Pagrati, Athens, Hailed as One of the World’s Coolest Neighborhoods

Pagrati. Photo source: B&E Goulandris Foundation

Time Out magazine recently released its 51 Coolest Neighborhoods in the World list and Pagrati in Athens is in the 39^th place.

The fifth annual Time Out Index asked more than 20,000 city-dwellers across the globe and the magazine’s local editors and writers to compile a list of the world’s most interesting and unique local districts.

Japanese Garden, Pagrati.

Pagrati’s distinction follows Athens’ 35^th place in Time Out’s 2022 Best Cities in the World Index.

Colonia Americana in Guadalajara, Mexico, was named the world’s coolest neighborhood, recognized as the city’s underground scene center.

Pagrati, Athens

Pagrati in the 21^st century has experienced a renaissance since it was reimagined as a ‘hip’ destination thanks to its culture – related attractions and alternative culinary character and nightlife.

Panathenaic Stadium.

Time Out’s contributor Katie Silcox says that “despite its proximity to central Athens and the Panathenaic Stadium – home to the first modern Olympic Games – Pagrati has always flown under the tourist radar. But where once it was considered bland, today it’s a magnet for creative types who flock to its hip bars, blasting everything from rock and blues to hip hop, and to the artisanal restaurants that have swept in over recent years”.

The magazine recommends Pagrati as a must – visit destination in Athens offering a perfect day from “breakfast with Acropolis views at Athens BlueBuilding” to “making your way to the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation to browse artwork from Picasso, Miró, Van Gogh and all the rest. Head for coffee at Chelsea Hotel, then end the day with dinner at The Vegan Vandal and drinks at one of the many bars on tucked-away Timotheou Street.”

2022 Coolest Neighborhoods in the World Index – TOP 5

Source: Time Out

Colonia Americana in Guadalajara, Mexico’s current cultural capital, topped the Index for its diverse music venues and architecture while Lisbon’s colourful Cais do Sodré followed second.

Recently glowed – up Wat Bo Village in Siem Reap, Cambodia came in third while New York City’s Ridgewood, sitting between Queens and Brooklyn, came in fourth for its unique combination of old school and hip vibes. Mile End in Montreal, Canada closed the top 5, for hosting Montreal’s world-famous institutions and cool new spots.

Ridgewood, New York. Photo source: Time Out

Launched in 1968 in London, Time Out Group today is a global media and hospitality business that inspires and enables people to explore and enjoy the best a city has to offer.