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Trump’s Fixation, Invasive Species, World’s Coolest Neighborhood: Catch up on the Day’s Stories
Time Out’s editors said the Seoul district rose on late-night food stalls, craft workshops and bars, ranking first in a 40-neighborhood global list.
Time Out named Seoul's Jongno 3-ga the world's coolest neighbourhood for 2026, topping the global media brand's annual ranking of 40 locations. The list highlights areas currently shaping city life through culture, nightlife, and community.
Rising from third place in 2021, Jongno 3-ga earned the top ranking due to a surge in late-evening alfresco dining, indie businesses, and craft shops. The district blends historic charm with new energy.
L'Ocean District in Rabat ranks second, followed by Neos Kosmos in Athens, Chinatown in Los Angeles, and Govanhill in Glasgow. Editors assessed each for food, drink, nightlife, culture, and community livability.
Travel Editor Grace Beard noted many featured locations are central and downtown-based, marking a shift from the COVID-era of city centre ghost towns. These areas have been "reawakened" with creative spaces, bars, and dining.
Spanning 40 cities across 26 countries, the guide identifies unmissable destinations for city breaks over the next 12 months. Local editors nominated each location based on on-the-ground knowledge of current trends.