Kirsty Mckenzie
THE Barcelona neighbourhood secured the top spot thanks to the ‘incredible community spirit’
A neighbourhood in Barcelona has been named the coolest in the world in Time Out’s annual survey.
Barcelona’s Esquerra de l’Eixample is number one on the list, beating competition from the likes of Dublin’s Phibsboro and Soho in London.
More than 38,000 residents of cities across the world were surveyed for the list, questioned on where they most loved spending time around their city.
This year, Time Out factored in community spirit as well as food, drink, nightlife and independent culture in compiling the ranking of the 40 coolest neighbourhoods.
Esquerra de l’Eixample was described as having ‘incredible community spirit’ in 2020, organising events such as the Hidrogel Sessions, in which neighbours co-ordinated mass dance parties on their balconies during lockdown.
Its community-run Espai Germanetes garden and independent businesses such as Odd Kiosk – the world’s first LGBTQ+ magazine kiosk – were also highlighted.
Downtown LA took second place, followed by Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile Dennistoun in Glasgow’s East End was the only UK neighbourhood to make the top 20.
Thanks to its high student population and community initiatives , judges praised Dennistoun for its ‘sense of independence unlike any other corner of this city’.
Other spots in the UK mentioned in the line up included Dublin’s Phibsboro in 27th place while Soho, London, was 31st.
James Manning, International Editor of Time Out, said: “With global travel in disarray, this year our annual list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods is less about planning your next trip and more about celebrating the hotspots that are pointing the way forward for city life.
“In tough times, neighbourhoods are more important than ever – and these are places where the soul of the city is on full display, thanks to independent businesses, local culture and community initiatives.
“Consider this list a worldwide shout-out to the strength, spirit and resilience of city-dwellers.”
