Image via Complex Original
Almost every city in the world has that one area where cool kids congregate. Whether it's the shops, the bars and restaurants, the galleries and museums, or just some unidentifiable vibe that the neighborhood exudes. These are the places that emerge as destinations for unique fashion, style, and culture. The sudden proliferation of street style photography, Tumblr, and Instagram have put many of the world's lesser known 'hoods on global blast over the past couple years.
But it's more than just a fashion sense that make these 'hoods stand out—art, architecture, and a booming subculture scene are all factors that give some places the extra something that make them more stylish than others.
Paris, New York, and Tokyo may be the first places you think of when it comes to style, but it's time to think beyond. We've scoured the planet to identify the style hotbeds of the world. There's no Google Maps for cool guys, but this is the next best thing. Here are The 50 Most Stylish Neighborhoods in the World.
Written by Julian Kimble (@JRK316)
50. Harlem
Location: New York
Map
Notable Businesses: Atmos, Vault, House of Hoops, Amy Ruth's, 67 Orange Street, Make My Cake
It's impossible to walk from east to west on Harlem's famed 125th St. and not notice all of the fashion statements. Originally, Harlem was one of the main hub's for music in New York City, and it's now become known as the home to style star A$AP Rocky and A$AP Mob, G.O.O.D Music's Teyana Taylor, and the always flamboyantly-stylish Cam'ron and his crew, Dipset. With that mix, you're as likely to see Rick Owens on the streets, as you are to see throwback jerseys and Air Force 1s. Recently Harlem has become a checkpoint for sneaker-heads with the opening of stores like Atmos NYC, Vault, and Foot Locker's House of Hoops, which further validates this stylish neighborhood's cred as a standout in the concrete jungle.
49. Gemmayze
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Map
Notable Businesses: The Angry Monkey, Coop D'Etat Rooftop, Concerto
Beirut has a bohemian culture, and it's nestled in Gemmayze, an older area populated with narrow streets and gorgeous buildings from the French era. It's also full of bars and pubs, though there are very few nightclubs in the area, which lets you know it hasn't been heavily commercialized. Still, there's always Concerto, which is one of Beirut's most well-known Arabic nightclubs. Zinc is the best place to hear a good (yet odd) mixture of hip-hop, jazz and pop music, and is a primary destination for young professionals. Most bars are located on Gouraud St., which is particularly narrow because it was created long before the invention of automobiles. Save yourself the trouble and don't drive down it.
48. Dashanzi Art District (798 Art Zone)
Location: Beijing
Map
Notable Businesses: At Café, Long March Space, Time Zone 8, South Silk Road, 798 Space
Housed in 50-year-old decommissioned military facilities, the 798 Art Zone—as it's colloquially known—has since transformed into a place where subversive art thrives and continues to be created. Despite housing many galleries like the Long March Space, there's also plenty of street art to be encountered, much of it riffing on Communist China and Chairman Mao. Consider grabbing a bite at South Silk Road, where you can nibble on experimental dishes made of things like tree bark. You can even pick up a stylish souvenir from art book shop Time Zone 8, and either enjoy a coffee at artist Huang Rui's At Café. Besides the fact that its location is convenient, you're also supporting one of the founders of Chinese Contemporary Art.
47. Newtown
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Map
Notable Businesses: Market Theatre, SAB World of Beer, Newtown Music Centre, Sophiatown Bar & Lounge
This suburb of Joburg is currently being refashioned as a multi-purpose area rife with cultural outlets. Any up-and-coming artists looking to make it must do so here first, a testament to Newtown's history as a the creative "place to be" in Johannesburg. One of its most famous attractions is the Market Theatre, which opened in 1976 as a non-racial theater during apartheid. During the '80s, it became one of the few places that blacks and whites could interact peacefully, and several anti-apartheid plays were performed here. It's also home to several museums, such as the SAB World of Beer, a beer museum which is every bit as cool as it sounds.
46. Florentin
Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Map
Notable Businesses: Hoodna Bar, Uganda Bar, Bugsy
Tel Aviv is Israel's undisputed fashion capital, and this neighborhood is famous for its street style. People in Florentin dress with an edge, an edge that's forced some to compare it to New York's Lower East Side. Old industrial buildings in the neighborhood are being transformed into loft apartments, and many of the wholesale stores of old have given way to boutiques championed by ambitious young designers. It's a euphoric bubble where inhabitants ignore the business of the outside world, except when it comes to style. Florentin is also known across the globe for its nightlife scene, particularly Vital, Florentin, and Frenkel Streets. Don't be deceived by the rundown look of Hoodna Bar, which is where most of the freshest people in the area go to show off.
