It's a tragedy that so many travel itineraries take holidaymakers through their most built-up, tourist-approved parts.

To find some of the trendier, cooler parts of a city, one need only look around the corner from the well-trodden visitor track – and follow in the footsteps of in-the-know locals.

The world's coolest neighbourhoods for 2026 have been revealed by experts at Time Out, encompassing hotspots in Asian cities and European gems alike.

From the Seoul winner to graffiti-filled, vibrant regions everywhere from Lisbon to Melbourne, they might not be neighbourhood names you recognise. 

Exploring these areas will give you a flavour of what life is like for locals – and give you a taste of some of the best food and drink money can buy in each city. 

Here's a rundown of the top 40 chic neighbourhoods to visit...

Officially ranked as the coolest neighbourhood on the planet, Jongno 3-ga in Seoul is  a mishmash of cafes, bars, traditional wooden houses known as hanoks and, of course, late-night food stalls.

Pochas, short for pojangmacha, were once cheap tents serving food in the small hours to workers grabbing a bit to eat on their way home – now, they’re filled with trendy youngsters seeking low prices and authentic cuisine. 

For shopping and independent boutiques, head to Seosulla-gil: expect jewellery stores and a more upmarket feel. 

Often overlooked in favour of more touristic destinations such as Marrakech, Morocco's capital is not to be underestimated – and this coastal neighbourhood proves it.

It's a blend of old and new. Palm trees, oceanic views and a promenade create a young, modern beachy ambience, while the nearby medina and Kasbah bring a sense of otherworldly historic charm.

Cool places to eat are abundant, and booklovers should make a stop at The English Bookshop, a slightly chaotic – yet thoroughly brilliant – place to browse paperbacks old and new.

Neos Kosmos is a must-see part of Athens, filled with independent businesses and new restaurants.

Once a blue-collar community, it has been transformed by an influx of art and culture, including contemporary exhibition spaces and a new theatre.

Don't miss the neighbourhood block party, held in October, where you can enjoy booming music of the electronic – and DJ – variety.

Los Angeles is mostly associated with entertainment and its Hollywood attractions – but Chinatown is where it's at.

Food is, of course, a major draw here – from Chinese cuisine to Italian fare and more – and there are plenty of bars to explore. 

Visiting for the Lunar New Year is your best bet to enjoy the parade. Next year, it's scheduled for February 13. 

The highest UK neighbourhood on the list is not in London or Edinburgh, as you might expect – it's in Glasgow.

Govanhill is a residential part of the city that offers excellent delis, curry houses, trendy cafes and plenty of traditional pubs if you're seeking something homely and comforting.

There's lots to do beyond food and drink, too. Tramway theatre hosts films and plays while you can enjoy concerts and football at Hampden Park.

Once a shipbuilding hub, Kitakagaya has morphed into an artist-filled haven a la Shoreditch.

There's no shortage of galleries. Try MASK (Mega Art Storage Kitakagaya) for an industrial feel, Morimura @ Museum for conceptual works and Creative Center Osaka for indie markets and unique art.

Even a walk through the neighbourhood is like a step inside a museum, with graffiti and murals everywhere you look. 

Bohemian and laid-back, Chapinero Alto in Bogotá is home to the city's largest gay community and young, arty residents.

Empanada stands, bakeries, pubs and lots of vegetarian restaurants line the streets – which come to life at night with lots of bars and late-night food and drink spots.

It's set against a mountain backdrop, adding a sense of drama to the relaxed community feel. 

Vintage shops abound in Koenji, Tokyo, one of the Japanese city's coolest hubs.

With a shabby-chic style and lots of clothes and retro stores, you can also find lots of exquisite temples.

Shukuhozan Koenji, a temple dating back to 1555, is one such spot, featuring quiet gardens, a tranquil vibe and a stunning appearance.

Waterfront Downtown in St. Catharines in Canada is filled with local art, vintage shops and farms.

Thanks to a property development boom, it's transformed into a culture and entertainment hub.

Check out the top-tier wineries in the area, too, as well as Montebello Park, with its gorgeous rose garden and pavilion, used for festivals and performances.

Situated right by Rome’s main train station, Esquilino is within easy reach if you're arriving by train into Termini.

