For nearly a decade now, year on year, TimeOut hunts out the planet’s most exciting little corners and compiles a list of the neighbourhoods where the real action happens globally.
These are the spots with long, buzzing nights and brilliant food that doesn’t demand a loaded wallet.
Places where every lane hides a surprise.
From their latest global line-up of 39 hip, exciting localities, here are 6 standout Asian stars...
1. Jimbocho, Tokyo, Japan
If you’re into books, flaneur-style ambles and hunting for hidden literary treasures, Jimbocho is looking for you.
Named the world’s coolest neighbourhood in 2025 by TimeOut, it’s home to over 150 bookstores, publishing houses, and libraries.
From brand-new releases to rare collector’s editions, every shop has its own story.
2. Mullaeg-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Once a place of workshops in the 1970s, with over 1,700 metal factories powering South Korea’s steel industry Mullae-dong earned the nickname: The Place That Can Make Anything.
When the factories closed, the streets fell quiet.
But then young, trendy artists arrived in the early 2000s, turning empty workshops into airy studios and giving birth to the very woke Mullae Creative Village.
Today, it bursts with vibrant murals, indie galleries, unique little hidden shops and cosy cafés, making it a bucket-list place.
3. Nakatsu, Osaka, Japan
Intriguingly located between two railway tracks and the Yodo river, Nakatsu, in Osaka, is easy to miss. Designated TimeOut's 3rd coolest neighbourhood, it's waiting to be discovered.
Quaint streets, hidden cafés and a friendly, down-to-earth vibe make it special.
4. Nguyen Thai, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
At first glance, Nguyễn Thái Bình feels like any bustling corner of Ho Chi Minh City with the usual humming workshops, endless scooters, kitchens serving fragrant bowls of steaming pho.
But look closer... And the neighbourhood surprises.
After sunset, hidden behind discreet shutters and old colonial buildings, tucked away, you’ll stumble upon great little eateries, hard-to-find bars, not vey visible speakeasies and exceptionally well-stocked vintage shops with thrilling discoveries for the curious.
5. Former French Concession, Shanghai, China
Most visitors who land up in Shanghai rush to its famous waterfront.
But the real soul of the city lives on in the old French quarter.
This sprawling area is lined with graceful historic homes, leafy lanes perfect for slow strolls and a mix of warm cafés and stylish bars. Fancy hotels have their addresses here too.
You will love the place and want to come back multiple times...
6. Mehrauli, New Delhi, India
This neighbourhood might be one of Delhi’s oldest pockets of civilisation, the very place where the city’s long story first took shape ie one of the seven cities set up by Qutub-ud-din Aibak.
But there’s nothing ancient about it today. Its green, winding lanes boast stylish bars, swish designer shops and glittering hotspots that stay alive long after dark.
Rising proudly above the neighbourhood is the majestic Qutub Minar.
© 2025