immersive experiences and food festivals. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Singapore

Historically known as a fishing spot, Endoume today attracts all of Marseille – plus an influx of Parisians during the summer – keen to hang out and explore the area’s steep little streets, trendy shops and Provençal manor houses. The neighbourhood’s little harbours, including Malmousque (said to have been born of Zeus’s anger at Hercules, who smashed the rocks with stones to drive the Ionians away from the Marseille coast), are now protected sites. Between staircases, the view opens up to breathtaking panoramas, stretching all the way to the Vallon des Auffes, a colourful port nestled beneath a striking three-arch bridge, built in 1863. From the Malmousque inlet to the Fausse-Monnaie cove, a dozen little creeks and swimming spots shape this stretch of coastline in the heart of the city, where flip-flops and restaurants coexist, and where you can grab a bite between dips in the sea.

The perfect day: Start on Rue d’Endoume with a pastry by Sophie Lovergne at Encore un morceau, then fill your basket at Moutchou to prepare a picnic by the water. Once you’ve reached the Corniche Kennedy, pick up a few saline whites at the natural wine shop Mademoiselle Wine, which pair perfectly with cheeses from La Meulerie, recognisable by its bright yellow façade. Enjoy it all on the rocks of the Fausse-Monnaie cove, just below Le Petit Nice, the 3-star hotel and restaurant run by chef Gérald Passedat. After a sun-soaked nap, wrap up the day at the Vallon des Auffes, making sure to grab the legendary ‘moit-moit’ pizza from L’Eau à la bouche, topped half with anchovies and half with cheese. Or opt instead for fresh seafood from Poissonnerie Kennedy.

Plan your visit: It’s best to avoid the peak summer season: Endoume is best discovered in June or September, when the crowds subside. 

📍 Discover Time Out’s guide to the best Marseille neighbourhoods

The ever-evolving Plateau-Mont-Royal is Montréal’s epicentre for block parties, cosy cafés, intimate izakayas and an unbeatable late-night buzz. It’s a magnet for artists, musicians and even former prime ministers – Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry were recently spotted hopping from bar (Taverne Atlantique) to table (Le Violon) here. From May to September, the Plateau’s car-free streets turn into a runway for the cool crowd. Year-round, wander past centuries-old churches reimagined as start-ups, catch free theatre-in-the-park, pop into vintage boutiques and snack your way through a mix of beloved Montréal food institutions and buzzy new hotspots spilling onto the sidewalks – including one of Canada’s hottest new sushi joints.

The perfect day: Kick off with a Freddo matcha from Café Alphabet and a glazed donut from Bernie Beigne, before browsing the shelves at Librairie Drawn & Quarterly and checking out the beautiful washi paper and stationery at Au Papier Japonais. Lunch is a picnic of Montreal bagels and smoked meat in Parc La Fontaine. Come evening, sip on a pornstar martini with a side of ceviche at Rouge Gorge (or order champagne and caviar at Molenne) before watching something fabulous at Théâtre Rialto, the Beaux-Arts-style architectural gem, or Mtelus. And end the night at retro-diner Chez Ma Tante for a taste of Quebec’s iconic poutine. 

Plan your trip: The international 10-day street art festival MURAL (held every June) turns the whole borough into an open-air art gallery, complete with street parties and DJ sets. If you can’t make the main event, the art stays up year-round, so anytime is a good time to go mural hunting in Montreal. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Montreal

It may be one of Dublin’s oldest neighbourhoods, but alongside medieval remnants and terraced houses, the Liberties is home to some of the hottest spots in town – from Argentinian bakeries (hello, Bakeology) to classic pubs. This past year, the Liberties Festival went from strength to strength, holding events like sunrise yoga in the panoramic Gravity Bar of the Guinness Storehouse. The neighbourhood has also seen some cool new additions pop up, like Change Clothes, the fashion swap and upcycling store, plus Bold Boy bakery and Cleo Prickett Studio for slick contemporary tailoring. Plus, CitizenM chose the Liberties as the location for its first Irish hotel, and the punkiest Michelin-star spot in Ireland, Variety Jones, has just reopened in a brand-new space. What more could you want? 