Instead of the elaborate hotels and imposing tourist attractions, this quarter is best for budget hotels, traditional restaurants and a community feel.

A 20-minute walk from the Colosseum is the Nuovo Mercato Esquilino. Here, you can pick up traditional cheeses and buy olives by the ladle-load, but you can also get your hands on Indian spices, soy sauce and exotic vegetables. 

Russafa, not quite as polished as Valencia's old town, is filled with cool bars, art studios and the creative vibe that is often synonymous with uber-chic neighbourhoods.

Colourful buildings line the streets, alongside places for brunch, boutique shopping and terraces (which come to life in the evening, in true Spanish style).

'Russafais, without a doubt, the place to be for tardeo (early evening drinks) in Valencia. As the sun begins to set, its terraces fill with life, good music, and an unbeatable atmosphere,' Visit Valencia says.

Tân Định is perhaps best recognised for its Barbie-pink church – but there's more to it than just a single photo opportunity.

The market in Tân Định is a standout attraction, with fresh food, local delicacies and – its best-know feature – a fabric section.

Bánh Xèo 46A, meanwhile, is known for its Vietnamese signature crêpes as well as its chargrilled meat and seafood.

More than just the São Bento Palace, this Lisbon neighbourhood is bursting with culture, from the fado star Amália Rodrigues House-Museum to the Igreja de Jesus church.

Café de São Bento, a popular local steakhouse, has often been ranked as serving the best steak in Lisbon, with its secret sauce.

'First of all, you literally have to ring a doorbell to get inside,' one guest wrote. 'Hello secret society of good taste. Immediate vibe check passed. We did the lunch menu for €29 (£24.80) which honestly feels illegal for how good it is.'

Bangkok thrives on beautiful chaos – and in the creative hub of Talat Noi, there's always an eclectic sense of discovery here.

Famous for its old car parts shops, it's become one of the places locals actually go to. 

A new wave of Thai fine dining is putting elevated spins on the city's legendary street food, and emerging dining districts such as Talat Noi are bringing fresh energy to the capital with their concept-driven eateries, bars and cafés. 

Next up is Slakthusområdet in Stockholm, an already chic enough city as it is.

Previously industrial, it's now an unusual Art Nouveau-style district, filled with restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

It's perhaps best during the summer months, and is often host to Stockholm music festivals and concerts.

With more than 50 spots for dining, and both Indian and international cuisine, Humayunpur has risen in the ranks to become one of India's coolest spots.

It has long been a student hub, and is filled with the likes of tattoo studios and K-pop merchandise shops.

Humayun’s Tomb is the 16th-century, Persian-style complex that inspired the Taj Mahal in Agra – well worth a look.

One of Rio's oldest neighbourhoods, Laranjeiras was established during the 17th century.

With a community feel, the hub is great for exploring local foods and goods, from fruit and vegetables to handicrafts.

Attractions here include the Palácio Guanabara, the seat of the state government, the Palácio Laranjeiras, the official residence of the state governor and the Fluminense Football Club HQ.

Chicago's inclusion on this list is hardly a surprise, but West Town is one of the highest-ranked US neighbourhoods by Time Out. 

International influences are everywhere you look here – you'll find Filipino restaurants, American diners and the Polish Museum of America all within one neighbourhood.

'This cultural melting pot is known for its eclectic, artsy vibe. It’s one of the city’s up-and-coming hot spots, where you can uncover laidback taprooms, unique museums, old-school vintage shops, Michelin-star restaurants, and tons of cool art - both in the galleries and on the streets,' according to Choose Chicago. 

Next up in the list is Rákóczi tér, located near the Palace District in Budapest.

The 19th-century market hall is a key attraction here –  described by visitors as 'non-touristy', 'lovely' and, as one guest said, filled with both 'authentic traditional Hungarian food... [and] new Ramen and Korea Street food options'.

It's also home to the popular Rákóczi Square, one of the city's greenest spots.

Singapore might feel too 'perfect' and built-up to be cool – but that doesn't apply to Jalan Besar.

The major road is filled with homes in a range of pastel shades, from pink to blue and yellow, giving it an old-world charm.

The neighbourhood is also home to Jalan Besar Stadium, the birthplace of Singapore football.