Time Out has released its annual list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods for 2026, with Jongno 3-ga in Seoul, South Korea, taking the top spot.
The list celebrates neighbourhoods known for vibrant local culture, independent businesses, food scenes and community spaces, highlighting the continued revival of urban districts following the pandemic.
According to Time Out travel editor Grace Beard, Jongno 3-ga climbed from third place in 2021 to number one this year, driven by its growing popularity for late-night outdoor dining, independent shops and small businesses.
The Seoul neighbourhood is known for its blend of traditional and modern culture, with visitors drawn to its food, history and lively atmosphere.
Time Out recommends starting a visit with the popular Mil Toast café, known for its fluffy steamed bread. The area’s strong food culture also attracts long queues, particularly in the mornings.
L’Ocean District in Rabat, Morocco, ranked second, followed by Neos Kosmos in Athens, Greece, in third place. Chinatown in Los Angeles was fourth and ranked as the highest U.S. neighbourhood on the list, while Govanhill in Glasgow, Scotland, completed the top five.
Govanhill residents and business owners highlighted the area’s strong sense of community and cultural diversity.
Time Out’s 40 coolest neighbourhoods 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
