Timeout recently released a list of the 38 coolest neighborhoods in the world, with only one neighborhood from Brooklyn making the cut. The list featured mostly international neighborhoods, with one district from the United States making it into the Top 10. Notre-Dame du Mont in Marseille, France, claimed the top spot for its rebellious spirit and laid-back feel, with colorful cul-de-sacs, graffiti-covered alleyways, and more.
New arrivals from Paris have been flocking to Marseille, mingling with punks, women in colorful robes, and salty old sailors sipping beer in Notre-Dame du Mont. The concept of what makes a neighborhood cool is subjective, but Timeout defined hip neighborhoods as those that reflect the best of their cities in terms of culture, community spirit, nightlife, and food and drink. The list was compiled by editors and writers from around the world.
The top five coolest neighborhoods included Mers Sultan in Casablanca, Morocco, Pererenan in Bali, Indonesia, Seongsu-dong in Seoul, South Korea, and Kerns in Portland, Oregon. Mers Sultan was praised for being real and without trendy establishments, preferred by young artists and culture workers. US neighborhoods were sparse on the list, with Kerns being the only one in the top ten, showcasing small-town vibes.
Flatbush in New York City was ranked at No. 17 on the list, noted for its mix of Caribbean cultures. Other US neighborhoods on the list included Little River in Miami, East Hollywood in Los Angeles, Mount Pleasant in Washington D.C., Brewerytown in Philadelphia, Logan Square in Chicago, and Union Square in Somerville, Massachusetts. The list included neighborhoods from around the world, with a mix of historically cool neighborhoods and emerging districts experiencing a renaissance.
The international list of the coolest neighborhoods featured locations from France, Morocco, Indonesia, South Korea, the USA, the UK, Australia, Portugal, Brazil, and Australia. Each neighborhood offered its own unique charm and appeal, with a mix of cultures, arts, and local flavors. Whether it’s the rebellious spirit of Marseille, the laid-back vibe of Bali, or the small-town feel of Portland, these neighborhoods embody the very best of their cities in one vibrant and walkable district.
Overall, the list compiled by Timeout showcased a mix of surprising and overlooked neighborhoods that have gained popularity in recent years along with historically cool neighborhoods experiencing a revival. With the global team of writers and editors contributing their suggestions, the list highlighted neighborhoods that are cooler than the other side of the pillow, offering diverse cultural experiences and vibrant atmospheres.
