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30. Bonfim, Porto, Portugal -

Located between the city center and the east, Bonfim is seen as Porto's "last stronghold." Tourism hasn't fully taken over, allowing new businesses and long-standing shops to thrive together. From old-fashioned grocers to trendy cocktail bars and Michelin-starred dining, Bonfim blends tradition and innovation perfectly, making it one of Porto's coolest areas to explore.

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29. Mount Pleasant, Washington DC, United States -

Mount Pleasant is one of DC's most beloved neighborhoods. Located North of Adams Morgan, it became a multicultural hub in the '60s thanks to Central American, African, and Vietnamese immigrants. Its vibrant food scene, local festivals, and colorful row homes foster a strong community spirit, while Rock Creek Park offers a scenic escape.

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28. San Rafael, Mexico City, Mexico -

San Rafa has long been a cultural hub in the Mexican capital. Once home to artists like Leonora Carrington, it now hosts galleries showcasing young Mexican talent. Iconic theaters like San Rafael and the abandoned Cine Ópera sit among French, Art Deco, and modernist architecture, while classic cantinas and local taquerías offer a vibrant dining scene.

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27. Ekkamai, Bangkok, Thailand -

A hotspot for young Bangkokians, Ekkamai is famous for its coffee scene, vintage shops, and lively bars. Well-connected by the Skytrain and Ekkamai Bus Terminal, it blends trendy cafés with long-standing street food stalls. Don't miss Wattana Panit, serving its famous beef noodles from the same pot for over 40 years!

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26. East Hollywood, Los Angeles, United States -

Free from Hollywood's tourist crowds, East Hollywood is becoming LA's culinary hotspot. Melrose Hill features casual eateries and LA Grocery & Café. In Virgil Village, try Courage Bagels, or bike through Thai Town to Friends & Family.

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25. Inchicore, Dublin, Ireland -

Inchicore blends Dublin's old-school charm with modern energy. Once a pass-through suburb, it's now trendy, with classic pubs like Cleary's alongside new spots like Stillwater Distillery. Its prime location offers easy access to Phoenix Park, Kilmainham Jail, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

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24. Leyton, London, United Kingdom -

Leyton may lack Clapton's boutiques and pricey pubs, but it thrives on community spirit, affordable eats, and local charm. Enjoy wine at Yardarm on Francis Road while your laundry spins nearby. With cozy pubs, a historic football club, and lovely parks, Leyton's authentic vibe has only improved with new residents bringing fresh energy.

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23. Chacarita, Buenos Aires, Argentina -

Chacarita has transformed into a vibrant destination. Once overshadowed by Palermo, it now boasts restaurants like Abreboca and upscale boutiques. Its nightlife includes a jazz club in a photography museum, while locals enjoy mate on the sidewalk, adding to its relaxed vibe.

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22. Strathbungo, Glasgow, Scotland -

Strathbungo, in Glasgow's Southside, has become a vibrant spot with laid-back restaurants like Lobo, local boutiques, and bars featuring regional breweries. Close to Queen's Park, it also boasts cultural gems like Tramway and the LGBTQ+ bookshop, Category Is Books.

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21. Northbridge, Perth, Australia -

Northbridge, once known for adult entertainment, is now Perth's vibrant nightlife and cultural hub. Featuring street art, diverse cuisines, and venues like The Piazza, Rosemount Hotel, and the Art Gallery of WA, it's the perfect spot for a night out.

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20. Belleville, Paris, France -

This former village, which was annexed to Paris in 1860, is known for its lively festivities and diverse culture. Its bustling streets feature Asian eateries, street art on Rue Desnoyez, and contemporary galleries like Anne de Villepoix.

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19. East City, Cape Town, South Africa -

In the past decade, East City has evolved from a neglected area into a vibrant hub of culture, food, and design, bordering the historic District Six. The District Six Museum is a must-visit. Today, East City attracts local creatives, offering the vibe of Shoreditch or Brooklyn with a unique Cape Town flavor.

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18. Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany -

Friedrichshain, once a vibrant Berlin hotspot, lost its appeal due to rising rents and tourist crowds. Now, it's experiencing a revival with a more refined atmosphere, offering mezcal tastings and immersive art. However, you'll still need cash to enjoy all it has to offer!

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17. Flatbush, New York City, United States -

Located south of Prospect Park, Flatbush is a vibrant neighborhood with Black-owned businesses and a rich cultural scene. Home to a large Caribbean-American and Latinx community, it features Peppa's Jerk Chicken and the annual West Indian Day Parade. 

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16. Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam -

Across the river from the center, Thao Dien is a tree-lined neighborhood filled with restaurants, spas, and boutiques. Notable spots include Bakes, a Vietnamese-French bakery, and Michelin-recognized Tre Dining. The area boasts great shopping with many stores, plus the Thao Dien Weekend Bazaar for thrifting.