45. Atwater Village
Location: Los Angeles
Map
Notable Businesses: Golden Road Brewery, Individual Medley, Workshop SK, Alias Books East, Canelé
Connected to Silver Lake by the Hyperion Bridge, Atwater Village used to be one of Walt Disney's favorite places. Most of the activity goes down on Glendale Boulevard, where businesses have continued to spring up, solidifying one of L.A.'s oldest neighborhoods as a certified staple in West Coast bohemian living. Recently opened shops like Individual Medley are a testament to the cool that this place exudes.
44. Dublin 2
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Map
Notable Businesses: Size?, The Bernard Shaw, Lucy's Lounge, Dux and Co
The capital of Ireland is split up into postal districts, and district 2 encompasses cool areas like Temple Bar and Grafton Street. Hit the former for vintage stores and bars (The Bernard Shaw is where the cool kids drink Guinness) and the latter for high-end shopping. And of course, what's style without culture? The National Gallery of Ireland is located in Dublin 2 and hosts works from Rembrandt to Picasso.
43. Corktown
Location: Detroit
Map
Notable Businesses: Hostel Detroit, MGM Grand Detroit, Nancy Whiskey, Slows Bar BQ, Sugar House, Rachel's Place, Astro Coffee
Corktown is Detroit's oldest neighborhood, and today it's become a diamond in the rough—proof that the D isn't all gloom and doom. There's a non-profit youth hostel called Hostel Detroit, where beds start at $18 and the volunteers go above and beyond to make guests feel at home. If that isn't your scene, there's always the MGM Grand Detroit, which toes the line between Corktown and Downtown like a wide receiver (in this case, Calvin Johnson) trying to stay in bounds. Slows Bar BQ is arguably the best restaurant in the city, and you should try that Yardbird sandwich for confirmation, and you can hit up Nancy Whiskey to drink responsibly. Vintage rules here—clothes can be found at Rachel's Place, and books at the John K. King store. The neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and things are steadily on the up and up. It's about time you heard about something good out of Detroit, right?
42. Kolonaki
Location: Athens, Greece
Map
Notable Businesses: Burberry, Dior, Cartier, The Benaki Museum, Kafeneio
Located in central Athens, Kolonaki is an upscale neighborhood that features high-end boutiques from Greek and international designers. Named after the Treaty of Bucharest, Voukourestiou Street is the narrow yet primary shopping street in Kolonaki. You'll find Cartier, Burberry, Hermès, Dior, Tod's, and more around here. Kolonaki also has several going-out options, as well as galleries and museums. Inside of a preserved neoclassical manor house lies the Benaki Museum, and the Museum of the History of Greek Costume and the Theater Museum can be found in the area as well, because fashion isn't everything when you're talking about style.
41. Georgetown
Location: Washington, DC
Map
Notable Businesses: SuitSupply, Lost Boys, Baked & Wired, Solbiato, Rugby Cafe, Streets of Georgetown
You have to give the nation's capital credit for really stepping up its game. In the past five years, DC's sea of suits has transformed into a distinct culture of style. Georgetown, the go-to place for chains like J. Crew, Urban Outfitters, and Barneys, has seen a surge of menswear shopping from designers like rag & bone and the buzzed-about SuitSupply. Barack Obama is a fan of Chicago's Hart Schaffner Marx suits, so they opened up a Streets of Georgetown shop to appease their big client. Independent shops like Major, Solbiato, and Lost Boys cater to fans of high fashion, sneakers, and streetwear alike. Meanwhile, the Rugby Café on Wisconsin Ave. doubles as a popular hangout for hungry college kids and natty folks hankering for a stiff drink and a hearty burger. Sure, there's plenty of fresh kids that frequent the U Street Corridor, the Atlas District, and Chinatown, but on a per capita basis, you just can't match Georgetown's swag.
40. San Rafael
Location: Mexico City
Map
Notable Businesses: Jardin del Arte Sullivan, Marso, El Bulbo, Hotelito San Rafael
San Rafael's Jardin del Arte ("Art Garden") sponsors an outdoor market each Sunday. Young artists have moved into the neighborhood, as it is cheaper and more accessible than Colonia Condesa or Colonia Roma. The area really became popular for its tolerance of prostitution, but during its upswing, places like the 6,500-square-foot Marso have made the transition from brothel to gallery space.
39. Mariahilfer-Strasse
Location: Vienna, Austria
Map
Notable Businesses: Gerngross City Center, Hofmobiliendepot, Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK), Cafe Sperl
Located near the center of Vienna, this neighborhood is full of residential buildings. It's divided into two sections, and considered the most popular and important street in Vienna for shopping. The bulk of the shopping takes place inside of the inner section, and though it can be a nightmare around Christmas, the holiday season can bring the hypebeast out of even the most mild-mannered folks. There's more to do than just shop: there's the Hofmobiliendepot (museum of furniture), the open market Schwendermarkt, and the Techniches Museum.
