If you’re the type that travels for glitz or simply want an idyllic modern setting with up-to-standard amenities then our list of coolest neighborhoods will rock your world. If neighborhoods were celebrities, these ones would be on the cover of every magazine, collecting awards, and attending the trendiest parties.
From laid-back corners of the world where everything feels effortlessly cool to bustling districts that are the beating hearts of their cities, here’s a look at the coolest neighborhoods in the world.
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1. Notre-Dame-du-Mont, France
Once the epitome of picturesque charm in the Vauban district, Marseille’s cool crowd has now flocked to the rebellious, free-spirited heart of Notre-Dame-du-Mont. Named after the church that anchors it, this area is a far cry from holiness—characterized by vibrant cul-de-sacs, graffiti-splashed alleyways, and streets shaded by plane trees.
From the twisting staircases descending from Cours Julien, the neighborhood pulses with a bohemian energy. Here, you’ll find new arrivals from Paris mingling with locals: punks with their dogs, women in colorful robes, and weathered sailors enjoying a cold 8.6 beer on sun-drenched terraces along Rue de Lodi.
Once known as the artists’ quarter, Notre-Dame-du-Mont now exudes a relaxed, jovial vibe, with a mix of galleries, lively eateries, chic shops, and hidden gems behind pizza trucks.
2. Mers Sultan, Morocco
Just south of Casablanca’s bustling Centre Ville, Mers Sultan is a concrete labyrinth of narrow streets where art deco, art nouveau, and modernist buildings coexist. Far from the polished, trendy spots that dot the city, Mers Sultan has emerged as the neighborhood of choice for Casablanca’s young artists and culture-sector workers.
Its charm lies in its authenticity, where the pace of life is slower and the streets are filled with the scent of unpretentious, mouth-watering food from hole-in-the-wall eateries. Here, you can hunt for hidden treasures in bouquinistes or sip a traditional nous nous (half espresso, half milk) in a café buzzing with a mix of old men and emerging creatives.
You’ll find EDM artists, rogue graffiti sprayers, and young filmmakers all blending their worlds in a haze of cigarette smoke. For those with an eye for design, the neighborhood’s surreal, futuristic architecture from the ’60s and ’70s offers a visual feast.
3. Pererenan, Indonesia
While Canggu may be overrun by tourists, those in the know are flocking to Pererenan for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This hidden gem offers a refreshing return to the laid-back Bali vibe before it became a tourist hotspot.
With pristine black-sand beaches, cozy cafés, and eclectic shops, Pererenan exudes a tranquil coolness, free from the noise and traffic of its more famous neighbour. Surfers and beach bums can catch waves under the sun, while those in search of serenity can unwind at warungs nestled against lush rice terraces in the north.
The food scene is also heating up, with exciting new spots like Seminyak-born Kilo Kitchen and the sustainable Japanese-Indonesian dining experience Bokashi. Pererenan’s charm remains undeniably low-key, but with the growing buzz, it might not stay this way for long—so don’t wait to discover it.
4. Seongsu-dong, South Korea
Seongsu-dong, once a bustling industrial hub for Seoul’s leather, printing, and shoemaking industries, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Known as Seoul’s answer to Brooklyn, the neighborhood now boasts a vibrant mix of red-brick warehouses, old factories, and shipping containers.
These have been repurposed into trendy cafés, chic boutiques, and galleries. This evolution has solidified Seongsu-dong’s place as a fashion-forward district, with the recent openings of Kith’s first Korean flagship store and Musinsa Store Seongsu @ Daerim Warehouse.
5. Kerns, USA
Kerns may be nestled within one of the West Coast’s major cities, but it feels like a perfectly-formed small town with its tree-lined streets and charming homes. Surrounded by residential areas filled with craftsman houses, Spanish-style apartments, and lush gardens, Kerns’ heart beats along Northeast 28th Avenue.
Here, a mix of one- and two-story brick buildings host some of the neighborhood’s most beloved spots. These include the iconic Music Millennium record store, the cozy German restaurant Stammtisch, and the nostalgic Laurelhurst Theater, a favorite for film buffs.
Just south of the avenue, Laurelhurst Park offers a peaceful retreat with outdoor movies, comedy nights, and music events. Locals stock up on picnic supplies from nearby gems like Olympia Provisions, Cowbell Creamery, and Providore Fine Foods. It’s a neighborhood where small-town charm meets big-city vibrancy, perfect for slow afternoons and lively evenings alike.
6. Chippendale, Australia
Found on the edge of Sydney’s CBD, Chippendale has quietly transformed from an under-the-radar area into a vibrant, community-focused neighborhood. While many were busy sipping negronis in nearby Surry Hills, ‘Chippo’ was organically evolving into a hotspot for diverse experiences. Alongside standout restaurants like Ester, the area offers a range of activities, from concerts at Phoenix to quirky art galleries and a gamers’ haven at Fortress.
The ever-buzzing Asian food market and pubs that champion live music and comedy add to the lively atmosphere. Little public parks and a weekly farmers’ market give it a village-like charm, appealing to both residents and the students from the two universities that sandwich this humble yet mighty suburb.
7. Príncipe Real, Portugal
Príncipe Real effortlessly combines classic Lisbon charm with a modern, cosmopolitan edge. Once a more laid-back neighborhood, it’s now the go-to spot for Lisbon’s cognoscenti—whether they’re locals or international transplants. At the heart of the neighborhood lies Praça das Flores, a lively square that transforms come late afternoon when locals and visitors alike fill the terraces and benches.
While gentrification and a growing expat community play a role, the area’s renewed vibrancy can also be attributed to the exciting wave of new businesses. Recently, this has included the opening of artisanal ice cream shop Giola, Mexican restaurant Cantina Flores, cocktail bar Cotovia, and Bar Alimentar.
8. Glória, Brazil
For many years, Glória was primarily known for its historic monuments, heritage sites, and tranquil parks. However, the neighborhood is currently undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to a younger crowd bringing new energy. Construction has resumed on the iconic Hotel Glória, which had been derelict for nearly two decades, and is now making way for a vibrant residential development.
Also, Praia do Flamengo, once a polluted beach, has been revitalized and is now a clean spot for swimming. Glória is also becoming known for its emerging dining scene and affordable nightlife, particularly along Rua Santo Amaro, where the bars draw in a lively crowd.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for that one neighborhood that captures the very essence of cool, these neighborhoods redefine the meaning of “trendsetting.” From street art to stunning food scenes, each of these areas offers something special, something that makes them worthy of being on your travel radar.