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15. Gakugeidaigaku, Tokyo, Japan -

Gakugeidaigaku is a hidden gem often overshadowed by nearby Jiyugaoka and Nakameguro. This relaxed neighborhood features mom-and-pop grocers, bathhouses, and creative restaurants. With new food ventures popping up, it's worth visiting before it becomes widely known.

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14. Punavuori, Helsinki, Finland -

Punavuori rivals Brooklyn and Kreuzberg, attracting young Finnish creatives. Once an industrial hub, this Helsinki neighborhood transformed in the '60s, now offering vintage shops, art galleries, and fantastic local dining options.

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13. Saint-Henri, Montreal, Canada -

Saint-Henri in Montreal has long attracted foodies with spots like Bonheur d'Occasion and Eva's. Now a trendy destination, it offers waterfront cycling, paddleboard rentals, and chic shops. New restaurants like Estelle and adventure activities, such as axe-throwing and escape rooms, further enhance its appeal.

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12. Little River, Miami, United States -

Little River, located north of Wynwood and south of Miami Shores, is an emerging hub for independent businesses, art galleries, and Michelin-recognized restaurants. With its industrial charm, it features a mix of warehouses and residences. Lower rents have attracted pop-ups and cultural venues, spurring exciting development.

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11. Zabłocie, Kraków, Poland -

Across the Vistula River from Kraków's Kazimierz, Zabłocie is revitalized with new cultural attractions like the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK). This neighborhood blends history with modernity, featuring coffee roasteries, craft beer spots, and ramen kitchens.

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10. Windsor, Melbourne, Australia -

Windsor boasts a lively atmosphere with its eclectic vintage shops, art galleries, and trendy new restaurants. By night, the neighborhood buzzes with exciting dining options, from regional Nepali dishes to innovative sushi, drawing in crowds for unforgettable experiences.

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9. Glória, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -

Once known for its many monuments and heritage sites, Glória is transforming into a vibrant destination. With the revitalization of Hotel Glória, a cleaned-up Flamengo beach, and the lovely Aterro do Flamengo park, the area now buzzes with young energy, great restaurants, and lively bars.

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8. Príncipe Real, Lisbon, Portugal -

Príncipe Real retains its classic Lisbon charm while evolving into a contemporary hotspot. With the vibrant Praça das Flores square at its core, the neighborhood buzzes with life. New establishments like Giola and Cantina Flores showcase its exciting transformation, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors. 

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7. Chippendale, Sydney, Australia -

Chippendale has transformed into a vibrant community hub. With great restaurants and diverse attractions, Chippo offers something for everyone. Plus, its public parks and weekly farmers' market foster a charming village atmosphere for residents.

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6. Stokes Croft and St Paul's, Bristol, United Kingdom -

Stokes Croft and St Paul’s embody Bristol's youthful, artistic spirit, rooted in African-Caribbean culture. Just five minutes from the town center, this vibrant area features family-owned boutiques and lively venues. With its unique charm and flourishing dining scene, it's a must-visit for an authentic Bristol experience.

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5. Kerns, Portland, United States -

Kerns, a charming Portland neighborhood, feels like a small town. Northeast 28th Avenue features cozy venues like Music Millennium, Stammtisch, and the historic Laurelhurst Theater. Nearby Laurelhurst Park hosts events, while locals enjoy picnics surrounded by beautiful homes and gardens.

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4. Seongsu-dong, Seoul, South Korea -

Seongsu-dong, once a hub for Seoul's leather and shoe-making industries, has transformed into a vibrant neighborhood. Former warehouses now host trendy cafés, boutiques, and galleries. This year, it became a fashion hotspot with Kith's flagship store and Musinsa's curated shopping space, enhancing its cultural appeal.

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3. Pererenan, Bali, Indonesia -

While tourists flock to Canggu, savvy travelers are discovering Pererenan. This hidden gem features pristine beaches, cozy cafés, and eclectic shops, all with a laid-back vibe. Explore before it gets crowded!

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2. Mers Sultan, Casablanca, Morocco -

Just south of Casablanca's downtown, this concrete jungle of narrow streets and eclectic architecture is a hidden haven for young artists. Discover bouquinistes, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and cafés filled with locals. The neighborhood's skate park adds to the vibrant culture, making it a perfect spot for urban exploration.

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1. Notre-Dame-du-Mont, Marseille, France -

Notre-Dame-du-Mont is where Marseille’s cool crowd congregates. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its graffiti-covered alleyways, lively terraces, and a mix of colorful locals. With an abundance of galleries, restaurants, and unique shops, it offers a relaxed market atmosphere that attracts punks, sailors, and a creative community.

Sources: (Time Out) 

See also: The best cities in the world to explore on foot

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