The perfect day: Wake up in the new Citizen M, then stroll through the gardens at St Patrick’s Cathedral and pop into Marsh’s Library to say hello to its resident ghost. Head to Two Pups for a coffee and a za’atar, feta and hot honey pastry, then wander up Francis Street to check out the antique shops, the guitars in Some Neck and vintage lingerie in Space Out Sister. If you’ve nabbed a reservation, grab dinner in Variety Jones, or get a killer pizza in Coke Lane at Lucky’s.  

Plan your trip: For the Liberties Festival in July. If you can’t make that, aim to be in the neighbourhood for the Dublin Flea Market, usually held on the last weekend of the month.

📍 Discover the best Dublin neighbourhoods

It may be located right on the fringe of the CBD, but the charming, village-style vibe of North Melbourne makes it feel a world away. The area was originally named Hotham, and was actually one of the first towns in the state to be granted municipal status. The beating heart of this buzzy ’burb is Errol Street – a wide café and bar-lined strip boasting historic Victorian-era shopfronts. There’s a strong sense of community here, and half of North Melbourne’s residents were born overseas. This is reflected in the diverse spread of cuisines on offer: Manzé is Melbourne’s very first Mauritian wine bar; you can get North African vegetarian fare at Moroccan Soup Bar; and Le Bajo Milkbar does fluffy ’gram-worthy Japanese baked goods. It’s also home to a thriving cultural scene – check out Gallerysmith, Arts House or the Meat Market to get your fix.

The perfect day: If the sun is shining, grab a coffee and sweet treat from Bread Club or Auction Rooms and settle in for a spot of people-watching on the nature strip running through the middle of Errol Street. Go crate digging at Heartland Records, before wandering through the stalls at the Queen Victoria Market. For dinner, head to the Courthouse Hotel for British-inspired pub fare, then finish with a nightcap at Bear’s Wine Bar or Prudence.

Plan your trip: The Queen Victoria Summer Night Market is a must-do – it takes place every Wednesday night from November to March, and features street food, live music and plenty of shopping.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Melbourne

A neighbourhood with a viceregal history and a favourite of writers like Carlos Monsiváis, Portales is now a hotspot for young people, couples and anyone looking to escape sky-high rents and Mexico City’s hustle. The neighbourhood was once home to the first cinemas in the city, and still keeps its bohemian vibe alive through furniture bazaars, antique flea markets, picturesque parks and organic food stands. It's a family-oriented area, located in one of the safest boroughs in the city. You'll find classic family-run diners and coffee shops here as well as several parks, the most famous of which is Parque de los Venados. It even has a planetarium open on weekends and an outdoor theatre.

The perfect day: Start your day with a pour-over coffee at Room Café Especial. Next, check out the electric trains at the Museo del Transporte and then head to Tierra Adentro, a restaurant with a social mission and delicious food – be sure to order the meatballs. Afterwards, visit one of the oldest pulquerías, La Paloma Azul, and try an oat-flavored curado. Later, catch an afternoon of dancing at the California Dancing Club and don't forget to hunt for a vintage treasure at the flea market.

Plan your trip: On August 20, the Battle of Churubusco is commemorated. Historical horseback rides, civic ceremonies, and cultural activities are held at the Museo de las Intervenciones.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Mexico City

Set against suburban streets and buzzy Geary Avenue (long home to industrial factories and autobody shops), Davenport is a hip area peppered with lively patios, bakery-cafés and cultural warehouse spaces. It’s a magnet for creative types and anchored by one of Toronto’s best new restaurants, General Public (we challenge you to have just one malt powder-dusted french fry served with beef fat mayo). The cool crowd flocks to the area for craft breweries, underground nightlife, sustainable butchers and Famiglia Baldassarre’s next-level noodles. The neighbourhood is also fast becoming a hub for art and design, home to spots like Casson Hardware – known for spotlighting female makers – alongside the Black-owned creative space All Ours Studios and Uma Nota Culture’s Geary Art Crawl.

