Should we even bother beating around the bush? You know where it is. Time Out’s annual list of the ‘World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods’ has brought together 38 of the hippest, trendiest, down-right coolest areas from around the world – and Stokes Croft & St Paul’s came in sixth.
Chosen by a global network of “editors and experts,” three UK neighbourhoods are on the list. But only Stokes Croft & St Paul’s finished in the top 10. The other two neighbourhoods were Glasgow’s Strathbungo (22) and Leyton in London (24). Meanwhile, Notre Dame du Mont in Marseille (France) was top of the list.
“The neighbourhoods on this year’s list have a lot in common: great places to eat and drink, cutting-edge culture, street life and a thriving community,” says Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out. “But they’re also a distinct reflection of their cities, with each of them offering something special you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Some have only just reached their moment; others have been ‘cool’ for some time and are finding a new groove.”
Everyone’s aware that Stokes Croft is Bristol’s coolest neighbourhood – from the nightclubs to the street art, brunch spots and artisan shops. But it’s nice to see the wider area of St Paul’s get its kudos too. It’s here you’ll find the vital Malcolm X Community Centre, the stylish Artist Residence hotel, and the iconic, biannual St Paul’s Carnival (which feels better than just name-dropping Turbo Island again).
Time Out says of Stokes Croft & St Paul’s: “When you picture Bristol’s youthful, art-filled spirit, you’re imagining Stokes Croft and St Paul’s. Vibrant and ever-evolving, this area is rooted in African-Caribbean culture and community spirit, key to the city’s identity.
“Just five minutes from the city centre, its independent boutiques replace chain stores, and you might even spot a rogue firepit at Turbo Island. With new eateries and venues popping up along its colourful streets, the neighbourhood is now a must-visit—less touristy than Clifton but more lively than Easton, it is Bristol at its most authentic.”
The World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods:
1. Notre Dame du Mont, Marseille, France
2. Mers Sultan, Casablanca, Morocco
3. Pererenan, Bali, Indonesia
4. Seongsu-dong, Seoul, South Korea
5. Kerns, Portland, USA
6. Stokes Croft & St Paul’s, Bristol, UK
7. Chippendale, Sydney, Australia
8. Principe Real, Lisbon, Portugal
9. Glória, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
10. Windsor, Melbourne, Australia
11. Zabłocie, Krakow, Poland
12. Little River, Miami, USA
13. Saint-Henri, Montreal, Canada
14. Punavuori, Helsinki, Finland
15. Gakugeidaigaku, Tokyo, Japan
16. Thao Dienm, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
17. Flatbush, New York, USA
18. Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
19. East City, Cape Town, South Africa
20. Belleville, Paris, France
21. Northbridge, Perth, Australia
22. Strathbungo, Glasgow, UK
23. Chacarita, Buenos Aires, Argentina
24. Leyton, London, UK
25. Inchicore, Dublin, Ireland
26. East Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA
27. Ekkamai, Bangkok, Thailand
28. San Rafael, Mexico City, Mexico
29. Mount Pleasant, Washington DC, USA
30. Bonfim, Porto, Portugal
31. Palace Quarter, Budapest, Hungary
32. Brewerytown, Philadelphia, USA
33. Kowloon City, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
34. Logan Square, Chicago, USA
35. Norwood, Adelaide, Australia
36. Osu, Accra, Ghana
37. Orchard, Singapore, Singapore
38. Union Square, Boston, USA
To see the full list of the world’s 38 coolest neighbourhoods head here.