38. Peckham
Location: London
Map
Notable Businesses: Peckham Library, Anderson & Co, South London Gallery, No 67
A ton of money has been poured into this South London neighborhood by the European Union, and though much of it was intended for housing and street renovation, funding has been used for projects such as the Tom Phillips mosaics adorning the wall of the The Peckham Experiment and The South London Gallery, where you can dine at No 67, a refurbished Victorian house. It is also home of the award-winning Peckham Library, which is best described as an upside-down letter "L."
37. Zeeburg
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Map
Notable Businesses: Studio K, Gartine, Lloyd Hotel Central Library, Winkel
As one of the most rapidly growing boroughs in Amsterdam, Zeeburg gives people something to do other than (or maybe while) smoke weed—look at the crazy architecture. The Python Bridge boasts a double curve that is high enough for boats to pass under, and has gaps that allow pedestrians to walk a more linear path and see the water below the gaps between each step. It's an area similar to NYC's DUMBO, and has a very modern feel. Its Lloyd Hotel was once a juvenile prison, and its Studio K is a restaurant, movie theater, and club at the same damn time. The seven-story Central Library has a restaurant on its top floor that offers amazing views of the city.
36. Baixo Augusta
Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Map
Notable Businesses: Astronete, O Pedaco de Pizza, Sonique, B. Luxo
Baixo Augusta used to be one of São Paulo's questionable neighborhoods, but serious revival has been underway as of late. Up until recently it was only popular for sex clubs, but now Baixo Augusta is home to upscale clubs, gay clubs, teen hangouts, and pretty much every other kind of party you can imagine. There's the pizza shop O Pedaço de Pizza, and the bar Astronete which is run by a couple who used to live in Brooklyn and is a displaced piece of the borough.
35. Northern Liberties
Location: Philadelphia
Map
Notable Businesses: Kung Fu Necktie, North Third, Silk City, North Bowl, 700 Club
This Philadelphia neighborhood has become very popular among young professionals over the past five years or so because it's so close to Center City. There are plenty of dope restaurants and bars such as North Third, Standard Tap, the world-famous Silk City and North Bowl. If you travel further north, you'll run into the The Piazza at Schmidts, an 80,000 square-foot open space surrounded by apartment buildings. On the floor level, there are art galleries like The Toothless Cat Gallery, Darlings Diner and bar and killer burgers at P.Y.T.
34. Tiong Bahru
Location: Singapore
Map
Notable Businesses: Kah Mee Optical Co., Flea & Trees, Foodie Market Place, Books Actually, Open Door Policy, Stranglets, Books Actually
With a detailed history dating back to the 1930s, the neighborhood is a mixture of old and young, foreigners and locals. Tiong Bahru has always been known for its specialty shops, such as Kah Mee Optical Co., which is famous for making thick, black-rimmed glasses. Design professor Terence Yeung opened Fleas and Trees where he sells designs gathered from all over the world. Specialty shops aside, Tiong Bahru is best known for food, and the Foodie Market Place provides grub from all over the globe. Restaurants like the Por Kee Eating House and Open Door Policy show off the culinary arts.
33. El Raval
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Map
Notable Businesses: Museum of Contemporary Art, Sesamo, Bar Marsella, Barceló Raval
The melting pot that is El Raval is different than any other part of Barcelona. Skaters will lead you to the MACBA Square, where you'll find the Museum of Contemporary Art. El Raval is also arguably the best spot in Barcelona for retro gear, as there are dozens of shops designated for vintage fashion. Sesamo is a vegetarian restaurant that uses organic produce, and absinthe is always on tap at Bar Marsella. It's not all sweet in El Raval though—there's definitely a dark side that you should be aware of, but it doesn't take away from the beauty of the neighborhood.
32. South Congress Avenue
Location: Austin, TX
Map
Notable Businesses: Continental Club, Uncommon Obects, Jo's Coffee, Stag
This Austin neighborhood is best-known for its collection of restaurants, music and art venues, small retailers, and yes, food trucks. The Magnolia Cafe has survived and flourished during the revitalization of the area, and the the Continental Club has been a career launch pad for several musical acts. Before its facelift, South Congress Avenue was the go-to spot for vintage clothing, and it's rumored that Bob Dylan used to shop at Lucy in Disguise and Electric Ladyland. Today, residents and tourists look for the hottest throwaways at Uncommon Objects. On the first Thursday of every month, shops stay open late and host activities and events. Jo's Coffee always gives back to the community, sponsoring fashion shows with work from local designers and showing movies in parking lots during the summer. On top of all of this, there's the gorgeous view of downtown Austin.
