New Farm has been named the highest-ranked Australian suburb on Time Out’s 2026 list of the world’s 40 coolest neighbourhoods, placing 29th globally.
The ranking, released on Tuesday 15 September, puts the Brisbane suburb just behind New York’s Financial District and ahead of North Hobart (32nd) and South Melbourne (39th), the only other Australian entries on the list.
What earned New Farm the global recognition
Time Out says each neighbourhood was vetted against a range of criteria, including dining, nightlife, unique local businesses, liveability and community. New Farm’s entry points to its setting on the Brisbane River and its walking and cycling links to the city.
Time Out calls the Brisbane Powerhouse, an avant-garde riverside arts centre, the suburb’s creative crown jewel. It hosts more than 1,250 performances each year, alongside events such as Melt Festival and Night Feast.
On food and drink, Time Out points to 24/7 café Death Before Decaf and the new Ruma Rooftop for cocktails. It also names the weekend Jan Powers Farmers Markets, leafy New Farm Park and the suspended over-water Riverwalk.
How the 40-strong list was compiled
Time Out says each spot was nominated by an on-the-ground expert from its global network, then vetted by a panel of its editors.
The number-one spot went to Jongno 3-ga in Seoul, South Korea. Time Out says an after-dark revival has narrow alleys there packed with pochas (late-night street food stalls), while independent craft workshops, jewellery studios and sophisticated bars line its quiet lanes.
Australia’s other coolest neighbourhoods on the list
North Hobart (also known as NoHo) landed 32nd. Time Out highlights the Elizabeth Street strip, including the State Cinema and Bar Wa Izakaya, which it says was voted Tassie’s favourite bar for 2026, along with dog-friendly parks and a contemporary art gallery.
South Melbourne took 39th. Time Out points to South Melbourne Market, which has more than 150 traders and has been trading since 1867, and to the leafy, boutique-lined streets of Clarendon, Coventry and Cecil Streets. It also notes bathing and meditation sanctuaries such as EQ, Else Bathhouse and Soak opening outposts in the area.
Related: Melt Festival 2026: Rubber Duck, River Pride Parade and 100+ events
