Every year, the global lifestyle magazine Time Out releases its eagerly anticipated list of the world’s coolest neighborhoods—a celebration of vibrant districts where local culture, independent businesses, and a unique sense of community pulse with life. The 2025 edition, published on September 25 and 26, has once again put the spotlight on a diverse array of urban enclaves, ranging from book-lover paradises in Tokyo to emerging creative hubs in Antwerp. This year, Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood soared to the fifth spot, making headlines as the highest-ranking U.S. entry and cementing its status as a must-visit destination for travelers and locals alike.
Leading the pack is Tokyo’s Jimbōchō, crowned number one for its unmatched collection of around 130 vintage bookstores, a thriving coffee shop scene, and a reputation as a “bibliophile nirvana,” according to CNN Travel. It’s a place where the scent of old paper mingles with the aroma of fresh coffee, and where visitors can lose themselves among stacks of literary treasures. The neighborhood’s charm, as Time Out notes, lies in its seamless blend of culture, culinary delights, and a hard-to-define sense of “nowness”—that feeling of being at the beating heart of something special, right here and right now.
But it’s not just Tokyo basking in the limelight. Antwerp’s Borgerhout district, ranked second, is lauded for its “DIY spirit” and multicultural tapestry. Here, Turkish and Moroccan grocers share the streets with vegan coffee bars, artist-run galleries, and leafy terraces. Despite facing challenges, including a reputation for drug-related crime and anti-social behavior, Borgerhout is recognized by Time Out as the “creative heart” of Antwerp—an area where solidarity, street life, and a spirit of collaboration outweigh the negatives. Local business owners and residents, such as Griet Van Roye of Café Josee, have felt the positive impact of the international recognition. “I was very surprised,” she told VRT, describing how the accolade brought a rush of new customers and a sense of pride to the community. “There’s a lot to do here, and I think it will be even more so in a few years. It’s clearly a neighborhood in development, but it has a lot of potential.”
Brazil’s Barra Funda in São Paulo clinched third place, celebrated for its “undeniably cool and creative vibe” and industrial heritage. The area’s cocktail bars, such as the newly opened Água e Biscoito, are drawing crowds who appreciate Barra Funda’s blend of history and hipness. London’s Camberwell, coming in at fourth, is praised for its “young-at-heart vibe, the independent spirit, the multiculturalism.” Residents like Anna Preston, quoted by CNN Travel, highlight the neighborhood’s arts spaces, bustling cafés, and beloved local haunts like South London Gallery and Lala Books. “We are spoiled for restaurants, cafés and pubs,” Preston said, capturing the essence of a community that’s both lively and welcoming.
And then there’s Avondale, the Chicago neighborhood that’s captured the world’s attention. Ranked fifth globally and standing as the only U.S. neighborhood in the top ten, Avondale’s ascent is remarkable. Just three years ago, it appeared at number 16 on Time Out’s list; now, it’s the American standard-bearer for cool. What’s behind Avondale’s meteoric rise? A potent mix of rapid development, a quirky independent business scene, and a deep-rooted Polish heritage. The neighborhood is home to everything from a horror-themed coffee shop to a retro bowling alley, Avondale Bowl, and an antique mall-themed bar, Consignment Lounge. Its food scene draws from its Eastern European roots, with restaurants like Staropolska and Anelya serving up some of Chicago’s best Polish cuisine.
According to Secret Chicago, Avondale has become a hotspot for entertainment, shopping, and nightlife, drawing crowds to venues like Central Park Bar, Sleeping Village, and Podlasie Club. These spots are known for their vibrant atmospheres—think drinking, dancing, and live music that keep the neighborhood buzzing late into the night. Jeff Wilson, managing partner at Avondale Bowl, expressed his excitement to CNN Travel: “Seeing many of Avondale’s local, small businesses be included in a list with so many other communities around the globe really shows how many amazing things are happening right around us.”
The methodology behind Time Out’s rankings is as eclectic as the neighborhoods themselves. The magazine draws from a global network of editors and writers, who nominate districts based on criteria such as culture, community, livability, food and drink, nightlife, and that elusive sense of “nowness.” As Time Out’s travel editor Grace Beard explained to CNN Travel, “The biggest takeaway from this year’s Time Out ranking is just how much our neighborhoods are shaped by, and for, their local communities.” This year’s list, Beard noted, features both celebrated favorites and under-the-radar gems—places that locals truly love and that deserve recognition beyond their city’s main tourist hubs.
The 2025 edition isn’t just about the top five. The full top ten includes Mullae-dong in Seoul, Ménilmontant in Paris, Nakatsu in Osaka, Vallila in Helsinki, and Labone in Accra—each with its own unique flavor and story. Further down the list, San Francisco’s Glen Park made a notable appearance at number 35. San Francisco Chronicle reports that Glen Park is cherished for its village-like charm, proximity to the wild beauty of Glen Canyon Park, and a rich history dating back to the post-1906 earthquake era. Local landmarks like Bird & Beckett Books and Records, Manzoni restaurant, and Glen Park Station bar are highlighted as must-visit spots, while community events like the third-Saturday Night Market showcase the neighborhood’s artisan spirit and lively street life.
The recognition has sparked pride among residents and business owners across the featured neighborhoods. In Glen Park, Heather World, president of the Glen Park Association, told the Chronicle she’s “proud and honored that sleepy Glen Park made the list,” pointing to the area’s blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. In Borgerhout, longtime residents and newcomers alike see the listing as a validation of the district’s ongoing transformation and cultural vitality. “I’ve seen it change into a trendy neighborhood,” said the owner of restaurant Briquet, adding, “There’s a lot of solidarity.”
For travelers and city dwellers alike, the Time Out rankings offer more than just a checklist of hip places to visit. They’re a window into the soul of cities—a reminder that the coolest neighborhoods are those where local businesses thrive, diverse communities come together, and the everyday feels just a little bit extraordinary. Whether you’re sipping coffee in Jimbōchō, browsing galleries in Borgerhout, or bowling in Avondale, these neighborhoods invite you to experience the world not as a tourist, but as a temporary local—if only for a day.
With each new edition, Time Out’s list doesn’t just reflect trends; it shapes them, inspiring wanderers to seek out the authentic, the unexpected, and the truly cool corners of the globe.
