JUST IN: Three Australian neighbourhoods have been named among the world’s 40 coolest for 2026

The wait is over –Time Out’s official list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods is back, and it’s full of surprises (which we love). This year, three Australian suburbs secured spots in the top 40: an artsy waterfront enclave in Brisbane, a hip Hobart strip and a historic Melbourne gem.

Before we reveal exactly where, let’s run you through how we chose the 40 coolest neighbourhoods. Each spot was nominated by an on-the-ground expert from our global network – someone who spends their days exploring the trendiest spots to eat, drink, shop and hang out in their hometown. A panel of Time Out editors then vetted each neighbourhood against a range of criteria, including dining, nightlife, unique local businesses, liveability and community.

Drumroll, please… In 2026, Seoul’s Jongno 3-ga claimed the title of the world’s coolest neighbourhood. Driven by an after-dark revival, this dynamic hub sees narrow alleys packed with pochas (late-night street food stalls), while independent craft workshops, jewellery studios and sophisticated bars line its quiet lanes.

Narrowing in on Australia, Brisbane’s leafy suburb of New Farm took the title of the coolest neighbourhood Down Under – landing 29th globally, just behind New York’s Financial District.

Perched right on the Brisbane River and seamlessly linked to the city by walking and cycling paths, New Farm has it all. The suburb's creative crown jewel is the Brisbane Powerhouse – an avant-garde riverside arts centre hosting 1,250+ performances each year, alongside standout events like the Melt Festival and Night Feast. The food and drink scene buzzes from day to night. You can fuel up at 24/7 café Death Before Decaf or sip sky-high cocktails at the new Ruma Rooftop. When you’re not drinking in the views, explore the bustling weekend Jan Powers Farmers Markets, wander through leafy New Farm Park or stroll along the suspended over-water Riverwalk.

Hobart is having a major moment after being named one of the world’s top ten trending destinations for 2026 – so it comes as no surprise that North Hobart (aka NoHo) landed 32nd on Time Out’s global list. Just a ten-minute walk from the CBD, it strikes the perfect balance between a charming Tassie village and a bustling inner-city hub. The main Elizabeth Street strip packs in everything from hole-in-the-wall cafés like Wide Awake Specialty Coffee to iconic indie venues like the State Cinema and buzzy late-night haunts that stay open until 2am daily, like Bar Wa Izakaya (voted Tassie’s favourite bar for 2026). Add in a contemporary art gallery, dog-friendly parks, retro op shops and boutique stays, and it’s easy to see why NoHo made the cut.

Rounding out the Australian contingent is South Melbourne in 39th place. It may be one of the city’s oldest suburbs, but its cool cred stands the test of time. At its heart lies the legendary South Melbourne Market, which has grown to house more than 150 traders since opening in 1867. The neighbourhood is fast becoming quite the wellness hub, too, with bathing and meditation sanctuaries like EQ,  Else Bathhouse and Soak all opening outposts in the area. But for the truest sense of South Melbourne’s spirit, a wander along the main thoroughfares of Clarendon, Coventry and Cecil Streets – each lined with leafy trees, boutique shops and buzzy hospo venues – should do the trick.

You can explore Time Out’s full list of the coolest neighbourhoods for 2026 here.

The 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world for 2026:

1. Jongno 3-ga, Seoul
2. L’Ocean District, Rabat
3. Neos Kosmos, Athens
4. Chinatown, Los Angeles
5. Govanhill, Glasgow
6. Kitakagaya, Osaka
7. Chapinero Alto, Bogotá
8. Koenji, Tokyo
9. Downtown, St Catharines
10. Esquilino, Rome
11. Russafa, Valencia
12. Tân Định, Ho Chi Minh
13. São Bento, Lisbon
14. Talat Noi, Bangkok
15. Slakthusområdet, Stockholm
16. Humayunpur, Delhi
17. Laranjeiras, Rio de Janeiro
18. West Town, Chicago
19. Rákóczi tér, Budapest
20. Jalan Besar, Singapore
21. Crooswijk, Rotterdam
22. Chacagiales, Buenos Aires
23. Bandra West, Mumbai
24. Cathedral Quarter, Belfast
25. República, São Paulo
26. Changning, Shanghai
27. Oost, Amsterdam
28. Financial District, New York
29. New Farm, Brisbane
30. Quartier d’Aligre, Paris
31. Kalk Bay, Cape Town
32. North Hobart, Hobart
33. Newington Green, London
34. Yulin, Chengdu
35. Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
36. Centro Histórico, Lima
37. Boavista, Porto
38. Starstreet Precinct, Hong Kong
39. South Melbourne, Melbourne
40. Distillery District, Lexington

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