After Montreal’s Rue Wellington topped the annual roundup of the coolest streets in the world a few months back, Time Out has shared their list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, and three Canadian spots have made the cut.
Now that people are travelling more often again, we’re looking for the local experience, from exploring beloved small-town shops to the perfect dreamy café. Luckily, the outlet has put together a list of the coolest neighbourhoods around the globe, using their Time Out Index survey.
“Of course, ‘cool’ is probably the most subjective quality going,” Time Out prefaced. “But the neighbourhoods we’ve featured below are, simply put, incredible places to be right now. They’re areas with accessible, cutting-edge culture and nightlife; brilliant and affordable food and drink; lively street life and big community vibes.”
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What Canadian neighbourhoods are some of the coolest in the world?
The highest-ranked Canadian neighbourhood on the list is Montreal’s Mile End, which was rated number five overall. A local favourite, Mile End has long reigned as the coolest neighbourhood in Montreal. Bustling with artists and indie bands alike, the streets are lined with some of the best restaurants, independent bookstores, flower shops and more.
“It’s a walkable nook that’s home to rival bagel shops, a tea room that transforms into a champagne salon after dark, a skate park that transforms for ‘digital block parties’ (complete with dazzling projection art) and a watering hole that’s transitioned to crudo, croques monsieurs and caviar service,” Time Out explains. “Add a couple of the best brunches in town and a heavy pour of expertly crafted cocktails, and you’ve got one heck of a neighbourhood.”
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Clocking in at number 12 is Toronto’s Dundas West. Citing local favourites like Bernhardt’s, Easy Tiger, Milou and more, you’re sure to find your new favourite bar, shop or restaurant in this popular neighbourhood. Right in between beloved neighbourhoods Trinity Bellwoods and West Queen West, Dundas West boasts a local favourite event – Do West Fest – a 14-block street festival.
Rounding out the list of the coolest Canadian neighbourhoods is Vancouver’s West End, ranked at 25 overall. This trendy neighbourhood is a favourite among Vancouver’s LGBTQ2S+ community. The streets are lined with popular bars, “hole-in-the-wall eats” and the historic Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium.
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While Montreal’s Mile End came pretty close, no Canadian neighbourhoods topped the list – so what neighbourhood took the number one spot?
What is the coolest neighbourhood in the world?
Topping the list is Colonia Americana in Guadalajara, Mexico. Located near the 500-year-old El Centro, Colonia Americana boasts an unbelievable underground art scene, leaning into art deco and neoclassical architecture. From hot spot music venues to eye-catching dive bars, you’re sure to have the time of your life in this underrated neighbourhood.
Rounding out some of the top neighbourhoods in the world are Cais do Sodré in Lisbon, Portugal; Wat Bo Village in Siem Reap, Cambodia; Ridgewood in New York City, USA and as we already mentioned, Montreal’s very own Mile End.
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