These are the world's coolest neighborhoods

[jw5]

Time Out magazine recently published its list of the 40 coolest neighborhoods in the world. For the sixth year running, the magazine surveyed over 12,000 people in this year's shortlist, including city-dwellers and local experts. The best districts were rated based on fun, food, culture, and community. In this gallery you'll find a condensed version of the magazine's coveted list.

 

[jw5]

40 - Cantonments, Accra, Ghana​

A residential area packed with embassies near Kotoka International Airport, Cantonments is where the world meets the rest of the city. Harmoniously combining modernity and a diverse cultural melting pot, this neighborhood defines Accra.​

 

[jw5]

39 - Song Wat, Bangkok, Thailand​

An important trading quarter in the early 1900s, modernization led to its decline, until now. With long-standing businesses and legendary food stalls, hip hostels, chic art galleries, and restaurants, this neighborhood has made a comeback in relevance.​

 

[jw5]

38 - The Annex, Toronto, Canada​

This neighborhood is now finally emerging from years of construction with a fresh new look. Here you'll find cool new retail spaces, more housing, and long-standing favorites like the Hot Docs Cinema.​

 

[jw5]

37 - Dotonbori, Osaka, Japan​

Osaka has long been known as Japan's Kitchen, meaning it's a foodies' paradise. From lip-smacking street food to world-renowned sushi restaurants, you won't go hungry in Dotonbori. Plus, there are plenty of high-end fashion stores and quirky souvenir shops.​

 

[jw5]

36 - Downtown, Montreal, Canada​

Downtown has long been popular for retail therapy and major events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival. With a population of creatives and young professionals, along with some of the best new rooftops, hotels, and restaurants in town, this is the place to be.​

 

[jw5]

35 - Bonifacio Global City, Manila, Philippines​

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is Manila's vibrant food, shopping, and nightlife hub. There are also plenty of cool murals, which you can admire while embarking on a street art tour!​

 

[jw5]

34 - Zhongshan, Taipei, Taiwan​

A bustling mini-metropolis, this neighborhood still retains traces of its colonial heritage, which can be seen in places like the Tsai Jui-Yueh Dance Research Institute and Cafe Monument. Then there's also the food, with endless options of international and local cuisine!​

 

[jw5]

33 - Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand​

One of Auckland's most popular food and shopping areas, Ponsonby was the home of artists and Pacific Peoples in the '60s and '70s, who all contributed to its creative culture. While it's now one of Auckland's most affluent areas, plenty of designers and creators still call this corner of the city home.​

 

[Boonsiong]

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[jw5]

32 - Bebek, Istanbul, Turkey​

With a jaw-dropping view of the Bosphorus, Bebek boasts fantastic restaurants, and cafés and shops, both upscale and old-school. Make sure to visit the lush Bebek Park for the best golden hour views​