31. Palermo Soho
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Map
Notable Businesses: Sabater Hermanos, Desiderata, SoldBA, Boutique del Libro, Bolivia
Named after its similarity to the New York neighborhood, Palermo SoHo is perfect for dining, drinking, and shopping. If that gets old, there are plenty of art galleries, such as Hollywood in Cambodia which features street art and a sick, graffiti-decorated downstairs bar called Post Bar. Ir de Compras is your destination for shopping—you'll find all the usual chains, plus a plethora of boutique clothing stores. Enjoy coffee and light lunches at Wi-Fi hotspots like Mark’s Deli & Coffee House and Boutique del Libro, or get a full meal at La Cabrera or La Fabrica del Taco, which (some say) is the best Mexican restaurant in all of Buenos Aires.
30. Little Five Points
Location: Atlanta
Map
Notable Businesses: WISH, The Vortex, Criminal Records, Java Lords, Rag-O-Rama
Debutante balls and pimp cups aside, Atlanta's Little Five Points is a refuge for the eclectic and artistic at heart. Located just two miles east of downtown, the area perfectly represents the intersection of all the hip cultures in the city. The mix is not only embodied by its inhabitants, but by the wide range of stores and restaurants in the area. The Vortex has earned a reputation for having the best burger in town with prices that won't bust your wallet open. WISH is there as well, which sports a streetwear and premium sneaker collection. Rag-O-Rama has a wide variety of vintage styles for men and women, and the numerous coffee shops in the area will make sure you don’t sleep on anything Little Five Points has to offer. Please make sure you check out the street art, too. It’s everywhere.
29. New Orleans Arts District
Location: New Orleans
Map
Notable Businesses: Contemporary Arts Center, Emeril's, The Hotel Modern New Orleans
Everyone knows about the French Quarter and Garden District, but the historic Arts District is full of restaurants, art galleries, and amazing museums. Formerly known as the Warehouse District, the neighborhood was booming before being abandoned and then coming back to life. What originated as an industrial area was referred to as the "SoHo of the South" thanks to the Contemporary Arts Center, which gave the art community in New Orleans a huge push. That was bolstered by the opening of several warehouses and galleries, many of which are located on Julia Street.
28. Kallio
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Map
Notable Businesses: Ansa, Sirdie, Bear Park Cafe, Rytmi
Previously inhabited by factory workers, Kallio is now home to several students, artists and young couples because the rent is cheaper than other places in Helsinki. People from around the city love to visit the area because of its abundance of bars and cafes. For shopping, there's Fleminginkatu Street, which is home to the design collective Femin and vintage shop Ansa. Bear Park is one of the central meeting locations in Kallio, which includes Bear Park Café and is open during the summer months. The hustle of the neighborhood's working class origins remain, but when coupled with the independent spirit that's been breathed into the neighborhood of late, it makes for the one of the world's most intriguing neighborhoods.
27. Dalston
Location: London
Map
Notable Businesses: Street Feast, WAH Nails, The Alibi, Dalston Superstore
Dalston is a district in northeast London that was rural until the 18th and 19th centuries. A recent gentrification boom has led to a spike in the cost of living, and Kingsland Road and the surrounding streets are where to go to find restaurants and cafés. Dalston has its own music magazine (The Pix) and its nightlife is blessed by pop-up club nights at the bars of yesteryear. Plus, Street Feast—a cool guy foodie's heaven—happens in Dalston. This East London neighborhood's cool is effortless; never forced down your throat and nobody is trying too hard.
26. Nakameguro
Location: Tokyo
Map
Notable Businesses: Kakitsubata Bekkan, Kuro Hitsuji, Seirinkan, cafe FRAMES
In Nakameguro, vintage fashion rules over high-end. The government cleaned the area up, prompting several young entrepreneurs to move into the neighborhood because of its low rent and prime location. It's been on the rise since the mid-'90s, and artists, designers, and musicians have begun to call it home recently. The neighborhood is full of boutiques and restaurants along the Meguro river, and the backstreets consist of vintage shops, cafes, and bars that specialize in jazz and R&B music. The emerging neighborhood is like its own little world, and it's drawn its fair share of foreigners, as it's become an international attraction for fashion, music and art.
25. Williamsburg
Location: Brooklyn
Map
Notable Businesses: Hickoree's Hardgoods, Pilgrim Surf+Supply, The Gutter, Wythe Hotel, Bird, Beacon's Closet
Despite what you may think about this hipster mecca, Williamsburg is more than Bedford Ave. and the doofuses you find on the L train. Williamsburg is expanding—the north side, which reaches into Greenpoint, has turned into a microneighborhood of its own, with lots to offer by way of shopping and nightlife—with the recently opened Wythe Hotel as the hub. To the south, the area surrounding Havermeyer and Grand Streets is quickly replacing Bedford as the go-to strip for wandering, drinking, and buying cool shit. Demographics are changing too—it's not just students and wannabe artists anymore. Young professionals and creative types are piling in, bringing a more sophisticated taste level with them—how else could shops like Hickorees stock sought-after Japanese brands like Kapital and Batten Sportswear? Not to mention there's a bunch of cool shit made here. Beyond The Hill-Side selvedge ties and Maxx & Unicorn leather goods, you've also got delectable treats from Mast Brothers Chocolate and libations from Brooklyn Brewery. Almost any neighborhood in NYC could have made this list, but not many offer the diverse and interesting mix of people you'll find here.
