While the allure of iconic landmarks is undeniable, there's a certain charm in wandering into an unexpected neighborhood, brimming with cozy coffee shops, enchanting bookstores, and chic eateries. This is the essence of Time Out's latest list of the "world's coolest" neighborhoods—places where you can step into the shoes of a local for a day. These hidden gems may not be the most famous, but they offer a rich tapestry of culture, community spirit, nightlife, and culinary delights.

The 2024 rankings were curated by Time Out's global team of editors and writers, who selected areas with a unique local flavor. Leading the pack is the dynamic Notre-Dame du Mont in Marseille, France, celebrated for its vibrant street art and pulsating nightlife. It's a community where "everyone knows and helps each other," according to Axelle Poittevin and Thomas Benayoun, owners of the local eatery Razzia. "It constantly evolves, with authentic shops and people," they added, expressing their love for the neighborhood.

Razzia is just one of the many gems in Notre-Dame du Mont highlighted by Time Out. Another is Histoire de l’œil, a beloved bookstore that has been a neighborhood staple for nearly two decades. "Our bookshop has witnessed the neighborhood's transformation, and it's been wonderful," said owner Nadia Champesme. "Notre-Dame du Mont is truly a cool place to live and shop."

Marie Dijon, owner of the acclaimed Caterine restaurant, which Time Out praised for its "incredible octopus kebab," shared her childhood memories of the area. "This is where everything happens," she said, noting the cultural diversity that makes Notre-Dame du Mont special.

Balancing the 'Real' and the 'Trendy'

Casablanca's Mers Sultan comes in at a close second, lauded for its arty authenticity. Time Out describes it as a place that's "still real, with no trendy coffee shops or anything trendy in sight." Meanwhile, Pererenan in Bali, Indonesia takes the third spot, with Time Out praising its "pristine beaches, cozy cafés, eclectic shops, and a laidback cool, free from noise and traffic."

The highest-ranking US neighborhood is Kerns in Portland, Oregon, chosen for its small-town charm. The Stokes Croft and St Paul’s neighborhood in Bristol, UK rounds out Time Out's top five, with resident Alex Egge telling CNN Travel that it "sums up the city's distinctive and rebellious identity," highlighting the thrift stores as a neighborhood highlight.

A Return to Cool

Interestingly, Principe Real in Lisbon reappears on the list at number 8, six years after its first appearance in 2018. "There's no rule against a neighborhood appearing multiple times," said Grace Beard, Time Out's travel editor. "This year's list is a mix of surprising, overlooked districts and historically 'cool' neighborhoods experiencing a renaissance. Príncipe Real is a prime example, showing how neighborhoods can adapt and evolve without losing their identity."

Top 10 Coolest Neighborhoods for 2024:

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