The world’s coolest neighbourhoods have been unveiled – and three standout British and Irish locations have made the cut.
A comprehensive list by Time Out revealed 30 urban hotspots celebrated for their culture, nightlife, art, food, drink, community spirit and ‘unique local character.’
Neighbourhoods were selected based on a mix of community feel, culture, nightlife, food, street life, and sense of ‘nowness’ – when you’re experiencing something special in the moment.
From homely districts with close-knit communities to former industrial areas turned into creative hubs, the list includes distinctive locations from all spheres of life.
Topping the 2025 list is Jimbōchō in Tokyo, Japan, a haven for book lovers and bohemians alike.
Home to over 130 second-hand bookstores nestled among traditional curry houses and retro coffeeshops, this district remains a gathering place for generations of Tokyo intellectuals.
Taking second place is Borgerhout in Antwerp, Belgium – a multicultural gem known for its vegan coffee spots, artist-led galleries, and leafy terraces.
Rounding out the top three is Barra Funda in São Paulo, Brazil, where industrial warehouses have been transformed into buzzing creative spaces and cult nightlife venues.
Topping the 2025 list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods is Jimbōchō in Tokyo, Japan, a haven for book lovers and bohemians alike
Taking second place is Borgerhout in Antwerp, Belgium – a multicultural gem known for its vegan coffee spots, artist-led galleries, and leafy terraces
Rounding out the top three is Barra Funda in São Paulo, Brazil, where industrial warehouses have been transformed into buzzing creative spaces and cult nightlife venues
Securing an impressive fourth place is the UK’s highest-ranking neighbourhood: Camberwell, in south London.
Long overshadowed by nearby bustling hotspots, Brixton and Peckham, Camberwell is now gaining recognition for its youthful energy, multiculturalism, artistic independence and strong community vibe – all packed into a compact green space.
Ranked fifth is Avondale, Chicago, a working-class hub emerging as an eclectic hub for creatives and foodies, followed by Seoul’s Mullae-dong, which boasts cosy noodle joints, art studios and steel workshops.
In seventh place is Ménilmontant in Paris, known today for its melting pot of immigrant cultures, street musicians, and alternative art, with narrow streets leading to community cafés, gig venues and public parks.
Traquil residential backstreets, dotted with temples, co-working spaces, ramen spots and vintage shops, can be found in Nakatsu, Osaka, which comes in eighth, followed by Helsinki’s art deco, pastel-hued and distinctively Nordic Vallila in ninth.
Rounding out the top 10 is Labone, Accra, a hotspot for artists, expats and entrepeneurs across Ghana’s capital.
Known for its relaxed, leafy vibes, the area is home to trendy wine bars, happy-hour pubs, art galleries and high-end boutiques.
Also representing the UK is Birmingham’s Digbeth, ranking the 13th coolest neighbourhood in the world.
Securing an impressive fourth place is the UK’s highest-ranking neighbourhood: Camberwell, in south London
While not in the UK, Irish capital Dublin also earned a spot in the ranking, with The Liberties coming in at number 23
Also representing the UK is Birmingham’s Digbeth, ranking the 13th coolest neighbourhood in the world
Long known as the city’s creative quarter, Digbeth has been transformed from an industrial zone into a district of street art, film studies and pop-up galleries – and got a further boost after the BBC relocated its Midlands headquarters there in 2026.
While not in the UK, Irish capital Dublin also earned a spot in the ranking, with The Liberties coming in at number 23.
The area is steeped in history yet buzzing with modern life, with locals often spotted at trendy cafés, Argentinian bakeries and traditional pubs.
The final spot on the list of 30 neighbourhoods goes to Sheung Wan in Hong Kong, where the city’s colonial and Chinese heritages merge, with hilly lanes packed with tenement buildings, vintage hardware shops, and hidden gardens.