The perfect day: Fuel up with a creamy matcha latte and savoury cheddar-chive scone at Balzac’s Powerhouse, set inside the historic Canada Foundry Company Powerhouse, before popping into the Cardinal Gallery, dedicated to fine art photography. Dig into a spicy eggplant sandwich at Amelia’s Market for lunch, or a mind-blowing falafel at Parallel Brothers, before hitting Paradise Grapevine’s Space Cowboy ‘darty’ (a frosé slushie machine and mechanical bull daytime party). End the night with a slice from North of Brooklyn Pizza before (or after) hitting Standard Time for epic music into the wee hours.

Plan your trip: Tap into Davenport’s brewery scene and hit up Blood Brothers Brewery for an ice-cold brew in the summer, located inside a renovated hundred-year-old horse stable. (Bonus stop: The Greater Good, for pinball machines and a mini-arcade).

📍 Discover Toronto’s best attractions

Like much of Miami, Little River is in the middle of a boom – so much so that we’ve crowned it Miami’s coolest neighborhood for the second year in a row. Just north of Wynwood’s street art sprawl and the Design District’s lavish scene, Little River is gritty, utilitarian and full of raw character (and lower rents) that creative types and locals can’t resist. Old mechanic shops now share walls with Michelin-starred restaurants and tricked-out gyms, while blank facades conceal the next hot opening. Catch your new favorite band at ZeyZey, snag Miami’s best breakfast burrito at Adrian’s West Coast Burritos' Saturday pop-up outside Imperial Moto coffee, and surround yourself with vintage at Artpie – the unassuming French café whose je ne sais quoi perfectly captures Little River’s IYKYK cool.

The perfect day: Get a good sweat in at Legacy, one of Miami’s most state-of-the-art gyms, packed with perks from a post-interval cold plunge to on-site physical therapy and even a quiet co-working nook. Then treat yourself to a fresh arrangement from Rose Coloured, the buzzed-about floral studio known for its wildly unique blooms. For lunch, grab a slice at Bar Bucce, the Macchialina crew’s adorable pizza shop and market serving inventive pies (shrimp pizza, anyone?) and high-quality Italian wines. Speaking of, Little River is home to Sunny’s – Miami’s best restaurant and exactly where you’ll want to be when the clock strikes 5. The martinis? Excellent. The pasta? Perfect. The tropi-glam aesthetic? Downright seductive. Cap it off by sauntering to a cosy nearby Airbnb and sleeping off the carbs.

Plan your trip: Two words: Art Basel. The South Beach mega-fair kicks off Miami Art Week in December with a crush of parties, gallery openings and can’t-miss exhibitions. We're especially excited to see what Little River’s rising gallery scene – Primary, Nina Johnson, homework and more – has up its sleeve this year.

📍 Check out Time Out’s full Little River area guide

It might be just south of the shiny skyscrapers and designer malls of Jakarta’s CBD (SCBD), but Kemang is refreshingly chilled-out. There’s a creative, bohemian feel here, with an impressive collection of art galleries, design stores and indie boutiques. Foodies flock to Jalan Kemang Raya and Jalan Bangka where numerous street food stalls line the pavements come sundown. Neighbouring SCBD may be the city’s party hub, but Kemang’s speakeasies and casual bars offer a decidedly more down-to-earth vibe – perfect for whiling the night away.

The perfect day: Start the day with a coffee at Toko Kopi Tuku before heading on an art gallery crawl along Jalan Kemang Raya. Swing by Dia.lo.gue, a contemporary art centre with exhibits, classes and a cosy cafe, before escaping the heat in the air-conditioned Lippo Mall. For more retail therapy, check out design-led stores like Cayenne Home, The Papilion and Elements Concept. Hop between the neighbourhood’s street food stalls for local dishes and wash it down with Indonesian-inspired cocktails at Barchi, before ending the night with live music at 1920 Lounge & Bar.

