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(CNN) — It’s one of the best aspects of a holiday – that moment when you discover the side of the city that is clearly more popular with locals than tourists.
Maybe it’s the off-the-beaten-track cafe with the best coffee you’ve ever tasted, the underground bar not signposted on the street above, or the restaurant serving delicious local delicacies you’ve never heard of .
To help you discover more hidden gems on your next city break, global media brand Time Out has released its annual list of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.
Topping the 2022 roundup is the bustling Colonia Americana, located in the western Mexico city of Guadalajara. Time Out says Colonia Americana’s eclectic mix of historic Art Deco mansions and warehouse-based music venues sealed the deal.
“Guadalajara is just emerging as a must-visit — and Colonia Americana is now the place to be,” Time Out Travel Editor James Manning said in a statement. “It’s home to a groundbreaking creative community, a growing number of fantastic dining options and some of the best nightlife in the Western Hemisphere. And the street life is unbeatable.”
The Time Out list is the result of an extensive survey that polled thousands of people from around the world about their favorite spots in their city. Time Out editors also weighed in on their local expertise to create the ultimate guide, highlighting 51 of the coolest neighborhoods in the world. The top 20 are “simply put, incredible places to be right now,” says Time Out.

Cais do Sodré in Lisbon is home to this Instagrammable ‘pink street’.
Pawel Pajor/Adobe Stock
Eclectic Neighborhoods
On the heels of Colonia Americana is Cais do Sodré, Lisbon’s riverfront, which took second place on the list. Long known for its vibrant nightlife, the Portuguese Quarter is now making a name for itself as a foodie hotspot.
“This is the neighborhood where Lisbon’s most promising young chefs are opening new restaurants,” says Time Out, citing Quiosque de São Paul and Tricky’s as top places to drink and dine.
Third on the 2022 roundup is Wat Bo Village, in Siem Reap, Cambodia. According to Time Out, the area around the spectacular Wat Bo Pagoda has taken on a “serious glow” in the past year. Boutique hotels Viroth’s and Treeline Urban Resort are listed as highlights, alongside restaurant Tevy’s Place, which serves delicious organic meals and also works as a social enterprise empowering local women.
The top-rated American neighborhood came in at number four – Ridgewood in New York City. Time Out says the balance of this Queens-located area of new, up-and-coming bars and restaurants, alongside establishments like Rudy’s Bakery confectionary — which opened in 1934 — earned it a spot on its 2022 list.
Meanwhile, Mile End in Montreal, Canada completes Time Out’s top five, described as a “walkable nook” with “some of the city’s best restaurants, independent bookstores, flower shops, butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers.”
Dave Calhoun, Time Out’s Chief Content Officer North America & UK, said the aim of the annual list was to highlight areas that are not “homogenized, business destinations” but that instead “are an independent and welcoming have atmosphere”.
“You may be able to walk across them in half an hour or less, but they are packed with experiences to explore for days,” he said.

Shimokitazawa in Tokyo is better known as ‘Shimokita’.
Wibowo Rusli/Alamy
Time Out’s 10 Coolest Neighborhoods
1. Colonia Americana – Guadalajara, Mexico
2. Cais do Sodre – Lisbon, Portugal
3. Wat Bo Village – Siem Reap, Cambodia
4. Ridgewood – New York City, USA
5. Mile End – Montreal, Canada
6. Barrio Logan – San Diego, USA
7. Shimokitazawa – Tokyo, Japan
8. Cliftonville – Margate, UK
9. Yungay Neighborhood – Santiago, Chile
10. Cours Julien – Marseille, France
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