Discover the world's coolest neighbourhoods right now

Vibrant murals adorn the walls of century-old buildings in this pocket of Downtown LA, while exhibitions, workshops and performances are hosted within spaces such as Art Share LA. Dining is just as varied: omakase Japanese at two-Michelin-starred Hayoto, perhaps? Or gourmet tacos and tequila at backdoor joint Ditroit? If you want to linger, check into the design-driven rooms at Soho Warehouse. artsdistrictla.org

For much of its life, Thonglor (aka Sukhumvit Soi 55) was a rural Thai navy base. The streets have been scrubbed up since, with rooftop bars and speakeasies in equal measure. People-watching and partying are now popular pass-times, particularly within creative hubs like theCOMMONS, where you'll find Japanese izakayas beside craft breweries and wine bars serving lobster rolls. tourismthailand.org

Bali's cool kids continue their migration east from Denpasar, gathering in full force in seaside Canggu to surf, lounge in beach clubs and sip smoothies in edgy vegan cafes. With more yoga studios than Byron Bay, the neighbourhood tends to attract fitness fanatics and thoughtful travellers, which means you can wander along art-filled streets to a studio, then engage in an intense philosophical conversation over coffee at an independent roaster. indonesia.travel

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How do you know when a neighbourhood has officially "made it"? When Andaz and Mondrian hotels arrive in quick succession - both have recently landed in Condesa. The suburb's leafy, cobblestone streets and grand buildings nod to its past as a nucleus for the artistic upper-class; it's now a much younger playground, packed with some of the city's top restaurants and bars. Jump between Jewish delis, taquerias, speakeasies and an absurd number of cafes, to fuel explorations of small, independent galleries and stores. mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx

Along Gracia's 19th-century boulevards and pedestrian alleys you'll find hipsters sipping sherry in sun-dappled plazas or dining on mezze at one of the district's many Middle Eastern restaurants. Others come to ogle Antoni Gaudi's art nouveau architecture, from neo-Moorish mansion Casa Vicens to the fantastical, mosaic-covered estate at Parc Guell. Time your visit for August, when Festes de Gracia gathers tens of thousands of people for live music, drinking and dancing in the streets. barcelonapaseodegracia.com

If Brooklyn is New York's coolest borough, Fort Greene is the borough's trendiest nook. The historic brownstone-lined streets come with Revolutionary War stories, alongside beloved cultural landmarks such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Center for Fiction and the Pratt Institute Sculpture Park. Add in wine bars, globetrotting restaurants, flea markets and bookstores, and you have all the ingredients required to rise in the hipster stakes. nyctourism.com

Vancouver grew from a single Gastown tavern founded in 1867. The city's oldest 'hood is also its most interesting and eclectic when it comes to incredible Victorian architecture, curated decor boutiques, one-of-a-kind galleries and some of the best fare around. It's a natural magnet for fashion-forward locals who flock for global dining flavours. destinationvancouver.com

The laid-back bohemian district is a celebration of vintage clothing stores, bookstores, music shops and funky, distinctive cafes and bars. Think independent coffee roasters and labs, as well as artistic centres like Bonus Track, home to a collection of small retailers selling everything from fermented foods to records. gotokyo.org