Bristol neighbourhood named one of world’s coolest

A Bristol neighbourhood has been named as one of the coolest in the world in Time Out’s annual list.

Topping Time Out’s World’s Coolest Neighbourhood 2024 is Marseille’s Notre Dame du Mont followed by areas in Casablanca and Bali.

And in sixth place on their list, Time Out have sandwiched together Stokes Croft and St Paul’s, calling the two areas “Bristol at its most authentic”.

The mural on the corner of Stokes Croft and City Road is by Colombian artist Stinkfish – photo: Megan Foulk

The Coolest Neighbourhoods list is compiled by Time Out staff from across the world.

Time Out travel editor, Grace Beard, said: “Time Out’s annual ranking of the World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities.

“The neighbourhoods on this year’s list have a lot in common: great places to eat and drink, cutting-edge culture, street life and a thriving community.

“But they’re also a distinct reflection of their cities, with each of them offering something special you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

“Some have only just reached their moment; others have been ‘cool’ for some time and are finding a new groove – all of them should be on your radar to visit in these cities.”

St Paul’s Carnival 2023 – photo: Rob Browne

“When you picture Bristol’s youthful, art-filled spirit, you’re imagining Stokes Croft and St Paul’s,” say the Time Out team.

“Vibrant and ever-evolving, this area is rooted in African-Caribbean culture and community spirit, key to the city’s identity.

“Just five minutes from the city centre, its independent boutiques replace chain stores, and you might even spot a rogue firepit at Turbo Island.

“With new eateries and venues popping up along its colourful streets, the neighbourhood is now a must-visit – less touristy than Clifton but more lively than Easton, it is Bristol at its most authentic.”

Farside has recently opened within the historic Carriageworks on Stokes Croft – photo: Martin Booth

Here is the full list of the world’s 38 coolest neighbourhoods right now:

1. Notre Dame du Mont, Marseille, France
2. Mers Sultan, Casablanca, Morocco
3. Pererenan, Bali, Indonesia
4. Seongsu-dong, Seoul, South Korea
5. Kerns, Portland, USA
6. Stokes Croft & St Paul’s, Bristol, UK
7. Chippendale, Sydney, Australia
8. Principe Real, Lisbon, Portugal
9. Glória, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
10. Windsor, Melbourne, Australia
11. Zabłocie, Krakow, Poland
12. Little River, Miami, USA
13. Saint-Henri, Montreal, Canada
14. Punavuori, Helsinki, Finland
15. Gakugeidaigaku, Tokyo, Japan
16. Thao Dienm, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
17. Flatbush, New York, USA
18. Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
19. East City, Cape Town, South Africa
20. Belleville, Paris, France
21. Northbridge, Perth, Australia
22. Strathbungo, Glasgow, UK
23. Chacarita, Buenos Aires, Argentina
24. Leyton, London, UK
25. Inchicore, Dublin, Ireland
26. East Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA
27. Ekkamai, Bangkok, Thailand
28. San Rafael, Mexico City, Mexico
29. Mount Pleasant, Washington DC, USA
30. Bonfim, Porto, Portugal
31. Palace Quarter, Budapest, Hungary
32. Brewerytown, Philadelphia, USA
33. Kowloon City, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
34. Logan Square, Chicago, USA
35. Norwood, Adelaide, Australia
36. Osu, Accra, Ghana
37. Orchard, Singapore, Singapore
38. Union Square, Boston, USA

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read next:

• ‘The brunchification of Stokes Croft continues’
• Village Green status could protect Turbo Island from development
• Loyalty, faith and familial ties in 1980s St Paul’s