‘World’s coolest’ neighborhood for 2026 named by Time Out

Time Out has officially announced its annual round-up of the world’s coolest neighborhoods, with vibrant foodie and cultural hub Jongno 3-ga in Seoul, South Korea, taking the top spot. The list highlights areas where local culture, independent businesses, and community spaces thrive, reflecting a noticeable resurgence in city-center districts following years of post-pandemic recovery.
Grace Beard, Time Out’s travel editor, noted that Jongno 3-ga, which previously ranked third in 2021—earned the number one spot due to its surging popularity for late-evening alfresco dining, independent shops, and indie businesses.
Tourist Anna Barra highlighted the unique blend of atmosphere, saying:“You have a mix of culture and foods and you can taste different foods. It’s a mix of old and new and everything together, it’s very cool.”Time Out recommends kicking off a visit to Jongno 3-ga with fluffy steamed bread at Mil Toast, one of the area’s popular cafes.
 

Cafe employee Myung Guen pointed out the strong draw of the district’s history and food scene, noting the long morning lines that regularly form outside the shop. Second on this year’s global list is L’Ocean District in Rabat, Morocco, celebrated for its coastal atmosphere, historic setting, and local culture.
Neos Kosmos in Athens, Greece, took third place, while Chinatown in Los Angeles ranked fourth as the top-rated US neighborhood. Fifth place went to Govanhill in Glasgow, Scotland. Aimée Ballinger, co-owner of Govanhill’s Burning House Books alongside her partner Benjamin, described the neighborhood as the most welcoming and culturally rich place she has lived.
“I’m so honored to be part of the community in Govanhill, to be raising my kid here and bringing the most challenging, beautiful and inspiring books I can find into our neighborhood,” Ballinger said.Tommy Nicholls, owner of Govanhill’s LGBTQ+ venue Adrian’s, echoed the sentiment, calling the district a rare hub of community and culture.
 

Time Out’s Coolest Neighborhoods for 2026
Jongno 3-ga, Seoul, South Korea
L’Ocean District, Rabat, Morocco
Neos Kosmos, Athens, Greece
Chinatown, Los Angeles, United States
Govanhill, Glasgow, Scotland
Kitakagaya, Osaka, Japan
Chapinero Alto, Bogotá, Colombia
Koenji, Tokyo, Japan
Downtown, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Esquilino, Rome, Italy
Russafa, Valencia, Spain
Tân Định, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
São Bento, Lisbon, Portugal
Talat Noi, Bangkok, Thailand
Slakthusområdet, Stockholm, Sweden
Humayunpur, Delhi, India
Laranjeiras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
West Town, Chicago, United States
Rákóczi tér, Budapest, Hungary
Jalan Besar, Singapore
Crooswijk, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Chacagiales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Bandra West, Mumbai, India
Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, United Kingdom
República, São Paulo, Brazil
Changning, Shanghai, China
Oost, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Financial District, New York, United States
New Farm, Brisbane, Australia
Quartier d’Aligre, Paris, France
Kalk Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
North Hobart, Hobart, Australia
Newington Green, London, United Kingdom
Yulin, Chengdu, China
Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, Canada
Centro Histórico, Lima, Peru
Boavista, Porto, Portugal
Starstreet Precinct, Hong Kong
South Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Distillery District, Lexington, United States