Every year, Time Out releases its eagerly anticipated list of the coolest neighborhoods, and 2024’s ranking doesn’t disappoint.
While cool neighborhoods once meant street art and hidden cafés, today’s hottest spots are all about sustainability, community-driven projects, and cultural authenticity. This year’s list reflects how people want travel experiences that feel real—whether you’re in a gritty, art-filled alleyway or sipping locally roasted coffee surrounded by creative energy. Here’s a look at the neighborhoods that made the cut, who’s likely to fall in love with them, and what happens when they become “too cool.”
What Defines Cool in 2024?
Cool isn’t just about trendy cafés or a hot music scene anymore. In 2024, what makes a neighborhood stand out includes green spaces, eco-friendly initiatives, and authenticity—places that celebrate local culture without trying too hard to impress. It’s about living like a local and finding the soul of a city in the places tourists don’t always think to go.
Notre-Dame-du-Mont, Marseille: The Top Spot
The coolest neighborhood in the world for 2024? Look no further than Notre-Dame-du-Mont in Marseille, France. This spot has earned a reputation for being one of the most rebellious and creative places around. With its graffiti-filled streets, quirky galleries, and vibrant, multicultural vibe, it’s where artists, punks, and free spirits hang out. Perfect for travelers who want to dodge the obvious tourist traps and find something truly authentic, Notre-Dame-du-Mont is all about that local, gritty charm.
Mers Sultan, Casablanca: An Artist’s Secret
Mers Sultan in Casablanca, Morocco, is where young creatives are flocking to avoid the more polished tourist spots. The neighborhood is gritty and real, with a mix of Art Deco and modernist buildings. Here, you’ll find emerging artists hanging out in smoky cafés, rogue graffiti artists working late into the night, and cultural workers quietly pushing the city’s creative boundaries. For travelers who love street art, underground culture, and exploring places before they get Instagram-famous, Mers Sultan is a must-visit.
Pererenan, Bali: The New Canggu
Tourists once packed into Bali’s Canggu, but now the cool crowd is heading to Pererenan, just next door. With its black-sand beaches and chill café scene, this laid-back neighborhood is what Bali was before the hordes of influencers arrived. Travelers who love surfing, quiet warungs, and sunsets on uncrowded beaches will feel right at home in Pererenan. But you better move fast—Pererenan’s growing popularity means it might not stay low-key for long.
Who Will Love These Neighborhoods?
If you’re a backpacker, young creative, or cultural explorer, these neighborhoods are for you. They’re perfect for people who crave authenticity over touristy hotspots and are willing to seek out the local vibe. Whether you’re into street art, eclectic cafés, or finding hidden gems that no one else knows about, these neighborhoods offer a glimpse into the creative heart of a city.
For travelers tired of cookie-cutter experiences and overpriced tourist attractions, these spots are refreshing alternatives. They’re for those who love to wander off the beaten path, hang out with locals, and get a real sense of place.
Will These Neighborhoods Become Too Popular?
Of course, when a neighborhood makes a list like this, it risks losing the very thing that made it cool. As more people flock to these areas, there’s a chance they’ll become overcrowded and gentrified, pushing out the locals who gave the neighborhood its unique flavor.
Notre-Dame-du-Mont and Pererenan could soon follow in the footsteps of places like Grünerløkka in Oslo or Raval in Barcelona, which have seen their popularity drive up prices and make them less accessible to the original communities.
Seongsu-dong, Seoul: Seoul’s Brooklyn
Once a factory district, Seongsu-dong has evolved into Seoul’s answer to Brooklyn. The area is packed with old factories turned into galleries, hip cafés, and boutiques. Perfect for travelers looking for Seoul’s creative energy without the chaos of its busier districts, Seongsu-dong has emerged as a fashion hub with its first Kith flagship store and unique shopping spaces. This neighborhood is ideal for design lovers, fashionistas, and anyone looking to tap into Seoul’s cool, creative vibe.
Kerns, Portland: Small Town Vibes in a Big City
Kerns is a tiny pocket in Portland, Oregon, where small-town charm meets big-city creativity. You’ll find flower-filled gardens, local record shops, and neighborhood markets alongside indie galleries and cozy German pubs. It’s a haven for foodies, art lovers, and anyone who likes to explore without the usual tourist crowds. For those seeking an authentic Portland experience, this is the place to be.
Príncipe Real, Lisbon: Back on Top
After a few years of slipping in popularity, Príncipe Real in Lisbon is back on top as one of the coolest places in Europe. Known for its lush gardens, vibrant art scene, and hip cocktail bars, it’s where Lisbon’s coolest crowd ends up. This neighborhood is perfect for travelers looking for a mix of traditional Portuguese charm with a modern twist, and its small parks and eclectic shops make it an ideal escape from Lisbon’s busier districts.
The Winners: Top Coolest Neighborhoods of 2024
Here’s the list of 2024’s coolest neighborhoods:
- Notre-Dame-du-Mont, Marseille
- Mers Sultan, Casablanca
- Pererenan, Bali
- Seongsu-dong, Seoul
- Kerns, Portland
- Príncipe Real, Lisbon
- Chippendale, Sydney
- Stokes Croft and St Paul’s, Bristol
- Windsor, Melbourne
- Glória, Rio de Janeiro
How These Rankings Affect Local Life
It’s no secret that when a neighborhood makes a list like this, things start to change—fast. While increased tourism brings economic benefits, it can also lead to gentrification. The challenge for neighborhoods like Notre-Dame-du-Mont and Pererenan will be keeping their original vibe intact while adjusting to their newfound fame.
Final Thoughts: Should You Visit?
If you want to explore places before they hit peak popularity, now’s the time. These neighborhoods still have that authentic, creative spirit, but as they gain more attention, they could become the next tourist hubs. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to discover hidden gems and connect with local culture, these neighborhoods are perfect for your next adventure.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Vincent Rivaud.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
