UK neighbourhood outranks France as the 'coolest' in Europe - 'you've never heard of it'

A "lesser-known" UK neighbourhood has been named one of the "coolest" in Europe, outranking major cultural capitals like Paris and Berlin—but it might not be where you expect. Taking second place on Time Out Magazine's ranking is a thriving south London neighbourhood praised for its tight-knit community and excellent eateries. Camberwell in Southwark has surprisingly impressed travel experts across the world.

According to Time Out, experts worldwide have provided their "intel on the coolest neighbourhoods on Earth based on factors such as food, arts, culture, and community." The travel expert went on to explain: "From this global rundown, which spans offbeat districts to up-and-coming food spots, we’ve pulled out the top ten coolest neighbourhoods in Europe."

Why Camberwell?

According to Time Out, this area in southeast London has been popular with art students for years. It is full of independent shops and has a close-knit community.

There are plenty of activities to do in this neighbourhood, such as exploring old school records at Dash the Henge, enjoying a pint at great pubs like The Camberwell Arms, and trying amazing food at lots of restaurants. The travel experts highlight that on Camberwell Church Street, there’s everything from Xinjiang dishes at Silk Road to Kurdish food at Nandine.

European cities such as Paris and Berlin are famous for their cultural contributions, unique architecture, and artsy lifestyles. However, the Parisian neighbourhood Ménilmontant ranked just below Camberwell.

Ménilmontant, ranked third in Europe, mixes classic cobblestone streets with lively nightlife and activist bookshops. In the evening, enjoy a "draft Negroni at Ave Pizza Bar, then dance the night away at the cultural hotspot La Bellevilloise".

However, at the Top of the list for Europe (beating the UK) is Borgerhout in Antwerp. "While most flock to the Belgian city’s historic centre, those in the know skip the crowds for Borgerhout.

"It’s Antwerp’s multicultural creative heart, where you’ll meander along streets lined with galleries from Base-Alpha to Lichtekooi, vegan coffee bars, inviting terraces and Turkish and Moroccan grocers," said the travel expert at Time Out.

Nonetheless, Camberwell not only ranked second in Europe but also claimed an impressive fourth place globally and first place within the UK, beating 'trendy' areas such as Bristol and Brighton.

Taking to TikTok to discuss the rankings on Time Out, popular satire and travel content creator Phil shared his thoughts on the South London neighbourhood and said: "This is the coolest neighbourhood in the UK, let's try not to laugh. In fact, Camberwell, and I know you've never heard of it, is the fourth coolest neighbourhood on Earth, according to Time Out Magazine."

He went on to say: "There are elements of cool in Camberwell, like their Costa Coffee calling for Luigi to be freed, but mainly it's another London neighbourhood being killed by hipsters."

He added, "People wealthy enough to live in London but not rich enough to live in the expensive parts, so they cover up their moderate achievements by ruining someone else's neighbourhood and pretending that's what they wanted all along.

"I can guarantee you that no one who has lived here for years wants to be anywhere near this list, and if I can play a small part in nullifying the image of coolness Camberwell has for their sake, then I am happy to do so."

Time Out's top seven coolest neighbourhoods in the UK

1. Camberwell, London
2. Digbeth, Birmingham
3. Canton, Cardiff
4. London Road, Brighton
5. Cotham, Bristol
6. Ancoats, Manchester
7. Finnieston, Glasgow

Time Out’s top 10 coolest neighbourhoods in Europe

1. Borgerhout, Antwerp
2. Camberwell, London
3. Ménilmontant, Paris
4. Vallila, Helsinki
5. Anjos, Lisbon
6. Digbeth, Birmingham
7. Quartieri Spagnoli, Naples
8. Endoume, Marseille
9. The Liberties, Dublin
10. Margit-negyed, Budapest

Time Out's top 39 coolest neighbourhoods across the globe

1. Jimbocho, Tokyo
2. Borgerhout, Antwerp
3. Barra Funda, São Paulo
4. Camberwell, London
5. Avondale, Chicago
6. Mullae-dong, Seoul
7. Ménilmontant, Paris
8. Nakatsu, Osaka
9. Vallila, Helsinki
10. Labone, Accra
11. Nguyễn Thái Bình, Ho Chi Minh City
12. Anjos, Lisbon
13. Digbeth, Birmingham
14. Red Hook, New York
15. Perpetuo Socorro, Medellín
16. Burwood, Sydney
17. Linden, Johannesburg
18. Former French Concession, Shanghai
19. Quartieri Spagnoli, Naples
20. Bencoolen, Singapore
21. Endoume, Marseille
22. The Liberties, Dublin
23. Davenport, Toronto
24. Little River, Miami
25. Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
26. Barranco, Lima
27. North Loop, Minneapolis
28. El Cangrejo, Panama City
29. Gràcia, Barcelona
30. Pilsen, Prague
31. Polanquito, Mexico City
32. Fitzroy, Melbourne
33. Nørrebro, Copenhagen
34. Karaköy, Istanbul
35. Woodstock, Cape Town
36. Kreuzberg, Berlin
37. Silver Lake, Los Angeles
38. Mehrauli, Delhi
39. Poblacion, Manila