5 Coolest Neighborhoods You Haven’t Heard of Yet

Lazarus District, Macao

Sixty miles west of Hong Kong, Macao is an area that has long captivated travelers with its unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. See the paper lanterns that hang above black and white tiled streets and squares as you walk along passing classical Suzhou gardens and colonial-style churches. One such church, St. Lazarus, is a modest example of the old Macao and the namesake of its thriving art quarter. The St. Lazarus District is located just off, but not too far from, the main tourist track—just a short walk between Senado Square and the ruins of St. Paul. This cobblestoned area is thriving with fashion boutiques, art galleries, and plenty of cafes to sustain the neighborhood hipsters. But it’s often missed by Hong Kong tourists visiting Macao for the day.

Affordable rent prices, subsidized by the government, have drawn many artists and young people to the area, making it one of the most lively neighborhoods in Macao. You can peruse art spaces like 10 Fantasia or the One Creative Arts Department, shop the vintage markets and fashion galleries, or relax at modern cafes like Single Origin. The Lazarus District is also a great neighborhood for exploring Macanese cuisine, that perfectly delicious fusion between Portuguese and southern Chinese flavors that tells the history of the city. Start at Albergue 1601, a delicious spot with unbeatable ambience, set in a classic colonial courtyard.

(Left Photo: Sheila Lam)

Northern Quarter, Manchester

As second cities become increasingly popular travel hotspots, many visitors are opting for a stop in Manchester, a city just a two-hour train ride from London. And while travelers are off-the-beaten path in Manchester, they can travel even further off of that path by visiting Manchester's booming Northern Quarter. What was once considered a dodgy area, a former home to textile warehouses and squatters, is now a center for trendy cafes, vinyl shops, and underground clubs.

From the street art on Stevenson Square to the pubs on Oldham St., there's plenty to explore and satisfy your hipster inclinations in the Northern Quarter. You can peruse the stores at Afflecks or flip through vinyl at Piccadilly Records. Even just strolling the streets of the Northern Quarter is more reminiscent of industrial New York City than jolly old England. If you're looking for something unique, stop by the Cat Cafe to sit down for coffee with some of the fuzzier locals.

Northbridge, Perth

In Perth, the largest city in Western Australia, Northbridge is a neighborhood that has transformed from a run-down backpacker corner to a full-blown hipster haven. Home to the Perth Cultural Center, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Blue Room Theatre, and more, it would be a shame to visit Perth without checking out this thriving neighborhood.

Get your shopping done on William Street, where formerly unused heritage buildings have been transformed into independent shops, cozy cafes, and bars. From an indoor food truck experience at Pleased to Meet You to the local speakeasy Sneaky Tony's (password required on Friday and Saturday), there's plenty to entertain in Northbridge from morning until late at night. And if you're looking for a hotel where you can stay in the middle of it all, The Alex Hotel is in a central location and has a vibe that reflects the life of the neighborhood.

(Left Photo: TripAdvisor)

Bushwick, Brooklyn

The word on Williamsburg is out and while more high-end retailers and restaurateurs are staking their claim, Brooklyn hipsters are moving east. Home to larger-than-life street art and renovated warehouses, Bushwick is an artistic neighborhood that's still a little rough around the edges.

The best place to dive in is at the Bushwick Collective, an outdoor street art gallery where artists from all over the world come to paint massive murals. Get in with the cool kids at popular cafes like Kave, Little Skips, and Covert Coffee; or catch dinner and a movie at Syndicated. This combination movie theater, bar, and restaurant plays everything from black-and-white films to cult classics, and tickets can be as low as $4. Be on the lookout for the vintage shops and boutiques that are always popping up, or check out Bushwick Daily for the neighborhood's latest happenings.

Vila Madalena, Sao Paulo

From the highways to the public parks, street art in Sao Paulo is a natural part of the urban landscape, and there's no better example of that than at Batman Alley, an open gallery at the heart of the coolest neighborhood in Sao Paulo—Vila Madalena. The alley, which has officially been closed off to cars by the city, is a great place to see murals by some of Brazil's most popular street artists. If you're lucky, you might even catch an artist in action.

Once you've walked through the alley, you'll have the whole of Vila Madalena to explore. Shops like Maria Simone and Brecho Capricho a Toa are great pitstops for any traveling fashionista, and as you explore the area you might even come across hidden art exhibitions at galleries like a7ma. When you've Instagrammed and shopped to your heart's content, head to one of the cafes to enjoy the best Brazilian coffee has to offer at spots like Coffee Lab or Ekoa Cafe. If it's late at night and you want to test out your samba moves, there are plenty of little bars, or barzinhos, where you can grab a drink. Look for Botequim do Cesinha for a huge selection of beers or Bar Samba for a more lively night filled with great music and dancing.

(Left Photo: Jamie Ditaranto)