Time Out unveils its 2026 list of the world’s 40 coolest neighbourhoods

Time Out released its 2026 selection of the planet’s forty most stylish neighbourhoods, aiming to steer visitors toward authentic local scenes. At the top is Jongno 3-ga in Seoul, praised for its mix of cafés, hanok houses and late-night food stalls, while Morocco’s L’Ocean District in Rabat takes second place with its blend of seaside promenades and historic medina charm. The UK’s highest-ranked district is Govanhill in Glasgow, noted for its diverse eateries and cultural venues such as the Tramway theatre.

Other highlighted areas include Osaka’s artist-laden Kitakagaya, Tokyo’s vintage-focused Koenji, and Singapore’s pastel-coloured Jalan Besar. Each neighbourhood description mentions key food spots, markets, galleries or historic sites that define its appeal. The guide suggests that exploring these districts offers a deeper taste of city life than the usual tourist routes.