Plan your trip: Visit in June for the Palang Pintu Festival, an open-air celebration of Betawi (Jakarta) and Indonesian dance, song and food. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Jakarta

Botafogo never stops. Just when you think this buzzing Rio neighbourhood has peaked, fresh bars, restaurants, galleries and cafés pop up in revamped townhouses and old garages. By night, the sidewalks overflow with people and spots like Fala, Macuna, Tão Longe Tão Perto, Polvo and Quartinho are always packed – some even morph into dance floors. By day, it’s all about cool cafés like Dainer and Cirandaia, and laidback brunches. The food scene is top-tier, mixing effortless charm with culinary clout: think casual gems like Miam Miam, Ferro e Farinha, Marchezinho and Lazy, alongside Michelin-starred heavyweights like Lasai and Oteque. 

The perfect day: Start your day with fresh sourdough at The Slow Bakery, then catch contemporary art shows at Athena and Cavalo galleries. For lunch, head to Sult for Brazilian-Italian comfort food, then post up at Chora for a mid-afternoon espresso. Come nightfall, grab a table (or the sidewalk) at Botica, Tero or Chanchada, three bars that keep the music, drinks and good vibes flowing late.

Plan your trip: Carnival might officially be in February, but the pre-Carnival season kicks off as early as January in Rio, and Botafogo will be in the party mood. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Out of all the Hong Kong neighbourhoods tucked in between our looming skyscrapers, Sheung Wan is a firm favourite – and not just because the Time Out Hong Kong office is located here. Sheung Wan provides a condensed taste of Hong Kong’s history and culture just within easy walking distance from Central. A charming garden marks the spot where the British first set foot in the territories and planted down the Union Jack, while tenement houses, traditional homeware shops, and old-school businesses like shoe repairs, metalworking, key cutting, and florists that line these hilly streets showcase the area’s decidedly Chinese heart. From one of the city’s oldest and most famous temples to artsy street murals, Sheung Wan features all the Hong Kong essentials grouped together in an infinitely charming district.

The perfect day: From the stylish capsule hotel Sleeep, head west along Hollywood Road (admiring street art along the way) until you reach Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong’s most important temples. A couple of minutes’ walk away lies the hip Tai Ping Shan precinct, filled with cafes, indie shops, galleries, and restaurants. Head downhill for antiquing on Cat Street while grabbing a midday caffeine jolt at the retro Halfway Coffee. Admire a pre-war historic building on the corner of Queen’s Road Central and Bonham Strand, then head up Possession Street for dinner at the two-Michelin-starred Tate Dining Room (make sure to book ahead). End with a nightcap at Montana, the sister bar of the Best Bar in Asia, Bar Leone.

Plan your trip: See traditional performances on temporary bamboo stages as part of the Hungry Ghost Festival, which usually occurs around August or September each year. 

📍 Check out Time Out’s full Sheung Wan neighbourhood guide

Barranco, Lima’s most walkable neighbourhood, is just south along the coast from the Peruvian capital’s touristy Miraflores. It’s long had a bohemian vibe, famously fantastical murals, world-class art galleries, boutique hotels and hopping bars. And while it’s lost none of its wild roots, the area is now incubating some of the best restaurants in the world. In 2025, Kjolle, just south of the heart of Barranco, came in at #9 in the 50 Best Restaurants in the World for chef Pía León’s revolutionary use of Andean ingredients in dishes that are almost too beautiful to eat. Try one of her recipes that showcases the Andes’ colourful potatoes and flavourful tubers like occa.

The perfect day Wake up at art-filled Hotel B and then walk 15 minutes north to Lima’s Museum of Contemporary Art. After that, head south for lunch at Mérito for chef Juan Luís Martínez’s creative Peruvian-Venezuelan fusion. Stroll a block to the leafy Municipal Park, then down Calle la Ermita for Barranco’s famous murals. Enjoy sunset at Mirador Catalina Recavarren, then walk south for dinner at Kjolle (make sure to book ahead). Finish the night with alfresco drinks under the string lights at Ayahuasca.

