Asia is home to some of the coolest cities in the world. From Tokyo to Manila, our urban centres are buzzing with hot new dining spots, flourishing culture, and incredible nightlife. And within these cities? Little pockets where all that edginess and energy is condensed.
Every year, Time Out releases its ranking of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world. These spots capture the soul of their cities while maintaining a unique and irresistible character that keeps people coming back. With the expertise of our on-the-ground writers and contributers, we've named 11 Asian neighbourhoods in this year's list – with one from our backyard even named the coolest in the world.
That neighbourhood is none other than Jimbōchō, Tokyo. This neighbourhood is for those with a bookish, intellectual bent – there are at least 130 secondhand bookstores stocked with rare vintage books and indie zines, and old-school coffeeshops like Sabor where you can sit down to peruse your literary finds. Looking for a cultured nightcap? Head to Yon, an art gallery and listening bar.
Mullae-dong, Seoul is Asia's second coolest neighbourhood, and the sixth coolest in the world. The former centre of Seoul's steel and metalworking industry, its back alleys today are crammed with eclectic design studios, trendy cafés, and edgy bars. Local expert Jin Serin recommends shopping at Gifthouse Mullae, perfume-making at Memoire, and Hwain for a no-fail combination of wine and pasta.
The next neighbourhood on our list takes us back to Japan, but this time to Osaka. Nakatsu, is a 10-minute walk aways from the city's business and shopping heart, but feels world's away. Think retro shopping streets, whimsical boutiques, and tiny local eateries. Some must-visits include creative hub Kita no Kitanagaya, local supermarket slash diner Goody, and standing bar Japoni.
East Asia surely shines, but Southeast Asia has some equally impressive entries from up-and-coming foodie destination Nguyen Thai Binh in Ho Chi Minh, to rough-around-the-edges Bencoolen in Singapore. Here's the full list of 11 coolest neighbourhoods in Asia – don't forget to check out the global list here.
Time Out's coolest neighbourhoods in Asia:
- Jimbōchō, Tokyo
- Mullae-dong, Seoul
- Nakatsu, Osaka
- Nguyen Thai Binh, Ho Chi Minh
- Former French Concession, Shanghai
- Bencoolen, Singapore
- Kemang, Jakarta
- Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
- Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
- Mehrauli, Delhi
- Poblacion, Metro Manila
Have you heard? This Asian city has ranked as the best destination in Asia for the second year running
Plus: These are the most scenic train journeys in Asia, according to Agoda
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