It is a valuable gauge for your upcoming travels. Each year, Time Out magazine releases its ranking of the world’s best neighborhoods. Places where locals feel understood, supported by their neighbors and shopkeepers, and where tourists can discover a real sense of authenticity. Time Out’s experts, each in their own country, have compiled the list of the planet’s coolest districts.
The big winner this year is Jongno 3-ga. This district in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, captivated Time Out editors with its narrow lanes and affordable shops. You’ll find small stalls for a quick bite, cafés to linger in all afternoon while enjoying pastries, and shops selling jewellery, clothing or perfumes. According to the publication, autumn is the best season to visit Jongno 3-ga. The gingko trees are then crowned with orange hues.
Rabat earns its moment in Time Out’s ranking
In second place, the Ocean neighborhood in Rabat, Morocco. Time Out particularly appreciates the seafront promenade lined with palm trees. The spot is mainly beloved by locals for the moment, but that is beginning to change slightly, with the installation of large hotels and cultural centers, partly aimed at tourists. In third place sits Neos Kosmos, in Athens. It’s the first European district to appear on the list. It’s best to avoid visiting there in summer.
According to the magazine, the American neighborhood worth a detour is Chinatown, in Los Angeles, in fourth place. The editors applaud its ability to “constantly reinvent itself” while continuing to “honor its history.” A place where you can find both long-standing Asian shops and restaurants and newer, trendy coffee shops. It’s best to visit during the Lunar New Year celebrations to see the parade!
The coolest neighborhood in Paris is in the 12th arrondissement
To see the first, and only, French neighborhood on the list, you have to scroll down to 30th place. There you’ll find the Aligre district in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. The authors of the ranking praise its famous covered market — which has existed since 1779 — its shops and its distinctly familial and welcoming atmosphere.
The full ranking is available on Time Out’s site. It could give you ideas for your next adventure, or perhaps for a weekend in a European city.