24. The Plateau
Location: Montreal
Map
Notable Businesses: Schwartz's Deli, ÉcoleMilitaire, Café Santropol, Paul's Boutique
Mention The Plateau as one of the the world's coolest neighborhoods, and few will dispute it. The Plateau was historically a working class neighborhood, but low rent and the fact that it's not too far from McGill University drew a different type of resident during the '80s. As the cost of living rose and some O.G. residents left the neighborhood, new businesses began to spring up. It's considered one of Canada's coolest neighborhoods and several book stores, cafés, and vintage shops call The Plateau home. Several clothing stores have sprung up on Saint Laurent Boulevard, and Schwartz's Deli is still supplying the neighborhood with its signature Montreal smoked meat. The Plateau is also the best nightlife destination thanks to places like the A Clockwork Orange-inspired Korova. Feel free to wander the area, you're sure to find something that's to your liking. There's also a lot of dope graffiti east of Saint Laurent, specifically on Avenue Duluth.
23. Surry Hills
Location: Sydney
Map
Notable Businesses: Dear Pluto, Reuben Hills, Via Alley, Holy Kitsch!, Bourke Street Bakery
Surry Hills is Sydney's main hub for fashion and is located southeast of the central business district and government area. Crown Street, the heart of the neighborhood, is where you'll find all of the restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Dear Pluto offers retro styles and Via Alley provides the best stuff that countries like Japan have to offer. Holy Kitsch! is the place for art, collectibles, and Sugar Skulls inspired by Mexico's "Dia le los Muertos."
22. Andrássy Avenue
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Map
Notable Businesses: Academy of Fine Arts, Ecocafe, Heroes' Square, Dolce & Gabbana, Gerbeaud Café
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, Andrássy Avenue is one of the primary shopping destinations in Budapest. It's home to the College of Fine Arts, and locations like Heroes' Square, which includes the entrance to the City Park, the Palace of Art, and the The Museum of Fine Arts. Recently, luxury shops such as Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton have opened.
21. Vesterbro
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Map
Notable Businesses: Copenhagen Star Hotel, Karriere Bar, BioMio, Sort Kaffe & Vinyl
One of the fifteen districts in Copenhagen, Vesterbro suddenly became attractive to students during the '90s because of its low cost of living. It's earned a reputation for being Copenhagen's answer to Amsterdam's Red Light District, but is currently the stomping grounds for a bevy of young professionals, artists and designers. As the neighborhood was cleaned up, it became an epicenter for fashion in Copenhagen, and its Meatpacking District is home to new bars and restaurants that seemingly spring up overnight.
20. Mission District
Location: San Francisco
Map
Notable Businesses: Density, Mission Chinese Food, Foreign Cinema, City Art Gallery, Beast and the Hare
Warmer and sunnier than the rest of the city, it's as if there's a light shining down on San Francisco's Mission District recognizing it as one of the dopest neighborhoods in the world. The neighborhood was dubbed "the New Bohemia" during the mid-90s, and cultural attractions, low rent, and constantly popping nightlife continue to make it popular. It's the oldest neighborhood in San Francisco, so it's only right that the Mission District holds the Intersection for the Arts, the oldest non-profit art space in the city. It's also home to the Roxie Theater, San Francisco's oldest operating movie theater. The young and hip who live in the Mission hang out at Dolores Park—the perfect place to take in the beat of the neighborhood. And at night time, the cool and stylish scene is at Beast and the Hare.
19. Centrum
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Map
Notable Businesses: Foam Museum, Hotel The Exchange
In Amsterdam's Centrum neighborhood, you'll find the Foam Museum, which has its own café and a library full of books on photography. For coffee, you might head over to De Rokerij, one of the best coffee shops the neighborhood has to offer. Centrum is good for tourists who aren't corny, and it's a good place to find dope streetwear.
18. Queen Street West
Location: Toronto
Map
Notable Businesses: The Drake Hotel, Nadége Patisserie, Stephen Bulger Gallery, Museum of Modern Canadian Art (MOCCA), Arepa Cafe
Also known as Art and Design District, Queen Street West features a stretch where nearly every storefront is a bar, gallery, or club. Considered the coolest neighborhood in Toronto, Queen Street West began to pop off during the '90s when rising rents in surrounding areas drove people to the area. Soon enough, the creatives moved into the two-kilometer stretch on Queen West between Bathurst Street and Gladstone Avenue, turning it into the place to be for fashion, design, and all things interesting. There's the Museum of Modern Canadian Art (MOCCA), the art-themed Gladstone hotel, the all-too-coincidentally named Drake Hotel, Drake 50/50, and Drake General Store. Not to mention, the best local and international photography is on the display at Stephen Bulger Gallery.
