Time Out’s pick of the world’s 10 most vibrant neighborhoods

This year, many of us have spent more time than we expected in our own local areas.

While lockdowns and safety measures have impacted city centers, local communities in many regions have thrived.

Time Out’s global team, with publications across cities worldwide, has compiled an annual list of the world's 40 most vibrant neighborhoods, gathering insights from over 38,000 locals.

With the motto “It’s cool to be kind,” this year’s focus is on neighborhoods where community spirit is strong, and residents and businesses have come together to thrive in challenging times.

Here’s the countdown of the top 10 neighborhoods.

10. Pilsen, Chicago

With a strong Mexican-American community, Pilsen is a haven for delicious eats, offering everything from huaraches to tortas on almost every street.

Described as “a true melting pot,” Marrickville in Sydney features one of the city’s most diverse food scenes, where you can indulge in world-class Vietnamese dishes along Illawarra Rd, enjoy plant-based pizza at Pizza Madre, and sample craft beers from local breweries.

However, Marrickville isn’t the only neighborhood representing Australian cool – another Aussie spot appears later in the list of top 10.

9. Embajadores, Madrid

Time Out’s editors highlight that Embajadores is Madrid’s most dynamic and diverse neighborhood, encompassing the multicultural Lavapiés area and the historic El Rastro flea market.

Time Out notes that Parisians see this neighborhood as the birthplace of the cocktail bar, urging visitors to explore its winding streets and check out spots like the Little Red Door speakeasy and Bisou (meaning ‘kiss’ in French).

8. Astoria, New York

From the top of Alexandra Park, visitors can enjoy stunning views to the north, including Ben Lomond mountain.

The highest point of Alexandra Park offers panoramic views to the north, including a stunning sight of Ben Lomond mountain.

In recent years, a number of trendy boutique hotels, such as The Paper Factory and The Boro, have opened, offering stylish designs and modern amenities at a more affordable price compared to Brooklyn and Manhattan.

“Redevelopment is progressing slowly,” says Time Out, “but the area’s charming sandstone tenements remain budget-friendly for most.”

Editors highlight the Zero Waste Market, “a grocery store offering refillable food essentials during lockdown,” and Alexandra Park’s Food Forest, “a gathering spot where locals from all walks of life come together to plant and cultivate.”

7. Strasbourg-Saint-Denis, Paris

Not sure where to begin? Time Out’s editors suggest Le Syndicat, a cocktail bar that made it onto the World’s 50 Best list and exclusively serves French spirits.

While traditional lane houses and old-fashioned noodle shops still dot the area, you can now roll over to Riink, an all-day roller skate bar, or sip on natural wines at the relaxed SOiF.

4. Wedding, Berlin

Don’t worry, this neighborhood isn’t about weddings! Wedding is a district in the northwest of Berlin.

While Berlin is famous for its 24-hour nightlife, Wedding’s quiet side streets ensure you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest after a night out at the beer halls.

By day, enjoy the fresh air at Plötzensee lake and the lush greenery of Volkspark Rehberge.

5. Yarraville, Melbourne

Time Out describes Yarraville as “a remarkable mix of food, drink, and things to do.”

Time Out says, “The variety of food, drinks, and activities in Yarraville is truly exceptional.”

Located at the heart of Lagos Lagoon, this central neighborhood is home to cultural landmarks like the Nigerian National Museum and Rele Gallery, which showcases contemporary art.

Skater Belle Hadiwidjaja has been entertaining families in the neighborhood by roller-skating in various costumes during their daily walks, while local resident Lee Smith-Moir brightened up the area with “happy signs” along the walking paths.

2. Shimokitazawa, Tokyo

This Brooklyn neighborhood, known for its Victorian brownstones, was dubbed by Time Out as “New York’s greatest incubator of the future” this year.

During the Black Lives Matter protests, this neighborhood became a central hub, and as the city faced the Covid-19 pandemic, it gave rise to mutual aid groups like Bed-Stuy Strong to support its most vulnerable residents.

3. Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong

In 2018, Dinogo Travel predicted this working-class neighborhood would become “Hong Kong’s new cultural capital,” thanks to its rustic charm drawing creative types, from street artists to coffee makers.

However, this district is also home to some of Hong Kong’s most impoverished communities and was a central battleground during the 2019-2020 protests.

2. Downtown, Los Angeles

“This year marked one of the most painful chapters in L.A.’s recent history,” says Time Out, “and in a city lacking a single central meeting point, Downtown became its heart and soul.”

It was in Downtown that stunned residents gathered to mourn after the tragic death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

It was here that Angelenos gathered to voice their frustrations following the death of George Floyd. “Though it wasn’t without conflict,” Time Out notes, “there was a clear shift towards unity as thousands flooded Downtown’s streets.”

1. Esquerra de l’Eixample, Barcelona

Catalan engineer Ildefons Cerdà is known as a pioneer of urban planning.

Catalan engineer Ildefons Cerdà, a trailblazer in urban planning.

“During Barcelona’s strict lockdown,” Time Out explains, “the courtyards of Esquerra’s apartment blocks became a focal point for the city’s energy—hosting events like the pop-up Hidrogel Sessions, where residents dressed in costumes and held balcony dance parties.”