Time Out has announced the list of the top 40 trendiest neighborhoods worldwide for the year 2023.
Time Out has designated Laureles in Medellín, Colombia as the current Coolest Neighbourhood in the World to explore.
It offers an ‘authentic balance of laid-back vibes alongside some of the best nightlife in the city’ and tops a 40-strong ranking for 2023 designed to showcase neighbourhoods that ‘have the best mix of cutting-edge culture, affordable great food and drink, street life, nightlife and community’.
Grace Beard, the Travel Editor at Time Out, emphasizes that the Time Out Coolest Neighbourhoods of this year have undergone significant changes in recent years, but they have managed to maintain their authentic local character. While new establishments in various areas such as culture, food, and drink have attracted new visitors, the long-standing local businesses like traditional pubs and family-owned greengrocers continue to contribute to the neighborhood’s authenticity. Moreover, these neighborhoods are known for being enjoyable and vibrant, offering a range of activities such as all-night parties, urban fishing, and nighttime bike rides.
The top-ranked spot in America is Mid-City in New Orleans, while in Australia, the Brunswick East neighbourhood in Melbourne reigns supreme. Meanwhile, the UK number one is the Baltic Triangle in Liverpool. Scroll down to see where each neighbourhood ranks – and for the list in full…
12. Cours Julien, Marseille – France
The Cours Julien neighbourhood in Marseille has been ranked 12th overall in Time Out’s list of the coolest neighbourhoods to visit in the world.
Time Out states that Cours Julien, which was a popular spot for graffiti during the early 1990s when hip hop culture emerged in Marseille, remains just as vibrant and lively even after thirty years.
It adds: ‘The cobblestone streets are chock-a-block with vintage boutiques, indie designers, live music venues and eclectic cafés that are popular with the city’s booming creative class.’
Time Out suggests that for an ideal day, one should engage in the activity of observing people at Black Bird Coffee, explore and shop for ‘vintage treasures’ on Rue Trois Mages, search for records at Cave à Vinyle, and enjoy beverages at Verre à Cruise.
11. Baltic Triangle, Liverpool – England
The UK’s top-ranking neighbourhood is the Baltic Triangle in Liverpool. ‘Fifteen years ago, what is now known as the Baltic Triangle was nothing more than a collection of largely abandoned shipping warehouses,’ says Time Out
A mural of Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp in the Baltic Triangle
According to Time Out, the area currently referred to as the Baltic Triangle was once a group of mostly deserted shipping warehouses fifteen years ago. However, due to a significant revitalization effort, it is now home to a thriving community of top-notch restaurateurs, artists, and creatives in the city.
The guide affectionately refers to the area as the Baltic, which is conveniently located within walking distance of Liverpool’s famous Albert Dock.
And it’s the place to experience the ‘city’s younger side,’ it claims, ‘as lots of 20-and-30-somethings call this corner of Liverpool home’. It continues: ‘Skateparks, independent coffee shops and small galleries occupy the space between street art-adorned warehouses. There’s also a budding food scene in the area, including the newly-opened Manifest, which has already been given the nod from Michelin.’
Time Out suggests that the ideal day would involve starting off in one of the boutique bedrooms at The Baltic Hotel and getting a pastry from the nearby Baltic Bakehouse.
10. Tomigaya, Tokyo – Japan
Time Out says that Tokyo’s Tomigaya district, which ranks 10th, offers plenty of ‘trendy cafés and stylish stores’. Above is the area’s Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park
Despite being less than a 15-minute walk away, Tokyo’s Tomigaya district appears to be completely different from the bustling Shibuya Crossing, which is known as the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.
According to Time Out, the district is characterized as having a “more laid-back” atmosphere with a greater presence of local businesses and peaceful residential roads.
The guide states that even though the area may not seem impressive at first glance, there are plenty of fashionable cafes and trendy stores hidden away in the side streets, along with excellent restaurants and local grocery stores.
According to Time Out, the ideal schedule would involve making a stop at Beasty Coffee for their freshly roasted coffee and matcha terrine. After that, it is recommended to have lunch at the family-owned Katsudonya Zuicho and end the day with a cocktail at The Bellwood.
9. Amsterdam-West, Amsterdam – Netherlands
Time Out praises Amsterdam-West, ranked ninth, for its strong focus on the local community.
Time Out describes Amsterdam-West as a neighborhood that has everything, being “hip, cosy and creative” with a special mix of Dutch culture and global vibrancy.
It continues: ‘Bordering the tourist havens of the Jordaan and Museumkwartier, Amsterdam-West remains resolutely local-centric, despite the area being jam-packed with the sort of aesthetic and architectural qualities you regularly associate with Amsterdam.’
According to the guide, visiting Westerpark to enjoy nature and having a delightful brunch at Dignita will create an ideal day.
8. Isola, Milan – Italy
While in eighth-place Isola in Milan, Time Out recommends enjoying a ‘traditional Milanese brioche with an espresso’ at L’Ile Douce pastry shop followed by lunch at Deus Cafe. Above is the area’s Bar Frida
According to Time Out, it is interesting to note that the name Isola, which means island, originated from the district being physically separated from the rest of Milan by a railway line.
It continues: ‘And before the 2015 Expo [a World Expo hosted by Milan, partially in Isola], many people wouldn’t have had a reason to cross that railway line. Seven years and a whole requalification later, Isola is claiming the title of Milan’s coolest district.’
The ‘perfect day’ in Isola starts with a ‘traditional Milanese brioche with an espresso’ at L’Ile Douce pastry shop followed by lunch at Deus Cafe and an afternoon spent ‘exploring artistic tombs and monuments at Cimetero Monumentale’, it adds.
