Jongno 3-ga Tops Time Out's 2026 Best Neighborhoods List

British magazine Time Out released its annual ranking of the world’s best city neighborhoods for 2026, with Seoul’s Jongno 3-ga claiming the top spot. Known for its bustling food scene and independent shops, the district outshone competitors across Europe and the United States.

Ranking Details

Editor Grace Bird explained that Jongno 3-ga rose to number one thanks to a surge of street‑food stalls staying open late and a thriving ecosystem of independent businesses. Morning visitors flock to cafés such as Mil Toast, famous for its steamed bread, often forming long queues of locals and tourists alike.

Second place went to L’Ocean in Rabat, Morocco, where a luxury Four Seasons hotel coexists with a vibrant independent‑business culture. Athens’ artistic district Neo Cosmos took third, followed by Los Angeles’ Chinatown as the highest‑ranked U.S. neighborhood.

Context and Background

Bird noted that this year’s list features more city‑center neighborhoods than previous editions, which focused on peripheral areas. The revival of downtown life is linked to new creative spaces, bars, and eateries that have revitalized streets after the COVID‑19 pandemic.

The ranking results from a global network of writers and editors who nominate neighborhoods based on food experiences, local culture, and commercial innovation, ensuring a balanced representation across continents.

The findings highlight how neighborhoods that blend heritage with modernity attract visitors and foster community spirit, creating more sustainable and tourism‑friendly urban environments.