Time Out magazine recently released their annual ranking of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, with Marseille’s Notre-Dame-du-Mont taking the number one spot. Known for its rebellious spirit, the neighbourhood is filled with graffiti, vintage stores, and live music, making it a trendy and vibrant place to visit. Two other European neighbourhoods, including Stokes Croft and St Paul’s in Bristol, UK, and Príncipe Real in Lisbon, Portugal, also made the top 10 list.
Notre-Dame-du-Mont, located in the diverse and culturally rich city of Marseille, offers a mix of lively restaurants, art galleries, and independent shops. Visitors can enjoy brioche at iconic bakery Pain Pan, browse art at Galerie Charivari, pick up a new book at L’Histoire de l’œil bookshop, and relax with coffee or drinks at local cafes. The neighbourhood is also home to the design-led Mama Shelter hotel, making it a convenient and comfortable place to stay while exploring the area.
Beyond Marseille, Time Out’s list of coolest neighbourhoods includes a range of locations around the world that offer unique cultural experiences and vibrant atmospheres. Zabłocie in Kraków, Poland, impressed with its rejuvenated riverside parks and creative eateries, while Punavuori in Helsinki, Finland, drew comparisons to trendy neighbourhoods in New York and Berlin. In Berlin, Friedrichshain outshone Kreuzberg for its development and maturity, with bustling Belleville in Paris and Strathbungo in Glasgow also making the list.
In the UK, Leyton in London and Strathbungo in Glasgow were highlighted as cool neighbourhoods to visit, while in Dublin, Ireland, Inchicore took the 25th spot on the list. Portugal’s Bonfim neighbourhood in Porto and Hungary’s Palace District in Budapest were also recognized for their unique cultural offerings and community spirit. Each neighbourhood on the list was selected for embodying the best of its city, from nightlife and food to art and community events.
Overall, Time Out’s ranking of the coolest neighbourhoods celebrates a diverse range of locations that offer visitors a unique and vibrant experience. From Marseille’s Notre-Dame-du-Mont to neighbourhoods in Paris, Berlin, and beyond, each location on the list showcases the best of its city’s culture, community spirit, and local offerings. With a mix of hip bakeries, independent bookstores, and creative eateries, these neighbourhoods provide an immersive and unforgettable experience for travellers looking to explore some of the trendiest spots in the world.
