World's Coolest Neighborhoods 2026: 2 Indian Places Take the Top Spot — See Where

Two Indian neighborhoods – Humayunpur in Delhi and Bandra West in Mumbai – have been named among the world’s 40 coolest neighborhoods for 2026 by Time Out.

Humayunpur secured the 16th position while Bandra West was ranked 23rd in the 2026 list. Seoul’s Jongno 3-ga took first place.

The global travel media platform said its ranking was based on factors including food and drink, nightlife, independent businesses, liveability and community.

Humayunpur, Delhi – No. 16

Humayunpur has become one of Delhi’s most vibrant destinations for regional food and Asian-inspired shopping and entertainment.

According to the outlet, the district grew after agricultural land was sold off in the 1960s, attracting workers and students from Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and other parts of the Northeast over the following decades.

Today, the area is home to dozens of restaurants serving Naga thalis, Korean ramen, seafood boils and Tibetan momos, along with beauty shops, streetwear shops, karaoke, tattoo parlors and photo booths.

Time Out highlighted the borough’s concentration of independent businesses and its strong North East community as key parts of its appeal.

Visitors can walk between restaurants, cafes, shops and entertainment venues, with the area offering everything from thukpa and laphing to kimbap, bibimbap and soju.

Read also | The Miss Universe India finalist returns to work at Google a few days after the competition

Bandra West, Mumbai – #23

Ranked 23rd, Mumbai’s Bandra West is described by Time Out as a neighborhood that keeps reinventing itself despite the city’s fast-changing food and lifestyle scene.

Renovated bungalows in the area have been converted into cafes, listening bars and designer restaurants, while independent brands continue to open their first Mumbai locations in Bandra.

Time Out also highlighted the neighbourhood’s mix of pottery workshops, vinyl listening, run clubs, cafes, bookshops and live music venues.

Among the places highlighted were Veronica’s, Mary Lodge by Subko, Ammakai, Kori Café, Bandra Born, Soul Fry and Bonobo.

The publication also highlighted Bandra’s community-driven character, from creatives working in cafes to walkers and joggers using its leafy streets and Carter Road.

From the culinary scene of Delhi to the creative culture of Mumbai

The two Indian neighborhoods represent different sides of the city’s culture.

Humayunpur stands out for its Northeast and Asian food culture, independent shops and community-driven atmosphere, while Bandra West combines cafes, restaurants, design, music, street art and nightlife.

Read also | Food cart through corporate work? Khadak Singh Da Dhaba CEO Spreads Money and More