17. Bacongo
Location: Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Map
Notable Businesses: La Main Bleue
Located along the Congo River, Brazzaville is the largest city in the Republic of Congo. Recently, it's become known as a style capital thanks to the appearance of several dapper gentleman in photographer Danielle Tamagini's book Gentlemen of Bacongo. You'll find a collection of men dressed in well-tailored European suits who are known as "Sapeurs." The word "Sape" is French for "dressing with class," and these dudes embody that with a grown-up look that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a beautiful contrast to the Congo's war-torn history. Also, Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who's one of the better-dressed NBA players, was born here.
16. Hongdae
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Map
Notable Businesses: Forest Coffee Roasters, Waylon Shop, Brown Breath, Wolhyang, Bar Da
Hongdae is located in the western end of Seoul, near the Hongik University, one of the best fine arts schools in South Korea. Because of the location (and the low rent), Hongdae became a creative backbone as artists and musicians began moving into the area during the '90s. Food vendors sell different types of dishes, and the neighborhood has become a landmark destination for urban art and underground culture. Street festivals are the norm here. New indie bands pop-up annually and the neighborhood remains a popular one for artists determined to make it. The last Friday of each month is "Club Day," where over a dozen clubs allow entry for the price of one. In similar fashion, there's "Sound Day," which goes down on the second Friday of each month at local concert halls. Each Saturday, flea markets are held in front of Hongik University's main gate which displays the work of local street artists and students.
15. Silver Lake
Location: Los Angeles
Map
Notable Businesses: Painted Bird, Mohawk General Store, Old Style Guitar Shop, Lamill Coffee
We're not going to slight Silver Lake by calling it one of the best hipster neighborhoods in the world, but it did earn this prestigious, tongue-in-cheek-honor from Forbes. Known for drawing creative types, this Los Angeles neighborhood has been famous for its indie rock scene since the '90s, and hosts two annual music festivals: the Silver Lake Jubilee and the Sunset Junction Street Fair. Yeah, it's been called the "Williamsburg of the West," but it's probably best known for its Modernist architecture. It's also home to heritage-heavy boutique Mohawk General Store, and the rad Old Style Guitar Shop, where you can pick up some pretty cool stringed instruments.
14. Punavuori
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Map
Notable Businesses: Stupido, OVVN, Popot, Old Glory
Previously known for brothels and beerhouses, Punavuori experienced post-World War ll gentrification that completely revamped the area. In present day Helsinki, Punavuori is populated with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shops. There are plenty of fashion destinations, whether it's sneaker store Popot, independent deisigner boutique OVVN, or Americana shop Old Glory, where you can pick up goods made in the USA like Red Wing Boots. Music heads should definitely check out Stupido, which is most likely the best record shop in all of Finland.
13. Wicker Park
Location: Chicago
Map
Notable Businesses: The Bedford, Big Star, The Wormhole, Penelope's, Myopic Books, Reckless Records
Don't hold Paul McGuigan's cheesy 2004 film against the area, beacuse this northwest Chicago neighborhood is nothing like the eponymous flick. The neighborhood has been going through changes recently, with an increase in new restaurants, bars, and stores. The Bedford, located inside a bank vault, is worth checking out. There's a healthy mixture of vintage shops, record stores, and boutiques in addition to national chains. It's quickly become one of Chicago's most fashionable areas, beginning with the Milwaukee-Damen-North triangle. We particularly dig Penelope's, where you can pick up brands like A.P.C., GANT Rugger, and Our Legacy. Wicker Park has plenty of notable residents, like former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, and aside from the film Wicker Park, it was also used as the setting for High Fidelity, starring Illinois-native John Cusack.
12. Sinsa-dong
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Map
Notable Businesses: bloom and goûté, Paul Smith, Gallery Yeh, Tea Tree Hotel
Sinsa-dong is an area of South Korea that's home to several department stores, boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. The Sinsa-dong Garosugil, also known as the Sinsa-dong tree road, is known as the "road of artists." Garosugil is full of outdoor cafés and vintage shops, and street vendors push everything from jewelry to soap. The scenery attracts tourists, but it doesn't feel like a trap as the neighborhood still caters to artists. Gallery Yeh was the first art gallery to hit the area back in the early '80s, and other similar establishments followed over the years. In the '90s, young artists starting moving into the neighborhood, and designers started launching their own brands in the area, giving it the nickname "Designer Street." Case in point: Paul Smith's three-story flagship store. Inside the quirkily-designed stone building is a spiral staircase lined with art, some of which is from the designer's personal collection.