Plan your trip Walking around Barranco, located on Peru’s desert coast, is always pleasant, but getting reservations at top restaurants is easier in the less touristy months of November and March.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Peru

Free from the city centre’s gridlock and tourist traps, Mont Kiara is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most desirable postcodes. Here, artisanal bakeries and Pilates studios sit comfortably next to international schools, farmers’ markets and third-wave cafés. Much of the buzz comes from the Jalan Kiara strip: a sleek sprawl of high-rises, home to boutique gyms, bars, restaurants, and the city’s trendiest grocer, QRA. But don’t sleep on neighbouring Hartamas, where you’ll find Ramly burger stalls set up roadside; authentic Kelantanese dishes rarely found in the city at Kantan; and even Backyard, the neighbourhood pub that hasn’t changed in decades. 

The perfect day: Start with breakfast boards and specialty coffee at Kopenhagen Coffee or pastrami melts and pastries at VCR Stacks. Walk it off with a morning hike at Bukit Kiara or a shopping spree at Publika, home to artisanal markets and boutiques. For lunch, fuel up with pad thai at Laai Thai, a low-key neighbourhood favourite. Save stomach space for matcha at Niko Neko, best paired with a flaky pastry from Lachér Patisserie. See what’s on at the Art Gallery and head to Bistro Léa for dinner, a return to form for chef-owner Lau Ka Hong of Atelier Binchotan. Afterwards, sample craft beers and small plates at new-kid-on-the-block Sits. If the night’s not quite over yet, hit up the dancefloor at Kokomo. 

Plan your trip: Art fairs MATRADE and MITEC take place in September and October, while December through February sees Christmas lights, New Year celebrations and the colourful festivities of Chinese New Year.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Clarksville is shaking off its sleepy image. While live-oak-lined streets and multi-million-dollar cottages, along with the culinary institution Jeffrey’s, have been here for decades, local brands and new bars like Howard’s have been inviting more to cross North Lamar. The neighbourhood's transformative history is on display at the Hezekiah-Haskell House, part of its founding as a freed slave community, and the narrative continues to evolve as architects Herzog and de Meuron redefine the area's urbanism with a mixed-use ‘High Street.’ Blending historic facades with modern architecture, it'll be a balancing act of preservation and progress.

The perfect day: Brunch on Jospehine House’s lawn before shopping along West Lynn Street. Stop at local custom surfboard maker Mañana Co, Hawaiian print makers Aloha Marina and beloved outdoorsy Howler Bros Hacienda. Admire the beautiful bungalows on your way to grab a table and a cocktail at Clark’s Oyster Bar. Afterwards, you’re ready for dinner across the way at Asian-fusion Bar Peached, hopefully saving room for its can't-miss Korean shaved ice. At the end of the day, give your feet a break and recoup poolside at this Oaxacan-inspired Airbnb. 

Plan your trip: For March: outside SXSW’s two-week excitement, Clarksville serves as a strategic home base for venturing downtown. Plus, local lawns come alive with wildflower blooms. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Austin

When star chef Ádám Garai sought a location for his 2025 gastro venture Monokini Kantin – already a pop-up hit – it had to be Margit-negyed. The transformation of this estuary of the körút, Budapest’s city-wide artery, has been taken up several notches in recent years. Seeing the success of Bartók Béla út on this side of the Danube in Újbuda, the local council are encouraging entrepreneurs to open trendy cafés and cool boutiques to create this gleaming new quarter near Margaret Bridge. Relics of its pre-gentrified past remain: the shoe repair opposite Garai’s Spanish/Japanese fusion kitchen; or the nearby Communist-era Lottery House. This is Budapest as it once was, shoulder-to-shoulder with its future.

The perfect day: Waking up aboard the Grand Jules boat hotel, stroll to Montage for coffee and pastries. After a morning’s niche shopping – secondhand clothes at Maggie’s London, imaginative accessories at Rongybaba, limited-edition prints of American Pop Art at Kolibri Art Studio – have lunch at literary hangout Bookta. Take in an English-friendly film at the age-old Bem Cinema, its bar a timeworn gem, and a preface to underground sounds at ruin bar Manyi.

