For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play.
So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.
On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity for ingenuity and fun.
Get ready to debate – these are the 39 coolest neighbourhoods on the planet right now.
26. Davenport, Toronto
The perfect day: Fuel up with a creamy matcha latte and savoury cheddar-chive scone at Balzac’s Powerhouse, set inside the historic Canada Foundry Company Powerhouse, before popping into the Cardinal Gallery, dedicated to fine art photography. Dig into a spicy eggplant sandwich at Amelia’s Market for lunch, or a mind-blowing falafel at Parallel Brothers, before hitting Paradise Grapevine’s Space Cowboy ‘darty’ (a frosé slushie machine and mechanical bull daytime party). End the night with a slice from North of Brooklyn Pizza before (or after) hitting Standard Time for epic music into the wee hours.
Plan your trip: Tap into Davenport’s brewery scene and hit up Blood Brothers Brewery for an ice-cold brew in the summer, located inside a renovated hundred-year-old horse stable. (Bonus stop: The Greater Good, for pinball machines and a mini-arcade).