Lonely Planet Locals Reveal Top Under-the-Radar Neighborhoods in Iconic Cities
Iconic cities like London, New York, and Rio de Janeiro top every traveler's list. Yet, the true pulse of urban adventure beats in their lesser-known neighborhoods. Lonely Planet's local experts share their favorite emerging districts—some quietly gaining fame, others transforming rapidly—all perfect for authentic exploration today.
Borgo San Frediano, Florence
South of Florence’s Arno River, Borgo San Frediano is infusing fresh energy into the artisan-rich Oltrarno. Narrow streets and slim sidewalks hum between one of the city’s last ancient gates and the vibrant Borgo core.
Start at Gesto, where upcycled vintage décor pairs with delectable tapas-style dishes. Nearby, Mad Souls & Spirits draws locals for masterful cocktails by alchemists Neri Fantechi and Julian Biondi in an intimate brick-and-copper space. Further along, Kawaii pioneers Italy’s first sake bar with inventive fusion drinks.
Georgette Jupe, American writer based in Florence. Follow her on X @girlinflorence
Seongsu-dong, Seoul
During work hours, Seongsu-dong carries the scent of ink from bustling print presses. Dubbed Seoul’s Williamsburg, this former industrial zone now thrives with repurposed warehouses turned into trendy cafés, galleries, restaurants, and indie shops.
Daelim Changgo sparked the shift in 2011. Now, spots like Cafe Onion, Zagmachi, and OR.ER serve single-origin brews amid a fusion of old factories and modern vibes, attracting fashion-forward crowds.
Hahna Yoon, bilingual editor and writer in Seoul. Follow her on X @hahnay
The Triangle, Lisbon
Tucked between Bairro Alto, Santos, and parliament along Tram 28’s route, ‘The Triangle’ spans ruas Poço dos Negros, São Bento, and Poiais de São Bento. Affordable rents lure creatives repurposing tiled relics amid antiques and family eateries.
Originality shines without tourist hordes. Browse Palavra de Viajante (travel books), Companhia Portugueza do Chá (custom teas), and Mercearia Poço dos Negros (gourmet groceries). Refuel at daytime café/nighttime wine bar The Mill or Nordic-inspired Hello, Kristof.
Sandra Henriques Gajjar, Lisbon-based travel blogger.
Vesterbro, Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s Vesterbro blends colorful history, street art, indie shops, markets, restaurants, and bars while retaining its edgy allure amid rising popularity.
Arrive hungry for standout brunches at Mad & Kaffe and Granola. Explore Kødbyen Meatpacking District and Sønder Boulevard’s hip venues. Join communal meals at church-turned-hub Absalon. Beer fans, try Mikkeller and Fermentoren.
Caroline Hadamitzky, Copenhagen-based travel writer and tour guide. Follow her on X @lovelivetravel
Business Bay, Dubai
Don’t judge by its name—Business Bay is Dubai’s rising star. From post-2008 crisis skeletons, it’s evolving into a waterfront haven along Dubai Canal, near Downtown Dubai.
Enjoy a 12km promenade, ferries to Marina or Al Fahidi, and upcoming parks, marinas, hotels, and boutiques. Bay Avenue buzzes with eateries, a park, and winter farmers’ markets.
Lara Brunt, Australian travel and lifestyle journalist in Dubai. Follow her on X @larabrunt
Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
Outshining Bangsar, Damansara Heights buzzes as one of KL’s wealthiest enclaves, blending heritage with revitalization.
Jalan Batai now offers farm-to-table at Sitka, premium groceries and coffee at Ben’s Independent Grocer, and upscale bites at Torii Yakitori & Whiskey Bar. Plaza Damansara revives with Huckleberry bakery, Skullduggery speakeasy, and Flour’s stellar biryani.
Kong Wai Yeng, Kuala Lumpur-based writer. Follow her on X @wyeng
Sunset Park, New York City
Industry City’s rise spotlights Brooklyn’s Sunset Park, below Park Slope near Green-Wood Cemetery—a cultural mosaic.
East: Brooklyn’s Chinatown with eateries and shops. West: Latin vibes, bars, and historic Melody Lanes bowling. Central hilltop park delivers stunning Manhattan views, especially summers.
Robert Balkovich, writer and cocktail enthusiast. Follow him on X @robertbalkovich
Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro
Affordable rents and transit make Botafogo Rio’s hottest spot. Young chefs, entrepreneurs, and artists fuel dynamic nightlife focused on innovation.
Gastro hubs CoLAB and Void House of Food host global guest chefs (ramen to Trinidadian fare). Sip affordably at WineHouse or grab gourmet pizza at South Ferro.
Tom Le Mesurier, travel/food writer and Eat Rio Food Tours founder. Follow him on X @eatrio_net
Frelard, Seattle
Between Fremont and Ballard, Frelard—coined by restaurateur Ethan Stowell of Frelard Pizza Company—emerges as a dining destination.
En route from Fremont Troll to Chittenden Locks, try Hale’s Ales brews, Frēlard Pizza Company, or hearty Giddy Up Burgers—ideal refueling beyond tourist trails.
Valerie Stimac, Seattle-based travel writer and editor. Follow her on X @Valerie_Valise
Tooting, London
South London’s Tooting captivates with multiculturalism and grit, edging out neighbors like Wimbledon. Its high street—linking two Tube stops—boasts a premier ‘curry corridor’ with gems like Dosa n Chutny and Apollo Banana Leaf.
Shop at vibrant Tooting Market; sip at quirky The Castle or The Antelope. Expansive Tooting Commons feature the UK’s largest lido at Tooting Bec.
Will Jones, London-based writer. Follow him on X @willjackjones
This article was originally published in August 2017 and updated in September 2021.