Plan your trip: From September to July 2026, cultural events organised around Margit-negyed are detailed on its Facebook page. Or you could base yourself here before visiting the brand-new Time Out Market Budapest.

First thing’s first: Glen Park is a good-looking place. Hastily built after the 1906 earthquake, you’ll find turn-of-the-century architecture and Misson-style homes, not to mention lofty views with fog seasonally crawling up the street thick as a blanket. Its highlight is Glen Canyon Park, a rambling, wild green space of 66 acres, with a deep canyon, spring wildflowers, one of the city’s last free-flowing creeks and wildlife including coyotes and deer. Close to areas with more name recognition like Noe Valley and Bernal Heights, Glen Park has its own village-like identity; it’s largely residential, with a tight-knit community and some great shopping and dining. Quietly cool, Glen Park might not be as in-your-face as other San Francisco neighbourhoods, but that’s what gives the place its charm. 

The perfect day: After coffee on the deck overlooking the bay at this Airbnb, grab breakfast at the adorable Glen Park Cafe, then jump on the Greenway – a riparian greenbelt that leads from the retail village to Glen Canyon Park. The ‘Creek to Peaks’ trail takes you to Twin Peaks and back on a moderate 3.7-mile trek. Walk along Chenery Street where you’ll find Bird & Beckett Books and Records, the Cheese Boutique (exactly what it sounds like), the cute gift shop Perch and a handful of restaurants to refuel after your hike – like Manzoni, an Italian spot with a great wine list. Stop for Instagram’s sake at the Burnside Mural, then imbibe at solid dive bar Glen Park Station.

Plan your trip: Try for a third Saturday during the summer months to catch the Glen Park Night Market series with live music & DJs, an artisan market and art-making.

📍 Discover the best things to do in San Francisco

Once a gritty industrial hub, Mina Zayed has now shaken off the dust and reinvented itself as MiZa – the city’s buzziest new neighbourhood. The warehouses that once held cargo are now home to art exhibits, foodie pop-ups and some seriously good coffee. There’s still a bit of grit around the edges, but that’s all part of the charm. Anchored by 421 Arts Campus and The Alley, MiZa has become a magnet for artists, entrepreneurs and anyone chasing a dose of culture after work. And the last few months has seen Barbassi, the sandwich shop from the team behind Marmellata and Mina Creamery (a beloved homegrown ice cream spot), join the neighbourhood’s culinary line-up. New apartments will soon bring even more life to the grid-like streets. It’s an up-and-coming neighbourhood that’s cool, creative and exactly where you want to be right now. 

The perfect day: Start with a flat white at AURO Café, best enjoyed people-watching from the terrace as the district wakes up. Wander into 421 to catch the latest exhibition or workshop, then fuel back up with Barbassi’s stuffed focaccia that’s practically a meal and a half. Browse quirky homegrown finds at Dukkan421 before cooling off with a scoop at Ripple or Mina Creamery. Come sundown, grab smoky brisket at Smokin’ Barrel, then wander through The Alley where you’ll stumble on live music, indie markets and pop-up art.

Plan your trip: Time your visit with The Alley’s monthly pop-ups and you’ll enjoy proper block party vibes with street food and art shows.

📍 Check out Time Out’s full MiZa area guide

Villa Devoto is known as the Garden of Buenos Aires – no wonder, with its tranquil, tree-lined streets, elegant houses, and an all-in-all ridiculously charming atmosphere. At its heart is the leafy Plaza Arenales, a square surrounded by local restaurants that hosts markets and community gatherings. Paseo de las Artes Latinoamericanas (which literally translates to Latin American Arts Walk) displays 17 flowerbeds paying tribute to notable Latin American artists and writers, including Diego Rivera and Pablo Neruda. The area is also rich in football lore, as it was home to Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona for many years (be sure to visit the intersection of Segurola and Habana, where he lived). New avant-garde restaurants like 4TA PARED have recently joined the neighbourhood’s historic bars and restaurants, making this traditional neighbourhood the culinary hotspot du jour.