11. Le Marais
Location: Paris
Map
Notable Businesses: Zadig & Voltaire, Merci, Ozo, Les Jardins du Marais
Hands down, Le Marais is the epicenter of effortless style. Following post-WWII restorations, the Marais became home to myriad galleries, fashion houses, and restaurants. The hotel at Les Jardins du Marais combines beautiful gardens with an Art Deco twist. Considered the fashion capital of the fashion capital, the Marais has a mixture of high and low-end fashion shops. Definitely check out Merci, a concept store that takes displays to the next level, utilizing great merchandising, diverse products, and successfully integrating a café, bookstore, and floral shop. To top it off, profits go towards a children's charity in Madagascar.
10. Brera
Location: Milan, Italy
Map
Notable Businesses: 10 Corso Como, Pinacoteca Brera, Brera Design District, Chinese Box
When Kanye West goes shopping in Milan, he hits up Brera. Milan is a high-octane city, and the narrow streets of Brera are always busy with people running in and out of the many boutique shops. Brera is also well-known because of its museums, such as the Castello Sforzesco, Museo del Risorgimento, and Museo d’Arte e Scienza. Its prized possession, however, is the Pinacoteca Brera. This impressive collection contains the arts program Brera Academy. One of neighborhood's best gems is 10 Corso Como—the brainchild of gallerist/fashion publicist Carla Sozzani—a combination of a restaurant, bookshop, art gallery, and boutique. It's definitely one of Milan's premier shopping destinations, and a spot where you can cop many hard-to-find pieces from sought-after designers.
9. Central District
Location: Hong Kong
Map
Notable Businesses: agnès b. café l.p.g., Lane Crawford, soph., Honolulu Coffee Shop, Junya Watanabe
Hong Kong's central business district has been the primary source of commerce since the early colonial era. It also has its own SoHo, which is rife with bars, restaurants, clubs, art galleries, and antique stores. It's an odd mixture of old and new—streets once populated by European-staffed brothels are now home to the aforementioned attractions. Plenty of fashion houses like Louis Vuitton with stores in New York or London have outlets in the Central District. There's also the famous Shanghai Tang, which began on the ground floor of the Pedder Building and has expanded to over 30 locations.
8. Ladbroke Grove
Location: London
Map
Notable Businesses: The Shop NW10, Miss Q's, Loft Design By, Taschen Book Store, Ladbroke Terrace Collective
This west London area is named after a developer who added an urban element to the area, and also refers to the road that hosts the The Notting Hill Carnival each August. Ladbroke Grove recently became the home to the The Ladbroke Terrace Collective, giving the neighborhood the kind of art collective typically found on London's East End. It was organized by Florence Devereux after her parents, Robert Devereux and Vanessa Branson (yes, Richard's sister), moved in. With her parents gone, Devereux turned every bedroom of the house into a pop-up gallery. The neighborhood's style is typically a laid-back vintage look, but don't sleep—looking good goes a long way, especially when it happens effortlessly.
7. Sodermalm
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Map
Notable Businesses: Bauer, Pet Sounds Bar, Grandpa, Skaningen KaffeBar, Bar Brooklyn, Urban Deli
Södermalm's urban roots were first planted during the 17th century. In recent years, it's become a bohemian hotbed in both real-life and pop culture. Lisbeth Salander, the main character of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, lived in Södermalm, as did author Stieg Larsson. Sometimes referred to as the "Brooklyn of Stockholm," Södermalm has become a launchpad for several boutiques that specialize in fashion, interior design, and vintage merchandise. It caters to the arts and crafts crowd and is rich with cool vintage clothing shops like Judit's Second Hand, Stockholms Standsmission, and Myrorna.
6. Wynwood
Location: Miami
Map
Notable Businesses: Rubell Family Collection, Gallery 212, Lester's, Fredric Snitzer Gallery, David Castillo, Joey's, Wynwood Walls, The Electric Pickle
Part of Miami's Wynwood neighborhood, the arts district is home to over 70 galleries, museums and art collections. It was founded in 2003, and every second Saturday, the community hosts an Art Walk, where showrooms open their doors for the public's enjoyment. There are private art collections such as the Rubell Family Collection and World Class Boxing, or the Fredric Snitzer Gallery to see the work of elite local artists. The fashion district spans five blocks and though it's been around for over two decades, it has been rejuvenated by merchants who aimed to make the area as similar to New York and Los Angeles as possible. Wynwood also has the Wynwood Walls, one of the largest outdoor murals exhibits in the world.
5. Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain
Location: Berlin
Map
Notable Businesses: Firmament, East Side Gallery, Michelburger Hotel, Civilist, Würgeengel, Soto Store, Devil's Kitchen and Bar
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, students and artists began to move into the area because the rent was cheap. And we know how that goes—students and artists are the ones who dictate style from the ground up. One of the best sneaker and streetwear shops, Firmament, is located in Berlin. That's where cool guys go for hard-to-find Nikes and cult brands like White Mountaineering. You can also find quality shops like Civilist and Soto Store nearby, who readily stock enviable gear from Adam Kimmel, Kitsuné, and Raised By Wolves. A diverse selection and carefully-edited buys are what make this area one of the streetwear shopping capitals of the world. The neighborhood's most impressive feature, hands down, is the East Side Gallery. Created in 1990, it is a 1.3 km long section on the east side of the Berlin Wall that has been turned into a work of art and international freedom memorial. It features 105 paintings by artists from all over, and might be the largest long-lasting open air art gallery in the world.
4. Gastown
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Map
Notable Businesses: Haven, Inventory, Meat & Bread, Livestock, Acme Cafe, Neighbour, Roden Gray, Stussy
Gastown has become a menswear hotbed as of late, with well-regarded shops like Haven, Inventory, and Roden Gray holding down the scene. Established the same year Canada became a nation, Gaston is the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver. There's been a different vibe here, dating all the way back to the Gastown Riots of 1971 where police battled with hippies who had organized a smoke-in inside of the neighborhood. Gastown's blocks are full of gorgeous Victorian buildings that provide unique scenery for what's currently an emerging neighborhood. It also offers a mix of cool boutique fashion shops, interior design stores, restaurants, nightclubs, and real estate. Naturally, creative types are drawn to the neighborhood, but it's also become a prime location for law firms and new media. The neighborhood hosts the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix. All in all, Gastown is home to numerous well-dressed people whose grassroots style reflects the community.
3. SoHo
Location: New York
Map
Notable Businesses: Mercer Hotel, Opening Ceremony, Cafe Select, Supreme, La Esquina
With so many neighborhoods clearly inspired by SoHo—Manhattan's Lower East Side and West Village have turned into mini-SoHo-like hoods—there's nothing like the real thing. The historic landmarked neighborhood features the world's most impressive collection of cast-iron architecture, and had its heyday as an artsy neighborhood for people like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol. It remains culturally relevant, as the Mercer Hotel is a spot where celebs like Kanye West stay. SoHo is obviously known for fashion, and is home to designers like Patrik Ervell and boutiques like Opening Ceremony. A longtime shopping mecca, SoHo hosts shops like A.P.C., Rick Owens, and of course streetwear heavies like Supreme, The Hundreds, and Stussy. A majority of New York street style is shot here; just check The Sartorialist and you'll easily recognize the neighborhood's cobblestone streets and numerous fire escapes.
2. Harajuku
Location: Tokyo
Map
Notable Businesses: COMME des GARCONS GOOD DESIGN SHOP, White Mountaineering, Tokyo Apartment Cafe, A Bathing Ape, Gyre Building, NEIGHBORHOOD, Wired Cafe 360
Spotting dope styles in the area near the Harajuku station in Tokyo is a given. Harajuku is internationally known for its street fashion, so you're guaranteed to find young people sporting various styles at all times. Popular looks include "Harajuku Girls," the controversial Ganguro, and Cosplay. You'll also find Rockabilly dancers, or the Ura-Hara kids, whose style is influenced by hip-hop elements like graffiti as well as skate culture. The many styles of Harajuku have been recognized by other countries, as you'll find Harajuku gatherings in Bogotá and groups of Cosplay teens meeting up in Paris. As wild as these looks may be, it shows that the people who hang out in Harajuku are aware of their personal style and fashion sense. Plus, Harajuku has two main shopping streets, Omotesandō and Takeshita. On the former, you'll find the likes of Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Chanel. The latter caters more to younger people, and is home to brands like A Bathing Ape.
1. 1st Arrondissement
Location: Paris
Map
Notable Businesses: Colette, Le Tigre by l'Alternative, Martin Margiela, Spring Boutique, Maria Luisa, Tuileries Gardens, Verjus
Of the 20 districts in the city of Paris, the 1st Arrondissement is one of the oldest and smallest. It is home to the Louvre Musuem and the Tuileries Gardens, the location of choice for Paris Fashion Week. Stop by Spring Boutique and pick up some artisanal treats for a picnic with the girl you met last night at Le Tigre by l'Alternative, one of the coolguy night spots in the 'hood. Besides offering some Parisian authenticity, you can rent a bike from one of the city's numerous Velib stands and easily get to world-class shops like Colette, Maria Luisa, and Margiela, while discovering hidden gems like Masomenos—a sometimes open, by appointment only concept shop.