A batch of colorful buildings found while roaming the streets of D.F. Photo: Jeralyn Gerba
We're looking back at some of our best neighborhood finds — up-and-coming enclaves in Cairo, Mumbai, San Francisco, Austin, Brooklyn, and Mexico City.
Mumbai, India
Parallels are often drawn with New York, another gritty and glamorous city that doesn't sleep, where people come from all over the country to live out their dreams, and the skyline, especially at night, can stop you in your tracks.
Mexico City, Mexico
At 8:30 a.m., the juice stands are chopping fruit on street corners, filling the air with citrus and melon. The portable stands creak open and the juicers prepare the rows of plastic cups in which they will pour orange, carrot, grapefruit, and alfalfa juices for twelve pesos apiece.
Austin, Texas
Now a bonafide hot spot, East Austin has managed to retain roots in art and the local community. There are few gems like this left in the world.
Brooklyn, New York
While Prospect and Crown Heights have a lot to offer in the way of interesting ethnic enclaves, delicious restaurants, and cool performance spaces, the border area that some real estate agents have taken to calling ProCro is a hotbed for new businesses that co-mingle with classic Caribbean joints and cultural institutions.
Cairo, Egypt
Zamalek is home to one of Cairo's most dynamic enclaves, home to eclectic galleries, fair trade stores, and the occasional cupcake shop. Despite its proximity to Midan Tahrir, it has managed to thrive over the past few years and remains the cultural hub for young, connected, well-off Egyptians.
San Francisco, California
Dogpatch is proof that good things come in small packages. The charming microhood was largely industrial for years, but has become a budding enclave of artisans and craftsmen. The area maintains a sleepy, untouched vibe on the surface — with palpitating creativity at the core.
Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Despite being labeled as a city firmly focused on "out with the old, in with the new," certain areas of Hong Kong still retain their old-world charm. These small cultural pockets — neighborhoods of boutiques, artisanal bakeries, and independent coffee shops — are helping to enrich the city's bourgeoning cultural scene.
We make every effort to ensure the information in our articles is accurate at the time of publication. But the world moves fast, and even we double-check important details before hitting the road.