The perfect day: Start your day like an authentic porteño in Café de García, a historic ‘bar notable’ that has been preserving local traditions since 1927. Stroll Plaza Arenales before brunch at ÁVITO, housed in a former nunnery that has been part of Devoto for 120 years. Grab a sweet treat (we recommend the macarons) at the hyped Betular Patisserie before admiring the magnificently ornate Basílica San Antonio de Padua. Stop by Paseo de las Artes Latinoamericanas, or if you’re feeling active, check out Fantasy Skate, the largest indoor ice rink in South America. If you’re able to snag a table, 4TA PARED serves up a seasonal tasting menu and was recommended by the Michelin Guide in 2024 and 2025. For something more casual, grab a picada with the finest charcuterie in town along with a glass of Malbec at Buche. Finish off with a play at Devoto Theatre.

Plan your trip: The best time to visit is October and November (spring), when mild temperatures, longer days and blooming trees turn the area into the city’s greenest escape.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Buenos Aires

Mehrauli is one of Delhi’s oldest neighbourhoods – the first of the seven ancient cities that eventually became the capital we know today – but don’t mistake it for being stuck in the past. These days, the leafy lanes are buzzing with chic cocktail bars, glossy boutiques and some of the city’s most glamorous hangouts. At its heart is the Qutub Minar, a twelfth-century tower that looms large over the skyline and lights up at sunset. Yet scratch beneath the glitz and you’ll also find everyday Delhi life in full swing: bustling wholesale markets, a lively residential village and even an 18-hole golf course.

The perfect day: Start with brunch at The Grammar Room for eggs with Korean, Turkish and Parsi twists, then tick off the Qutub Minar before the midday sun kicks in. Browse through multi-designer showrooms – Ogaan for something classic or Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop if you’re in the mood to splash out – before escaping into the shaded ruins of Mehrauli Archaeological Park, where more than a hundred monuments are scattered across 200 acres of wilderness. As evening falls, head to Bo Tai and claim a table on the terrace – the view of the illuminated Qutub Minar paired with their signature red curry and a cocktail is hard to beat.

Plan your trip: The best time to explore is on the cusp of winter, when Delhi’s weather is cool enough for outdoor wandering. Visit in autumn to catch Phoolwalon ki Sair, a flower festival that’s been running since the 1800s, where locals make vibrant offerings at both Hindu and Muslim shrines – a uniquely Delhi celebration of unity and tradition.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Delhi

Poblacion – or simply ‘Pob’, as the locals refer to it – was Makati’s original town centre. Its narrow streets and old buildings couldn’t contain the rapid growth the area saw in the ’90s and ’00s, and the business centre has since moved across the river – leaving Poblacion perfectly placed to attract boutique bars, coffee shops, art residences and numerous independent restaurants. Notably, this growth happened organically, rather than as a government initiative, lending a genuine authenticity to the area. The riverside enclave today is a contemporary hub for artists, backpackers and the local cool crowd, with its many late-night street food stalls making it a go-to foodie hangout. In the daytime it’s all slick coffee shops, art displays and shaded strolls with ample shopping opportunities. At night, there’s live music, lively bars and more quality food options than your stomach can ever hope to accommodate. 

The perfect day: There’s no shortage of coffee shops to choose from, but it’s hard to go wrong with Commune, an art deco Poblacion icon with both indoor and shaded rooftop seating. Take a 10-minute stroll to Saint Peter and Paul Parish, a baroque-style church dating back to 1620. Close by, next to the Pasig River, you’ll find Makati Poblacion Park, an oasis of green offering ample opportunities for people-watching. For food, head to El Chupacabra, a casual spot serving a wide variety of tacos, quesadillas, nachos and more. Then it’s time to have some fun at the Fun Roof – home to bright lights, arcade games, and more neon than Flashdance.

Plan your visit: Check out what’s on at Cloudscape Art & Music Space, which features an ever-changing lineup of artists and events. On Sunday mornings, pedestrian-only, traffic-free zones are enforced throughout Makati to make room for markets and some Sunday serenity.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Manila