It?s been a rough few years for the world at large ? but in many ways, a fantastic one for neighbourhoods. Although we haven?t been able to travel the world as freely as we once did, billions of us have been spending more time than ever closer to home. And in many of the world?s greatest cities, the result has been a full-blown neighbourhood renaissance.
It?s true that much-loved local shops, restaurants, bars and creative spaces have, sadly, shuttered for good. But there?s also been a whole wave of new businesses opening, driven not just by increased footfall outside city centres, but also by the ?great resignation?. City-dwellers have quit their corporate jobs to finally follow their joy, whether it?s opening that corner café or much-needed local LGBTQ+ bar, or just spending more time living slowly and spending more time (and money) in their local area.
At the same time, local officials the world over have been re-establishing their neighbourhoods as places for people. In some cases that?s meant overhauling street space: less driving, more walking, cycling and hanging out. In others, it?s meant tackling problems like overtourism, inequality and air pollution. All of this has led to districts looking very different than they did just a few years ago ? and becoming better places for locals and travellers alike.
RECOMMENDED: The 33 coolest streets in the world
Every year, we canvas thousands of city-dwellers around the world in our Time Out Index survey. As always, this year we asked them (among other things) about the coolest spots in their city right now. And for the fifth year running, we combined their views with expert input from our global network of local editors and writers, to compile our fifth annual ranking of the world?s coolest neighbourhoods.
Of course, ?cool? is probably the most subjective quality going. But the neighbourhoods we?ve featured below are, simply put, incredible places to be right now. They?re areas with accessible, cutting-edge culture and nightlife; brilliant and affordable food and drink; lively street life and big community vibes. They?re distinctive districts that you can walk across in half an hour or less, but could spend a whole day or more exploring. They?re great areas for people to live, visit and stay. They?re places that mix up the best of the old and new schools. Locals love them, and you will too. These are the world?s coolest neighbourhoods right now. Now, let?s get exploring.
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