The Most Amazing Neighborhoods in the World for 2026 According to "Time Out" Magazine

- If you are looking for a destination for your next trip to enjoy a truly unique atmosphere, Time Out magazine has just announced its annual list of the coolest neighborhoods in the world. This year, the neighborhood of "Jongno 3-ga" in the South Korean capital, Seoul, topped the list.

This neighborhood is a vibrant hub for food lovers, and it is no stranger to Time Out's lists (it ranked third in the 2021 list). It is also known for its delicious street food, shops, and independent businesses.

Grace Beard, the travel editor at Time Out, told Afaq News: "Sometimes, neighborhoods that have appeared on the list before maintain their status and even become more wonderful." It has now risen to first place thanks to the increasing options for outdoor dining late into the evening and the proliferation of independent projects and shops.

A perfect day in "Jongno 3-ga" begins with enjoying steamed bread at "Mil Toast" café, one of the many cafés in the neighborhood, according to Time Out. Myung Kwon, one of the café staff, pointed out that the area is characterized by its rich history and diverse food options, noting that long lines of customers regularly form in the morning in front of the café.

He confirmed: "There are really amazing desserts available in this neighborhood." The neighborhood of "L’Ocean" in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, came in second place on the Time Out list.

This coastal neighborhood includes the luxurious "Four Seasons" hotel, yet it still retains its character represented by independent projects and authentic local culture. Bradford, who moved to the neighborhood earlier this year, told Afaq News that the prevailing "spirit of community" in the area gives it a unique character.

Bradford explained, saying: "I am surrounded by friendly people, authentic Moroccan food, and a passion for football that brings people together." The artistic neighborhood of "Neos Cosmos" in Athens, Greece, ranked third, while the "Chinatown" neighborhood in Los Angeles, USA, came in fourth, making it the highest-ranked American neighborhood on the list.

The "Govanhill" neighborhood in Glasgow, Scotland, appeared at the end of the top five list. Amy Ballinger, a local business owner, describes the neighborhood as "the most welcoming and culturally rich place I have ever lived in."

She confirmed to Afaq News: "It is a great honor for me to be part of the community in Govanhill and to raise my child here." Revitalizing Downtowns Bird noted that unlike previous years, many of the neighborhoods listed this year are located in downtown areas.

She said: "Downtowns have regained their vitality thanks to the emergence of new creative spaces, bars, great dining spots, and much more," pointing out that this reflects the positive change compared to the COVID pandemic era when downtowns turned into ghost towns." It is worth noting that the annual list is prepared by a global network of writers and editors who nominate the most wonderful neighborhoods in their cities.