Chiké Frankie Edozien

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

Labone was once a quiet, family-oriented neighbourhood, where everyone knew their neighbour from cradle to grave. It’s still a community-centered place, but its trademark colonial-era bungalows and single-storey houses have recently given way to sky-high ultra-modern apartment complexes with elevators, balconies and rooftop terraces. With that came culture, nightlife and great food and drink, and Labone today is easily one of Accra’s buzziest areas. Ready to take a big bite? Here’s what to see, eat, drink and do in Labone, Accra right now.  Where to eat  You’re spoilt for choice for global dining options here. Head for all-day breakfast at the Rosé Garden, Ethopian food at the exquisite Abbysinia (make sure to grab an outdoor table), and sample local cuisine at Vine and Brasa. There’s also the high-end Bistro 22, Mexican cantina La Borracha and Cupcake Boutique for dessert.  Photograph: La Borracha Where to drink (and dance) Start the pub crawl with after work Happy Hour drinks and Tacos at La Barrocha, a Mexican cantina with impressive sangria and shots. Then continue next door to the Honeysuckle Pub for more specialty cocktails (and very good chicken wings). Shimmy the night away to live music with incredible indigenous bands at Zen Gardens, and on weekends, bring in the morning with a boogie at Twist nightclub, host to some of Accra’s best DJs. Where to get cultured Make the time to go browse the shelves at Vidya Bookstore, where you’ll find everything from contemporary