Sometimes the hardest part of planning a trip isn’t booking the flights – it’s knowing where to land. With thousands of cities and countless districts to explore, picking the right neighbourhood can make or break your travel experience. Luckily, has done the legwork.
Each year, we reveal the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, ranking districts based on travel essentials like art, nightlife, culture and affordable food and drink. And this year, Latin America seriously showed up. From São Paulo’s warehouse art scene to Mexico City’s leafy bohemia, here are the region’s six coolest neighbourhoods right now.
The coolest neighbourhood in South America – and third in the world – is Barra Funda in São Paulo. This Brazilian district perfectly blends industrial grit with creative flair: once packed with warehouses and auto stops, it’s now full of artist studios, indie galleries and cafes serving excellent coffee and pastries. Art fans should make a beeline for the acclaimed Mendes Wood gallery, a cornerstone of São Paulo’s contemporary art scene.
Next up is Perpetuo Socorro in Medellín, ranked number two in Latin America and 15th globally. Once known mostly for its Neo-Gothic church, it’s now the Colombian city’s thriving arts hub. Colourful murals brighten former industrial blocks, while La Planta brewery pours its own craft beers and the Mattelsa building brings together fashion, a plant-based café, a bookstore and an art gallery under one roof.
After something a little more low-key in Mexico City? Skip the ever-popular Roma and head south to Portales, the third coolest neighbourhood in Latin America. It used to be the old stomping ground of writer Carlos Monsiváis, and today it’s still buzzing with creative, bohemian charm. Think antique flea markets, organic food stalls and leafy parks.
To discover the full list of Latin America’s coolest neighbourhoods, check out the six that made the cut below.
The coolest neighbourhoods in Latin America
- Barra Funda, São Paulo
- Perpetuo Socorro, Medellín
- Portales, Mexico City
- Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro
- Barranco, Lima
- Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires
Did you see that South America’s best city break has been crowned – and it has more than 30 beaches?
Plus: These are the 10 coolest neighbourhoods in Europe.
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