The Liberties ranks 23rd on the global brand’s ranking of the world’s 39 “coolest neighbourhoods” for 2025, a list topped this year by Jimbochu in Tokyo.
“It may be one of Dublin’s oldest neighbourhoods, but alongside medieval remnants and terraced houses, the Liberties is home to some of the hottest spots in town,” writes Nicola Brady, a Dublin-based travel writer who also contributes regularly to the Irish Independent.
Such hotspots range from Argentinian bakery, Bakeology, to classic pubs, fashion swap store Change Clothes, and “the punkiest Michelin-star spot in Ireland”, Variety Jones, she adds.
The Liberties. Photo: Therese Aherne for Tourism Ireland
This is Time Out’s eighth annual list of neighbourhoods, with Borgerhout in Antwerp, Barra Funda in São Paulo, Camberwell in London and Avondale in Chicago rounding out the top five.
Keelan Higgs is the chef and owner of one-Michelin-starred Variety Jones in Dublin. Photo: Mark Condren
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – September 25th
Dublin has been something of a darling of the list, with Inchicore featuring in 2024, Smithfield taking the number two spot in 2023, Stoneybatter showing up in 2022 and Dublin 8 in 2021.
The list is based on suggestions from Time Out’s global team of editors and experts, which are ranked against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink “and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’,” it says.
Time Out’s 10 coolest neighbourhoods (2025)Jimbocho, TokyoBorgerhout, AntwerpBarra Funda, São PauloCamberwell, LondonAvondale, ChicagoMullae-dong, SeoulMénilmontant, ParisNakatsu, OsakaVallila, HelsinkiLabone, Accra
“It’s always hotly debated, but we’re certain that if you visit any one of these neighbourhoods, you’ll get to experience the real soul of the city,” said Grace Beard, travel editor at Time Out.
“Put simply, the neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of these cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play.”
Benjamin Pugliese, Bakeology, Meath St.
“This year, we’re celebrating neighbourhoods in all shapes and sizes, from village-like enclaves and revitalised city-centre hubs to formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts.
“These are the spots that in-the-know locals love – for affordable restaurants or fun local bars, for cutting-edge culture or unique independent businesses, and, of course, for all-around good times.”
In Dublin, Brady also tips the Liberties Festival, which she says is going from strength to strength, CitzenM’s first Irish hotel, and classic visitor attractions like Marsh’s Library and St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Other Liberties belles worth a bookmark include Two Pubs for coffee and pastries, the antique shops of Francis Street, Some Neck for vintage guitars, and “killer pizza” in Coke Lane at Lucky’s pub on Meath Street, she writes.
The full list of 39 neighbourhoods is here.