7. Mid-City, New Orleans – U.S
Mid-City, located in New Orleans, is positioned in the middle of the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, currently occupying the seventh position.
The Swirl Wine Bar and Market is located in Mid-City, New Orleans.
According to Time Out, Mid-City is located near the French Quarter of New Orleans and is positioned between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain.
What should you anticipate in the neighborhood? According to the guide, you will encounter artistic communities and vibrant residences in the Bayou St. John vicinity, significant historical sites along Bayou Road, and ancient oak trees in City Park.
According to the guide, the ideal day includes taking a leisurely walk in City Park, enjoying coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde, exploring the New Orleans Museum of Art, and going on a shopping spree at Home Malone, a jewelry and gift shop. The guide also suggests ending the night with dancing and bowling at the famous Rock ‘n Bowl.
6. Brunswick East, Melbourne – Australia
Time Out describes Brunswick East as a rapidly developing area in Melbourne, ranking it sixth overall.
Above is The Beast live music venue and bar in Brunswick East
Time Out declares that it’s time for Brunswick, Fitzroy, and Carlton to step aside. This diverse and progressively trendy neighborhood on the Northside is prepared to break free from its suburban obscurity.
The guide characterizes Brunswick East as a rapidly developing area of Melbourne, and a lively destination for diverse restaurants, live music spots, and cozy bars that will keep drawing you back.
According to Time Out, to have an ideal day, start by enjoying ‘coffee and carbs’ at Wild Life Bakery, then go shopping at Lygon Street Nursery, and end with a delicious meal of ‘the best tacos in the city’ at CDMX.
5. Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Time Out describes Sheung Wan in Hong Kong as a place where hipsters and their pets can be found in trendy cafes, while older generations can be seen exploring lively wet markets and seafood stalls.
According to Time Out, Sheung Wan, which used to be recognized for its coffin shops and funeral services, has transformed into one of the most vibrant districts in Hong Kong.
“It adds that this location in Hong Kong is unique as it combines historic temples, antique stores, and dried seafood stalls with modern art galleries, Melbourne-inspired cafes, trendy boutiques, and contemporary restaurants.”
The guide goes on to say: ‘In trendy cafes, you’ll encounter hipsters and their pets, while older generations can be found exploring lively wet markets and seafood stalls that extend to Sai Ying Pun.’
4. Havnen, Copenhagen – Denmark
Time Out describes Havnen in Copenhagen, pictured, as ‘the place where the city comes to play, whether that’s on boats, floating rafts, paddleboards, kayaks or in its swimming pools’. It’s fourth in the ranking
Time Out says: ‘Copenhagen’s city architect Camilla van Deurs describes Havnen, Copenhagen’s harbour, as the city’s living room – and we can’t disagree. It’s the place where the city comes to play, whether that’s on boats, floating rafts, paddleboards, kayaks or in its swimming pools.’
Looking for tips on how to create an ideal day in the local area? The guide suggests starting your day at Kaj Hotel, a hotel that floats on a houseboat. Then, you can take a stroll to Opera Park through the harbor, have a delightful lunch at La Banchina, and later on, enjoy a refreshing swim in the harbor.
3. Carabanchel, Madrid – Spain
According to Time Out, Carabanchel in Madrid, which is in third place, is described as a vibrant area with fashionable art galleries and innovative creative venues.
Time Out states that Carabanchel, previously recognized as a working-class neighborhood beyond Madrid’s ring road, has now transformed into the contemporary equivalent of Soho within the city.
“It is currently filled with fashionable art galleries and innovative creative venues.”
According to the guide, a perfect day in the region includes starting with a delicious breakfast at Merinas’ cafe, followed by a visit to Sabina Amrani Gallery. Afterward, enjoy a cheese board at La Griferia while discussing the art over a glass of wine.
2. Smithfield, Dublin – Ireland
Smithfield in Dublin, which ranks second is ‘filled with independent bars, vegan-friendly restaurants, artisanal cafés and sourdough pizza shops’
Above is the popular Light House Cinema in Smithfield
Time Out commends Smithfield, the recipient of a silver medal, by stating that it is a neighborhood in Dublin 7 where tradition and activism intersect. The travel site highlights notable establishments in the area, including The Cobblestone, a renowned pub recognized as the hub of traditional Irish music in Dublin. Additionally, Third Space, a social enterprise café, is mentioned for its contribution to the community through serving homemade sausage rolls with bacon jam while improving the overall quality of life in the neighborhood.
According to Time Out, the area is known for its independent bars, vegan-friendly restaurants, artisanal cafés, and sourdough pizza shops. It is described as a must-visit for those who appreciate a simple yet charming post-industrial atmosphere.
Time Out suggests attending the Smithfield Fleadh, a two-day event held on the last weekend of August. The Fleadh features live Irish music, local art, and the opportunity to enjoy summer evening pints.
1. Laureles, Medellin – Colombia
In the trendy neighborhood of Laureles in Medellin, Colombia, you will come across the Estadio Atanasio Girardot, as shown in the picture.
According to Time Out, Laureles is known for being the coolest neighborhood as it is home to the famous La 70 nightlife strip and the Estadio Atanasio Girardot, which is Medellin’s main soccer stadium and concert venue.
The text states that despite the bustling atmosphere, Laureles is known for its relaxed vibe. Beyond La 70, the neighborhood provides a peaceful ambiance with its parks, streets adorned with trees, yoga studios, and numerous coffee shops.
The guide suggests that Laureles maintains its authentic Colombian neighborhood atmosphere, even as it becomes more popular. It mentions that fruit vendors continue to navigate the circular streets with their carts, just as they have done for many years. The guide recommends starting the day with a coffee at Rituales Café, enjoying lunch at Saludpan, and dancing salsa at the unpretentious Tíbiri Bar.
